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s3231
Posts: 23162
Alba Posts: 1
Joined: 1/16/2004
Member: #544
USA
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Posted by fishmike:
Posted by s3231:
The more I see on these guys, the more I favor trading down to late lotto if Mayo and Bayless are gone at pick 6.
I liked Eric Gordon a lot early on but he struggled mightily in the 2nd half of the season and he looked frustrated as hell (makes me question how he will do in NY where you have to be even more mentally tough). Of course, Gordon has been saying now that it was his wrist that caused the lackluster play. If thats the case, then things get even more interesting. Lets get this straight, Gordon is a much better fit than Westbrook in D'Antoni's system right now. We give Gordon the advantage there. What you have to look at now, is whether or not Gordon can become a star type player in the NBA or simply a good role player in D'Antoni's system. Personally, I think we have to make sure we get the best player we can at pick 6. We don't have any serious prospects on our roster that will make all-star teams.
At the same time though, if Walsh truly wants to give D'Antoni the pieces he needs to succeed, he can't just draft someone who won't fit his system. Westbrook, right now, wouldn't be a great fit because our guards are not great shooters and if we are going to draft a guard, we need to draft one that will be able to knock down shots. The good thing about Westbrook though is he can play the transition game and seems to have a good work ethic. I don't doubt that Westbrook can develop into a good shooter in this league. Its still a gamble though. Westbrook's defense is top-notch but people have to remember that defense isn't the primary concern in D'Antoni's system. The system is based on offense and offense is what D'Antoni emphasizes first. Contrary to what some think, D'Antoni doesn't hate defense (and he actually does stress it), but as is well known, he tries to make sure that the offense is clicking first.
Its a tough decision. You can't just draft Gordon because he is the better fit. Don't get me wrong, it is certainly an advantage that he fits the system better than Westbrook, but you also have to make sure that Gordon has what it takes to be a very good player in this league. As for Westbrook, if you are convinced that the guy has a great work ethic and will improve considerably on the offensive end, you have to seriously consider taking him over Gordon.
Walsh has a good track record, I trust that he'll make a good decision.
[Edited by - s3231 on 06-01-2008 1:17 PM] Remember when Mike D was GM for half a season one of the guys he brought in was Marcus Banks. Everyone knew Banks couldnt shoot but he was good in transition and an excellent defender. DJ Aug is a squirrel.. If thats the guy then lets just trade Malik, cash and a late #1 we buy from Seattle for TJ Ford. No need to waste a pick
Yep, I remember. D'Antoni already had his offensive playmaker at the PG position in Steve Nash. That is why he wanted someone like Banks as a backup. It makes sense too, with a PG like Nash getting so many minutes, why not get someone who can play very good defense at the position and still run all over the floor so that Nash can get a little break here and there.
Thats the thing though, D'Antoni already had a hell of an offensive player at the PG position when he signed Banks. D'Antoni won't hesitate to bring in defensive role players and he will like it even more if his star players, who are great on the offensive end, also happen to play D. However, for his system to work, he needs his top guys to be great offensive players. For that reason and because of the importance of this pick, I'm just not sure if Westbrook would be the pick. Walsh has a difficult choice to make.
"This is a very cautious situation that we're in. You have to be conservative in terms of using your assets and using them wisely. We're building for the future." - Zeke (I guess not protecting a first round pick is being conservative)
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