I wouldn't say he is good. He's adequate. He sags off far ebough to make sure he doesn't get beat to the rim & gives up open jumpers.
No. Well, maybe for an odd minute here and there, but not really. He does an alright job contesting shots when he has to switch off his man, but he definitely is not a small forward.
he really should play C IMO given his strength and that he's now a lot stronger and heavier than his early years but since he does not like to it is what it is
I actually agree with this for this series. If Wright was healthy, I would rotate Leonard and Wright at PF while having Aldridge and Lopez play the center position.
well that's an issue IMO, you do what NEED to do for your team to give it the best chance of winning, those are the guys I want on my team
Fortunately, he doesn't have to. Leonard may not play like a traditional center, but he's a legit 7-footer, and he has learned how to defend centers. IMO, he (along with CJ) was the Blazers' best defensive player in the 4th last night. LA and Leonard can play together, can both call themselves 4's while playing 4/5, and will complement each other beautifully. Rolo has been great for us for the past couple years, but I think he moves on this summer. The Nards era has begun.
I agree, Leonard really played the best D I have ever seen from him, if he can at least be a consistent average defender at the C, with his offensive skills, I'd much rather have him at C and pickup a backup this summer unless Rolo signs for relatively cheap
What kept crossing my mind watching Meyers last night was that next year we might be starting Meyers at center and have Rolo off the bench. Even though Meyers sees himself as a stretch 4, I loved his defense on the supposed best big man tandem in the NBA, and his offensive touch speaks for itself. I know Meyers has groomed himself to play outside (to his strength), but he needs to spend the entire summer working on his inside game. I hope he understands how important it is to add dimensions to his arsenal.
What surprised me was how strong he looked when he was dug in on defense. Gasol would try to move him, but couldn't. And he can get stronger still (I'm speaking lower body).
But what's more valuable to the team as a whole? Leonard being able to score in the post, or Leonard drawing the rim protectors away from the paint with his perimeter game? I would much rather the lane be open for Aldridge post-ups or CJ drives. Defense down low is key, but IMO he is already exactly who he needs to be on offense.
I think it's important that he is capable of running a solid pick and roll/pick and pop. That could be one huge advantage over Rolo.
I'm actually pleasantly surprised by his inside game. He's got a great touch around the basket. I would be shocked if he doesn't continue to work on both his inside and outside game because he's shown to be capable at any distance from the hoop. He really seems to be embracing playing C right now, too.
Just setting a solid pick would be a huge advantage over EVERY BIG (save for Przybilla) WE'VE HAD THIS MILLENIUM!
When people suggest this I just put my face in my palms. How can LA play SF when he can't take a defender off the dribble from the top of the key? His handles are SUSPECT.
