RealGM

Know that we have traded Ariza it doesnt matter, but is Battier a starter or a bench guy? I watch him and I know he hustles plays Defense and Sings great, However should we have trade Battier instead of Ariza? I look at their ages there playing style and I think it was Battier should have tried to move. What do yall think?

wadero wrote:Know that we have traded Ariza it doesnt matter, but is Battier a starter or a bench guy? I watch him and I know he hustles plays Defense and Sings great, However should we have trade Battier instead of Ariza? I look at their ages there playing style and I think it was Battier should have tried to move. What do yall think?

, but to answer your question: Starter, we have ample scoring with Brooks, Martin, Scola, Yao. Even Adelman's Kings had a defensive specialist in their starting line-up (Christie).

As for the Ariza or Battier debate, I believe we're able to retain Shane for the vet minimum after his contract is up compared to Trevor who is paid the MLE for the next couple of years. MLE for someone who doesn't excel at any one area or the Minimum for an elite defender and team leader. Also if you look at our line-up we have compliments for all our starters

Brooks / Lowry
Martin / Lee
Battier / Bud
Scola / Hayes
Yao / Miller

Red = Offense, Blue = Defense

With the exception of Yao who is a superstar, Trevor doesn't fit into that mold. He can somewhat create his own shot but hes inefficient. He gets a lot of steals but hes not a good defender.

Shane is a starter. He gives us balance and leadership - something that didn't happen with Ariza starting. His defense is also not just limited to steals and ball hawking.

he has to start. last 2 seasons he was injured and so was the team. now he has a chance to start the season healthy along w/ 20mpg yao ming. see if he still can play good enough defense w/ bigger centers than chuck hayes and scola. high risk low reward, specially if yao can play 30mpg at 20/10ish

He better start at SF if we are going to start Brooks/Martin at PG/SG.

Bruteque wrote:He better start at SF if we are going to start Brooks/Martin at PG/SG.

o ya thats another reason

If it came down to Battier or Ariza, I think that Shane won every time because i think that he has a future with this franchise long beyond his playing years.

You know, when he's not busy being President or leading the Justice League of America.

Defensively, Shane is one of the best wing defenders in the league. He is definitely a starter. he is the type of player that is vital to a championship team, think bruce bowen with the spurs. Ariza, although has a knack of getting steals, is not a great defender... he's above average.

Offensively, you can say that Ariza is better at driving and is more athletic but he's not going to get those chances on championship caliber teams. His role will be reduced to catch and shoot 3's similar to battier but battier is a better spot up shooter.

Definitely starter.