<div align="center"></div> I've been a Sebastian Telfair supporter since day one, and on the old BBW, I defended him a countless number of times. I always said that he will surely never live up to his New York hype and become a bonafide All-Star, but he will develop into a very solid point guard in the NBA who brings a lot of energy and can run an offense at a respectable level. It's only December 19, but so far, he has done an excellent job this season. He is far and away the best pure point guard in Minnesota (not saying much, I know, but take it for what it's worth) and has really done a respectable job running the offense. I've watched a little over half of Minnesota's games thus far, and I'm extremely happy to see that he is showing real improvements. What has he improved on, you ask? First of all, his poise. He has improved his decision making in a big way. When he was in Portland, he was absolutely out of control and didn't understand when and where he could try to squeeze a play through. For example, he'd attempt no-look behind the back passes to Joel Przybilla, who wouldn't catch it, and it would result in a quick turnover. This year, he has really settled down and played patiently in the halfcourt. As a result, he has limited his boneheaded turnovers and has waited to make the right pass rather than forcing one through the heart of the defense. He is currently #18 in the league in both Assists Per Turnover (2.8) and Assists Per Game (5.5). Another thing he has improved on is his aggressiveness. Last year in October and November, Bassy would pull up and knock down that 18-footer every night. After the 3rd week of November, he completely went away from it. This year, he has consistently taken shots that are available to him and he is looking for confident in doing so. The biggest thing with his offense - finishing at the rim. Throughout his career, he has clearly been one of the worst finishers in the league with his 5'11'' frame being forced to throw up hail-mary layups over centers. For the past month or so, he has really finished at the rim at a respectable level. He's taking it strong to the bucket, too. For the first time in his career, he's shooting above 40% from the field (42% to be exact). He also chiseled his body this summer and dropped the baby fat he had last season that made him look like a Ninja Turtle. As a result of this, he's just as quick/explosive as he was at age 19 and I don't think there are very many players in the NBA who are above him in the quickness department. This has also made him a better defender. Obviously, he's not going to lock anybody down, but he has really done a good job staying in front of his man and stripping people off penetration. He still gets murdered behind screens because of his size and he's obviously not going to stop any bigger PG in the post, but his on-ball perimeter defense has been surprisingly solid. I've said all along, and I'm saying it again - Sebastian Telfair is not going to play his way out of the league. He belongs and is going to make a solid career out of himself. He's a free agent after this season, and I think he's going to make some GM a pretty happy camper. What are you're thoughts on Telfair, his strong start to this season, and his future? Keep it up, Bassy.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing @ Dec 19 2007, 04:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>We should have kept him to back up Rondo.</div> It's very hard to play under Rivers. Many point guards have tried and failed. Bassy has failed miserably.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing @ Dec 19 2007, 04:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>We should have kept him to back up Rondo.</div> There are three reasons why this wasn't possible: 1. Wyc had already made public announcements about how Telfair was "done" in green and how he won't tolerate him carrying a gun, even if it's for protection only. I don't think Sebastian would hurt a fly unless he or his family was in danger. After growing up in Coney Island and being robbed at gunpoint last winter, I don't blame him one bit for carrying a gun. Wyc is strict on that policy, however, and didn't condone what Bassy did. 2. Once a young player gets into Doc's doghouse, he stays in Doc's doghouse for eternity. Telfair is another one that got into that situation. 3. His $2.5 million expiring contract was needed to pull off the deal.
I am so pleased with the way he has been playing. I had originally thought that we were going to cut the guy, but now I am so glad we didn't. But anyway, has the trade worked out for you guys in Boston?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (tim @ Dec 19 2007, 06:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I am so pleased with the way he has been playing. I had originally thought that we were going to cut the guy, but now I am so glad we didn't. But anyway, has the trade worked out for you guys in Boston? </div> No, it sucks. This Garnett guy is a bust. He's one-dimensional, doesn't play defense, is never focused, and doesn't play with any intensity. What a joke. (I actually just described Gerald Green for you).
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (tim @ Dec 19 2007, 06:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I am so pleased with the way he has been playing. I had originally thought that we were going to cut the guy, but now I am so glad we didn't. But anyway, has the trade worked out for you guys in Boston? </div> Now, now, that Al Jefferson kid is turning into something special, isn't he? But that comment was definitely post of the year material.
With a 3-20 record, the Timberwolves were in no position to cut a former lottery pick. Telfair was always talented, but he really lacks the college experience, which would have been especially vital playing under Rick Pitino. This is the best situation for him. Playing for a lottery-bound T'Wolves franchise, Telfair has a chance to "experiment" with no pressure. One can say the same thing about the Blazers, but he did face distractions with the whole Jail Blazer ambiance still present, and the gun charges in Boston. Telfair is too young and talented to not be given a chance by a struggling franchise with nothing to lose. I think a bigger question is: what happened to Gerald Green?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. J @ Dec 19 2007, 07:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>With a 3-20 record, the Timberwolves were in no position to cut a former lottery pick. Telfair was always talented, but he really lacks the college experience, which would have been especially vital playing under Rick Pitino. This is the best situation for him. Playing for a lottery-bound T'Wolves franchise, Telfair has a chance to "experiment" with no pressure. One can say the same thing about the Blazers, but he did face distractions with the whole Jail Blazer ambiance still present, and the gun charges in Boston. Telfair is too young and talented to not be given a chance by a struggling franchise with nothing to lose. I think a bigger question is: what happened to Gerald Green?</div> It's ironic. I took a cheap shot at Green earlier in this thread, then you posted this... come to find out, he put up 18 points and 8 rebounds tonight. But what happened to Green? He hasn't grown up, and he hasn't improved much at all since his rookie year. He's athletic, he can shoot the lights out when he's on, and he can get on the highlight reels. Other than that, there's nothing too intriguing about him. He's soft, avoids contact, can't play defense, can't do a crossover without unintentionally falling on top of the ball, sulks on the court when things aren't going right for him, and lacks any form of basketball IQ. I really do like Gerald Green and I fell right into the hype back in 2005 when the Celtics "stole" him at 18, but he hasn't lived up to it at all. I think there is a small chance that he could be one of those late bloomers and turn into a Jamal Crawford type of player, but I wouldn't bank on it.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticBalla32 @ Dec 20 2007, 01:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>It's ironic. I took a cheap shot at Green earlier in this thread, then you posted this... come to find out, he put up 18 points and 8 rebounds tonight. But what happened to Green? He hasn't grown up, and he hasn't improved much at all since his rookie year. He's athletic, he can shoot the lights out when he's on, and he can get on the highlight reels. Other than that, there's nothing too intriguing about him. He's soft, avoids contact, can't play defense, can't do a crossover without unintentionally falling on top of the ball, sulks on the court when things aren't going right for him, and lacks any form of basketball IQ. I really do like Gerald Green and I fell right into the hype back in 2005 when the Celtics "stole" him at 18, but he hasn't lived up to it at all. I think there is a small chance that he could be one of those late bloomers and turn into a Jamal Crawford type of player, but I wouldn't bank on it.</div> Um, no all Gerald Green needs is time and experience to be an all-star in this league. Last night 18/8/2 with superb defense all night. He's coming along and will prove haters like CB32 wrong!
Telfair has 16 points, 7 assists on 7-10 shooting with no turnovers at halftime tonight. I'm telling you guys... EDIT: He finished with 27/11 on 11-18 shooting (finished at the rim so well). Just 1 turnover, as well. Oh yeah.. and the Wolves actually won.
