The Kaman vs Leonard Tracker thread

I think this deserves to be made after the last couple months.

Let's start tonight...

Leonard: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block 15 minutes

Kaman: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block 14 minuts

 

Big decision is what happens when Freeland comes back. Freeland needs to play (his stats say he is the best defender on the team - even better than Rolo) but you can't just bench Meyers again.

 

This.

My only concern is the Blazers will NEED Kaman come the playoffs.

 

I would reduce Kaman's minutes but not cut him out. He serves a viable role (legit scorer off the bench) but he is also injury prone. Less minutes would be good for him.

 

Will we need his shitty boxing out and butterfingers? I'm more than fine with the young guys backing up the starters in meaningful playoff minutes.

 

I'm not. Not every player is as calm as Lillard in his younger years. I have faith in Nards.... -.- ... but the playoffs are different than the regular season. Until he proves he can do it in the playoffs. Blazers need a vet backup big like Kaman. Every team does.

 

Kaman hasn't been to the playoffs in nearly 10 years (the only time). Can we really trust him? We could get a backup vet (O'Neal/Amare) big if traded Kaman for someone/something.

 

Solution is simple IMO. Freeland gets lopez' backup minutes. Leonard keeps getting his. Kaman enjoys the bench unless were struggling to get easy buckets in the post. Question is, is Leonard a better option down low too? He seems to have a better touch and better hands than Kaman.

 

Kaman's production is dropping as the season goes along.

The opposite can be said for Leonard. Out of nowhere he went from a garbage time only player to an emerging prospect.

Kaman isn't taking the ball to the hoop like he did earlier in the season. It's jumpshot after jumpshot with some of the worst P&R defense you'll ever see from a big.

 

I agree. Maybe his leg is hurting more than it's being led on. He looks like a different player than early on. His footwork too.

 

I don't see it as "being in the playoffs" is the only way to gain "playoff" experience.
Personally I believe that to be completely wrong.

The ability Kaman has gained from being in the league for 10+ years is understanding it's just one game, not getting too up, or too down. Staying steady.
That's what all Vets gain.
Young players get too up for the playoffs and rush things.
I personally would not put all my eggs in one basket... And think Nards would play how he is now in the playoffs.
When teams can really lock in and scheme to take away your go-to-move. Just not enough game-time experience.

Granted if the Blazers face the Rockets... Their head coach seems to have no ability to strategize.. So Nards..... As long as he's not too "up" for the game... Should be fine.

You can tell X player whatever you want... But until they experience it... Unless they're similar to Lillard... They're not going to treat it as just another game.

If the Blazers were to get o'neal... Okay, but I'd rather have Kaman to Amare.

 

Good. Give him plenty of rest until then.

Meanwhile, Meyers need lots more seasoning.

 

I see what you're saying but I just don't trust Kaman anymore, I trust Joel more than Kaman in the playoffs tbh (off defense and rebounding alone). I understand the Leonard possible roller coaster in the playoffs but he seems pretty level headed out there now compared to the start of the season and years before and giving him some run to give LA a break in the playoffs over Kaman makes more sense stylistically imo.

 

Kaveman just needs to retire.

 

What's funny is Kaman plays more out of control than Leonard nowadays

 

I think they might be waiting till Freeland gets back then they will rest Kaman for a bit without any concerns. Kaman is pretty banged up at the moment and probably wants to spend some time with his new born.

LA with Myers as backup
Lopez with Freeland as backup

I would be pretty happy with that line up.

 

Pretty much this. I've gone from cursing Biebs to cursing Kaman. Who would have thought....

 

His playing time is still up and down. There is no reason why he shouldn't be playing at least 20 mpg.

 

Zach Lowe on Kaman: http://grantland.com/the-triangle/t...eakdown-of-old-school-bulk-and-new-era-skill/

Dude needs to pass the ball and be less predictable. He has been scouted.

 

He rarely posts up, at least for the past few months. Lately it's jumper after jumper.

What is more of a problem is his defense - his post defense is nearly as bad as his atrocious p&r defense.

More.

Meyers.