Game 7 : Houston Rockets (1-4) @ Los Angeles Lakers (3-3) - 10:30 PM

[iamworthy]

Great strategy by Vogel, rely on good defenders like Bazemore and Bradley while benching Rondo and Ellington and give Monk minimal minutes.
Frank should send a nice Christmas gift to Bob Myers for releasing Bradley and not giving more money to Bazemore. It’s like manna from heaven.

You realize Ellington has been on the injured list for a while now right?

[tamaraw08]

Great strategy by Vogel, rely on good defenders like Bazemore and Bradley while benching Rondo and Ellington and give Monk minimal minutes.
Frank should send a nice Christmas gift to Bob Myers for releasing Bradley and not giving more money to Bazemore. It’s like manna from heaven.

You realize Ellington has been on the injured list for a while now right?

Ellington was officially available since Friday, I actually like Wayne and believe that he is the best shooter for this team but I just don't see him playing 25 minutes for Vogel bec of the coach's main priority of playing defensive minded players to complement Russ, Lebron and AD.

[iamworthy]

Great strategy by Vogel, rely on good defenders like Bazemore and Bradley while benching Rondo and Ellington and give Monk minimal minutes.
Frank should send a nice Christmas gift to Bob Myers for releasing Bradley and not giving more money to Bazemore. It’s like manna from heaven.

You realize Ellington has been on the injured list for a while now right?

Ellington was officially available since Friday, I actually like Wayne and believe that he is the best shooter for this team but I just don't see him playing 25 minutes for Vogel bec of the coach's main priority of playing defensive minded players to complement Russ, Lebron and AD.

Technically yeah, but he's not really available per Vogel:

Frank Vogel on Wayne Ellington: "I don't plan on using him tonight." Said that he was to throw him into a couple of practices before getting him in a game.

That was from Oct 29th. With all the injuries we currently have I wouldn't be surprised that when he's available he takes Austin's minutes.

[tamaraw08]

You realize Ellington has been on the injured list for a while now right?

Ellington was officially available since Friday, I actually like Wayne and believe that he is the best shooter for this team but I just don't see him playing 25 minutes for Vogel bec of the coach's main priority of playing defensive minded players to complement Russ, Lebron and AD.

Technically yeah, but he's not really available per Vogel:

Frank Vogel on Wayne Ellington: "I don't plan on using him tonight." Said that he was to throw him into a couple of practices before getting him in a game.

That was from Oct 29th. With all the injuries we currently have I wouldn't be surprised that when he's available he takes Austin's minutes.

And how I wish that Wayne can cut it on defense bec if not, Vogel would really limit his minutes. Melo has been great in hitting his shots from 3 so far but we can't expect him to be consistent from that distance.

[stan francisco]

It’s a quite simple equation for the younger players:

Want playing time for Frank Vogel? Put your head down and play hard nosed ****** defense. Then, he’ll consider your offense.


I can see Melo shooting the lights out from three all season. It doesn’t matter. I’d guess that he won’t get many minutes next to Westbrook no matter how well he shoots, because he’d be a second defensive liability on the floor. I doubt Frank will do that very much.

[tamaraw08]

It’s a quite simple equation for the younger players:

Want playing time for Frank Vogel? Put your head down and play hard nosed ****** defense. Then, he’ll consider your offense.


I can see Melo shooting the lights out from three all season. It doesn’t matter. I’d guess that he won’t get many minutes next to Westbrook no matter how well he shoots, because he’d be a second defensive liability on the floor. I doubt Frank will do that very much.

I don't think it's just a desire issue. Most of them knew they will hardly be utilized if can't defend at a very decent level. Some just have that great instinct and BB IQ like Caruso. It's not just about trying to stay in front of your man which is very hard to do, but also knowing to fight off screens, not over helping but at the same time quick enough to read the offense and rotate. Closing out shooters without fouling etc. Westbrook for instance tend to over help....errr position for rebounds. than be aware of a wide open 3pt shooter.

[stan francisco]

It’s a quite simple equation for the younger players:

Want playing time for Frank Vogel? Put your head down and play hard nosed ****** defense. Then, he’ll consider your offense.


I can see Melo shooting the lights out from three all season. It doesn’t matter. I’d guess that he won’t get many minutes next to Westbrook no matter how well he shoots, because he’d be a second defensive liability on the floor. I doubt Frank will do that very much.

I don't think it's just a desire issue. Most of them knew they will hardly be utilized if can't defend at a very decent level. Some just have that great instinct and BB IQ like Caruso. It's not just about trying to stay in front of your man which is very hard to do, but also knowing to fight off screens, not over helping but at the same time quick enough to read the offense and rotate. Closing out shooters without fouling etc. Westbrook for instance tend to over help....errr position for rebounds. than be aware of a wide open 3pt shooter.

Team defense is not his forte.