Stopping Orlando's real threat--Jameer Nelson

[birdwatcher]

Much like the C's, the fate of the magic rests soley on the play of their point guard and his ability to make plays and distribute the ball. He's always had a great shot and a knack for scoring. Knowing that if he controls the tempo, why not put Tony Allen on him for stretches with Ray or Paul on the bench? Rondo could surely stay with Reddick or Matt Barnes (who isn't asked to do much more than shot threes and set screens on offense). If Rondo could worry less and expend less energy on defense and not worry about fouls, could his more focused play mask TA's drop off on the offensive end? We really need intensity and speed on both ends, and he and Rondo in the backcourt would certainly provide that. Am I way off base here?

[mmbaby]

No, not off base at all. Jameer is a great ball player and he's the one we need to stop. With Dwight, what we really have to do is protect our player's safety and health. Try to get him to foul out early, that is...if the refs give him fouls at all. Rhondo needs to be protected at all costs.

[Toine43]

Rondo's weakness on defense has always been getting around picks, that's not going to change overnight. The Cs big men are known for being some of the best at defending the pick and roll by hedging and then getting back into the play quickly. Stopping Jameer is all about the team defensive scheme, and KG and Perk doing what they can do to thwart the pick and roll with the help of their teammates who momentarily cut off the passing lane to the rolling Howard.

That said, they could use some energy off the bench to bug Jameer while Rondo is resting. With TA hurt, Doc could turn to Nate because he looked good for short stretches on defense. When Eddie House was here, the one thing he could do better than Rondo on defense was fight through picks. Maybe Nate can come out and play like Eddie in that sense.

Rondo would never guard Reddick or Barnes though, I'm only talking about while Rondo is on the bench. Barnes would post him up too easily and Reddick loves curling off screens and Rondo sticks to screens.

[droopdog7]

TA has played Nelson a bit. Not sure how effective he has been or whether we want him playing big minutes over any of the starters.