CB Draft 2011 Pacific Division Press Conferences

[ChampKind]

I like the warriors, and I think they're a playoff team, but are they really a deep playoff team?

Dirk & Co over the years have proven that scoring points was never their biggest problem. Their biggest problem was a toughness inside, and while I don't think David Lee is a bad player by any means, I'd rate both Brendan Haywood and Tyson Chandler as better defensive anchors next to Dirk, and better defensive players on the whole.

That's problem 1. Problem 2 is floor spacing. Stephen Curry and Steve Blake have both proven to be capable 3pt shooters, but only one of them can be on the floor at a time.

Meanwhile, Sam Young, Nic Batum, Andre Miller, Roddy Beaubois, and Thad Young are all good players in the right roles, but spot up shooter ain't one of them, and its a role that all of them (maybe sans Miller) should be able to play with the way your offense is looking in context with the rest of your players.

Batum and Beaubois are both players who can stretch the floor. Batum shot 40.9% from long range in 2010, while Beaubois shot the same figure. Both regressed this year, but either player can be considered an above average shooter.

As for Camby I think his words have more to do with not wanting to play with a non-contender. It's tough to factor in the "I'm playing here or I'm not playing" argument 100% in a league that blows everything up, so I'd factor that out, along with Ben Wallace's probability of playing outside of DET. He's not the player he once was, but he can still defend/rebound/mentor, which is all we need.

Edited to sound less snarky. Of course, we'll also throw plenty of hypothetical money at Marcus to get him to show up.

[The Walker Wiggle]

I like the warriors, and I think they're a playoff team, but are they really a deep playoff team?

Dirk & Co over the years have proven that scoring points was never their biggest problem. Their biggest problem was a toughness inside, and while I don't think David Lee is a bad player by any means, I'd rate both Brendan Haywood and Tyson Chandler as better defensive anchors next to Dirk, and better defensive players on the whole.

I'd agree that both Chandler and Haywood are far better defensive anchors than Lee, but Camby is equal to either. And Lee is easily the best rebounder of the four. At the least, limiting second chance points is something the Warriors should be able to do better than the actual Mavericks.

That's problem 1. Problem 2 is floor spacing. Stephen Curry and Steve Blake have both proven to be capable 3pt shooters, but only one of them can be on the floor at a time.

Meanwhile, Sam Young, Nic Batum, Andre Miller, Roddy Beaubois, and Thad Young are all good players in the right roles, but spot up shooter ain't one of them, and its a role that all of them (maybe sans Miller) should be able to play with the way your offense is looking in context with the rest of your players.

Nicolas Batum is only a season removed from nearly posting a .500/.400/.900 shooting line, realm of the NBA shooting gods, finishing at .519/.409/.843.

[Roy H.]

Question for Golden State:

1.  You have a very deep team, but can your starters match up with Sacramento's?

[indeedproceed]

Nicolas Batum is only a season removed from nearly posting a .500/.400/.900 shooting line, realm of the NBA shooting gods, finishing at .519/.409/.843.

And you anticipate him getting back there?

[The Walker Wiggle]

EDIT: The part I didn't include in this is that Marcus Camby has not only been less than healthy for long stretches, he's even hinted at retirement if Portland trades him. I'm not sure 20 mins a night is even going to work with him.

Chauncey Billups also threatened to retire if dealt by the Nuggets. He came around quickly after the Knicks agreed to pick up his contract option, ie money talks.

Since 2007-08, Bogut has played in 78, 36, 69, and 65 games, averaging 61 games per season.

Camby has played in 79, 62, 74, and 59 games, averaging 68.5 games per season.

As a side note, judging players likelihood of injury is for me probably the most fraught (frustrating?) aspect of CB Draft voting. GC, had already made one very interesting alternate proposal. Here's another, each team be allowed one 82 game Yao Ming exception?

[ChampKind]

Question for Golden State:

1.  You have a very deep team, but can your starters match up with Sacramento's?

Good question. Let's take a look (this is without referencing 82games or basketball-reference):

PG: Stephen Curry vs. Chauncey Billups - I like Curry in this matchup for his efficiency and scoring, but Billups is the veteran and more established distributor. Looking at starters alone, this is a tight matchup that ultimately swings based on how you view Curry.

SG: Sam Young vs. Wesley Matthews - Matthews takes this one, but Young, with his size and bulldog style of play, will help close the gap between the two.

SF: Nic Batum vs. LeBron James - Batum's athleticism and length are plusses, but LeBron's strength and status as the most talented athlete in the NBA make this one an easy loss

PF: Dirk Nowitzki vs. Paul Millsap - I like Millsap, and he's a bulldog of a player, but this one goes to Dirk

C: Marcus Camby vs. Tyson Chandler - two big guys who defend and rebound. Chandler gets the edge by not being ancient.

Overall, the Kings have the better starters, but I don't think the gap is big enough to offset the talent that GSW has 1-13. Really, you should be looking at it like:

Are Curry/Miller/Young a better rotation than Billups/Matthews/Jennings? Is Dirk/Camby/Lee/Young tougher than Millsap/Chandler/Diaw/Mohammed? I think we've got the tougher rotation, but make no mistake, the Kings are a very, very good squad.

[ChampKind]

EDIT: The part I didn't include in this is that Marcus Camby has not only been less than healthy for long stretches, he's even hinted at retirement if Portland trades him. I'm not sure 20 mins a night is even going to work with him.

Chauncey Billups also threatened to retire if dealt by the Nuggets. He came around quickly after the Knicks agreed to pick up his contract option, ie money talks.

Since 2007-08, Bogut has played in 78, 36, 69, and 65 games, averaging 61 games per season.

Camby has played in 79, 62, 74, and 59 games, averaging 68.5 games per season.

As a side note, judging players likelihood of injury is for me probably the most fraught (frustrating?) aspect of CB Draft voting. GC, had already made one very interesting alternate proposal. Here's another, each team be allowed one 82 game Yao Ming exception?

Thanks WW. Appreciate the solid response. TP.

[The Walker Wiggle]

Nicolas Batum is only a season removed from nearly posting a .500/.400/.900 shooting line, realm of the NBA shooting gods, finishing at .519/.409/.843.

And you anticipate him getting back there?

Bottom line, he's a solid shooter, certainly good enough that team's won't be able to sag off of him to help on Nowitzki (AND cover Curry's side of the floor for that matter).

But, let's say if Robin Lopez can capture lightning in a bottle again why can't Nic?  

[KCattheStripe]

Nicolas Batum is only a season removed from nearly posting a .500/.400/.900 shooting line, realm of the NBA shooting gods, finishing at .519/.409/.843.

And you anticipate him getting back there?

Bottom line, he's a solid shooter, certainly good enough that team's won't be able to sag off of him to help on Nowitzki (AND cover Curry's side of the floor for that matter).

But, let's say if Robin Lopez can capture lightning in a bottle again why can't Nic?  

[Who]

Who, I love your team, though I'm a little concerned with the lack of a proven PF behind Odom (which could've allowed Odom to play some 3).

Explain to someone like myself, whose knowledge of Markief Morris is limited to 'he exists', why he's ready for rotational minutes on what I think should be a contender.

I have nothing to really add to Markieff Morris beyond what's on his draftexpress page and college stats. You can see that information there.

His per minute rebounding numbers are very good as are his FG% around the rim and on jump-shots. I read somewhere that he was above average, on a per minute basis, in every statistical area for his position except steals which was average. Which is impressive.

During the workouts, multiple teams praised (1) his toughness and willingness to do the gritty work in the paint (2) understanding of his role as an NBA player [very important for a role player big man) (3) defense, rebounding and jump-shooting from PF. There seemed to be a general consensus about his capacity to become a quality role player at the NBA level.

I like Ilyasova a lot so I am not 100% sure that Morris can beat him out as a rookie. If he can't, I am perfectly happy with Ilyasova as my backup PF.

One of the more dangerous offensive players at his position (backup PF) with his shooting range and athleticism. A guy who can spread the floor and create more space for dribble penetration (Manu, B.Gordon) and post ups (Bynum).

I also think he's the type of player who'll benefit from the passing ability of this team (Kidd, Manu, Odom). That he will consistently get better looks on his jumpers than he got in Milwaukee. Furthermore, Ilyasova is a good team defender and an average to above average rebounder.

Then there is Big Ben who is around to supply tough physical man-to-man defense at PF when the coach feels that is what offers the most value to the team.

The rest of the rotation is pretty much locked up. The PF is less settled with the backup PF slot wide open between Ilyasova and Markieff + with Big Ben seeing occasional minutes as a stopper where necessary.

[indeedproceed]

EDIT: The part I didn't include in this is that Marcus Camby has not only been less than healthy for long stretches, he's even hinted at retirement if Portland trades him. I'm not sure 20 mins a night is even going to work with him.

Chauncey Billups also threatened to retire if dealt by the Nuggets. He came around quickly after the Knicks agreed to pick up his contract option, ie money talks.

Since 2007-08, Bogut has played in 78, 36, 69, and 65 games, averaging 61 games per season.

Camby has played in 79, 62, 74, and 59 games, averaging 68.5 games per season.

As a side note, judging players likelihood of injury is for me probably the most fraught (frustrating?) aspect of CB Draft voting. GC, had already made one very interesting alternate proposal. Here's another, each team be allowed one 82 game Yao Ming exception?

Yeah but 1) Andrew Bogut is a lot better, 2) This is a thread for Pacific teams..I'm flattered you can't get my team out of your mind, but I'm not sure how its relevant, and 3) Marcus Camby is actually 37 years old. HE IS 37 YEARS OLD. A retirement threat from Camby is a serious probability, moreso than from 34 year old Chauncey Billups (who is in the Pacific Conference, which is relevant here).

But, I think Champ nailed it earlier:

As for Camby I think his words have more to do with not wanting to play with a non-contender. It's tough to factor in the "I'm playing here or I'm not playing" argument 100% in a league that blows everything up, so I'd factor that out, along with Ben Wallace's probability of playing outside of DET. He's not the player he once was, but he can still defend/rebound/mentor, which is all we need.

Aw hey look, ya did it again!

Nicolas Batum is only a season removed from nearly posting a .500/.400/.900 shooting line, realm of the NBA shooting gods, finishing at .519/.409/.843.

And you anticipate him getting back there?

Bottom line, he's a solid shooter, certainly good enough that team's won't be able to sag off of him to help on Nowitzki (AND cover Curry's side of the floor for that matter).

But, let's say if Robin Lopez can capture lightning in a bottle again why can't Nic?  

I'm not going to disrespect the teams here by talking about mine. Its their time right now, but I will say this: If you think Robin Lopez is a done deal even after struggling back from injury and roster overhaul, how is he really different at all than Batum, who struggled with roster overhaul (the decline of Roy, Oden's injury, integrating Wes Matthews, Alridge's emergence) and an increased role?

Both players followed stellar (for their respective roles) sophomore seasons with uninspiring third year campaigns, and both players are in their early 20's and should bounce back.

But, you're more comfortable with Batum as a starter than you are with Lopez as a backup?

[Kwhit10]

Question for Golden State:

1.  You have a very deep team, but can your starters match up with Sacramento's?

Good question. Let's take a look (this is without referencing 82games or basketball-reference):

PG: Stephen Curry vs. Chauncey Billups - I like Curry in this matchup for his efficiency and scoring, but Billups is the veteran and more established distributor. Looking at starters alone, this is a tight matchup that ultimately swings based on how you view Curry.

SG: Sam Young vs. Wesley Matthews - Matthews takes this one, but Young, with his size and bulldog style of play, will help close the gap between the two.

SF: Nic Batum vs. LeBron James - Batum's athleticism and length are plusses, but LeBron's strength and status as the most talented athlete in the NBA make this one an easy loss

PF: Dirk Nowitzki vs. Paul Millsap - I like Millsap, and he's a bulldog of a player, but this one goes to Dirk

C: Marcus Camby vs. Tyson Chandler - two big guys who defend and rebound. Chandler gets the edge by not being ancient.

Overall, the Kings have the better starters, but I don't think the gap is big enough to offset the talent that GSW has 1-13. Really, you should be looking at it like:

Are Curry/Miller/Young a better rotation than Billups/Matthews/Jennings? Is Dirk/Camby/Lee/Young tougher than Millsap/Chandler/Diaw/Mohammed? I think we've got the tougher rotation, but make no mistake, the Kings are a very, very good squad.

Team depth isn't as helpful in the playoffs as rotations get tighter.  But I must say I think the Dirk is a bad matchup for Milsap. Dirk will shoot over him everytime.  And in their H2H matchups Dirk has done very well.

[indeedproceed]

To Sacramento: Explain to my why Mike Miller will be healthy for the season, and Tyson Chandler is going to play well next season.

Miller just had yet another surgery for an ailment unrelated to his thumb, and he's not exactly optimistic. That makes two separate incidences since the off-season began:

Not only did Mike Miller undergo recent surgery for a ruptured tendon in his left thumb, but it has been learned that Miller recently also underwent surgery on his left shoulder. Due to the lockout, the Heat were not allowed to confirm the procedures.

Miller told his hometown newspaper, the Mitchell (S.D.) Daily Republic, "I've been trying to glue myself back together, kind of like the humpty-dumpty man right now. I've been out since the season's been over. It's a little bit frustrating right now, but hopefully it will give the rest of my body a chance to heal up and take a break."

The last time Tyson Chandler signed a contract extension, he followed it up was an offensively anemic, defensively inconsistent performance that prodded the Bulls into possibly the worst FA signing of the last 10 years, and shipping out Tyson Chandler for JR Smith and PJ Brown.

He's followed that year up with both acclaimed and criticized performances. An appearance in Beijing, a trade for Eduardo Najera, Matt Carroll, and Eric Dampier's expiring non-guaranteed contract. Leading the league in offensive rebounds, to being traded for scraps to OKC (old Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox), only to have that trade reversed by OKC because Chandler couldn't pass his physical.

Nobody can deny the effect of having a strong defensive anchor had on LeBron James's Heat in the Finals, but why do you think Tyson Chandler can break the chain this season and start putting in consistently elite defensive performances? You're not worried about "Fat Contract" Syndrome, or that last year was a contract year anomaly?

[Who]

I imagine T.Chandler would be the primary defender against Dirk.

Utilizing a three man rotation against Dirk with Millsap and Diaw the secondary and tertiary options.

[The Walker Wiggle]

Aw hey look, ya did it again!

I've always felt a GMs own line up was relevant to his critique. But you're right I shouldn't lead the discussion too far afield.

So coming back around, my Pacific division rankings subject to change following further debate and an L.A. press conference:

1. Golden State Warriors
2. Phoenix Suns
3. Sacramento Dino-Boxer-Bots
4. Los Angeles Conspiracy