With the new pieces is Indiana still a "running team"

joew8302 · Post #1 » by **joew8302** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 5:40 am

TJ Ford is great at pushing the pace, no doubt about that. Roy Hibbert and Rasho are not exactly gazelles though. Neither is Troy Murphy. I wonder if we go back to more of a half court approach this year, or do we keep the same philosophy? One thing that will help is that we should be a much improved rebounding team.

Post #2 » by **Grang33r** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 5:47 am

joew8302 wrote:TJ Ford is great at pushing the pace, no doubt about that. Roy Hibbert and Rasho are not exactly gazelles though. Neither is Troy Murphy. I wonder if we go back to more of a half court approach this year, or do we keep the same philosophy? One thing that will help is that we should be a much improved rebounding team.

Murphy shoot 40% from 3-point range. He's not the quickest guy in the world but he is great in our system. He's a smart player and i think with Ford, who is known to be GREAT at finding players around the arc, will have a field day with Granger, Dunleavy and Murphy.

I do like Rasho alot. And Hibbert. However, i don't think we're done just yet.

"We feel we made some strides," he said. "We're not there yet. We've got a lot of work to do. But hopefully some of the things we did tonight will get us in the right direction." ~~ Larry Bird.

They need to add another PF to this team. I think Foster and Hibbert will do just fine starting and player the center position. I think Hibbert is very near being NBA ready.

joew8302 · Post #3 » by **joew8302** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 5:52 am

I agree with everything you said. I know guys like Murphy and Dunleavy are not athletic, but can work in the running game mainly because both can shoot and Mike is a great passer. I am just afraid we have TOO MANY unathletic guys to run. Don't get me wrong, we have shooters and can spread the floor, I am just not sure we can play at the pace we did last year with the current pieces. I do hope we make another move or two though and maybe that will help answer these questions.

Post #4 » by **PR07** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:04 am

I think we need an athletic 4 in our starting lineup. Foster, Murphy, Hibbert, and Rasho may be the most unathletic frontcourt in the NBA. The guy I'd target is Denver's Kenyon Martin. We have bad contracts, he's a bad contract, maybe something like Tinsley+Murphy for KMart (all have 3 yrs remaining)? I don't know if Denver goes for it or not, but I think it's close. KMart gives us defense, namely shotblocking and attitude, and some of his best years came in NJ in an uptempo system with Kidd. Ford isn't Kidd, but I think KMart could do well in our uptempo system. He played in 71 games last season.

cdash · Post #5 » by **cdash** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:09 am

PacersRule07 wrote:I think we need an athletic 4 in our starting lineup. Foster, Murphy, Hibbert, and Rasho may be the most unathletic frontcourt in the NBA. The guy I'd target is Denver's Kenyon Martin. We have bad contracts, he's a bad contract, maybe something like Tinsley+Murphy for KMart (all have 3 yrs remaining)? I don't know if Denver goes for it or not, but I think it's close. KMart gives us defense, namely shotblocking and attitude, and some of his best years came in NJ in an uptempo system with Kidd. Ford isn't Kidd, but I think KMart could do well in our uptempo system. He played in 71 games last season.

That is an interesting idea...

Post #6 » by **Grang33r** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:09 am

PacersRule07 wrote:I think we need an athletic 4 in our starting lineup. Foster, Murphy, Hibbert, and Rasho may be the most unathletic frontcourt in the NBA. The guy I'd target is Denver's Kenyon Martin. We have bad contracts, he's a bad contract, maybe something like Tinsley+Murphy for KMart (all have 3 yrs remaining)? I don't know if Denver goes for it or not, but I think it's close. KMart gives us defense, namely shotblocking and attitude, and some of his best years came in NJ in an uptempo system with Kidd. Ford isn't Kidd, but I think KMart could do well in our uptempo system. He played in 71 games last season.

I'd personally call Golden State and try to work out a deal for Brandon Wright. Idk what they could like, but even a future first round pick. But right now, K-Mart would make us so much better. They need to add a PF asap. No joke, our front court is in trouble.

joew8302 · Post #7 » by **joew8302** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:12 am

As much as Kmart fits I say no. He has a huge salary and I just don't like the guys game or attitude. If he gets his feelings hurt he will pout and quit. He is just a replica of Jamal Tinsley in PF form.

Post #8 » by **Grang33r** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:18 am

joew8302 wrote:As much as Kmart fits I say no. He has a huge salary and I just don't like the guys game or attitude. If he gets his feelings hurt he will pout and quit. He is just a replica of Jamal Tinsley in PF form.

Totally agreed. No way would Bird get a guy like him. He's making it pretty well known that we are getting guys based on skill and character. He is fixing the image of the team and wants players with class and to be role models in Indianapolis. Martin would be a lateral move to Bird's theory.

cdash · Post #9 » by **cdash** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:18 am

joew8302 wrote:As much as Kmart fits I say no. He has a huge salary and I just don't like the guys game or attitude. If he gets his feelings hurt he will pout and quit. He is just a replica of Jamal Tinsley in PF form.

The salary is a moot point. We give out the same amount with the equally appalling Murphy/Tinsley deals. As for being a Tinsley in PF forms, two things: 1) The fans here havent turned on Martin and 2) I dont think he has the legal baggage that Tinsley has.

I have to say, I am very concerned about our frontline. I think we might use Foster and/or Williams as bait to get a more athletic 4. Who that may be, I dont know. I feel as if Bird isnt done dealing yet, and if he is, we really arent that much better off.

Post #10 » by **PR07** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:24 am

I actually like Martin's nastiness on the court. I've never heard of him getting in any trouble off the court, but maybe I'm wrong? He plays with an angry streak. Either way, this frontcourt needs athleticism, shotblocking, and toughness. I think KMart gives us all 3. Martin would give us that enforcer we haven't had since Dale Davis left. I think this could make sense for both sides.

Maybe we could do a Shawne Williams for Brandan Wright deal? I also thought of Udonis Haslem, but I've actually heard bad things about his character, so I'd pass.

Post #11 » by **Grang33r** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:26 am

How about, we call up Chris Mullin, and get a deal to bring back Al Harrington. I think he could be the pefect player for our team. I heard Golden State wanted him out? I can't find a link though. They can re-sign Pietrus and start him and have Brandon Wright on the way. They drafted forward Anthony Randolph. Besides Azubuike they don't have much depth at guard. What about a package of like Marquis Daniels and Shawne Williams for Harrington? Harrington was a fan favorite too.

autissium · Post #12 » by **autissium** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:27 am

As the team stands now i think we would see Granger playing some 4. Granger, Rush , and Dun all on the floor together would be a matchup nightmare for most teams. But as everyone else has said i seriously doubt LB is done dealing. Tins, Shawne, Daniels, and maybe Foster will be floated out there.

Ford
Dun
Rush
Granger
Murphy

3-ball anyone

cdash · Post #13 » by **cdash** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:31 am

Here's another thought: With Rush in place now at SG, could we be dangling Dunleavy for a proven 4?

Post #14 » by **Grang33r** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:34 am

cdash wrote:Here's another thought: With Rush in place now at SG, could we be dangling Dunleavy for a proven 4?

In the future, yes, right now, not a chance. Rush hasn't proven anything yet and for now i can see him being a good depth player. I think we'll see many times Ford, Rush, Dunleavy and Granger at the same time. That will be fun to watch.

I really am hoping for Al Harrington though. He failed playing center for us but i think with O'Neal gone and him being able to play power forward, he can be a good player again. He's only 28.

cdash · Post #15 » by **cdash** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:41 am

I cant see Harrington back for a third tour of duty here. Cant really say I'd want him here again either. I have nothing against him, but I dont see much need. I like the idea of trying to get Brandan Wright. I wonder if a package involving Foster and Williams would entice the Warriors? Obviously other people would have to be involved to make it work, but its just a thought.

Post #16 » by **PR07** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:56 am

Yeah, I wasn't that impressed with Harrington his last tour of duty here. He's lost some explosiveness it seems, and I think he'd take a lot of shots away from Granger by trying to be the guy. Not sure, he'd want to baby-sit through a rebuilding year period either. He already suffered through that in Atlanta. I like him for someone like the Cavs though.

I'd like to see us look into Brandan Wright, get a vet like KMART.

If the Pacers want to get Daniels out of town, I could see Daniels for Stromile Swift. Swift is athletic, if nothing else, and can block some shots.

Don't see us moving Dunleavy, not this year at least, atlhough I could be wrong. I think Dunleavy gives us a proven scorer, and I don't know if we can lose him and JO in the same offseason in the scoring department. Of course, I guess it depends on who we get back. Maybe we can trick the Clippers and Mike's father into trading Elton Brand for him... 8-)

AndreaBustani · Post #17 » by **AndreaBustani** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 12:23 pm

Raptor Fan here

TJ Ford is great at driving to the rim and dishing to a open guy on the perimter, murphy, dunleavy should benefit greatly, as well he's blazing fast and your team does have some competent wingman

best of luck

Orlock78 · Post #18 » by **Orlock78** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 2:18 pm

Personally I want an athletic PF who can play some defense. Harrington is not coming back. I REALLY think we should trade Dunleavy. I don't think his value will ever be higher than it is right now. I hope I'm wrong but..

IndieRuso420 · Post #19 » by **IndieRuso420** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 2:29 pm

I am another person that is pro Daniels for Swift. I was doing that swap in Live 08 this past season. Also want to mention that LAC fans are the ones that suggested Tinsley for Tim Thomas.

n_s_s31 · Post #20 » by **n_s_s31** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 2:57 pm

I dont think Bird is looking to build a team thats just about running or just about half court. If you look at the moves most of players we have are pretty versatile players and with any given lineup we can change the style of play.

Tj- Rush- Dunleavy-Granger- Foster- would be one of the fastest and most up tempo offenses in the league

I'm guessing the starting lineup will be
Tj-Dunleavy-granger- Murphy- Foster/Raho- We can run with this lineup to becuase neither Rasho nor Foster is expected to contribute a ton offensively so they can just defend and rebound. Murphy is the perfect trailer then Dun and Granger spread the floor.

Put in Jack and Hibbert and we become a more grind it out half court team without losing really any scoring

I'm actually pretty excited about the possibilites

Hibbert and Rasho wouldnt be that bad in an uptempo game becuase the can block a shot or rebound and get the outlet pass to TJ and off we go.