Rookie of the Year behind him, Lillard turns next to defense, Gary Payton

I think adding a defensive element to his game won't wear him down. The glove was still high offense and defense. Lillard has the motor and drive to get there

 

Didn't he work out with Kobe?

 

If we get a real backup PG, he can play hard for 34 minutes rather than 38, and focus more on defense.

 

A big man of white descent?

 

It's all about crunch time. He doesn't need to go all out on D the whole game. But in the 4th he needs to kick it in to a different level . I am not saying he shouldn't play any D the rest of the game, but if he is carrying us on O while playing 36 plus minutes, he needs to pick his spots on D.

 

Doubt it.

I do recall this summer workout thing, though:



Dude came out of the summer jacked

www.broy7.com/roy/blogDetail/636

And this was the summer after his sophomore year.

 

It was Martell who worked out with Kobe... my bad.

 

BTW, I'm glad Olshey brought up the 35 min # for Dame moving forward. I like that much better than 39. No matter how durable he is (knocks), I don't want him playing those kinds of minutes with our training staff and luck behind him.

 

...do you think that added muscle helped to ruin his knees at a faster pace?

 

No. I remember him saying that he trimmed down shortly after that summer was over. Think it was in a media day interview or something before the start of that third year.

 

Eric was right! He DOES read this stuff!

All RIGHT! I guess we can hold off trading him for a low first rounder now...

(Payton can also help him with his trash talking, another serious weakness in the Lillard game.)

 

That's bullshit. If he aspires to be great, then, like Jordan, Kobe and LeBron, he's got to become a great defender. And you don't see them slacking off.

 

The Dude has wondered many times why Gary Payton isn't on the coaching staff.

 

I dont need Lillard to be 1st team All-Defense. If it happens great but if Payton can teach some of the small things like how direct the offensive player when defending, how to funnel them to the right spots, how to play the passing lanes, when, where and how to reach the right way. Lillard doesnt need to be a lock down defender but if he can become a smart, above average defender it could total change how we go about defending. I can easily see Lillard becoming one of the league leaders in steals. He is too smart and too quick not to.

 

That's a great idea. How about we give Payton kalebs defensive coaching job?

 

Does Payton really want to work endless hours breaking down film and being someone's assistant? I can see these former super stars working with players for a few months a year, but few really want to work for it. Sure they will take a gig on TV/radio and then wait for a HEAD coaching position, but few of them can leave their ego's at the door and be an assistant.

 

Great coaches usually are assistant coaches. Hopefully that ego for Payton would be left at the door because if he could win a ring or get deep in the playoffs as an assistant; he would be a front runner for a head coaching job.

 

I don't remember that. Martell did!

Oh, I see you posted the same.

 

Love this picture:

 

Gary Payton is overrated.