<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Mehmet Okur's natural position is power forward, but because of Ben Wallace, only eight other minutes are available per game at that position. That's why Okur is starting -- and at times struggling -- at center. "He's got tough matchups," coach Larry Brown said. "There are some fives he can guard and some he can't. He's not exclusive in that category. He's doing OK. Fortunately, we've got depth there. "Ben has played a lot of minutes. (Okur's) natural position is four, but he doesn't get there a lot. He's going to have some really good games and some games that won't be good for a while, but he's going to get better. He's going to benefit from this. It's a learning curve." Okur has been hindered by fouls and played only nine minutes against Portland on Wednesday, picking up two quick fouls. But he's the starter, unseating Elden Campbell. </div> <a href="http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/" target="_blank">BY PERRY A. FARRELL FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER</a>
It don't really matter, Memo is a great rebounder, and can be one of the tops in the leauge if he didn't play with Big Ben and got Big Ben type Minutes. Memo is also a great shot blocker. He is defintally learning from Ben Wallace, and I hope Ben Wallace teachers Darko alot too.
It's impressive that Memo can earn the starting spot at center when it isn't even his natural position. I've noticed, though, how he has trouble guarding a few of these other guys. Brown is doing the right thing to let him learn and adapt to the position rather than starting Elden. I'm much more comfortable with Memo out there, knowing he can grab boards and make shots and not get into foul trouble.
I agree i believe if Pistons were able to pick up a real ddefensive centre suited to playing his position. It would make them a real threat and hard 2 penitrate. PS: Out wit Tayshaun Prince doesnt belong
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting BiGbEn4mVp:</div><div class="quote_post">PS: Out wit Tayshaun Prince doesnt belong</div> What?
imo, i'd like to see Elden Campbell get into shape and start. i like Memo coming off the bench to provide energy. he's a great rebounder with the little minutes he gets. i'd like to see Larry Brown go to Elden early, like MJ's Bulls went to Bill Cartwright early in the game. If Elden hits a few of his baseline jumpers, then it'd open up the perimeter for Rip, Chauncey, Chucky, and Tayshaun. i think going inside then out, is better than going inside when their outside shots aren't falling. what do you guys think?
I like the fact that Okur brings out the centers from the paint sometimes with his mid range game, making it easier for offensive rebounds. He has a nice jumpshot also. I just like the fact that this whole team can score and play D. It's incredible. :thumbsup:
People in the media always screw this up. Just because a guys isn't a traditional post-man, they say he is out of position. Most writers who make these claims are simply unfamiliar with the concept of a high-post center. Which, incidently, Okur is perfect for, at least offensively. The concern would be his ability to defending opposing centers. Okur isn't really built to defend a 7 foot center who likes to score in the low-post, but in the East that is practically irrelevant until the Finals.
