http://www2.sltrib.com/jazz/Main/Story.asp...2004&NUM=173539 <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">That record shows that Russell averaged 13.3 points and made 44.3 percent of his shots in 96 postseason games in Utah. "It's not a mystery what I can do out there. . . . I can defend also and rebound. I'm a full package," he insisted. "I've been [in the Finals] twice. I've been there but I just haven't gotten over the top. I've played the best, I guarded the best. I don't think anybody in the game was better than Mike [Jordan]." </div> Lmao funny thing, I only remember him falling on his ass :beerchug:
Russell was one of the best role players in the NBA during the late 90's, was the prefect player for that Utah system. Such a good shooter and always had the nack of hitting big shots. I remember him hitting two big threes in game 6 of the western conference playoffs against Houston. Coming back from 12 points down in the 4th to win the game and move onto the finals. He helped set up John Stockton's game winner It's very odd that Jackson refuses to play the guy, he can still hit the three and he isn't exactly a terrible defender not as great as he used to be but still decent. He plays Rick Fox a few minutes but not Russell? very strange.
Thing is in the beginning of the season he was averaging 20mpg. Then all of a suddenly he COMPLETELY stopped using him.. I've been pissed all playoffs that they haven't been using him, especiall on these guards who they've had trouble with. He's been one of the best defenders and early on in the season he showed us he can still defend. He also knocked down the open 3 very consistently, and shot the best 3point fg% for us during the season. He hasn't been injured at all, so it makes no sense why he doesn't use him. Even before Fox came back he stopped going to him.. besides.. not many players can play worse than Fox this season.
I think the Lakers should try and see if he can contribute in this series. Due to the fact the bench and role players didn't show nothing on Sunday night.
Well his jumpshot use to be solid, but that has started to fade the last couple of season especially on the Wizards last year. And his best asset on Utah was his perimeter defense guarding swingmen but he really cant do much of that anymore. And last year it look like he lost alot of moblity. Rick Fox plays because he knows the triangle better than Russell. It may seem easy being a spot up shooter in the triangle but you still have to know where to be to make sure your always open when shaq swings the ball out the double in the triangle. And you alway have to know where to be to create the proper floor spacing. Rick Fox knows that better then Russell,so thats why he gets to come off the bench in limted minutes.
Its risky to put someone like russell on in the playoffs who hasnt played a lot during the season. like henacy said he isnt really used to the triangle and it would be just too risky to put him on during an important. But ok id really try to use him rather then letting him rest on the bench one month. Maybe were gonna see him in one of the next games?
The Lakers don't need his services. Same goes for Darko. If the Lakers got to the finals without his services throughout the whole season and the playoffs, then why consider him now? Doesn't make sense to me.
