2020-2021 Regular Season Game 35: Dallas Mavericks (16-16) at Orlando Magic (13-21)

[p0peye]

I recently said that in terms of impact to team defense Bamba is center version of Elfrid Payton. The fact that Clifford is not playing him might mean that he is not improving in practice.

[j-ragg]

I recently said that in terms of impact to team defense Bamba is center version of Elfrid Payton. The fact that Clifford is not playing him might mean that he is not improving in practice.

The annoying part is having to theorize, because we don’t get to see him on the court.

I know you’re not directly comparing but at least we got plenty of Elfrid on the court to make an opinion. If we had an amazing backup center as opposed to a journeyman found overseas I think people would have less of an issue as well (I’m sure you know this, I’m just thinking out loud).

[Blue_and_Whte]

I've never seen a coach throw a player under the bus as much as he does with Bamba.

What if Bamba said, the coach didn't have a good defensive plan tonight or the coach had a migraine so we didn't get enough practice time.

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If he’s a bad PnR defender then he’s a bad PnR defender. What is Cliff supposed to say “Mo’s great at everything...”. If they ask a question I want to know the actual answer, not some fluff to protect some snowflake who can’t handle facts.

Facts are that his defensive rating is lower than the other centers on the team. I know facts don't matter to some.

His pick and roll defense against Utah was pretty great.

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Your dependence on defensive rating to debate is hilarious.

[Blue_and_Whte]

I recently said that in terms of impact to team defense Bamba is center version of Elfrid Payton. The fact that Clifford is not playing him might mean that he is not improving in practice.

There is no practice. Put him out there when the game matters I say.

[Skybox]

I recently said that in terms of impact to team defense Bamba is center version of Elfrid Payton. The fact that Clifford is not playing him might mean that he is not improving in practice.

There is no practice. Put him out there when the game matters I say.

Exactly...and, ironically, even us anti-tankers know the games DON'T matter.

Birch's development is going really well, I must admit...all kidding aside, maybe he brings us a trinket back from a contender in need of some cheap muscle. He really is pretty solid in his limited role.

[p0peye]

I recently said that in terms of impact to team defense Bamba is center version of Elfrid Payton. The fact that Clifford is not playing him might mean that he is not improving in practice.

There is no practice. Put him out there when the game matters I say.

You mean they really do not practice because of COVID? Not sure.

Anyway, I do agree with you and j-ragg that we should be able to get a good look at what we have in Bamba, but it seems like Bamba is not earning his minutes with Clifford for some reason. We only get to speculate and my guess is lack of effort and improvement. As a coach, or manager if you will, those qualities are something you want to see with your rookies (aka new hires).

On another topic, we really should think about limiting Vucevic's minutes going forward. This season is wasted and we don't need to risk any more injuries.

[basketballRob]

If he’s a bad PnR defender then he’s a bad PnR defender. What is Cliff supposed to say “Mo’s great at everything...”. If they ask a question I want to know the actual answer, not some fluff to protect some snowflake who can’t handle facts.

Facts are that his defensive rating is lower than the other centers on the team. I know facts don't matter to some.

His pick and roll defense against Utah was pretty great.

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Your dependence on defensive rating to debate is hilarious.

Guess defensive rating only matters when it supports the point you're trying to make.

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[Ducklett]

I recently said that in terms of impact to team defense Bamba is center version of Elfrid Payton. The fact that Clifford is not playing him might mean that he is not improving in practice.

There is no practice. Put him out there when the game matters I say.

You mean they really do not practice because of COVID? Not sure.

Anyway, I do agree with you and j-ragg that we should be able to get a good look at what we have in Bamba, but it seems like Bamba is not earning his minutes with Clifford for some reason. We only get to speculate and my guess is lack of effort and improvement. As a coach, or manager if you will, those qualities are something you want to see with your rookies (aka new hires).

On another topic, we really should think about limiting Vucevic's minutes going forward. This season is wasted and we don't need to risk any more injuries.

If I remember correctly, the COVID thing made contact type practice much less of the % of total practice than it was pre-COVID, so I would say that would make a huge difference. It would also explain why Cole Anthony was historically bad around the basket the first 15 odd games.

[Blue_and_Whte]

Facts are that his defensive rating is lower than the other centers on the team. I know facts don't matter to some.

His pick and roll defense against Utah was pretty great.

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Your dependence on defensive rating to debate is hilarious.

Guess defensive rating only matters when it supports the point you're trying to make.

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I dont use defensive rating to support any points I make because of the existence of literally every other aspect of basketball. Its your Mo Bamba lifeline though so...