What do you expect from the Pacers post all star break?
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 7:02 am
My Team Goals
1. Show better effort on defense. I realize this team will never be the mid 90's Knicks on D, but they should not be the mid 80's Nuggets either. Part of this rests on O'Brien though. Why have combo's such as Diener, Dunleavy and Murphy all on the court at the same time? This makes absolutely no sense. I know defense isn't your thing coach, but mix and match players a little better to mask individual weaknesses.
2. Take better shots. Yeah I know it is fashionable to just gun. But Travis Diener, will you PLEASE stop taking contested jumpers with 17 seconds left on the clock? Dunleavy and Granger should have green lights. The rest of the guys need to take shots when they are presented and not force so much. I am talking to Tinsley, Diener and O'Neal specifically here.
3. Make a decision on Hulk. Are you going to resign him? If not stop playing him and see what Ike Diogu can do with consistent minutes please. No use in giving the experience to Hulk so he can come in and hack when Diogu could possibly be productive.
4. Make a decision on the direction of the team. Are we going for a championship? If so rush JO back, play Murphy and Rush major minutes and go full steam ahead. If not get Williams some more minutes. Lets see what Ike can do. Lets evaluate our young talent and see what we got, while getting good position in the draft.
As for individuals
JO- sit out. You have helped enough this year. You are a 20 mil per year guy playing like an 8 mil per year guy. Get Healthy (does anyone really think this will ever happen?).
Tinsley- sit out. Everytime I see you in a Pacer jersey I want to puke. Take the rest of your career off.
Murphy- I like his aggressiveness here lately. Make it a priority to focus on rebounding every game. If scoring comes, great, if it doesn't ok. 1-5 games are ok, don't try too hard to shoot yourself out of a slump and have a 2-13.
Dunleavy- Try your best on D, keep going on O. He has been the best surprise so far.
Granger- Be more aggressive on offense please! You need to take AT LEAST 15 shots a game. Is Granger a very, very good complimentary player, or on the verge of becoming a superstar? Lets use the second half to answer this question.
Foster- Keep doing what you do. Solid effort and work as usual.
Rush- Have a down 2nd half so we have a chance to resign you. Ha, it is doubtful. Try to concentrate more on becoming a better defender and rebounder, both of these things he is capable of.
Williams- Be aggressive. Take the ball to the hoop more and try to not let a few missed shots effect your overall game.
Diogu- keep playing well in the 2 minutes you might possibly get every game.
Diener- Love the lack of turnovers, hate the amount of contested jumpers you take with time on the shot clock. Get more selective shooting the ball and keep making good decisions in handling the ball.
1. Show better effort on defense. I realize this team will never be the mid 90's Knicks on D, but they should not be the mid 80's Nuggets either. Part of this rests on O'Brien though. Why have combo's such as Diener, Dunleavy and Murphy all on the court at the same time? This makes absolutely no sense. I know defense isn't your thing coach, but mix and match players a little better to mask individual weaknesses.
2. Take better shots. Yeah I know it is fashionable to just gun. But Travis Diener, will you PLEASE stop taking contested jumpers with 17 seconds left on the clock? Dunleavy and Granger should have green lights. The rest of the guys need to take shots when they are presented and not force so much. I am talking to Tinsley, Diener and O'Neal specifically here.
3. Make a decision on Hulk. Are you going to resign him? If not stop playing him and see what Ike Diogu can do with consistent minutes please. No use in giving the experience to Hulk so he can come in and hack when Diogu could possibly be productive.
4. Make a decision on the direction of the team. Are we going for a championship? If so rush JO back, play Murphy and Rush major minutes and go full steam ahead. If not get Williams some more minutes. Lets see what Ike can do. Lets evaluate our young talent and see what we got, while getting good position in the draft.
As for individuals
JO- sit out. You have helped enough this year. You are a 20 mil per year guy playing like an 8 mil per year guy. Get Healthy (does anyone really think this will ever happen?).
Tinsley- sit out. Everytime I see you in a Pacer jersey I want to puke. Take the rest of your career off.
Murphy- I like his aggressiveness here lately. Make it a priority to focus on rebounding every game. If scoring comes, great, if it doesn't ok. 1-5 games are ok, don't try too hard to shoot yourself out of a slump and have a 2-13.
Dunleavy- Try your best on D, keep going on O. He has been the best surprise so far.
Granger- Be more aggressive on offense please! You need to take AT LEAST 15 shots a game. Is Granger a very, very good complimentary player, or on the verge of becoming a superstar? Lets use the second half to answer this question.
Foster- Keep doing what you do. Solid effort and work as usual.
Rush- Have a down 2nd half so we have a chance to resign you. Ha, it is doubtful. Try to concentrate more on becoming a better defender and rebounder, both of these things he is capable of.
Williams- Be aggressive. Take the ball to the hoop more and try to not let a few missed shots effect your overall game.
Diogu- keep playing well in the 2 minutes you might possibly get every game.
Diener- Love the lack of turnovers, hate the amount of contested jumpers you take with time on the shot clock. Get more selective shooting the ball and keep making good decisions in handling the ball.
