M.Balla wrote:-= original quote snipped =-
Our 6'0" backcourt with AI at shooting guard, like all y'all want (because in Philly bla bla bla... that was long time ago, and now the fact is that when he dishes the ball, we win) need more than just effort. Maybe we didn't need Artest (maybe I'm overrating him, but you are way underating him AS a player) but we need improvement down there, and until Diawara learns how to play offense, or JR Smith leaves the doghouse and learn how to play defense, we don't have the pieces.
We are stocked on talent, and we can blame it on the boogie, but there's a hole to fill.
Where have I ever stated that I want AC and AI starting together, find one post.
As for Artest the player, if the guy causes fallout in the lockerroom talent means absolutely nothing, if he decides he would rather promote his next rap album then play next week then what? What happens when he poiunds the ball the other posessions when Melo and AI are not pounding the ball. Being a great team is more then just having the most talent, in fact if you look at the history of the league or just look at sports in general, it is often the team with slightly less talent and more chemistry/teamwork that wins in the end. Making a panic move for a guy who does not fit with exactly what we need is not going to help that process along, and you can try to claim that defense is a need, and I admit it is, but the biggest need this team has is a guy who can hit outside shots, willingly passes the ball, will move without the ball, and that the **** coach will play. If Artest fit that then you would have one hell of an argument, but he is not a great outside shooter, he is a ball stopper, and he really does not move without the ball on offense. The only thing he does do is play defense, and on offense he is basically a poor mans melo which is not going to help this team.