I think the player that can help us the most is actually T. Robinson. If the dude can give us a double double with a block per game; we are in really good shape. I'm hoping for something close like 9 points, 10 boards and a block a game. In order for him to do that; he's gotta average 20 minutes a game. Only way that happens is if Aldridge slides to center once in a while (27 mpg @ PF / 8 mpg at center). That gives T. Rob 18-20 minutes per game at PF.
I think Stotts cares less about defense than Doug Moe. It's the reason he's not my favorite guy as coach. I think teams with a defensive orientation play more aggressively, which translates to better offense and easy transition points. It doesn't mean you have to play fast, but there are times when you do run. Stotts' system is much more passive, and he certainly hasn't ever shown he cares about defense.
For those that think Batum is a good/bad defender; take a look at his net production over the players he faces. http://www.82games.com/1213/12POR9.HTM Batum at SF has a 15.9 PER. His opponent gets 12.5 (+3.4) Batum at SG has a 18.2 PER. His opponent gets 16.9 (+1.3) He isn't elite at any stretch; but the SF position; he has a pretty damn good difference. At SG; he is more efficient; but less efficient on D. Now the argument of Matthews being over-rated. http://www.82games.com/1213/12POR7.HTM At SG; Matthews had a 13.6 PER; while his opponent had a 14.5 (-0.9) At SF; Matthews had a 16.7 PER; while his opponent had a 15.6 (+1.1). So maybe Matthews isn't as good as people think. In fact, why aren't Matthews and Batum switching positions?
I agree with this. Growing up playing ball I realized early on that my offense is better when my defensive intensity is high.
Well, if you wanted to use the PER differentials as your basis for them "switching positions", shouldn't you compare combined effect? Matthews/Batum puts up combined 29.5 PER and allows 27.0 (combined +2.5). Batum/Matthews puts up 34.9 and allows 32.5 (+2.4). Seems about even...
Based on just those numbers, the combo of Batum SF and Wes SG suggests together, 15.9+13.6, 12.5 +14.5 vs 18.2 + 16.7, 16.9+15.6 which is 29.7, 27.0 (+2.7) vs 34.9 ,32.5 (+2.4) e:bad math
I know Matthews hasn't played serious minutes at SF and the same applies for Batum at SG; but I was tripping on how much better they are when they play the other position. I would love to see if this could be the norm really. Maybe have Matthews come off the bench at SG/SF; with Wright being the starting SF. Move Batum to the 2 guard and see how it goes for a stretch of games. We maybe pleasantly surprised. Wes is really good at scoring in bunches; which is needed coming off the bench.
I disagree, Wes is great with other starters since he doesn't need the ball to be effective. He can let others run the offense and if the defense cheats he gets an open shot if not the other starters can take advantage one on one. Matthews isn't a go to scorer so he's better playing with better players, the opposite of a guy like Jamal Crawford. If we wanted to start Wright I think it would make the most sense to bring Batum off the bench. Batum is superior at initiating offense if he is playing with a few raw reserves. But I don’t think he would be happy with the move and its not likely to give the team a big improvement so I’m fine with leaving the starting lineup as is.
8 players did it in the entire league last year. 1. Dwight Howard-LAL 12.4 2. Nikola Vucevic-ORL 11.9 3. Omer Asik-HOU 11.7 4. Zach Randolph-MEM 11.2 5. David Lee-GSW 11.2 6. Reggie Evans-BRK 11.1 7. J.J. Hickson-POR 10.3 8. Al Horford-ATL 10.2
Yoy are mentioning what I think is very important, Nic has played a shitload of minutes and many of those hurt. I think his mindset will change dramatically knowing he can go FULL BORE on offense and D knowing he won't have to play as many minutes with a quality backup in Dorrell Wright ready to go, and if he is hurt he can take some games off to FULLY HEAL with a quality guy ready to step in - do not underestimate the value of this to Nic and others on the team.
