casey wrote:-= original quote snipped =-
Why not? He's supposed to be the cornerstone of our franchise, why shouldn't we expect him to be a great defender.
Defensive stopper is a whole 'nother level from great defender. I don't expect him to be as good a defender as KG, simply adequate. He's a cornerstone, not the whole franchise like KG was. I think with Mayo and Brewer (and possibly Telfair) and a defensive minded Center we'd have a pretty good defensive supporting cast.
But if you're saying that for him to be truly untouchable he should also be a Great Defender, your point is well made.
I think he can be a pretty good 1-on-1 defender when he's at his natural position (the 4). He has the tools with his quick hands and feet and reach. It was really hard to watch him have to expend so much energy challenging guys in the lane and having to get every single defensive rebound because he was our only player with any size on the court.
Poohdini,
So you're set on Rose personally? Is that the general consensus on your board? If for some reason Miami takes Mayo at 2 what would it take to move Beasley for Rose? Would Miami's future 1st be enough?
Shrink that is pretty improbable, especially Miami sending Marion for bad deals just to exchange Rose and Beasley. And then we have almost no guard depth. I know it's just a dream, but...
One thing to consider is that Al is a Base Year Compensation player for this coming year, meaning it's almost impossible to trade him without involving a team that's under the salary cap.