Off-Season West Conf Discussion

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

If we're talking individual man to man defense, get your nose dirty and compete for 24 seconds, I'll take Ron.

When it comes to playing passing lanes and getting steals Ariza will win that battle because he's younger and fresh.

In the team scheme of things there's no question that Artest is the superior defensive answer.

Ariza may seem to be the "better" defender because he makes those highlight defensive plays but Ron can help LA much more by the fact that he can flat out get the opposition out of rhythm in a one on one scenario.

Kobe/Ron>Kobe/Trevor. Now LA has more diversity. This will especially be evident if LA runs into Denver, SA, Boston or Cleveland. In the past LA would simply have no answer for the superstar SF's of the league. Kobe/Trebor simply aren't big enough to compete, and that is basically their biggest Achilles' heel [see Boston in 2008, and Denver/Houston in 2009].

[GSW]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

yea plus they can do things offensivly with him when bynum or gasol is off the floor that they couldnt do when Ariza was there.

and FWIW i LOVE Trevor Ariza....always have (Pause)

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

Trust me Trev was one of my favorite Lakers in his time here, he was the perfect compliment to an ego like Kobe. Trev was always all business and never complained. He was never nervous, never forced things and always knew his role and played it perfectly.

He just wasn't physical enough to compete with the best of the best at his position [Melo, PP, LBJ]. If he can get stronger, he will elevate his name to the top of the best defenders list. Right now he's definitely on the list, but he's not at the top yet IMO.

Also, I'm not saying anyone could lock those SF's down but Ron will have much more success should LA meet them at any point in the playoffs. LA won't be bullied at that position anymore.

Another big question mark is defense at the point guard position. Hopefully Shannon Brown has been working hard this Summer.

[GSW]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

Shannon is a Good Defender, he just needs to work on his Jump shot.

[Stumbleweed]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

Can't wait for Melo to smoke Artest this year. Oh yeah, it'll happen.

[GSW]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

Can't wait for Melo to smoke Artest this year. Oh yeah, it'll happen.

Melo smokes everyone bro...

Except Baby Yeshua..j/k melo would ****ake mushroom all over Baby J right now. LOL

make him look FOOLISH

[ProfessaPackMan]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

I hope Pop doesn't start off the season with both Manu and RJ both starting at the sametime. Would make almost zero sense to me since you would be almost basically starting two of the exact same players at the same time.

[X*Cell]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

Pop reconstructing the Spurs playbook (throwing most of it out)

Pop says it's to help the learning curve. He says that he wants his stars to just go out there and play and not worry too much about what they were running for the previous twelve years.

I like the win-now mentality!

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

Interesting. When you have a core group of guys like Timmy, Parker and Manu I would say Pops' idea is fine.

RJ will be well on his way to getting at least 15 PPG by the sound of things

[X*Cell]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

Rockets signed Romel Beck

This guy's first step is unbelievable.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

I guess we can just use this thread for training camp info/pictures/video

Here's the Nation of Grizzlam, AI with the Spidey Sleeve, Randolph looking skinny

[X*Cell]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

I'm excited to check out the Grizz this year.

[ZB9]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

LOL @ "nation of grizzlam"

cracks me up, very clever

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

LOL @ "nation of grizzlam"

cracks me up, very clever

Either Tehova or some other Grizz zealot coined it

[o_capone]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

I'm excited to check out the Grizz this year.

so am i man, for me that's the team to watch this season... what 24 wins last year? i'm predicting at least 40 this year, maybe more... xach randolph is one of the few legit 20-10 men in the nba.. ai is AI... plus their young core of oj and rudy... solid big in marc gasol... the sky is the limit for this squad... only thing im unsure of is COACHING....

i'm still amazed that iverson's braids are back so fast... i guess if it aint broke don't fix it... cuttin his hair led to bad things on the court lol..