Nance as The Starting Center

[ALL HAIL]

Could this team be a top ten or fifteen defense with Nance as the starting center, getting the majority of the available 48 minutes?

Would his good outweigh his bad (as a starting center)?

[Princeinrevolt]

When Nance started at Center w/ Randle, they conceded 113.8 points per 100 possessions vs the Lakers giving up 110.6 as a team on the season.

There is no way we can be a top 10 or 15 defense with Nance as Center (at least with this roster). Also, Nance can't play 30 minutes a night, he is too injury prone.

I'd start Mozgov. He was doing pretty well in the beginning of the season, if he had better defenders on the team, his defensive rotations would stand out more.

If Nance becomes a more reliable shooter from deep, then it's a different story though. I'd still probably side with Mozgov, but there is a better argument for Nance.

For next year though, I think there is a better argument for Tarik Black to start than Nance Jr. to be honest. And I really like Nance Jr.

[ALL HAIL]

When Nance started at Center w/ Randle, they conceded 113.8 points per 100 possessions vs the Lakers giving up 110.6 as a team on the season.

There is no way we can be a top 10 or 15 defense with Nance as Center (at least with this roster). Also, Nance can't play 30 minutes a night, he is too injury prone.

I'd start Mozgov. He was doing pretty well in the beginning of the season, if he had better defenders on the team, his defensive rotations would stand out more.

If Nance becomes a more reliable shooter from deep, then it's a different story though. I'd still probably side with Mozgov, but there is a better argument for Nance.

For next year though, I think there is a better argument for Tarik Black to start than Nance Jr. to be honest. And I really like Nance Jr.

I think Nance is easily a 33% shooter from three next year. I don't know if that'd be enough for you to justify him as a starter, but it would be for me.

I'd, obviously, start him, but Randle would guard the beefy centers.

I think playing Randle and Nance together is an extremely important key to next year's success. We'll see.

[AcecardZ]

Why do you think Nance would be a better starting center than Zubac?

[J_LA]

Why do you think Nance would be a better starting center than Zubac?

This is a fair question. I think Nance is a much better defender than Zubac and makes our defense more versatile. As opposed to Zubac who's is pretty bad right now on that end with the exception of his rim protection.

That doesn't mean I'm advocating for Nance as a starter but just giving you my reasoning on why he might be the better option.

I actually think it will be Mozgov back in the starting lineup again next season unless we can find a trade partner.

[Princeinrevolt]

When Nance started at Center w/ Randle, they conceded 113.8 points per 100 possessions vs the Lakers giving up 110.6 as a team on the season.

There is no way we can be a top 10 or 15 defense with Nance as Center (at least with this roster). Also, Nance can't play 30 minutes a night, he is too injury prone.

I'd start Mozgov. He was doing pretty well in the beginning of the season, if he had better defenders on the team, his defensive rotations would stand out more.

If Nance becomes a more reliable shooter from deep, then it's a different story though. I'd still probably side with Mozgov, but there is a better argument for Nance.

For next year though, I think there is a better argument for Tarik Black to start than Nance Jr. to be honest. And I really like Nance Jr.

I think Nance is easily a 33% shooter from three next year. I don't know if that'd be enough for you to justify him as a starter, but it would be for me.

I'd, obviously, start him, but Randle would guard the beefy centers.

I think playing Randle and Nance together is an extremely important key to next year's success. We'll see.

The stats show Randle/Nance don't work, so why do you want it to happen so badly? Also, Why don't you want Mozgov to be our starting center? He is easily our best defensive Center.

Lastly, Tarik Black is a better defender at the Center spot right now than Nance. When Nance switches on to guards, he reaches way too much. He always accumulates a lot of fouls. Black always contains the guard when he gets switched on.

[Kilroy]

It's a situational lineup... Not a Starting lineup.

[aaron_gray]

Nance won't be able to do it because while he can jump, his jump is a slow jump if that makes any sense at all. He can definitely get up there, but it takes him a while to a. react and b. spring up. He also isn't quick enough laterally/strong enough to handle bullies. Randle on the other hand can actually do so depending on whether or not he decides to give a ****.

[TylersLakers]

I think Nance/Black/Mozgov will see the majority of C minutes next year.

Nance and Randle have to play together because of one very simple thing. They each need to play 30+ minutes a night. So when they're both on the court for that amount of time, there's going to be overlap where they play together. And they have to learn to be successful together.

Tarik Black, statistically, was one of the best defensive C's in the league last year. So he needs to play.

Mozgov was solid, but there's just games where he shouldn't be playing due to the matchup.

With Zubac, it's tough. There's just so much in front of him right now. So if we're actually aiming to win, I don't think he'll see the court much unless he improves leaps and bounds and proves that he has to be on the court. If not, he'll have to wait for the right matchups and for injuries to occur.

[danfantastk32]

With Zubac, it's tough. There's just so much in front of him right now. So if we're actually aiming to win, I don't think he'll see the court much unless he improves leaps and bounds and proves that he has to be on the court. If not, he'll have to wait for the right matchups and for injuries to occur.

The guy only played 38 games this season. Started 11. Averaged 16 minutes per game.

I think he took HUGE steps towards the end of the season....when he finally started getting some games/time under his belt. Guy had 3rd best PER on our team this season.

Zubac will be a year older. If he gets real minutes....your gonna see a perfectly serviceable center (if not better) by the end of next season. He'll be better than Mozgov ever was. We should just write Mozgov his check, and tell him to keep his phone handy, in case someone gets injured.

[Princeinrevolt]

With Zubac, it's tough. There's just so much in front of him right now. So if we're actually aiming to win, I don't think he'll see the court much unless he improves leaps and bounds and proves that he has to be on the court. If not, he'll have to wait for the right matchups and for injuries to occur.

The guy only played 38 games this season. Started 11. Averaged 16 minutes per game.

I think he took HUGE steps towards the end of the season....when he finally started getting some games/time under his belt. Guy had 3rd best PER on our team this season.

Zubac will be a year older. If he gets real minutes....your gonna see a perfectly serviceable center (if not better) by the end of next season. He'll be better than Mozgov ever was. We should just write Mozgov his check, and tell him to keep his phone handy, in case someone gets injured.

The reality is Zubac is an extremely bad defender, and Mozgov is definitely better than him right now. And I love Zubac, but he is just not ready. If midway we find out we are not going to make the playoffs, then you start Zubac, but for the start of the season it's Mozgov all the way!!

[danfantastk32]

The reality is Zubac is an extremely bad defender, and Mozgov is definitely better than him right now. And I love Zubac, but he is just not ready. If midway we find out we are not going to make the playoffs, then you start Zubac, but for the start of the season it's Mozgov all the way!!

Well...correct me if I'm wrong, but this team was the worst defensive team in the NBA, right? Well they were certainly bottom 2-3 before Zubac started getting to play. So I don't know that Zubac really "tilted the scale" so to speak.

We threw Ingram out there for 30-minutes a game....every game. Guy had one of the worst PER's in the league. As far as I'm concerned...that's fine. Ingram needs to get out there and make the mistakes, learn the ropes, and all that good stuff that will pay off in a couple years (HOPEFULLY!!!). I feel the same with Zub. Get that guy out there, and let him sink or swim. I think we're gonna be really glad we gave him those minutes before next season is even done.

Look..I love Nance. But he's an energy guy. He's Madsen, Rambis, Turiaf. Maybe a LITTLE better than them, but he's not a starter. If he comes off the bench and plays center...thats awesome. In fact...I'd like to see a 10-10....PF and Center. 20-24-total minutes. That's good playing time for him. If he really steps it up....then you reconsider.

But we've all seen the guy. He can't make it through a game without grimacing about a rolled ankle, or a wrist thing...or getting his eye poked, or a bloody nose. It's just the gear he plays at.

My opinion. I'd like to see Nance get more minutes....but I think he's a bench-player myself. I think Zubac needs to get thrown to the Wolves just like Ingram, Russell and them did. Moz is already not great.....and he's on the decline. It's a wasted investment if you ask me.

[Spens1]

Nah too short, not good enough defensively to do it really. Its not like we have some sort of defensive anchor at P.F that we could put next to him.

[ALL HAIL]

When Nance started at Center w/ Randle, they conceded 113.8 points per 100 possessions vs the Lakers giving up 110.6 as a team on the season.

There is no way we can be a top 10 or 15 defense with Nance as Center (at least with this roster). Also, Nance can't play 30 minutes a night, he is too injury prone.

I'd start Mozgov. He was doing pretty well in the beginning of the season, if he had better defenders on the team, his defensive rotations would stand out more.

If Nance becomes a more reliable shooter from deep, then it's a different story though. I'd still probably side with Mozgov, but there is a better argument for Nance.

For next year though, I think there is a better argument for Tarik Black to start than Nance Jr. to be honest. And I really like Nance Jr.

I think Nance is easily a 33% shooter from three next year. I don't know if that'd be enough for you to justify him as a starter, but it would be for me.

I'd, obviously, start him, but Randle would guard the beefy centers.

I think playing Randle and Nance together is an extremely important key to next year's success. We'll see.

The stats show Randle/Nance don't work, so why do you want it to happen so badly? Also, Why don't you want Mozgov to be our starting center? He is easily our best defensive Center.

Lastly, Tarik Black is a better defender at the Center spot right now than Nance. When Nance switches on to guards, he reaches way too much. He always accumulates a lot of fouls. Black always contains the guard when he gets switched on.

Good post here my friend.

All I will say is that I don't think it's a coincidence that the Lakers starting winning games when they began starting Larry Nance Jr.

Let Randle and Nance figure it out. If they can't/don't, start Mozgov.

As it stands though, Larry Nance Jr. has the potential, with added minutes, to be much more impactful than Mozgov. I see him as being able to guard every position in an above average manner.

A team that could switch everything in the pick and roll and not be offensively overwhelmed is a team that has the makings of a really good defensive team.

[ALL HAIL]

It's a situational lineup... Not a Starting lineup.

Yes, it very well could be just a situational lineup, but the line between what we accept as situational and being considered a genius is very thin good sir.

Nance gets it. You tell him he's guarding starting PGs for the entire year, he'll figure it out. You tell him to guard starting centers, he'll figure it out. That dude has no desire to average twenty points a game. He's a championship role player that needs minutes (with Randle). Nance dreams of becoming Rodman and Ben Wallace and Draymond Green and Ron Artest all wrapped up into one, so I'd give him minutes (really, anywhere I could) for him to try and claim his destiny.

[ALL HAIL]

With Zubac, it's tough. There's just so much in front of him right now. So if we're actually aiming to win, I don't think he'll see the court much unless he improves leaps and bounds and proves that he has to be on the court. If not, he'll have to wait for the right matchups and for injuries to occur.

The guy only played 38 games this season. Started 11. Averaged 16 minutes per game.

I think he took HUGE steps towards the end of the season....when he finally started getting some games/time under his belt. Guy had 3rd best PER on our team this season.

Zubac will be a year older. If he gets real minutes....your gonna see a perfectly serviceable center (if not better) by the end of next season. He'll be better than Mozgov ever was. We should just write Mozgov his check, and tell him to keep his phone handy, in case someone gets injured.

The reality is Zubac is an extremely bad defender, and Mozgov is definitely better than him right now. And I love Zubac, but he is just not ready. If midway we find out we are not going to make the playoffs, then you start Zubac, but for the start of the season it's Mozgov all the way!!

I think the second unit will need Zubac's offense much more than his defense. His offense, alone, is the reason why he's my backup center, rather easily.

The starting unit needs whichever center (Nance, Black, or Mozgov) who makes the most impact on defense.

I think that's Nance, but it very well could end up being Mozgov or Black.

Maybe Nance ends up being more Jason Maxiel than Ben Wallace. I concede that. But I can earnestly say that I think, with good health and 30 minutes a night, that Larry Nance Jr. could be on the road to establishing himself as one of the league's elitely versatile defenders.

[ALL HAIL]

The reality is Zubac is an extremely bad defender, and Mozgov is definitely better than him right now. And I love Zubac, but he is just not ready. If midway we find out we are not going to make the playoffs, then you start Zubac, but for the start of the season it's Mozgov all the way!!

Well...correct me if I'm wrong, but this team was the worst defensive team in the NBA, right? Well they were certainly bottom 2-3 before Zubac started getting to play. So I don't know that Zubac really "tilted the scale" so to speak.

We threw Ingram out there for 30-minutes a game....every game. Guy had one of the worst PER's in the league. As far as I'm concerned...that's fine. Ingram needs to get out there and make the mistakes, learn the ropes, and all that good stuff that will pay off in a couple years (HOPEFULLY!!!). I feel the same with Zub. Get that guy out there, and let him sink or swim. I think we're gonna be really glad we gave him those minutes before next season is even done.

Look..I love Nance. But he's an energy guy. He's Madsen, Rambis, Turiaf. Maybe a LITTLE better than them, but he's not a starter. If he comes off the bench and plays center...thats awesome. In fact...I'd like to see a 10-10....PF and Center. 20-24-total minutes. That's good playing time for him. If he really steps it up....then you reconsider.

But we've all seen the guy. He can't make it through a game without grimacing about a rolled ankle, or a wrist thing...or getting his eye poked, or a bloody nose. It's just the gear he plays at.

My opinion. I'd like to see Nance get more minutes....but I think he's a bench-player myself. I think Zubac needs to get thrown to the Wolves just like Ingram, Russell and them did. Moz is already not great.....and he's on the decline. It's a wasted investment if you ask me.

First of all, Rambis was a starter, a role player, but a starter ... until AC Green took it from him, also a great, championship role player.

The bolded is the part we can really all agree on. If Nance steps up, give him the spot. Likewise, if Black and Mozgov step up, give them starting nods.

But Zubac has to be the backup here. The team needs his potential double figures scoring in the second unit.

One things for sure, I think, one of these centers will be wearing a suit, because they can only keep three on the active roster.

[MrWaffles]

Larry has a higher IQ than Randle and is without a doubt better defensively. However as someone noted, I wouldn't be playing him too many minutes as he's injury prone. He's going to be a solid role player for us going forward. Assuming we don't trade him.

When Larry is on the floor, we're better. I wouldn't want him starting center though.

[ALL HAIL]

Larry has a higher IQ than Randle and is without a doubt better defensively. However as someone noted, I wouldn't be playing him too many minutes as he's injury prone. He's going to be a solid role player for us going forward. Assuming we don't trade him.

When Larry is on the floor, we're better. I wouldn't want him starting center though.

Congratulations! You did it.

[Princeinrevolt]

I think Nance is easily a 33% shooter from three next year. I don't know if that'd be enough for you to justify him as a starter, but it would be for me.

I'd, obviously, start him, but Randle would guard the beefy centers.

I think playing Randle and Nance together is an extremely important key to next year's success. We'll see.

The stats show Randle/Nance don't work, so why do you want it to happen so badly? Also, Why don't you want Mozgov to be our starting center? He is easily our best defensive Center.

Lastly, Tarik Black is a better defender at the Center spot right now than Nance. When Nance switches on to guards, he reaches way too much. He always accumulates a lot of fouls. Black always contains the guard when he gets switched on.

Good post here my friend.

All I will say is that I don't think it's a coincidence that the Lakers starting winning games when they began starting Larry Nance Jr.

Let Randle and Nance figure it out. If they can't/don't, start Mozgov.

As it stands though, Larry Nance Jr. has the potential, with added minutes, to be much more impactful than Mozgov. I see him as being able to guard every position in an above average manner.

A team that could switch everything in the pick and roll and not be offensively overwhelmed is a team that has the makings of a really good defensive team.

I understand where you're coming from, and if Larry gets the start next season, I'll trust Luke is doing the right thing.

But the reason I think we started winning when Nance started is mostly because Zubac didn't play. His defense is that bad, thats why I think Zubac should come off the bench. His offensive efficiency is elite for his age, and is pretty great for any age, but his defense is atrocious.