Hard-Nosed Hayward

[shangrila]

I like him because he seems like a guy that will just be solid. He won't complain about minutes, back down from a challenge, play outside of his strengths or cause any problems in the locker room. While I'd still prefer it if they'd have drafted Stephenson instead I like Hayward a hell of a lot more then I did when they picked him on draft day.

[Fire Mchale]

Hmmm, now you got me thinking. I wonder if you have the wrong Laker role player.... What about Rick Fox? Never scored over 10 ppg with the team, but brought defense, toughness, and leadership -- all qualities I think Lazar can bring. Fox was also known to hit a shot or two in the clutch too...

I think that's a great comparison. Rick Fox. He's a true glue guy, not flashy but makes the shots he should, rebounds when he should, makes the passes he should. Basically, he holds down the fort while you're starters rest. Good call on that one.

[Fire Mchale]

I like him because he seems like a guy that will just be solid. He won't complain about minutes, back down from a challenge, play outside of his strengths or cause any problems in the locker room. While I'd still prefer it if they'd have drafted Stephenson instead I like Hayward a hell of a lot more then I did when they picked him on draft day.

I liked Lance Stephenson in the 2nd round as well. He's actually the guy I wanted them to take over Hayward with Hayward and Whiteside as other options. Summer League is Summer League, but you couldn't help but notice that Stephenson looked like he was playing against high school kids at times.

[Peezo]

I think the Rick Fox comparison is okay, but the reason I said Horry was due to the fact that his game isn't really built on athleticism. Rick also didn't have the sweet stroke that Lazar does. Also Rick started for awhile. Neither is a perfect comparison, but I do think he will play that type of strong bench role (or at least he could).

[Devilzsidewalk]

I agree. I think he reminds me a lot of what Trenton Hassell brought to the early-2000s teams, that lunchpail and hardhat mentality.

Personally, I hope to god he is nothing like T. Hassell. He sucked big time. Probably one of the most overrated defensive players is T-wolves history.

At the time, under those rules, he was an above average defender. The change in the hand-check rules was basically the same as chopping off one of his arms.

was there another hand check rule, because the hand check rule I know of was disallowed over 15 years ago

[wolfbourne]

LOL @ sweltering Vegas heat inside the TMC and Cox Pavilion. Most of the people were complaining that they had the AC cranked too high.

I read it as spectators were going inside the Pavilion to escape the sweltering heat of Vegas.

It was insanely hot outside, and inside the AC was set to Artic. I know he wasn't playing against or next to any star players during the D-League season this year, but of the games i saw that day, Lazar was clearly one of the flagship/standout talents that was playing on the day.

This is all great news to hear about him, but i agree there is no need to rush him currently. Hopefully when things on the team 'click' more smoothly (around midseason?) we will get to see Lazar start getting implimented in game-time more for development, until then im happy him bolstering d-league experience and possibly domination? And being that body in training that pushes and improves his team-mates.

[Devilzsidewalk]

I always completely dismiss him when thinking about the minutes crunch between Ellington/Brewer/Webster, but really no reason to think Hayward couldn't beat out all of them for rotation minutes

[Narf]

I was annoyed with the Hayward pick until I saw that his peers voted him one of the top defenders AND one of the top shooters in the draft. I don't have high expectations, but there's nothing wrong with a Battier-type reachable ceiling with the #30 pick.

[jade_hippo]

I always completely dismiss him when thinking about the minutes crunch between Ellington/Brewer/Webster, but really no reason to think Hayward couldn't beat out all of them for rotation minutes

I have no clue what you just posted and will probably never read a single word you post because that saxophone guy is impossible to ignore. Its so disturbing, but at the same time I cannot look away... it's like 9 car pile up