Cs need athleticism in the front court

[CoachBo]

Too early for a verdict on Paddy O'Blount, but I have to tell you I've seen very little from him in the last two games - especially a ghastly "do nothing" performance against Chicago - to suggest that he's an answer for anything.

Somewhere between 20 and 41 games, you need to make a decision about the backup 5, because we can't win a title with Leon and Baby behind Perkins.

[RockinRyA]

Too early for a verdict on Paddy O'Blount, but I have to tell you I've seen very little from him in the last two games - especially a ghastly "do nothing" performance against Chicago - to suggest that he's an answer for anything.

Somewhere between 20 and 41 games, you need to make a decision about the backup 5, because we can't win a title with Leon and Baby behind Perkins.

true,esp since their fouls per minute are astonishing

[ssspence]

I still like the TA/Scali for Collison trade.

We need a different player than Collison. I was watching the MIL@OKC game the other day and Bogut, who isn't even that physical, was abusing him in the low post.

I agree, Collison does not bring athleticism, and we should not offer up our best one-on-one defender in the process.

This is why I picked Williams. His role is strictly energy, running the floor, shot blocking, etc -- elements we lack. Not sure Collison or many others are really an upgrade over BBD. He's also available, thought I acknowledge NJ is an unlikely trade partner.

In spite of not seeing him as an ideal fit, I'd take Collison over Williams every day and twice on Sunday.

I understand you are really fond of shot-blockers and athletic bigs who can jump and dunk - Andersen, Swat, etc. - but I believe the C's need someone more solid, a guy who won't allow the opponent center to stick a foot between his legs to gain space and spin, who won't lost awareness of his man when hedging on screes, who won't need to put his hands over the opponent body to hold him... We are not a running team, so I don't get the fascination with bigs who can run the floor - even more if they run but then they don't have a clue about the footwork needed to establish position. We're not going to chance our game style and pace because of some random backup. "Strictly energy, running the floor, shot blocking"  was what people were saying POB would bring. I don't want a second version of him, there's a reason why New Jersey didn't pick Williams' rookie option. Give me a flat-footed and experienced veteran who can play basketball over athletic freaks who don't know how to play basketball and get lost on half-court sets.

so you'd trade TA for Collison?

[ssspence]

I still like the TA/Scali for Collison trade.

We need a different player than Collison. I was watching the MIL@OKC game the other day and Bogut, who isn't even that physical, was abusing him in the low post.

I agree, Collison does not bring athleticism, and we should not offer up our best one-on-one defender in the process.

This is why I picked Williams. His role is strictly energy, running the floor, shot blocking, etc -- elements we lack. Not sure Collison or many others are really an upgrade over BBD. He's also available, thought I acknowledge NJ is an unlikely trade partner.

In spite of not seeing him as an ideal fit, I'd take Collison over Williams every day and twice on Sunday.

I understand you are really fond of shot-blockers and athletic bigs who can jump and dunk - Andersen, Swat, etc. - but I believe the C's need someone more solid, a guy who won't allow the opponent center to stick a foot between his legs to gain space and spin, who won't lost awareness of his man when hedging on screes, who won't need to put his hands over the opponent body to hold him... We are not a running team, so I don't get the fascination with bigs who can run the floor - even more if they run but then they don't have a clue about the footwork needed to establish position. We're not going to chance our game style and pace because of some random backup. "Strictly energy, running the floor, shot blocking"  was what people were saying POB would bring. I don't want a second version of him, there's a reason why New Jersey didn't pick Williams' rookie option. Give me a flat-footed and experienced veteran who can play basketball over athletic freaks who don't know how to play basketball and get lost on half-court sets.

btw, The Nets picked up Williams option. GS didn't pick up POBs option because he sucks. NJ picked up Williams option because he's very talented and has value.

Many teams are afraid to pick up talent kids with bad habits due to chemistry. The Cs are not one of those teams. the Old Time Hockey routine is weak, i'm sorry. if PJ Brown is going to come back, great. if you trade 2 for 1, he can only help teach the kid by example.

[Chief]

Too early for a verdict on Paddy O'Blount, but I have to tell you I've seen very little from him in the last two games - especially a ghastly "do nothing" performance against Chicago - to suggest that he's an answer for anything.

Somewhere between 20 and 41 games, you need to make a decision about the backup 5, because we can't win a title with Leon and Baby behind Perkins.

I think Mutombo is a FA.

[ssspence]

Too early for a verdict on Paddy O'Blount, but I have to tell you I've seen very little from him in the last two games - especially a ghastly "do nothing" performance against Chicago - to suggest that he's an answer for anything.

Somewhere between 20 and 41 games, you need to make a decision about the backup 5, because we can't win a title with Leon and Baby behind Perkins.

I think Mutombo is a FA.

question is whether he's willing to move out of Houston. i'd imagine Danny has him on speed dial, he'd be ideal.

[TerreHaute]

Watching POB against Chicago was a joke and embarassing. I realize it was only garbage time, but if that guy wants to play he might want to show more. He did seem to run the floor hard to get to position and block some shots, but don't be fooled. He essentially handed the ball off to Noah under his own basket to give up a dunk. WOW. He is soft and weak. What we need in the backcourt is a guy with length who can actually box out and rebound (toughness). Powe and BBD do a good job of boxing out, but are sometimes just too small to rebound. Has anyone seen the Lakers this year? I realize it is awfully early, but their length in the frontcourt will be VERY difficult for this team to handle when Perk get into foul trouble.

[Chief]

Too early for a verdict on Paddy O'Blount, but I have to tell you I've seen very little from him in the last two games - especially a ghastly "do nothing" performance against Chicago - to suggest that he's an answer for anything.

Somewhere between 20 and 41 games, you need to make a decision about the backup 5, because we can't win a title with Leon and Baby behind Perkins.

I think Mutombo is a FA.

question is whether he's willing to move out of Houston. i'd imagine Danny has him on speed dial, he'd be ideal.

I once read he did not like the cold winters in Boston. But a chance for a ring might change his mind. If not him, maybe Mourning will be interested if he is healthy.

[billysan]

I once read he did not like the cold winters in Boston. But a chance for a ring might change his mind. If not him, maybe Mourning will be interested if he is healthy.

ZO was quoted as saying he hated NJ and Toronto. He has said several times he will retire before he leaves Miami again. I am pretty sure Mickey Aronson has promised not to trade him. That is probably a condition for resigning him as well. I dont see him coming to Boston after seeing and hearing that.

[ssspence]

Too early for a verdict on Paddy O'Blount, but I have to tell you I've seen very little from him in the last two games - especially a ghastly "do nothing" performance against Chicago - to suggest that he's an answer for anything.

Somewhere between 20 and 41 games, you need to make a decision about the backup 5, because we can't win a title with Leon and Baby behind Perkins.

I think Mutombo is a FA.

question is whether he's willing to move out of Houston. i'd imagine Danny has him on speed dial, he'd be ideal.

I once read he did not like the cold winters in Boston. But a chance for a ring might change his mind. If not him, maybe Mourning will be interested if he is healthy.

marc stein seems to shut this down in his weekend dime. daryl morey learned well from mr. ainge...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-081101-02

[CoachBo]

Watching POB against Chicago was a joke and embarassing. I realize it was only garbage time, but if that guy wants to play he might want to show more. He did seem to run the floor hard to get to position and block some shots, but don't be fooled. He essentially handed the ball off to Noah under his own basket to give up a dunk. WOW. He is soft and weak. What we need in the backcourt is a guy with length who can actually box out and rebound (toughness). Powe and BBD do a good job of boxing out, but are sometimes just too small to rebound. Has anyone seen the Lakers this year? I realize it is awfully early, but their length in the frontcourt will be VERY difficult for this team to handle when Perk get into foul trouble.

Yup. Hence my concern.

I've made no secret on this board of my disdain for the O'Blount signing - saw him frequently in college and that's EXACTLY the kind of performance that kept cropping up WAY too often for me to respect his game.

No sign - yet - that he's remotely close to contributing to a title chase, so the need for another big is still out there.

Clearly.

[Section301]

Yep.  That Yao Ming just manhandled our short, unathletic, non-leaping backups tonight. Did you see the way he muscled BBD out of the way for that rebound?  Oh, wait, Davis muscled HIM out of the way...

[Edgar]

Yep.  That Yao Ming just manhandled our short, unathletic, non-leaping backups tonight. Did you see the way he muscled BBD out of the way for that rebound?  Oh, wait, Davis muscled HIM out of the way...

conclusion: Our "pseudo bigs" only play great when motivated 

[TrueGreen]

I think this has become pretty obvious in the first three games. Not only do we miss Posey's shooting, but with Baby and Leon acting essentially as our backup centers, this team really needs an active player in the front court -- either with size or leaping ability. POB may just be a tease, as he seems pretty far behind the learning curve.

Does anyone agree? Any ideas?

I suggested yesterday Sean Williams could be that guy -- low risk for two years, with upside working with Cliff Ray and learning to grow up behind KG. Perhaps NJ would give him to us if we'd take Hassell.

I'd also suggested Darko, though despite the fact that Memphis would certainly like to get out from underneath his deal, may be hard to secure (it'd take Giddens, Baby AND another contract along with Scal to make the numbers work -- probably Pruitt and that's not so attractive -- not to mention the owners would have to take a big luxury tax hit).

Portland might be willing to part with Channing Frye, who lacks a bit on D but is a talented shooter.

Perhaps Mikki Moore for Giddens and Scal? They have Jason Thompson playing pretty well and might also want to save money while getting a prospect to back-up Kevin Martin.

Anyone else see an attainable frontcourt player out there?

Did you see last nite's game?

[cordobes]

I still like the TA/Scali for Collison trade.

We need a different player than Collison. I was watching the MIL@OKC game the other day and Bogut, who isn't even that physical, was abusing him in the low post.

I agree, Collison does not bring athleticism, and we should not offer up our best one-on-one defender in the process.

This is why I picked Williams. His role is strictly energy, running the floor, shot blocking, etc -- elements we lack. Not sure Collison or many others are really an upgrade over BBD. He's also available, thought I acknowledge NJ is an unlikely trade partner.

In spite of not seeing him as an ideal fit, I'd take Collison over Williams every day and twice on Sunday.

I understand you are really fond of shot-blockers and athletic bigs who can jump and dunk - Andersen, Swat, etc. - but I believe the C's need someone more solid, a guy who won't allow the opponent center to stick a foot between his legs to gain space and spin, who won't lost awareness of his man when hedging on screes, who won't need to put his hands over the opponent body to hold him... We are not a running team, so I don't get the fascination with bigs who can run the floor - even more if they run but then they don't have a clue about the footwork needed to establish position. We're not going to chance our game style and pace because of some random backup. "Strictly energy, running the floor, shot blocking"  was what people were saying POB would bring. I don't want a second version of him, there's a reason why New Jersey didn't pick Williams' rookie option. Give me a flat-footed and experienced veteran who can play basketball over athletic freaks who don't know how to play basketball and get lost on half-court sets.

so you'd trade TA for Collison?

Well, absolutely. I think anyone would. Collison is much more valuable than Tony Allen, you could easily trade him for better value later if you don't want to keep him. But there's no way OKC trade their starting center for a backup winger that they could have signed a few months ago.

I'm just saying that Collison isn't exactly the type of player we need.