Talking Points

Sid the Squid · Post #21 » by **Sid the Squid** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:33 pm

Here's a classic Carmelo post about tonight's game..

"Do I believe we have to win? No. But it's a must-win for us."

Post #22 » by **Sleepy51** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:36 pm

Here's my thing.

I'm not a huge fan of running a big man 35mpg.

I think 30 mpg is plenty and 34/35 for a guy with Dre's build should be an absolute ceiling unless you go to overtime.

Big men's bodies get busted up. The physiology of longer limbs and extremities really does increase injury risk. Big guys also get tired faster. When you get tired, your injury risk increases because your movements get less precise. Also there's the very reasonable concern over those size 16 feet. Big feet have more injuries. Those foot injuries alter careers and team destinies. It's definitely something to be careful with with a talented young big man. I'd be much more pissed if >35mpg for 51 wins today turned Dre into Troy Murphy for the next 10 years.

I don't think Nellie has screwed up in not playing Dre 35+mpg. Obviosuly, post surgery his minutes had to be limited. Dre also came into the season having played international ball all summer and looked tired. If Dre played 35mpg this season, he'd probably be hurt now like everyone else who got overused. That's not my issue as much as the pretty radical variation in his minutes from game to game night to night.

The minutes for everyone on this roster (not named Baron, Jack or Monta) simply fluctuate too much. This goes back to my hard core belief in giving or at least seeking to find consistent roles for players over the course of the season. Player play better when they get into a rythm, not just of a single game, but a rythm with the team. Consistent roles identity & expectations helps players to develop and improve WITHIN those roles. I don't think Andris was drastically underutilized at 26 mpg (slightly yes.) I DO think Andris has been drastically underultized from game to game as I look back at <10 point wins and losses where Dre played 20, 13 15 minutes with less than 5 fouls. That's where my problem comes is.

As far as claiming that Dre isn't a shotblocker. That's just silly hyperbole from a guy who talks from his hindparts too often. If Dre isn't a shotblocker then there are only 15 or so shotblockers in the whole league. That's just preposterous.

-bob- · Post #23 » by **-bob-** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:05 am

Nellie wants a shotblocker? holy crap, we're gonna draft Hasheem effing Thabeet.

turk3d · Post #24 » by **turk3d** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:21 am

He didn't say he wanted a shot blocker, he just said we didn't have one.

BWright, POB = shot blockers. Why draft a shot blocker, he probably won't play him. Get another wing player who has good hps and can play Center or Power Foward. We still won't make the playoffs, but at least he'll be happy.

-bob- · Post #25 » by **-bob-** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:32 am

turk3d wrote:He didn't say he wanted a shot blocker, he just said we didn't have one.

BWright, POB = shot blockers. Why draft a shot blocker, he probably won't play him. Get another wing player who has good hps and can play Center or Power Foward. We still won't make the playoffs, but at least he'll be happy.

Nellie hasn't done a single thing that makes sense to you, you think he is gonna start now? I bet a million realgm bucks we draft Hasheem Thabeet #14.

Sid the Squid · Post #26 » by **Sid the Squid** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:36 am

Thabeet is huge...Has he improved as a player? I didnt watch him this year..He was beyond raw last year.

turk3d · Post #27 » by **turk3d** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:48 am

He's a good player, I wouldn't mind if we could get him at 14. You think he'd play him though? We don't need another 7 foot Center stuck down in 'D' league. Plus the dude blocks 4.5 shots per game. We don't want any guys who block shots (even though we don't have any). Heck he might get cut.

-bob- · Post #28 » by **-bob-** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 4:53 am

Nellie didn't like POB because nothing about him stood out(in his eyes). Nellie looks at a big, okay what is he? Cwebb? He is a great passer. MBenga? He is a shotblocker. Biedrins? He is rebounder. Thabeet? He is a shotblocker. what do we need(according to Nellie)? a shotblocker.

With 14th pick of the 2008 NBA draft the Golden State Warriors select...

Post #29 » by **FNQ** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 5:00 am

LF75 wrote:Thabeet is huge...Has he improved as a player? I didnt watch him this year..He was beyond raw last year.

His defense is amazing.... He understands switching a lot better and doesn't leave his teammates hanging... a defensive game changer IMO, with a couple years in the league. It's scary how much he reminds me of a prime Deke...

Offensively, he's a mess. He can catch and dunk. Most of his points will come on that and OREB, but a giant plus on him is FTs... he's improved them up to 70%.

There would be no excuse for not giving him every single minute Biedrins isn't on the floor... I don't believe much in his "upside" except defensively, but if you are drafting in the late lotto and a potential game changer is there at a position you're thin at... how do you pass?

Head Leader · Post #30 » by **Head Leader** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 5:04 am

Thabeet > Hibbert

Left*My*Heart · Post #31 » by **Left*My*Heart** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 2:02 pm

I sure hope that Thabeet isn't Biedrins replacement...