Speedy still has burst

Post #1 » by **HMFFL** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 1:10 pm

Speedy Claxton was in the house as well, looking as “explosive” as Johnson said he could remember seeing Claxton in a “long time.”

Claxton showed off a similar burst during a two-game stint in summer league in July, but there remains some uncertainty as to whether or not he’ll be able to regain his form after two injury-riddled seasons that have cost him his security in the playing rotation.

There were good vibrations this time a year ago and ultimately Claxton never did get back to form. So he’s realistic about his situation this time around.

“I’m coming around,” Claxton said. “Honestly, earlier in the summer I wasn’t feeling this explosive. But now, it’s starting, slowly, to come around. I kind of know how to read my body now, too. I know when I have to rest and when I have to take a day or two off. And once I’m able to do that I can get back into the flow.”

With Bibby, Acie Law IV, newcomer Flip Murray and Claxton all on the roster, it’s going to be a scrap for minutes at point guard from the start of training camp until the situation is resolved.

“I know right now I’m the odd man out,” Claxton said. “That’s just how it is. But I can’t complain about it. They depended on me the last two years and I wasn’t able to be there for them, so they had to move on. I can’t be mad at anybody about that. The most frustrating part is that I know they had big plans for me, just like I had big plans for myself, and it’s a letdown when your body betrays your heart and mind. So hopefully, I can be back out there this year and prove myself.”

Link

JoshB914 · Post #2 » by **JoshB914** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 6:29 pm

We heard the same old story last year, too. If Speedy can come back and give us 20 good minutes of strong defense and distributes the ball well then it will drastically change things. But I don't see that happening.

BMF Jet Jaguar · Post #3 » by **BMF Jet Jaguar** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:00 pm

id rather law have minutes then speedy

raleigh · Post #4 » by **raleigh** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:24 pm

BMF Jet Jaguar wrote:id rather law have minutes then speedy

I wouldn't, if Claxton is at 90% or better. Although it's been a long time since anyone has seen it, Speedy's on-the-ball defensive pressure is stellar.

Post #5 » by **HMFFL** » Fri Sep 19, 2008 2:55 am

Speedy > Acie Law

Speedy is much more valuable to this team right now (If healthy) and I would easily prefer him over Acie Law or any of our backup points. When healthy he can change the game for us and bring many positives to the team. At this point, I don't see Acie Law doing that, and still feel he needs to prove himself before I can give him any praise.

td00 · Post #6 » by **td00** » Fri Sep 19, 2008 12:55 pm

Claxton isn't a game changer at this stage. He will be fortunate to be a contributor.
Nothing against him, but there is a reason he didn't hold a starting PG slot anywhere in his career.
He still needs to develop a jumper, and is not a 3 pt. threat.
Claxton is still not sure he can go in back-to-back games and we're talking about a marathon here, not one or 2 games/week.
I wish Claxton nothing but the best in his attempt to return here, but the odds are very much against him being productive.
Give me youth since we are on the hook with Bibby for this year, and take your chances with Law and Flip providing gap filler minutes.
Come this time next year, it is possible that Acie will be the only one left on this roster.

Master8492 · Post #7 » by **Master8492** » Fri Sep 19, 2008 2:35 pm

Acie has the size to guard the 2 so he and Speedy can play together.

JoshB914 · Post #8 » by **JoshB914** » Fri Sep 19, 2008 5:47 pm

^^^ Good point. I never thought about that. If Acie can bring his shooting stroke around that could be effective at times.

lunarblues · Post #9 » by **lunarblues** » Fri Sep 19, 2008 6:11 pm

speedy would be very valuable to us if he is healthy. his shot is garbage but his defense is great.

LL Cool Scott · Post #10 » by **LL Cool Scott** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 5:35 pm

Artist Formerly Known as Speedy > Acie > Craig Claxton

reazun · Post #11 » by **reazun** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 3:27 pm

Speedy has the skills to be good for us, I think most people has forgotten how good he is because his injuries (and the anger that he took so much money while not being able to play). If Speedy is healthy Id have him over Law.

JoshB914 · Post #12 » by **JoshB914** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 4:51 pm

If Speedy is healthy he might even take some mnutes from Bibby. When healthy, he is the best fit at PG for this offense: He doesn't take shots away from other guys, gets into the lane and finds open guys for buckets, and is a tenacious defender.

Of course that all requires him somehow getting healthy. I'll believe that when I see it.