Even though Aldridge had a piss poor game tonight, I was more worried about the team's "physical nature" on the court. They played with a sense of urgency and unity I've read most complained we haven't had all season. I'm just glad Oden played well tonight. And the funny thing is, you look at his stats, and you would think he had a average game. Crazy watching Oden come on the court and Spurs had to change their game plan. Oden didn't even have to score tonight, and the rebounding was PF-like. But MAN OH MAN did he alter shots tonight! That dominance made people miss shots, without him even being in the area. Weird really!
I still find it ridiculous that after 4 years in college, and 11 years in the NBA, Andre Miller still can't shoot long range. I mean seriously, how does this happen?
I guess we were thinking of different possessions. We won, so botched plays were probably all part of the master plan.
What is so hard to believe? Magic Johnson couldn't hit a jumper to save his life! Ray Allen has NO handles! Not every player can do everything. That's what makes guys like Lebron so special.
NBA players have access to courts everyday, I would assume he has tried to work on it at least a little bit, but it still doesn't work. My dad, who never played a minute of organized basketball in his life, could probably hit as many wide open three's as Miller. And I know I could hit more. I know of course he is better than me at everything else by A LOT. But an NBA point guard should be able to shoot better than that.
Different people have different skill sets. I could never shoot, but could handle the ball and pass well. I have a lot of friends who could dunk and block the shit out of your shot, but couldn't make a free throw to save their lives. Can't be good at everything my man.
Tru dat. Other than 3pt% you can't really complain about any of Miller's career stats. He also knows his limitations, that's why he never jacks 3s unless its against the shot clock or he is VERY wide open.
I think Miller will be fine. Mid-way through the season, I think he will be a valuable asset to this team with what he brings. I'm proud of this team, but i'm sad at LMA. Bayless did well but there just isn't a lot of time for him. There really needs to be a consolidation trade because when everyone is healthy, we really have 12 players that should all be getting playing time (I'm including Juwan Howard because I think he would help us). As for the starting lineup, get Rudy in there rather than Blake, or Webster in there rather than Blake. But hey, we won, i'm not going to complain other than to say i'm not a fan. Gee, didn't see that one coming.
Guys, Do you think Rudy or Webster can try to stay in front of Parker? I do not. Blake is far from a great defender - but it's him or Bayless as our best trying to stop quick guards - Miller really seems like he lost a step on defense in this regard - maybe it will come back as the year progresses and he gets into better game shape - but at this moment in time - if a team has a quick guard - it's Bayless or Blake - and it is clear that Nate does not trust JB to start, yet.
Well, in that lineup, I'd have Miller with Parker (him or Blake couldn't really stay in front of him either way) and then instead of Blake at the 2, I'd have Rudy in there if you want to go that route. Also, you could move Roy to the 2 and put Webster at the 3 (so pretty much start Miller over Blake in the regular lineup). But like I said, this lineup is 1-0. So I'm not complaining, just thought I'd put my input in there. Blake played heavy minutes, probably more than I would have played him, but he did will. That is why Nate is the coach and I'm not. I'd be a terrible coach.
I can shoot free throws better than a number of NBA players, past and present. What does that mean, that all those NBA players (including Hall of Famers) are frauds? Shooting has an innate aspect, not just a practiced one. There's no question that all these players have shot tons of them in practice...that doesn't mean they'll be world class at it, anymore than a brilliant musician is assured of becoming a world class singer with enough practice despite understanding music at a high level. The other aspect, of course, is pressure. When I shoot free throws (or when your dad shoots three-pointers), there's no pressure on the shot. Defensive or environmental.
He did. But the team defense as a whole was much better last night. Many times the Spurs were only able to beat the defense by superior ball movement and getting a shot near the end of the clock, and many times it wasn't the shot they wanted. I thought Blake had his best game of the season so far last night.
I am re-watching the first quarter right now - and Parker's only field goal was when Miller was actually on him. Again - let's keep things in perspective - Blake has tons of nights when he is burned by quick guards - but I still think that he is a better option defensively then Miller, based on what we have seen so far this year, against the quick guards. If the other team has a quick point-guard, and Bayless has not shown he can start yet - I would not be surprised to see Blake continue to get the 1st stint, for this purpose.
I am watching the 2nd quarter again now - you know where Miller was good defensively last night? On Manu. He really did a nice job containing him.
I really don't expect many guards to stay in front of the better NBA point guards. What I do expect is that they will funnel them to help in a good way, so the bigs have a good angle of attack, and can use the baseline as a 3rd defender. I have always viewed it that if you have an outstanding offensive player to deal with, the best way to get at them is to attack them on the offensive end so they have to work on both ends of the floor. That way when the 4th quarter rolls around, maybe they don't have enough legs left to make shots/plays for their team. If you are fortunate you may get them in foul trouble as well.
