Jefferson's play in the Olympics. How do you all feel so far about Jefferson's play in today's Olympics games? From all the other messageboards it seems as if people felt that he was horrible and doesn't belong on the team.. I think he did poorly, but no more than the rest of the team..
I think that he deserves to be on the team, but I'd rather see him off the bench and Marion or Anthony starting. Obviously, Jefferson is not playing like he should be a starter, and both Marion and Anthony have played better than him.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting nextlevelgame:</div><div class="quote_post">How do you all feel so far about Jefferson's play in today's Olympics games? From all the other messageboards it seems as if people felt that he was horrible and doesn't belong on the team.. I think he did poorly, but no more than the rest of the team..</div> I think he belongs on the team, its a team full of the leagues rising stars and he is most def one of them. He just isnt making the perimeter shot right now, its surpose to be a shooter on the wing when they swing the ball out of the doubles like USA is doing, but they dont have one so its almost like RJ is forced into that roll. He isnt forcing up bad shots imo because all his shots for the most part is open, he just isnt knocking them down. I think Larry Brown is ok with the shots he is taking for that reason, if RJ starts hesistating(mispelled) on the open shots then USA's ball movement will totally be screwed. Offensively it would probably be better to have Carmelo in for RJ, so he can take they jumpers when they are swung around the wing. But RJ is one of the USA better perimeter wing defenders.And the USA needs somebody on the court who can keep their man in front of them on dribble penetrations. I think the man problem is that the USA isnt getting out in the open court, because that is really where RJ shines the brightest. And when the game is a halfcourt style RJ needs the ball in his hands to go one-on-one with dribble penetration. But he doesnt get those chances because thats not his roll on this team. The only players that get to go one-on-one alot and put the ball on the floor is AI, Wade,Steph, the true ball handlers. So on this team RJ is a spot of shooter in the half-court.And thats hard for someone who usally sets his jumper up with dribble penetration. But I really do hope RJ has that one breakout game that lets his skills shine on this big stage. Because RJ has the skills to rep the country on this level, I think he just needs that one big game to stop 2nd guessing himself. Because you can see it in his facial expressions and body motions after missed shot. But he is still taking them which means most of the confidence is still there, which means he'll come around. Hopefully soon because somebody going to have to make a jumpshot, so Duncan can get some room to operate, because if he isnt operating and carrying this team, they are goin to struggle big time.
I think they could a did a better job selecting someone better than him that would provide more scoring. One guy that comes to mind is Redd, he is a dangerous 3 point shooter and that's what we need. But I'm definitely not saying that RJ is a bad player but if he is there he should definitely come off the bench.
I actually think that R.J. has done an O.K. job so far. He has rushed his shots but has been getting a number of hustle points, both are important.
I think Henacy is right for the most part. He's not the player to just take a set shot...I guess it also means that he can't really play the two gaurd spot as well. WHen he penetrated he was able to make things happen like getting it to Duncan for a layup or an open shot. However, I feel unsettled that Jefferson can't knock down open shots. He's been improving his game so much that some of those shots should be money to him... Does this mean he is not ready for the two gaurd spot? On the point about Redd, I beleive he should've been chosen over Carmelo, not RJ. RJ was on the team last summer for the qualifying round so he already has knowledge of the system and playing with Duncan and Iverson. Moreoever, the team needs a point gaurd who knows what to do without the ball. Someone like Eric Snow or Kirk Hinrich, or maybe even Andre Miller. I think it's redundant to have both Iverson and Marbury..
Richard Jefferson and Kenyon Martin have both played better than they actually are for one reason. Kidd. Without one of the two greatest fast break PG's in history finding them for easy dunks and lay-ups they're not very good. (Neither one can shoot, pass or handle the ball.) They are the epitome of what's wrong with the NBA, no skills, just raw athleticism, and man, they can sure scream loud after they dunk. End of story.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Birdman33:</div><div class="quote_post">Richard Jefferson and Kenyon Martin have both played better than they actually are for one reason. Kidd. Without one of the two greatest fast break PG's in history finding them for easy dunks and lay-ups they're not very good. (Neither one can shoot, pass or handle the ball.) They are the epitome of what's wrong with the NBA, no skills, just raw athleticism, and man, they can sure scream loud after they dunk. End of story.</div> Richard Jefferson has skills that are not dependent on Jason Kidd. He knows how to put the ball on the floor a create his own shot and he also knows how to create shots for other people. He knows how to play the game the right way on both ends of the court, even LB said last year during the qualifying period that he was impressed with RJ's knowledge on how to play the game the right way.And he re-stated those same sentiments this year during the playoffs. RJ just has a weak perimeter shot like many of players in the NBA today. That doesnt mean he has no skills.
I'll admit that Jefferson certainly has more skill than Martin (offensively) but spare me the "right way" crap. That's just an easy way of making it sound like you're saying something when you're not really saying anything. LB should pull his head out of his <font color="Red">***,</font> as it should be pretty obvious to anybody that Carmelo needs to be on the floor ahead of Jefferson and Marion. As for RJ's supposed all-around game (I guess being able to drive to your right and go up for a dunk or lay-up qualifies as playing the "right way") when Kidd is gone we'll see what he's got (and I bet it ain't as much as some think). <font color="Red">first off stop cursing it isnt needed, you were doing a fine job expressing your point without it, thanks-Henacy</font>
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Birdman33:</div><div class="quote_post">I'll admit that Jefferson certainly has more skill than Martin (offensively) but spare me the "right way" crap. That's just an easy way of making it sound like you're saying something when you're not really saying anything. LB should pull his head out of his <font color="Red">***,</font> as it should be pretty obvious to anybody that Carmelo needs to be on the floor ahead of Jefferson and Marion. As for RJ's supposed all-around game (I guess being able to drive to your right and go up for a dunk or lay-up qualifies as playing the "right way") when Kidd is gone we'll see what he's got (and I bet it ain't as much as some think). <font color="Red">first off stop cursing it isnt needed, you were doing a fine job expressing your point without it, thanks-Henacy</font></div> RJ does play the game the right way, he is already a smart defensive player. He doesnt have an all-around game because his jumpshot isnt well rounded enuff, but he has brings alot more to the table on both ends of the court then alot of one-dimensionial wing players who only focus on the offensive end of the court. And as far as Carmelo goes I like him just as much as everyone else but the USa is already giving up way to much penetration in the backcourt at the point guard position. So Larry Brown has to at least have some players out their on the wing that can keep their man in front of them on Defense, thats why Jefferson and Marion are in front off him in the rotation. I hope that Carmelo does find away into the legit minute rotation because his periemter shot is needed, but with the already bad condition of the USA defense, it can not be done at the expense of the defense.
LB played back in the olden days where there was no three point shot and the way to play was to take it to the basket; to him that is the right way... When have you ever known a Larry Brown team that was a great three point shooting team? I certainly can't think of one. He wins without the outside shot. The only problem here is that everyone on the team drives to the basket on the win and there are no shooters to kick it out to. Carmelo probably is the best set shooter on the team (what happened to Marion's shot? It used to be respectful) and even he isn't that much better than Jefferson's. Moreover, Carmelo is a big defensive liability. Anyone see him get crossed up by that 31 year old Serbian? He also doesn't play that great of a team game Problem with the team is that there are no players stepping up. They're not rotating the ball right and getting it to Duncan where he needs it. They defense packs it in on Duncan cause they'll take their chances with everyone else shooting outside shots. LB should define to players to be the primary scores and the rest to be role players rather than everyone ending up confused. I think RJ would be the best third option with Duncan and AI being 1 and 2 respectifully. Also, I'd suggest they start LBJ over Marbury cause Lebron has court vision while Marbury gets his assists from dribbles to kick outs...basically what Iverson does. I say they have Lebron create the plays instead.. When they had Lebron out he got it to Duncan while Marbury looked confused.
RJs shot is getting better though not including sundays game i mean what the hell was that he was getting the sid eof the backboard i know just like he knows and other people know he can hit those shots if he were to had made the other 13 shots he took like maybe 4-5 of those were 3s the game might have went a little better and if maybe LeBron were to poke another guy in the eye that might help too
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting nextlevelgame:</div><div class="quote_post">LB played back in the olden days where there was no three point shot and the way to play was to take it to the basket; to him that is the right way... When have you ever known a Larry Brown team that was a great three point shooting team? I certainly can't think of one. He wins without the outside shot. The only problem here is that everyone on the team drives to the basket on the win and there are no shooters to kick it out to. Carmelo probably is the best set shooter on the team (what happened to Marion's shot? It used to be respectful) and even he isn't that much better than Jefferson's. Moreover, Carmelo is a big defensive liability. Anyone see him get crossed up by that 31 year old Serbian? He also doesn't play that great of a team game Problem with the team is that there are no players stepping up. They're not rotating the ball right and getting it to Duncan where he needs it. They defense packs it in on Duncan cause they'll take their chances with everyone else shooting outside shots. LB should define to players to be the primary scores and the rest to be role players rather than everyone ending up confused. I think RJ would be the best third option with Duncan and AI being 1 and 2 respectifully. Also, I'd suggest they start LBJ over Marbury cause Lebron has court vision while Marbury gets his assists from dribbles to kick outs...basically what Iverson does. I say they have Lebron create the plays instead.. When they had Lebron out he got it to Duncan while Marbury looked confused.</div> He did kind if win this year with billups, rasheed wallace and hamilton taking 3 pt shots. Billups 3 point shooting killed the nets and that we were out rebounded.
Well, Brown always had atleast 1 good three point shooter like Sean Elliot or Aaron Mckie and this year with Billups. He never really relied on it, though. He just wants a few to open space, but he doesn't really draw out plays for three point shots unless it was neccessary. Sheed shot 32% from the three point stripe and 24% in the playoffs (however, I credit that more on his injured foot). Also, Rip was never a great three point shooter He's a career 30%..however, his playoff 3s were good this year.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting nextlevelgame:</div><div class="quote_post">Well, Brown always had atleast 1 good three point shooter like Sean Elliot or Aaron Mckie and this year with Billups. He never really relied on it, though. He just wants a few to open space, but he doesn't really draw out plays for three point shots unless it was neccessary. Sheed shot 32% from the three point stripe and 24% in the playoffs (however, I credit that more on his injured foot). Also, Rip was never a great three point shooter He's a career 30%..however, his playoff 3s were good this year.</div> Yeah your right LB has always hated the 3, But he can live with if you take it when you are wide open. it always seems like his players are afraid to look at him on the sidelines after they take the 3 & miss, especially a cat like Billups who sometimes has poor selection with the 3 point shot. But he did have a pretty decent shooting team in the mid-90's with the Pacers, when they had Reggie Miller, Ricky Pierce, Eddie Johnson, Fred Hoiberg was on those teams and Mark Jackson was a pretty decent perimeter shooter during that time.And B.Scott was too.
Come on guys. DO you really think that Jefferson is playing on the USA Team coz of his shooting? He was invited for his open court and slashing play. But the thing is, he's not really given the chance to do that just like Henacy said. The one at fault here is the system. They should've invited pure shooters. They simply put up a team that can sell jerseys and are exciting to watch. Sure they're talented, but obviously they lack players that would mesh well together. We're expecting Jefferson's gonna do something that he's just on the process of developing. When we think of Jefferson, we think of someone with a quick first step and a developing jump shot. Pressure is too much for a guy with an Olympic experience like his. Sure there's no excuse for not making those open J's but come on, it's the whole system, not just his fault.
Yes, but I really hope Jefferson can perform the level that he played in the playoff before. Jefferson made 0 today against Greece, 0/7 , that is not like him... I am not blaming RJ, but see LeBron James, Wade..etc, they got some points. We know RJ is a 50% shooter in NETS, but he should show his power. He is the starter in the game, so he should has more powerful performance, don't let Larry Brown feel sad.
Now I think about it, both Larry Brown and Greg Poppovich don't really utilize that small forward position other than defense...Which RJ is doing a marginally good job at. Tayshaun and Bowen are good set shooters which is why they don't look as bad as RJ is now.
He plays so excellently today, and revive the power which is in NETS. Although USA didn't win, but LITHU...is very good at 3-pointers, that win is with the reason. Go Jefferson! And I think USA still has the chance. <font color="Red">I felt that this topic better belonged in this thread some I merged it with the topic you started-Henacy</font>
On a personal note I couldnt be prouder of RJ, then Iam of his performance to day, he played like someone fitting of representing our country. And he showed some of the reasons why he was selected to do such. But you already hit it on the head the USA lost which means their backs are pretty much against the wall. And it isnt just the loss, its the fact that they still do not guard the perimeter well at all. And its going to be difficult for the US to find away to beat these overseas teams giving up the type of looks they give up.
