The plan was to get the Spurs' youngsters some experience, put up a valiant postseason fight against the Los Angeles Lakers or the Sacramento Kings and then sign a superstar free agent after Robinson retired.
It has taken a while for Pochettino's philosophy to turn into positive results, but he has got the Spurs players fitter and his training regime means they can still work exceptionally hard late on in games.
"What's the deal?" Indeed, all that winning only got the Spurs the sixth seed in the super-tough West.
But James's contract won't put any pressure on Johnson and Pelinka to overpay to get the San Antonio Spurs star.
It was great fun, especially when you get the England wicketkeeper spurring you on every way he knows how".
I get the feeling that Spurs might still be feeding off the euphoria of securing a place in the Capital One Cup final.
After running up and down with Denver, and standing up to Utah's physicality, the Lakers now get the stinginess of the Spurs.
Ms Gratton said: "I don't think you can get the economic benefits with the spur off at Crewe as you would with a hub station in North Staffordshire itself".
Updated at 2.21am BST 2.12am BST Spurs 0-0 Heat - 11 40 remaining, 1st quarter Spurs get the opening tip.
5.05am BST Spurs 100-101 Heat - 55.4 seconds remaining OT James misses, Wade can't get the rebound, Leonard does the Spurs have the ball.
