OAKLAND, Calif. -- For two quarters, Speedy Claxton did nearly anything he pleased against one of the greatest defenders in NBA history. And Gary Payton reacted like a man being embarrassed in front of his family, which is exactly what was happening. While Payton's hometown fans and relatives watched, his customary snarl took on an unfamiliar tinge of helplessness -- and he probably got a stiff neck from watching Claxton speed past him for 18 points. Finally, Payton had taken enough. When Claxton fouled him on a steal attempt, the Lakers guard elbowed Claxton and then charged, wrapping the Golden State guard in a bear hug. It was a clumsy, desperate attempt to start a fight -- and though no punches were thrown, Payton's mission was accomplished. Claxton and Payton were ejected, and the Lakers won by a point. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=1746803
I can definately see Speedy becoming an all star soon. All he needs to do is work on that jumper and he would be one of the best pg in the land. He already has the penetration, passing and defensive skills. Now he just needs the shooting skills.
Yeah Payton's already lost my respect. I used to love the guy. 3 ejections this year. That's ridiculous.
Yep, Payton has not played a lick of defense this whole year. I guess you can say he's washed up defensivley, that was the Warriors game to win before GP took him out. Anyways, Claxton has shown flashes of being one of the best, but let's not go their yet. This guy has a good mid-range jumper, attacks the basket and sees the floor good as well. Also a great defender, he's always showed what he can be for every team he's played on, he just hasn't found a home where he could settle in yet, hopefully that will be the Warriors for years to come.
Damn, if you keep reading till the end it says Speedy hasn't bought a house yet. We better get him to throw down on a crib if we're planning on having him stick around. As long as he's renting, it feels like he's just showcasing here for a long term larger contract somewhere else where he'll bud into an all-star. Speedy is definitely a very bright spot from this year. Its exciting to know that the W's have a pretty good core coming back next year.
I'd like for Speedy to have the 3-point shot more consistent. Not necessarily take a lot more 3s, but be able to shoot it at a better percentage. And I think we do have him for 3 years. AFAIK, it was a 3 year, $9M deal when we signed him.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting jayserinos99:</div><div class="quote_post"> And I think we do have him for 3 years. AFAIK, it was a 3 year, $9M deal when we signed him.</div>Thats a pretty damn good bargain. About his 3 point shooting, I'm sure he works on this aspect of his game this summer. I'm pretty happy with his game as it is but adding another demension wouldn't hurt. Lets just hope he doesn't fall in love with it. *cough*NVE*cough*
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">Dunleavy cough cough</div>haha...come on, Dunleavy has been taking it to the basket a lot more often. He is one guy we want shooting the 3 ball.
Unless he's like Peja, you know I'll always be critical of him. Hell, I was really critical of Richardson at the 5 pick in 2001 with his flashes of brilliance, but he's doing great consistently since the allstar break.
I trust MDjr to take 3s when he's wide open. But when he doesn't get those feet set, ouch. Kinda like BC in that regard.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">Unless he's like Peja, you know I'll always be critical of him. Hell, I was really critical of Richardson at the 5 pick in 2001 with his flashes of brilliance, but he's doing great consistently since the allstar break.</div>And I expect the same from Dunleavy next year. I don't think Richardson ever had a 20/20 game...I know...I'm still riding that one game.
