PS2: Hornets vs Celtics Thu Oct 6 7:30EST

[BatumtheGlue]

Is Belly really that much better than Lamb?

I'll never understand trading the pick for him when we already had Lamb under an extended contract.


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I guess they thought 2 lambs are better than 1

And you'll have the luxury to sacrifice one of them if needed.

[HornetJail]

Is Belly really that much better than Lamb?

I'll never understand trading the pick for him when we already had Lamb under an extended contract.


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Yeah I just cant understand that either. Expecially considering Belly was worse across the boards than Lamb last season.

The idea is that Clifford can turn some of these guys into decent defenders or at least get them to be decent team-defenders.

If Steve Clifford can make Bellinelli a decent defender, he deserves COY.

If Steve Clifford can make Bellinelli a decent defender, what the hell did we trade Troy Daniels for?

[yosemiteben]

Because Belinelli has been a major part of a rotation for a championship contender?

I'm not close to worried about anything about this team yet.

[fatlever]

I wouldn't say I am worried yet, but they haven't given us much to be optimistic about through these first two games. We look slow, like at every position, seemingly slower than the opposition. The 3s aren't falling and we don't have anyone other than Kemba that can get buckets on their own. We're playing at a slow pace (so it seems, haven't see stats on our pace). None of our young players appear to have taken an obvious step forward in the offseason. Frank and Lamb look decent so far, but not to the point where you see them and say "wow, one of those guys should be challenging the starters soon".

Overall, I think there is a very fine line with this team between being the 47 win team we were last year and being the 35 win team that so many expect us to be based on our roster.

We have four key players who haven't been able to play much this summer after coming off injuries and two of those still very limited. I hope that doesn't slow us down to the point we struggle to start the season then spend all of the 2nd half of the season trying to make up ground and climb out of a hole dug back in November.

[fatlever]

Rick Bonnell ‏@rick_bonnell 59m59 minutes ago
"That defense wasn't even close to what you'd need to be competitive in an NBA game. -- Steve Clifford on his team's second half.

[yosemiteben]

I think a slow start is kind of a given at this point. Two of our starters are recovering from injury and three of our second unit weren't on our team last season. Session has some familiarity with Charlotte, but if my memory serves he was traded in like Dec. or Jan. of Cliff's first season so it's not like he has a ton of experience under Cliff.

I was only able to watch the first half, but it looks like our D fell apart in the 3rd quarter. Cliff will handle our D, I'm not worried about that.

[LofJ]

Veteran players like Batum, Marvin, Marco, etc. aren't going to go all out in the preseason. They've been in the league too long to feel like there's a need to do that. And given that MKG essentially missed the entire last season from an injury sustained in the preseason it's not surprising that he'd play at a lower intensity level either.

[Mystical Apples]

Marco's value will rise as defenses become more connected in December.

[Braggins]

Main thing I am worried about is Cody's injury. Has there been any kind of timetable mentioned for him?

[euphorbus]

Main thing I am worried about is Cody's injury. Has there been any kind of timetable mentioned for him?

Not that I have heard. Read this, for starters:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/5521-need-bone-bruise/

<Bone bruises are a lot more painful and last longer than a bruise on the skin or in the muscle. Deep bone bruises can cause severe pain for several weeks or even months.>

There is more in the Zeller thread.

[fatlever]

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[fatlever]

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[fatlever]

^ not sure what all this Lamb stuff is about, but apparently Clifford had some harsh words, sorta directed at Lamb, when asked about defense. Anyone have more info?

[fatlever]

the Lamb soundbite starts around 11min in this podcast - Clifford Quotes

https://audioboom.com/boos/5138665-locked-on-hornets-10-07-16-bosatcha-recap-kemba-walker-s-return

[Braggins]

Main thing I am worried about is Cody's injury. Has there been any kind of timetable mentioned for him?

Not that I have heard. Read this, for starters:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/5521-need-bone-bruise/

<Bone bruises are a lot more painful and last longer than a bruise on the skin or in the muscle. Deep bone bruises can cause severe pain for several weeks or even months.>

There is more in the Zeller thread.

Im actually still dealing with some lingering pain from a severe bone bruise that happened 15 months ago. Im not really worried about any long term implications of his injury, just whether or not we can survive him missing games.

[Zombiesonics]

the Lamb soundbite starts around 11min in this podcast - Clifford Quotes

https://audioboom.com/boos/5138665-locked-on-hornets-10-07-16-bosatcha-recap-kemba-walker-s-return

Cliffords treatment of lamb in the media has been utterly classless and it started with claiming he wasn't preparing for games in the middle of the playoffs. Lamb isn't a good screen dodger because he's skinny and lanky but he makes up missed ground with his ridiculous +6 inch wingspan, its been this way since he was touted a lotto pick 5 years ago. Theres a reason why his defense numbers are actually well above average but don't tell that to cliff.

[hood30]

the Lamb soundbite starts around 11min in this podcast - Clifford Quotes

https://audioboom.com/boos/5138665-locked-on-hornets-10-07-16-bosatcha-recap-kemba-walker-s-return

I think Clifford should take it easy on Lamb a bit...You gotta worry about how this will effect him mentally...Lamb went through this last year and I'm not sure whether it's the right thing for Cliff to do.

It almost feel like Clifford wants him gone and is trying to send a message to Cho...Feel sad for Lamb...Last year was humiliating, specially after signing his deal and not be part of the rotation in the playoff.

[euphorbus]

There's a reason why his defense numbers are actually well above average, but don't tell that to Cliff.

You are right overall. He was fourth on the team in defensive rating at 103, just ahead of Hansbrough, Hawes, and Williams at 104. He also tied with Williams for fourth on the team in defensive rebounding per 36. Lamb was fourth on the Hornets in blocks per 36, tied with the much taller Hawes and Kaminsky. He did well in steals per 36 at 1.2, tied with Zeller for sixth on the Hornets. In defensive box +/- he was just in the middle of the pack, however. Pretty darn good numbers, if you ask me.

I realize his defensive positioning and perhaps toughness are not ideal, but he contributed a lot.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHO/2016.html

[yosemiteben]

Cliffords treatment of lamb in the media has been utterly classless and it started with claiming he wasn't preparing for games in the middle of the playoffs.

Lamb said the same thing about himself on media day, that he was not preparing the right way or doing what he needed to take care of his body and his game.

If it's true, I've got no problem with Cliff calling him out on it. Lamb is a fifth year player, I have no problem with a tough love approach.

[Diop]

Players rave about Clifford and he appears to be a players coach. If he feels this is what is needed to coach Lamb then I will support him 100%.

Lamb's career has been overall underwhelming compared to the hype that's been sprouted about him and his potential. Criticism was sure to come.

I'm sure Clifford will try everything to get the most out of Lamb.