therealbig3 wrote:
He plays a small amount of minutes, but his impact is absolutely massive in the few minutes he does play.
First of all, I don't see how a massive difference in defense can be overlooked. Yes, KG can't finish around the rim anymore, while Blatche and Plumlee can...but I'd definitely take KG's per minute DPOY impact over finishing ability around the rim, ESPECIALLY since he brings much smarter decision-making than Blatche or Plumlee, and he's a better shooter than both and can space the floor better than both.
I agree KG's defense is more important then what blatche and plumlee bring. my point was that in 18-20 minutes i think his impact is overstated. I mean, our defense the past 5 games has been pretty good. i think livingston in the starting lineup and going small has a lot to do with us being a good defense as well.
Also, who cares if KG spaces the floor better? we have 4 perimeter players next to him, 3 of which are outstanding 3 point shooters. if anything we need more floor balance and a big who plays in the paint... with KG on the floor teams can help on drives and not have to worry about garnett sliding to the hoop for a dunk -- sure he can hit that 18 footer, but most teams will take an 18 footer over an open shot right at the rim or a dunk. there is a reason our starting lineup isnt great defensively, and its mostly because we get nothing in the paint and have no vertical threat big.
our defense has looke great since the all-star break when garnett hasnt played... i dont think its crazy to think we can play well if he is out, since we have played maybe our best basketball of the year these past 5 or 6 games
