Posted by Pharzeone:


Balkman is not a great shooter and some guys just don't respect defense. Balkman doesn't make it into games because he plays the same position as Carmelo Anthony. When he does he has an impact on the defense. From the Nugget forums I read, they are working on his offensive game and shooting. They are doing the same thing that the Lakers coaching staff did with Ariza, use him in a certain way but continue to develop his game. I'm not sure if this is going to work with that coaching staff out there as long as Karl is running it because he wouldn't know what defense is if it bit him on his ass.

I have a problem with the Walsh telling everyone how this club needs a guy that can defend and block shots when they already had one on their payroll. The new coaching staff gave him 2 months to learn the new offense and be a 3 point shooter. Now you have a coach who wants to utilize a guy like Jeffries because of what he brings defensively and demanding it from their rookie who they knew was one of his highest attributes when drafting him. I mention Gallinari because Balkman as a comparison. His rookie year by comparison to a 6th round pick was off the charts. While everyone is going crazy because Gallinari grab 4 rebounds and block shot, Balkman did that stuff every night in his rookie year with less fanfare.

He would be a real nice player if he had a good jumper.

I do remember some of his rookie year games, where it seemed like he was everywhere at the same time on the defensive end.

I kept on thinking he would turn into a gym rat and come back with a jump shot, but he always disappointed. I still think he has decent form/follow through on his J, and the problem is a practice one for him.

I don't think a guy like Balkman, as he is now, has a role in an MDA offense. I think Jeffries is tolerated because he is the tallest player we have, and because he does play some good D at times.

Posted by Paladin55:

Posted by Pharzeone:


Balkman is not a great shooter and some guys just don't respect defense. Balkman doesn't make it into games because he plays the same position as Carmelo Anthony. When he does he has an impact on the defense. From the Nugget forums I read, they are working on his offensive game and shooting. They are doing the same thing that the Lakers coaching staff did with Ariza, use him in a certain way but continue to develop his game. I'm not sure if this is going to work with that coaching staff out there as long as Karl is running it because he wouldn't know what defense is if it bit him on his ass.

I have a problem with the Walsh telling everyone how this club needs a guy that can defend and block shots when they already had one on their payroll. The new coaching staff gave him 2 months to learn the new offense and be a 3 point shooter. Now you have a coach who wants to utilize a guy like Jeffries because of what he brings defensively and demanding it from their rookie who they knew was one of his highest attributes when drafting him. I mention Gallinari because Balkman as a comparison. His rookie year by comparison to a 6th round pick was off the charts. While everyone is going crazy because Gallinari grab 4 rebounds and block shot, Balkman did that stuff every night in his rookie year with less fanfare.

He would be a real nice player if he had a good jumper.

I do remember some of his rookie year games, where it seemed like he was everywhere at the same time on the defensive end.

I kept on thinking he would turn into a gym rat and come back with a jump shot, but he always disappointed. I still think he has decent form/follow through on his J, and the problem is a practice one for him.

I don't think a guy like Balkman, as he is now, has a role in an MDA offense. I think Jeffries is tolerated because he is the tallest player we have, and because he does play some good D at times.

If Balkman is needed then how do you explain their obsession with PEJr. Balkman does everything does and has already performed in the league.

Posted by Paladin55:

Posted by Pharzeone:


If Balkman is needed then how do you explain their obsession with PEJr. Balkman does everything does and has already performed in the league.

I don't think PEJr. is being looked at as a player for the rotation at this point.

it's also about work ethic and smarts. Don't know about PEJ but Balkman reportedly had horrible work habits and he lacked a LOT in the basketball IQ department. He can turn it around cause his hustle is there.