Could Dunleavy play PF?

cdash · Post #1 » by **cdash** » Tue Feb 3, 2009 4:45 am

I know, it sounds pretty ridiculous. But Dunleavy is a legit 6'9, and there are plenty of guys his height or smaller playing power forward, even center. I also realize his skill set is best suited for the perimeter, and his movement without the ball is what makes him so effective. But Murphy, who spends the majority of his time playing power forward, is a perimeter oriented guy as well. He is a better rebounder than Dunleavy, but Dunleavy is really a pretty good rebounder. Our offense is pretty wide open as it is, so its not like we would lose much post scoring (if any). He routinely gets blasted on the perimeter on the defensive end, and while I think he wouldnt be a great post defender either, it may allow us to keep people from blasting right by him. I'm not saying he should start there by any means, but in smaller lineups (I'm thinking Murphy-Dunleavy-Granger-Jack-Ford), it could be effective. Just a thought because I'm bored and there hasnt been much action around here lately.

Post #2 » by **Miller4ever** » Tue Feb 3, 2009 4:51 am

I don't think so. It'd be too Pacer, if that makes sense. It's taking our gameplan to the extreme. If that lineup were to be made, Granger would be PF.

DC2 · Post #3 » by **DC2** » Tue Feb 3, 2009 6:05 am

He can only play that position against teams like the Magic who play 4 perimeter guys and then a C.

cdash · Post #4 » by **cdash** » Tue Feb 3, 2009 6:39 am

Miller4ever wrote:I don't think so. It'd be too Pacer, if that makes sense. It's taking our gameplan to the extreme. If that lineup were to be made, Granger would be PF.

What makes Granger more adept to play the PF than Dunleavy?

Post #5 » by **Miller4ever** » Tue Feb 3, 2009 7:03 am

His length and strength I think. Honestly, think if anybody tried hard enough they could play any position unless there's obvious problems with Nate Robinson and Yao Ming, but all 6'7"-6'10" guys could reasonably play 2-4, at least.

Back on the subject, though, the percentage of perimeter-based activity that Dunleavy does on the court is much greater than Troy Murphy's or Danny Granger's. Danny Granger has more shot-blocking ability, more inside offensive weapons, and doesn't get flustered sometimes when on the inside with nowhere to dribble.

JarrettJackSG · Post #6 » by **JarrettJackSG** » Tue Feb 3, 2009 3:53 pm

As a sidebar, playing murphleavy as a 4/5 combo would be hilarious.

But back to the main point...leavy could play the 4 if we had a legit shotblocking five. Think of him as a poor man's version of hedo or lewis. If he was paired next to a Marcus Camby, a Howard, or someone that can cover up his posting limitations then yes, he could play the four. He acutally guards 4's really well because no one expects his speed, and he can finally keep up with his defender. He will get posted up pretty badly, but that is when he takes his charges, which he does really well.