Random Thoughts on Game vs. Nets Last Night

[footey]

1.  KG seems to get pushed around a bit.  Starting to feel his lack of weight is going to limit his offense to 15 footers, similar to last season. Don't see him a force on the boards, certainly no post up game. I know it's early, but I am not seeing the 07/08 KG out there (yet).

2. Glen Davis could be our most valuable guy off the bench. His high energy is amazing.  I really don't want to hear any more trade proposals for a back up 3 involving him. He is too important to this team.

3.  Delonte looks very comfortable out there.  Huge pick up, especially when you consider our only other option at that spot was Von Wafer. Only concern is that DW is too quick to go one on one, rather than let the offense develop, could frustrate Doc or team-mates.  On the other hand, when things break down, we now have someone besides Paul Pierce who can create his own shot.

4.  Shaq looks s-l-o-w.  He eats space, but that is about it.  Granted, Lopez is skillful, but he absolutely killed Shaq in the first quarter. Haven't seen J O'Neal yet, but based on what I have seen, Perk has nothing to worry about.  Makes me appreciate Perk even more. No way Lopez schools him like that.

5. Erden could be a real keeper.  Seems to have picked up the defensive schemes, covers well and while not very athletic, has real skills with either hand.  I see him as the long term back up to Perk, or valuable trade bait.

6.  Paul and Ray seemed a step slow to me. 

7.  NJ has got some promise. I like their players, and I think Avery Johnson is the perfect coach for this group.  They play hard for him, at least in the pre-season.

This is only based on one pre-season game (did not see Philly game). 

[Who]

Yeah, I didn't think KG looked any better physically than he did last season. Not last night anyway.

[MBunge]

2. Glen Davis could be our most valuable guy off the bench. His high energy is amazing.  I really don't want to hear any more trade proposals for a back up 3 involving him. He is too important to this team.

I suspect that by the time the season is a month old, we'll all recognize how much Baby was hurt last year by being on the court with Sheed.  Now with Shaq, JO and Erden, he'll be able to play more in space and take advantage of his quickness and jumper.

Mike

[Bankshot]

6.  Paul and Ray seemed a step slow to me. 

Agree with most of your post, but disagree on Paul.  I thought Paul looked great.

[Bahku]

Actually, I think Paul looked faster and in better shape than last year ... and there were 3 or 4 times when Shaq was the first guy up the floor.

They're certainly in a period of physical decline, but I think Pierce is making conditioning more of a priority, and with Shaq it's effort.

The biggest surprise for me was 'Quis being more aggressive, (which is a must), and how effective Nate is off the pick-and-rolls.

A ton of positives to take away from that game, but man, this team is very deep, and I love it!

[xmuscularghandix]

6.  Paul and Ray seemed a step slow to me. 

Agree with most of your post, but disagree on Paul.  I thought Paul looked great.

Paul loves ripping apart rookies and garbage players in pre-season, he’s made a few people look REAL bad so far.

[Greenbean]

I wait until 10 games into the REGULAR season to make lists like this, never mind 2 games into the PREseason. And you only saw one game? If they looked slow it is because it was the 2nd game of a back to back fresh out of traingin camp.

KG is running well (no hesitation, saw him quick jump effectively a couple of times), Shaq is being a presence and running the floor a bit, everyone is commited to defense even early on, and overall they have great chemistry so far.

I know everyone cant wait for the season to really start but you really have to take these games with a grain of salt.

[Greenbean]

Yeah, I didn't think KG looked any better physically than he did last season. Not last night anyway.

I think his running and jumping looked better/ more confident. Hi offensive timing is way off though.

[gar]

Ray looked great at the end of the season and he was injured. Don't expect there to be a dramatic difference this year. If anything he will be more rested. Pierce was the one I was worried about - looked pretty bad toward the end there. So far, looks good - much better than end of last year.

[mmbaby]

I agree with everything in the OP except for Paul Pierce. Paul is always good to me and looks the same as ever.
It really is sad to me when this time comes in a player's life when they start losing the edge. Especially someone like KG, who is so special and universally respected and loved. I know it is what it is but it really hurts. Here's hoping for a couple more really good years for him. KG is BASKETBALL~
And here's to another ring for The Big Ticket!

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

Give these guys time to get into game shape at least... not to mention it's preseason. Shaq has proven year in and year out that he can hang with ANY C, plz don't make the second preseason game your gauge on what Shaq can or cannot do with Lopez. (not taking anything from Lopez... he is gd on O)