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I think he tries hard. Its just that we ask stuff of him that he is not capable of.

Good lord

I will not let a three game win streak skew my perception of Drew Gooden. He is an awful starting center.

23-8-7 tonight sure did help. I don't care if it was against New Jersey or the 96 Bulls...you've still gotta win the games that you can win.

This season, and especially lately, Gooden's play has been far from the whipping boy material that I read on these boards. He's in shape, consistently hustling (which, unfortunately, can't be assumed about every player on the roster), and he's playing out of position. He averaged 17 & 7 in February and he was averaging 20 & 8 in March, before tonight's game.

If he played anywhere close to those numbers over the final 3 years of his deal, I'd have few issues with him. He'll never be confused with the 2nd coming of Wilt or Kareem but he's far from the guy that this board thinks he is.

BringBackRoko wrote:I will not let a three game win streak skew my perception of Drew Gooden. He is an awful starting center.

Case in point. At no point in Drew's college or pro career has he been cut out to be a starting center. He's starting at center because the Bucks have no other viable options. They hoped that Bogut wouldn't get hurt and they thought Sanders would be a legit backup, both lines of thought were horrible in that regard.

So the answer is to rail on him for being intentionally played out of position?

0 appreciation here

I'd say the increased responsibility has been a plus for his game. It seems to have reined in his goofy tendencies somewhat. Or maybe the increased playing time makes them less conspicuous. He is playing hard every night, for sure.

... Let's not get crazy here, though.

kebzach wrote:23-8-7 tonight sure did help. I don't care if it was against New Jersey or the 96 Bulls...you've still gotta win the games that you can win.

This season, and especially lately, Gooden's play has been far from the whipping boy material that I read on these boards. He's in shape, consistently hustling (which, unfortunately, can't be assumed about every player on the roster), and he's playing out of position. He averaged 17 & 7 in February and he was averaging 20 & 8 in March, before tonight's game.

If he played anywhere close to those numbers over the final 3 years of his deal, I'd have few issues with him. He'll never be confused with the 2nd coming of Wilt or Kareem but he's far from the guy that this board thinks he is.

Good line anyone who can score 15 EVERY game and hustles and throws his body around reserves props! And he likes playing here! This isn"t nomans land.Hell this is MILWAUKEE!

He still sucks just like he has always sucked.

stayfly wrote:I didn't think I'd ever say this but Drew Gooden has been a great addition to this team.

He really plays hard and has actually being playing relatively smart basketball these past few games.

Thoughts?

If you enjoy watching the Bucks win 30/35 games (82 game season) year after year and if you think Gooden is worth $32 million then yes,it was an outstanding move.

I appreciate the fact that he's the best jump shooter on the team inside the three point line.

kebzach wrote:

BringBackRoko wrote:I will not let a three game win streak skew my perception of Drew Gooden. He is an awful starting center.

Case in point. At no point in Drew's college or pro career has he been cut out to be a starting center. He's starting at center because the Bucks have no other viable options. They hoped that Bogut wouldn't get hurt and they thought Sanders would be a legit backup, both lines of thought were horrible in that regard.

So the answer is to rail on him for being intentionally played out of position?

I'll rephrase. He's pretty awful wherever he plays -- especially considering his contract.

stayfly wrote:I'm really starting to appreciate what he brings to the table and I actually enjoy watching him play.

Based on what you posted after this I doubt you've actually watched him play.

Forget looking at the contract or whatever.

Bottom line is Drew helps the team win more than he hurts it. Bash me all you want, but without him on the offensive end (yes, his D blows hard), we would really, really suck.

Plus, if every player on the team had his heart, we'd be better off.

I appreciate the fact that he may have raised his trade value to Luke Walton.

kebzach wrote:23-8-7 tonight sure did help. I don't care if it was against New Jersey or the 96 Bulls...you've still gotta win the games that you can win.

I think what you get with Gooden are about 15-18 games each season where he's so good statistically that it does help you win the game. The problem is those other 62 games or so, where he bogs down the offense and is a turnstile on defense.

The net is a overall negative.

He's transformed himself from a soft 4 to a serviceable emergency 5, done it without complaining, played with energy, and given this team stability in the middle.

This year he's been Joe Smith with a motor. He'll never be a great defender, but he's given us his best at both ends.

paulpressey25 wrote:

kebzach wrote:23-8-7 tonight sure did help. I don't care if it was against New Jersey or the 96 Bulls...you've still gotta win the games that you can win.

I think what you get with Gooden are about 15-18 games each season where he's so good statistically that it does help you win the game. The problem is those other 62 games or so, where he bogs down the offense and is a turnstile on defense.

The net is a overall negative.

I think you just described Jennings.

VooDoo7 wrote:

paulpressey25 wrote:

kebzach wrote:23-8-7 tonight sure did help. I don't care if it was against New Jersey or the 96 Bulls...you've still gotta win the games that you can win.

I think what you get with Gooden are about 15-18 games each season where he's so good statistically that it does help you win the game. The problem is those other 62 games or so, where he bogs down the offense and is a turnstile on defense.

The net is a overall negative.

I think you just described Jennings.

He just described the Bucks as a franchise over the past 20 seasons.

I literally puked in my mouth and thought it was a joke when they gave drew his contract BUT he's honestly given the bucks abOut what you can expect from a six mil per yr big. Some good things like his midrange game and a decent rebounding rate. Some bad like horrid d and dumb decisions. As much as it pains me to say it he's played up to his contract.

On a side note can we all just stop with the whole "this guy is a c or pf" thIng. In today's nba there's really only points 2wings 2bigs not truly 5 Positions