<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The interesting thing about the trade that sent Kwame Brown to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins is that while Brown claimed that he was ready to be a "beast" this season, it is Butler who is playing like one. Brown is averaging 6.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 27.3 minutes per game for the Lakers, numbers that are below his averages during four seasons with the Wizards (7.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg). Butler, a starter in his first three seasons with the Miami Heat and Lakers, is averaging 17.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 47.9 percent as the Wizards' sixth man. Butler, who missed two games with a left thigh injury, also has shown a knack for getting to the free throw line, where he's made 25 of 29 attempts. During Saturday night's 110-95 victory over the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, Butler was particularly effective when used in combination with Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison. The question is whether Coach Eddie Jordan will be compelled to insert Butler into the starting lineup. So far, Jordan has gone with a starting unit of Arenas, Jamison, Antonio Daniels, Jared Jeffries and Brendan Haywood, and Butler has accepted his role as the primary scorer off the bench. "I like the mix we have," Jordan said. "If it goes to a point where it's undeniable that he has to be a starter then fine, but right now I like the balance of what we have with starters and with what's coming off the bench." The overall depth of the Wizards is the greatest change from last season. Two bench players, Butler and guard Jarvis Hayes, are averaging in double figures in points, and 10 players are averaging double figures in minutes played.</div> Source
Well, supposedly Kwame Brown was a super duper athlete that had little feel for the game, so I guess the Lakers decided to take a big gamble to get Kwame Brown and pray that he has a huge breakout season. Yes, this trade is one sided, and I wonder why the Lakers had to trade such good players for player who is cancer on the other team. I thought they could get someone cheaper than Coran Butler, who was developing a relationship with Bryant to get Brown.
Already criticism from this trade. It's still early in the season. Why don't we wait til the end of the year to do any criticizing about whether or not the Lakers did the right thing in this trade.
I've followed the Bullets /Wizards for a long time and I can't remember when they have been this good. They actually can win against any team and their bench is so strong. They play a fast, exciting game and I expect that they will not last long in the shadows of the power teams. All of them are such great role models. They seem to know that they are blessed with enormous talent and are lucky to be playing for Eddie.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Moo2K4:</div><div class="quote_post">Already criticism from this trade. It's still early in the season. Why don't we wait til the end of the year to do any criticizing about whether or not the Lakers did the right thing in this trade.</div> Well, at least until the All Star break.
Kwame is looking like he got worse, I really don't understand. He was a lot better than this in 03-04, and is capable of being better, let's hope he does play better.
On offense i think that the triangle is really hard for a lot of players to grasp, so it might take until even the all-star break for him to catch on in that aspect. From what I've seen he doesn't seem to into it, or either the touches aren't enough for him? I have no idea. On defense he gets into foul trouble too often and that really brings his playing time down a lot. I hope he can get with it becuase I'd alwasy rather see a player be successful, then just be garbage. But I agree, so far it looks like he's regressed from past years.
The big problem with Kwame is that he becomes disinterested too easily. If the Lakers don't get him the ball early and often, he becomes a complete non factor. That's really been the case this season from what I've seen. In the one game he did well in, the Lakers went to him early, and he played well throughout. However, when the touches don't come early, he becomes bored and he just seemingly gives up. That attitude has to change. If he can just keep an interest in playing, instead of giving up after a quarter or so, he'd be much better off. But right now, that's not happening. Hopefully that changes here soon, otherwise the Lakers could be in trouble.
Laron Profit is so much better than Chucky Atkins. As for Kwame, he is frustrating to watch on offense. He is the definition of having butterfingers. The Lakers are forcing him to be a back to the basket player and so far he's failing miserably at it. Kwame is much better when he catches the ball about 12 feet from the basket, faces up his defender, and then uses his speed to get into the lane to score. He also doesn't dunk the ball and take advantage of his height and power on the inside. Physically he's right there with Amare Stoudemire, but mentally he's right there with the rock in your backyard.
It looked one sided to me right when i heard about the trade. He was garbage in washington for years and hes garbage now. Why do we need to wait a year until we evaluate this trade? The Lakers gave up Caron Butler and Atkins to get Kwame Brown. That is a HORRIBLE trade.
He was actually good in Washington in 03-04, he averaged 10.3 PPG, and I think 7.1 RPG in 30 MPG. He had big games against some good players, shot well overall, and was looking good....then 04-05 came, and it went downhill.
i thought kwame brown would straighten out while being under Phil and especially under Kareem but i guess i was wrong
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting PlaTsanity:</div><div class="quote_post">i thought kwame brown would straighten out while being under Phil and especially under Kareem but i guess i was wrong</div> Kwame Brown's defense has improved with the Lakers. He was starting to turn the corner with being more aggressive in rebounding, but he injured his hamstring in the last game. Offensively, he's been terrible, but the Lakers are forcing him to be a back to the basket player. For Kwame to work in the Triangle he has to develop a post game and play like a big man and not a small forward. He's always been more comfortable facing up on his defender and driving past him. So for him it's like starting from square one with the Lakers on offense.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting PlaTsanity:</div><div class="quote_post">i thought kwame brown would straighten out </div> While playing technique and development of skill can be enhanced or worked on, attitude and focus are something that goes along with your character. Kwame has the talent, the size and the pre-NBA track record to be a good starter, even a possible All-Star... but the man needs something more than just a rework on his his on-the-floor aspect.
kwame's game is just not there, i wonder how he got picked the #1 overall what a waste of time, come on man they could have pick me instead... lol both number1 and number2 draft pick that year had been a bust, but at least chandler is a great rebounder and can block shots
