I really appreciate this comment, because I can see a lot of thought went into it. But, I think there are some points that need to be mentioned.
I think Lowry is one of the most underrated players in the entire NBA; the guy is fierce, he can defend, he can score, he can pass. I've loved him since his 'Nova days. But I agree that a pick and roll guy would be better with Amare. There are lots of teams that could use an offensive creator that should have interest in Lowry.
Lowry doesn't have a great rep as a P&R guy, but I think part of that is also his caliber of teammates.
I love Luis Scola, but he's not the best pick and roll guy. Lowry was first and foremost known as a penetrator on offense, and to that end I don't think he should have any problem utilizing picks from Amar'e, Bogut, and Williams (when Williams is at the 4 especially).
But when he passes off, he's not going to have Scola to pass the ball to. While Scola isn't a bad jumpshooter, Amar'e and Williams are much more of a matchup problem off the P&R. Both Williams and Amar'e, aside from being excellent jumpshooters, are also quicker and more skilled than Scola with the ball, and should be able to put the ball on the floor to create a better shot. Scola's best asset off the P&R is that he could shoot over any mismatches or hit an open jumper. Both Amar'e and WIlliams are much more dynamic threats that should be able to take advantage of Lowry's passes to create more efficient shots.
In the pick and roll game, you're only as dangerous as your partners, and Lowry just got a lot more dangerous.
I think D. Williams was drafted way too high (as a starter) since I can't really imagine him outproducing another similar size and skillset 3/4 who hasn't been drafted yet. Make that two guys like that. Bring him as a 6th man off the bench and I instantly love him. Do it, IP.
When those guys get drafted (I think I know both of them, and I know for sure I know one of them), I can't wait to have the Pepsi challenge. I think they're both very, very inferior talents to Williams..one because of attitude and being a general bonehead, and the other because of just not being on his level.
One thing I think this team is lacking is an identity. Not a defensive team. Not a fast breaking offensive team (which Amare would accel in). Not a team that I see being particularly amazing in the half court game yet since there isn't a ton of great passing in the 1-2-3 positions and it doesn't really have the stellar defense to go along with it yet. While a team with good size and rebounding, still not a "pound it down low" team like the Pacers. But still lots of time to find what that identity will be.
See you saw this as a weakness, but I see it as a strength. One thing I go for (and its honestly inspired by our own Celtics) is versatility in my 3,4,5 positions. Amar'e last year was named 2nd team All-NBA...as a center. My first (starting) lineup is big, and gets its identity from solid halfcourt sets, efficient scoring, and one of the best defensive anchors in the NBA.
My second team is fast, loose, and athletic, and gets its identity from its offensive matchups at the 4 (Williams) and the 5 (Amar'e), where my guys will be able to get up and down the court faster and stretch the defense with their shooting, opening it up for my penetrating pg and my yet unnamed but sure to be awesome perimeter players.
This is supposed to pattern the substitution plan of the Celtics, where they started big with Shaq or Jermaine, but then changed into a different team with ____ ____, going small.
I don't think you have to be one or the other, I think you can be either and both, depending on which lineup is most advantageous.
Topic: 2011 CB draft: How does my team look?/division rankings (Read 590284 times)