Optimistic about Metta World Peace

[miggs]

Damn Metta looks lean. I don't want him to carry too much weight either though, Ron's always been a bigger body and so I think his body naturally can defend the elite wings of the league. I just want Ron to have better lateral quickness, and healthy, which it seems he is. I'm very excited to see how Metta plays this year now that he has a role. He'll surely be seeing A LOT of open 3 pointers, which hopefully if he can shoot 39-40% man we'll be damn good. Hopefully some of this rubs off on ebanks, I feel he could learn A LOT of defensive prowess, awareness and tricks from metta.

[miggs]

I've been optimistic since earlier this summer when word about him getting in great shape started to pop up. I think the league will be surprised with MWP this season.

Felt the same way, the updates kept coming. I've always enjoyed watching Ron talk more so than play but it looks like he's coming in the best shape he's ever been as a Laker. Would be nice to see Ron play like he did under Adelman

[Matt6288]

All we need now is a video showing how quick he is....since he's in great shape i'd imagine he's a bit quicker than he was last season.

[EArl]

he needs to lose some weight imo. he needs to get some workout lessons from kobe, get back to that 04 form or at least close to that.

ps. i remember an old interview from metta with him saying the reason he doesn't want to lose weight is because he still wants to fight ben wallace lol.

[DEEP3CL]

Great point kblo247, that open space after the pick is set is clearly where a shooter likes to take his shot. IDK that's why as a guard I feel you should always go over the top of the pick, going under you'll never close that gap and the center is stuck in middle ground. Drew favored playing close to the basket because he was always afraid of his man beating him. But against OKC Perkins was no threat, you just have to trust the rotation at that point. Dwight can rover a bit more quicker, I'll concede that but the guard at that point still has to find his way back into the play.

[kblo247]

Yeah it was just frustrating as Westbrook is so damn explosive off the bounce and KD so long that you as the big have to give Kobe or Ron that second or two to recover, especially with Perk and Ibaka. I rather see them take layups than the other two get launching space as Kobe and Ron are cooked then.

I think Miami covered that space better, but LeBron was the PF so like when we had a Odom or Horry, the bulls had a Rodman or Kukoc at PF, it was just easier to step out and contain that and then recover back.

[DrewBynum77]

I'm tired of him talking the talk... It's time to walk the walk, mr. Artest.

[Anklebreaker702]

Metta is going to lock Durant all the way up.

[Anklebreaker702]

I'm tired of him talking the talk... It's time to walk the walk, mr. Artest.

When doesnt he?

[Josephpaul]

Just guard Melo, Durant, and Lebron and your job is done Ron

And hit open 3s and I will be happy

[ennui]

All we really need is the MWP from last year. A svelte MWP is just icing, plus it fares well for any injury concern.

[That Nicka]

just play D and hit 35%+ from 3 and I'll be happy, dont care if he is dunking or not lol

[Kilroy]

Cleanup time... If you guy's don't respond to these tools... It makes life a lot easier for the mods...

Or if you are going to respond, at least be funny... I like funny.

[DrewBynum77]

I'm tired of him talking the talk... It's time to walk the walk, mr. Artest.

When doesnt he?

Two full seasons already. and the first one was nothing to write about except the game 7, which I appreciate. Just saying.

I expect him to at least improve the miserable stats he put last year. He shot 39/29/61 for a 47% TS. That's putrid for a guy that only take WIDE OPEN shots. Anyway, wont get my hopes high. I just wish that at least he'll have his mobility back, because he couldn't do **** against off the ball screens last year.

The positive sign is that he started playing good defense in the second half of the season, after being mediocre defensively before the all-star break.

Anyway, with Howard backing him up he'll be able to play his chest on chest D.

[Tee212]

Ill never forget that fisher artest fast break layup last year and almost fell out my chair dying from laughter.

[stunnar0b]

his defense will be there no doubt, im just hoping hes putting up countless 3 pointers everyday

[Edrees]

Just guard Melo, Durant, and Lebron and your job is done Ron

He doesn't need to guard melo, we'll never face him in the playoffs

[Stebo_SSK]

I find it stupid when guys say who is going guard (insert all star/elite player). No one can guard these guys to a level of stopping them. Artest is still a great on ball defender. The key is can he make good plays here and there and play D that will make that player work harder. Artest can do that still.

[tugs]

dam, that's Artest circa 2004.

most are excited on how Kobe-Nash-Gasol-Howard could work together. add the anticipation of Jamison as the 6th man. with all these changes the one I'm most excited about is how will Metta adjust in this new team and system. his defense will be there. I'm more intrigued with his offensive game.

[hazy_01]

Metta's D was still gd last year, just need to hit those 3's consistently and that's all he has to do this upcoming year.