POLL The Lakers, Spurs, Leonard, DeRozan, and the idiot Raptors

[WiggyRuss]

Me and some peeps been talking about how Lebron can play the 5 spot, i think we will see it this season. Its going to be epic

a terrible idea

 

[flyerhawk]

Me and some peeps been talking about how Lebron can play the 5 spot, i think we will see it this season. Its going to be epic

 

[WiggyRuss]

You would take Morris over Kuzma?

Yeah....I don't know.

Morris is a much better defender.

But, that Dude's brain is a bag of cats.

He's too volatile.

RIGHT NOW? I mean- Kuzma 2-3 years from now I would say would prob. (you would hope) be comfortably better than Morris- but right now its pretty much preference- whether you want defense or offense- its close- but to say either is head and shoulders better than the other would be wrong.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

RIGHT NOW? I mean- Kuzma 2-3 years from now I would say would prob. (you would hope) be comfortably better than Morris- but right now its pretty much preference- whether you want defense or offense- its close- but to say either is head and shoulders better than the other would be wrong.

It's Morris' head that's the problem, not his skill level.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

Eh.

Not sure I agree.

The Lakers have a ton of playmakers. Rozier's scoring/shooting would fit much better because he could play off the ball alongside both LeBron and Rondo. I can't fathom Lonzo, Rondo and LeBron being able to play effectively with all 3 on the floor together.

Rondo and Ball are probably 2 of their 5 best players, and I am just not sure they can coexist on the court for extended stretches.

I get what you're saying. But outside of the 'career year' Rozier has last year, his numbers all across the board are a hell of a lot weaker than Lonzo's. Roziers FG% isn't even that much better (.377 vs .360)

The Lakers need playmakers to relieve the pressure from Lebron. Plus scoring isn't really an issue with guys like Kuz and Ingram and (with a bit of hope) even Hart.

 

[tlance]

I get what you're saying. But outside of the 'career year' Rozier has last year, his numbers all across the board are a hell of a lot weaker than Lonzo's. Roziers FG% isn't even that much better (.377 vs .360)

The Lakers need playmakers to relieve the pressure from Lebron. Plus scoring isn't really an issue with guys like Kuz and Ingram and (with a bit of hope) even Hart.

Rozier hasn't had the opportunity because he has been playing behind all star PGs and a bevy of talented wings. So stats don't tell the story for Rozier:

I think playing either Rondo or Ball with LeBron could be really good. Playing both though means 2 out of 5 defenders (at least) can help off their man and clog driving lanes. It is really hard to score efficiently in the NBA these days running a half court offense with two guards who don't shoot very well.

Maybe Walton can figure it out, but it won't be easy.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Rozier hasn't had the opportunity because he has been playing behind all star PGs and a bevy of talented wings. So stats don't tell the story for Rozier:

I think playing either Rondo or Ball with LeBron could be really good. Playing both though means 2 out of 5 defenders (at least) can help off their man and clog driving lanes. It is really hard to score efficiently in the NBA these days running a half court offense with two guards who don't shoot very well.

Maybe Walton can figure it out, but it won't be easy.

its hard to run an efficient offense in the NBA nowadays if you have ONE guard that cannot shoot very well- let alone 2.

If a team has 3 non-shooters on the court- regardless of position- they are fucked.

IF they have 2 non-shooters on the court things are not easy.

most have 1 non shooter on the court at any given time if they can manage it--- a lot of teams even have lineups wiht 5 shooters.

 

[WiggyRuss]

I get what you're saying. But outside of the 'career year' Rozier has last year, his numbers all across the board are a hell of a lot weaker than Lonzo's. Roziers FG% isn't even that much better (.377 vs .360)

The Lakers need playmakers to relieve the pressure from Lebron. Plus scoring isn't really an issue with guys like Kuz and Ingram and (with a bit of hope) even Hart.

Ya gotta give Rozier credit for what he just did in teh playoffs.

He started 19 playoff games and averaged like 17-5-5, had some huge games, and was clutch.

 

[WiggyRuss]

It's Morris' head that's the problem, not his skill level.

Yah Morris is a talented player but I think Kuzma is pretty talented too--- but at this point- no one could say this guy or the other is THAT much better than the other guy. Each guy has his strengths and weaknesses.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

Ya gotta give Rozier credit for what he just did in teh playoffs.

He started 19 playoff games and averaged like 17-5-5, had some huge games, and was clutch.

Absolutely.

But this was his 3rd year with his 3rd trip to the playoffs.

Roziers stats in his first year? 1.8ppg 1.6rpg and 0.9apg while shooting 27% from the field and 22% from 3

Now compare that to Lonzo's injury plagued first year and tell me who's better and has more promise.

This isn't even a comparison.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Absolutely.

But this was his 3rd year with his 3rd trip to the playoffs.

Roziers stats in his first year? 1.8ppg 1.6rpg and 0.9apg while shooting 27% from the field and 22% from 3

Now compare that to Lonzo's injury plagued first year and tell me who's better and has more promise.

This isn't even a comparison.

the dude played 8 minutes a game and was the clear backup- he was not just gifted a starters role and a ton of shots like Ball was.

Kobe's first year he averaged 7.6 pts, 1.3 assists, 1.9 boards, shot 41% from the field.

realizing one's potential is not linear. Also- this year I do not expect Rozier's stats to be that great with Kyrie coming back and obviously being the starter.

But, especially with Rozier at the age of 24, and Ball at the age of 20 and having as broken a shot as I have seen a guard have in the NBA- id rather have Rozier THIS YEAR.

Going forward its an interesting call. A lot will depend on if Ball can stay healthy, and if he develops a shot- two things which are far from certain at this point. Both guys have solid defensive skills.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

Ya gotta give Rozier credit for what he just did in teh playoffs.

He started 19 playoff games and averaged like 17-5-5, had some huge games, and was clutch.

His career will go one of 3 ways:

1. At worst, he's Darren Collison.

A guy who looks like a starter playing behind a perennial allstar talent.

But, really isn't.


2. A solid starter, maybe not a Allstar, who just needed the chance to show he can run a team.

* See Bledsoe, Reggie Jackson


3. Or best case: A Hof talent BURRIED behind a Legend and a Allstar in J Kidd, Kevin Johnson.

* See Steve Nash.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

the dude played 8 minutes a game and was the clear backup- he was not just gifted a starters role and a ton of shots like Ball was.

Kobe's first year he averaged 7.6 pts, 1.3 assists, 1.9 boards, shot 41% from the field.

realizing one's potential is not linear. Also- this year I do not expect Rozier's stats to be that great with Kyrie coming back and obviously being the starter.

But, especially with Rozier at the age of 24, and Ball at the age of 20 and having as broken a shot as I have seen a guard have in the NBA- id rather have Rozier THIS YEAR.

Going forward its an interesting call. A lot will depend on if Ball can stay healthy, and if he develops a shot- two things which are far from certain at this point. Both guys have solid defensive skills.

Again, you're judging a player on an injury plagued first year. While he can't shoot for shit, he can certainly and most probably will improve in that area.

How many players that aren't all-star HOF players averaged 10/7/7 in their first year.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

Absolutely.

But this was his 3rd year with his 3rd trip to the playoffs.

Roziers stats in his first year? 1.8ppg 1.6rpg and 0.9apg while shooting 27% from the field and 22% from 3

Now compare that to Lonzo's injury plagued first year and tell me who's better and has more promise.

This isn't even a comparison.

Lonzo put up those numbers in 34 mins a game.

Rozier played....8.

Ps. Terry played 39 games his Rookie year.


#Context.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

Again, you're judging a player on an injury plagued first year. While he can't shoot for shit, he can certainly and most probably will improve in that area.

How many players that aren't all-star HOF players averaged 10/7/7 in their first year.

We already did this dance....MCW....lol

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

Lonzo put up those numbers in 34 mins a game.

Rozier played....8.

Context.

Easiest way to see that is to compare the Per 36 Minutes stats, which Lonzo is clearly better at too. By far.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

We already did this dance....MCW....lol

So just the one guy.

That argument works in my favor.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

Easiest way to see that is to compare the Per 36 Minutes stats, which Lonzo is clearly better at too. By far.

Right....

So, I guess that means MCW is better than Lonzo. Because he put up better stats as a rookie?

Currently, it's clear Terry is better.

Mostly because of age and experience.

In a few years, that could change.

But, if you put both on the trade market now?

I don't remember hearing any rumors saying we want all the Celtics young guys EXCEPT ROZIER.

 

[WiggyRuss]

honestly...i know I will be labeled a lakers hater for saying this- and i am without a doubt a Lakers hater--- but i fucking hate what they did besides the LeBron signing.

Stephenson has never done anything outside of Indiana. The Pacers basically turned down the same thing the Lakers gave Stephenson. He cant shoot and needs the ball in his hands. He at least is a solid defender when motivated.

McGee is simply awful and should not be playing anything but a bit role. Right now I see ESPN.com has him as a starter on the depth chart and that is a disaster waiting to happen.

Kuzma is a guy I like- and while I think power forwards that can score a little are a dime a dozen- he does seem athletic enough to not get torn up switching the pick and roll. He has a decent/solid three point shot that should hopefully only get better. He is an average rebounder. While he prob. doesnt start on a majority of teams in the NBA- I think he is a solid fit with LeBron and should be a useful player.

Ingram is a good talent. Like I said- i dont see him ever becoming a top 25. To me he seems like a little bit of DeMar DeRozan. He is not an athletic guy that gets to the rim and rocks it with his pure talent. He is not a pure shooter. He is kind of a crafty mid range guy that gets his scoring all over the place. He is a twig defensively and can get pushed around the court. I do like his ability to pass though. He is a guy that has the scorer's mentality but is also a willing passer which is rare out of a young guy.

Rondo used to be good on defense a half-decade ago but he is living on his name now. To quote "Pelicans’ defensive rating with Rondo on the floor is 116.1, a putrid mark which would easily result in the worst defense in the league over the course of the season. Over the past couple of seasons, Rondo’s teams were slightly worse defensively with him on the court vs. off, but nothing nearly as drastic as what we have seen so far this season. "-- that was very early in the season though just to be clear. He is a terrible 3 pt shooter.

Ball is actually a pretty good defender-----"Last season, the Lakers rookie ranked third among point guards in ESPN's defensive real plus-minus with a plus-2.31 figure. Rondo checked in at No. 46 with a minus-0.37. The best you can say about Rondo's D in 2017-18 is it wasn't quite as awful as it was the year before: minus-0.49.". I think he should start over Rondo. Ball's shooting is a real problem though. In today's NBA having 2 non-shooters on the floor hurts. Having 3 non-shooters on the floor is death to an offense- all the other team has to do is pack the paint.

Ball has great size, and is a very good rebounder for a guard and has the tools to be a good defender- but offensively he is atrocious. The thing is- we know Ball cant shoot- but he is also a bad pick and roll point guard too. He is not athletic enough to turn on the jets and get by a defender and finish at the rim. His pick and roll numbers were terrible. You basically do not have to guard the guy.

KCP spent a decent portion of last season IN JAIL because he refused to show up to court to deal with his DUI from what I read. He is okay- but its not like he is anything better than a decent role player. 12M is the LeBron Tax.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

So just the one guy.

That argument works in my favor.

Dude, Tyreke Evans Shit all over Lonzo's rookie stats.

That's off the top of my head.

I don't actually care enough to go look up anyone else because this argument has been done before.

Lonzo had a good Rookie year.

But, his numbers weren't earth shattering.

He wasn't even the best rookie on his own team.

Sure, he could turn out to be J Kidd.

But, MCW is a possibility too.