What happens when Perk is back? (Chemestry issues)

[MBunge]

Why should Perk start when he's clearly an inferior player? Shaq is just a better basketball player than Perk, even at 38.

Shaq is really only better at two things than Perk at this point in his career.  He's a far better finisher at the rim and can post up better against playoff level defense.  Perk is a far better defender.  Frankly, if Delonte remains on the shelf when Perk comes back, I'm not sure that Shaq wouldn't be more useful playing with the second unit.  I'm imaging Perk starting the game, Shaq playing the middle of the first half and then finishing out with JO.

Mike

[GranTur]

Perkins turns the ball over so much it offsets his defensive advantage over Shaq. The offensive fouls, travels, losing the ball while making his slow motions...they are frustating.

Add to the fact that Shaq is more fluid offensively.

Shaq is on a different level than Perk.

[LooseCannon]

Perkins turns the ball over so much it offsets his defensive advantage over Shaq. The offensive fouls, travels, losing the ball while making his slow motions...they are frustating.

So, basically, Perkins is a giant-sized, non-stupid Tony Allen.

[Change]

Perkins turns the ball over so much it offsets his defensive advantage over Shaq. The offensive fouls, travels, losing the ball while making his slow motions...they are frustating.

So, basically, Perkins is a giant-sized, non-stupid Tony Allen.

Yep. Tony Allen with BBIQ

[Chris]

Perkins turns the ball over so much it offsets his defensive advantage over Shaq. The offensive fouls, travels, losing the ball while making his slow motions...they are frustating.

So, basically, Perkins is a giant-sized, non-stupid Tony Allen.

Yep. Tony Allen with BBIQ

Does Perk have a higher BBIQ than Tony Allen?  I'm not so sure.  I think he just doesn't touch the ball as much.  But he makes plenty of dumb mistakes out there.

[wil]

I started the season as a firm advocate of Perk starting, with Shaq coming off the bench as an anchor for the 2nd unit, but Shaq has been a much better fit with the starters than I imagined.  He's capitalizing on the attention given the "big 4" better than any of our other big men could hope to, KG and Rondo are doing a better job mitigating his defensive weaknesses than the bench guys could and his presence on the boards is doing a lot to free up our transition game.

This is exactly what I'm thinking.  I love Perk and I hate to admit it, but Shaq may be best off with the starters.  Based on the strong language from Perk in training camp about being the starter when he comes back, i'm nervous to see how this plays out.  I hope that he would accept his role and stick with it, but I'm not so sure.  I think it would be best to start Perk and bring Shaq in as the first big off the bench somewhere in the 1st qtr.  From there just go with who is playing well. 

[CNYCeltsfan]

I started a new thred on this wihtout seeing this one so my bad.  new to the forum.  But I actually think Shaq and perks game each will benefit from Perk coming off the bench and Shaq starting.  Shaq is older and will be better over the first 3 quarters, Perk comes in off the bench to play solid defense rebournd and help finish out the fourth so haq a shaq cant be used.

Right now the starting 5 has better chemistry with Shaq on the floor.  And with BBD playing well Jermaine oneal may be the odd man out  in terms of minutes. I would love to see if we could play BBD at the 3 spot at times but I dont think his slow feet would allow that.

[GranTur]

Perkins turns the ball over so much it offsets his defensive advantage over Shaq. The offensive fouls, travels, losing the ball while making his slow motions...they are frustating.

So, basically, Perkins is a giant-sized, non-stupid Tony Allen.

Yeah. Pretty much.

I'd like to believe Perkins has another 30% potential in his game somewhere. Tony Allen has nowhere to progress really.

Gotta love Perk's attitude regardless. He bleeds green either way.

[indeedproceed]

I swore I'd never be "that guy" but i have to say it...

"How quickly we forget..."

[Megatron]

I started a new thred on this wihtout seeing this one so my bad.  new to the forum.  But I actually think Shaq and perks game each will benefit from Perk coming off the bench and Shaq starting.  Shaq is older and will be better over the first 3 quarters, Perk comes in off the bench to play solid defense rebournd and help finish out the fourth so haq a shaq cant be used.

Right now the starting 5 has better chemistry with Shaq on the floor.  And with BBD playing well Jermaine oneal may be the odd man out  in terms of minutes. I would love to see if we could play BBD at the 3 spot at times but I dont think his slow feet would allow that.

BBD or JO will probably be used down the stretch in the 4th, not Perkins. Remember Perkins shoots freethrows just as bad as shaq, and also cant score on offense.

[CNYCeltsfan]

I started a new thred on this wihtout seeing this one so my bad.  new to the forum.  But I actually think Shaq and perks game each will benefit from Perk coming off the bench and Shaq starting.  Shaq is older and will be better over the first 3 quarters, Perk comes in off the bench to play solid defense rebournd and help finish out the fourth so haq a shaq cant be used.

Right now the starting 5 has better chemistry with Shaq on the floor.  And with BBD playing well Jermaine oneal may be the odd man out  in terms of minutes. I would love to see if we could play BBD at the 3 spot at times but I dont think his slow feet would allow that.

BBD or JO will probably be used down the stretch in the 4th, not Perkins. Remember Perkins shoots freethrows just as bad as shaq, and also cant score on offense.

probably depends on the matchup.  Say Miami and I would definitely go with a smaller lineup with BBD.  Orlando or Milwaukee I would want Perk playing defense.  I think Perk is actually a better defensive player at this point in his career then shaq.  I have seen nothing from JO to warrant him in the conversation IMO.  A few brief moments of stout defense with Benn Wallace-like offense.  I rather have Perk who wont care if he is not lifting shots down the stretch then JO, or Shaq out there.

[cordialb]

I really like Shaq used with the second unit because for first unit has no lack of offense.

Shaq gives the second unit offensive stability and the offense can be run through him.  The screens him and BBD/JO will set for the shooters will be devastating, while he can post and hit the open man at will.

Plus, he slows down the game with the second unit in, giving the starters more time to rest...which is the typical role of second units.

[billysan]

I am sure Perk will take a couple of games to work himself back into shape. He is not so naive or selfish to think he will play ahead of Shaq. JO or anyone as a starter until Doc deems him ready. Perk will put the team first and respect for the coach ahead of any personal issues.

I think he will use earning that starting job back as a motivational tool. It would be nice to see him come back with a new wrinkle or two in his offensive game like a 10-12 foot jumper and improved free throw shooting.

[arctic 3.0]

I feel like shaq's offense helps the second unit more than perks offense hurts the first unit.

either way perk (and west's) return will be a huge boost entering the home stretch.
 

[Megatron]

I really like Shaq used with the second unit because for first unit has no lack of offense.

Shaq gives the second unit offensive stability and the offense can be run through him.  The screens him and BBD/JO will set for the shooters will be devastating, while he can post and hit the open man at will.

Plus, he slows down the game with the second unit in, giving the starters more time to rest...which is the typical role of second units.

The first unit has no lack for offense NOW. But in the playoffs, the first unit will need Shaqs easy scoring. Why?

Ray Allen will be in some sort of a slump(happens every year in the playoffs) or will be guarded tightly.
Pierce will have a tough cover(Lebron, Artest)
Garnett wont be attacking the paint like he should be.
Rondo cant shoot, and if they clog the paint he cant score.

The only option the first unit has against ANY lineup is Shaq, he can score against anyone, or will get fouled.

THAT is why he is important, to get us points in the early going and set the tempo so we dont start out in a hole.

Trust me, when the playoffs come around you shall see.