Do we have a problem at backup PF?

Who plays behind Lamarcus? Freeland is still out and could be a possible solution but is probably our best backup Center as well. Leonard is better as a PF than as a Center but IMHO he's still a liability. Kaman is slow for a Center, having him play PF is far from ideal. Wright could be a stretch 4 in certain situations but like we've seen against Memphis, not when facing a big front-line. What say you?

 

I think Leonard is a good stop gap, really. He can stretch the floor and open up the lanes if we ever decide to actually slash... which we have AA now, so it could really come in handy.

 

Yes but he doesn't play inside at all on offense, he's basically a stretch 4 and leaves much to be desired on the defensive end. Is he able to give us good minutes at times - I think so, but can we depend on him to be our first option behind Lamarcus?

 

Problem witb last game was he wasnt first option behind lamarcus he was just first option. Aldridge is key to this team. If he starts and leonard fills the holes we probably win.

 

Agreed, Aldridge not playing gave us an extreme example to this problem. With both him and Freeland out we were obviously struggling. I still think it's a problem, though, and would like us to consider bringing a PF for the last roster spot.

 

Wouldn't hurt.

 

I always welcome more big guys. I thought freeland was out 2 weeks but its been worse than lopez's fracture.

 

What I would want from such a player are two things: play in the paint on offense and play good defense (doesn't have to be special, just good).

 

What I would want from such a player are two things: play in the paint on offense and play good defense (doesn't have to be special, just good).

 

I'm not a fan of the stretch 4 unless we play against a smaller team. Memphis is a big team and obviously they know how to exploit their advantage. We definitely need Freeland back in a big way.

 

Sucks for sure, but the most important thing is health for the playoffs.

 

Before he injured his shoulder Freeland looked like a player that should be playing 20+ minutes backing up both PF and C.

Any word on his progress?

 

Meyers is a perfect PF.

 

When Joel and LA come back we're fine in the frontcourt. Rolo, Kaman, LA,Freeland, Leonard and even DWright can take care of business. Meyers is going to have some great games and make a few mistakes along the way. We're good. We filled the 2 and 3 backups with Afflalo and Gee so I don't see glaring gaps in the roster.

 

He will be... I don't have any doubt now. The problem with him is his age. I think he makes mistakes that can only be learned by more years of experience. Once he gets the hang of the NBA and timing, I think he will be our PF of the future. Until then, we are trying to win a title in Aldridge's prime. Freeland is the better, heady player now. He doesn't have as much talent as Leonard, but he's smarter, better defender and will help our "win now" mode.

 

tbh, I think our problems are less about personnel, and more about decisions with the ball. Lots o' dribblin' right now, uncommitted screens, leaving the feet to pass, uncertainty about passing/shooting, bad D on the P and R, general basketball fuckheadedness.

We'll turn it around. As Pop says: "We need some nasty!"

 

Well said! Passing has been a problem for years. Actually Meyers and Blake are our best passers.

 

Too much dribbling is the fault of our medical staff...give the whole team prostate examinations damnit!

 

I think you put your finger on it.

 

Lamarcus is playing tomorrow per Holdahl