Cory Joseph Producing When Called Upon

Dec 8, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Cory Joseph (5) during the second half against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Arena. Mandatory Credit: Curtis Wilson-USA TODAY Sports

Cory Joseph has spent time in the NBA Developmental League with the Spurs affiliate Austin Toros many times this season.  When Tony Parker went down with his injury, Joseph stepped in and has done as great a job as anyone.  Usually not seeing much time on the floor when Gary Neal was healthy, I can say that I would rather have Joseph in his place.

Neal is a shooter, and he has proven he wants to score when he’s in the game.  There have been games that I have watched where he just simply launches shots from anywhere on the floor.

Joseph is the point guard that I feel the Spurs can use come playoff time.  He has proven to both Spurs fans and Gregg Popovich alike that his time down in the D-League is well spent.

Before the All-Star break, Joseph played in just 10 games, averaging just under two points a game, 1.3 assists, and playing just 68 minutes (6.8 a game) per night, according to basketball-reference.  These numbers, as you can tell, reflect that of a back-up player.  Since the All-Star break, this is where Joseph has turned heads and has made a good case for a spot on the playoff roster.

Joseph’s numbers have skyrocketed since All-Star weekend.  This could be the injury to both Neal and Parker, but it does show how productive he is when his name is called.  He has played 11 games since the break and started eight of them.  His numbers have risen to 6.5 points, 1.9 assists and 17.1 minutes a night.

Wednesday night against the Nuggets, he had five points and just one assist in 12 minutes.  Again, he is no Tony Parker and does not have the same offensive explosion.  He does know what his role is, and it is good to see that when he gets in and does not try to do more than he has too.