You could argue them anywhere from 5 to 10 next year. Im excited to watch Washington the year though, I think they are ready to move to the next level.
Better than Aldridge/LopeZ/Batum by a wide margin??? Aldridge is much better than Pau and LopeZ is decent and improving.
Im thinking its carry over from how they pushed San Antonio to the limit, then had SA walk over everyone on their way to the title.
Sure Lopez is good, but Noah is indisputably better, arguably the best center in the league. As for the PF spot, I disagree that Aldridge is "much better" than Pau. Pau is a more efficient scorer, a better passer, a better rebounder, and a better defender. How exactly is Aldridge "much better"? If I were a Bulls fan (Hi Denny!), I would be very excited to see how well they work together; their interior passing game could be phenomenally good, and I think Pau will be outstanding defensively in Thibs' system. I don't expect you or anyone else to agree with me on this, but I think they're gong to be a fantastic pairing. Let's check back on this around Christmas, and see how things play out.
Three years ago, I'd have agreed with you but not anymore. Pau is five years older than LA, he had a PER last year of 19.34 to LA's 21.84, their rebound rates are nearly identical (16.4 for Pau & 16.5 for LA), Pau averaged 17.4 PPG last year compared to LA's 23.2, LA carries the main load of the Blazers' offense while Pau has become a second or third option, and most importantly, Pau has only averaged 58 games a year for the last three years. At this point in their respective careers, LA is the better player hands down.
I agree with all of this, but all CHI really has going for them are two great complimentary front-court players and a great coach. Without someone to handle the ball (maybe Brooks will be adequate), you're not going to be the #3 team in the league with just a good PF/C/coach. Regarding LMA/Pau, you're right on the money but overlook the very important issue of health/age.
LA's higher PER is almost strictly a function of higher usage. Per used possession, they're basically identical, with Pau not having had the benefit of playing alongside a center like Lopez. And even at his advanced age, Pau is still a better defender, and will be even better-er under Thibs.
Sorry, PP, but I'm not buying what you're selling. I don't think there's a GM in the league that wouldn't take 2014 LMA over Pau Gasol.
I disagree with all of this sorry. Gasol now is nowhere near as good as Aldridge now no matter how you try and sugar coat it:
Of course not, because Aldridge is 5 years younger, and no GM plans for just a single year. But don't be surprised if Gasol's WS/48 are comparable to LA's this year.
I think it could reasonably be argued that the Blazers are the 5th best team in the NBA and yet only the 4th best team in the West. I, personally, have the Blazers and Warriors as very equivalent...I'm fine with putting those two teams in any order.
That stats like per minute doesn't mean shit to me. What is gasol played 37 minutes a game? Maybe his efficiency would go down considerably. And defensively I disagree with. The categories don't sway me
Aldridge is a number one option who carried the Blazers to 54 wins and had back to back legendary performances in the playoffs. Pau might have some interesting advanced statistics but he is not able get those numbers while carrying a team as the number one option. I'm also waiting for Pau to get 46/18 and 43 points in back to back playoff games on the road.
Waiting for Pau to be number one option on 54 win team. Has ever done it? In the last decade even? Also, how many playoff wins did he have in Memphis? That's the last time he was number one option on playoff team..
I'll take LaMarcus and Rolo over Gasol and Noah. ESPN must have the hots for Raymond Felton to put Dallas that high up the list
I certainly don't get why they think Dallas will move up that far. Maybe it's just Dallas gave the Spurs their only tough series.
Just being hypothetical here. And I don't have a feeling either way but I do think it's a possibility mainly because cuz I feel the team tapped themselves out last year more so the starters. And I'm not convinced the young dudes aside from the Thrill is ready to take a step forward. Who get's the blame if this team does take a step or two back this season?
