know there are a lot of Claxton haters out there. Do you think he should be a part of the Warriors future as the starting PG? I do believe that he is the answer as long as he stays healthy. A lot of people criticize him for being a shoot first point guard but he does a lot more than scoring. He penetrates the defense at will and breaks it down which creates scoring opportunities for others. In my opinion, he IS a big part of our future. What are your thoughts?
Generally, I agree. In my opinion, he's a good point guard, and his ability to penetrate and dish is probably undervalued. The ability to take a man off the dribble is useful in a half-court game (and necessary when the clock starts winding down) and Speedy is one of the best I've seen at it. While he might dribble and drive a lot, when teams collapse on that man, it leaves someone open, just like an impromptu pick and roll. A lot of PG's nowadays go to the basket, but I've seen Speedy make some very nice passes under the basket as well. (Actually, Dunleavy loves to make those passes instead of finishing. Bobby Sura used to do it alot, but actually did it a bit too haphazardly.) If we could get more shooters, then we probably could use more of a pass-first guard, but as the team is, I think that Speedy is a great fit because of his skills.
I love Speedy's game he has a lot of heart and I believe he can still get better. I have no problem with Speddy being part of the Warriors future.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Duckmyster:</div><div class="quote_post">I love Speedy's game he has a lot of heart and I believe he can still get better. I have no problem with Speddy being part of the Warriors future.</div> I agree. I think a lot of the haters are people that have not seen this guy in action. If you have watched him play with the Spurs and with the Warriors its hard to deny his talent.
Most importantly, Speedy Craig Claxton gets you to the foul line. That is one of the most important things in the game. We've all seen Claxton just take out the entire team's backcourt one by one and put the opposing team over the limit on a good night. On a bad night when he isn't getting the calls, he's able to distribute pretty well. And don't forget he's aggressive on defense, works the passing lanes, and is great off the fast break. Personally, I don't care if he's 5'10 as long as he's got the long arms, the hops, and quickness. He's got all 3. Now if he can work on his perimeter game a bit more, he can punish teams even more for playing off him. BTW I was a speedy hater in the beginning because of the turnovers, but I found out he was playing injured and his injury-proness worries me about him being the long term solution at point guard. He plays hard and plays aggressive which I like, but its bound to wind up getting him a career ending injury one of these days.
Thats a good point CR. He gets to the foul line 7-10 times a game and those points are huge. My favorite part of his game is his defense. He is really an under rated defense player. He can lock PGs up, even if he is undersized. Look at what he did to GP. He creates easy baskets with his defense.
Hey speaking of other underrated defenders, what about getting Raja Bell or Jumaine Jones. I heard Boston wasn't even going to protect Jumaine.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">Hey speaking of other underrated defenders, what about getting Raja Bell or Jumaine Jones. I heard Boston wasn't even going to protect Jumaine.</div>Reja Bell has always been one of my favorite players dating back to his days as a sixer. The Dallas Mavericks let him go and payed dearly for that. He is a great defensive minded player and played a big role in Utah's success this year. I would love to have him. Is he a FA?
No, I think he has one year left on his contract. But still, we could entertain some offers. We could have him guard the 2 guard while Pietrus takes the 3. Raja also has some range on his shot and some decent ballhandling. I like the fact he gets it done on both ends of the floor.
