He practiced today and AD said he looked 'fantastic', shooting, dunking ('well he should with fresh legs'). Ray Allen said just having him out there as a threat will benefit the team (paraphrasing). Good to hear, I'll take anything he can bring to the table.
One more shooter for the Kings to guard, which can only be a good thing. Has only made four treys in three games against the Kings this season, but has gotten to the line more against them than any other team (11 times).
That game we won at Sac without Ray Allen he made some big shots, like that double dip to the hoop at the end of the game. Today's paper said he's been working pretty hard doing swimming pool drills, weighted vest treadmill etc etc and was targeting the Minny game but the coaches said no.
Knowing Nate he is probably going to immediately put Vlad in in his normal six man role and look to give him 30 minutes immediately. Nate doesn't believe in slowly working in his regulars when they return from injury. I wonder what this is going to do to Wilkins minutes considering that he played so admirably in Vlad's absence. Most coaches cut their rotation in the playoffs, but knowing Nate, when we hit a dry spell he will be looking for any combination that works.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iron Shiek:</div><div class="quote_post">Knowing Nate he is probably going to immediately put Vlad in in his normal six man role and look to give him 30 minutes immediately. Nate doesn't believe in slowly working in his regulars when they return from injury. I wonder what this is going to do to Wilkins minutes considering that he played so admirably in Vlad's absence. Most coaches cut their rotation in the playoffs, but knowing Nate, when we hit a dry spell he will be looking for any combination that works.</div> I wondered the same thing about wilkens....
I'm not too big a fan of Wilkins.. He likes jacking up 3's way too much considering how much better he is at penetrating (hey sounds like flip..); however he does have pretty good on-ball defense which helps makes up for our HUGE deficiency at SG (hi Ray!) Against Sacto though? I feel we'd be better served just putting all our shooters on the floor and outscoring the hell out of them.
Damien does throw up too much junk, but if Peja is lighting it up and Wilkins can stop him, he needs to play.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Casual:</div><div class="quote_post">Damien does throw up too much junk, but if Peja is lighting it up and Wilkins can stop him, he needs to play.</div> I think it will depend on the situation. If Vlade hits a few shots and opens the floor Nate will stick with him. If he is missing and a liability Nate will pull him. I think if he needs defense he will call on Wilkens whether Vlade is in the game or not. Vlade can play the 4 with Wilkens at the 3 and Lewis on the bench. Nate has played Vlade at the 5 with Lew at the 4 before.
