LivingLegend wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:Here you go fish--dont believe me believe Doc Rivers

How has Collison juggled so many roles, yet remained one of the most consistently effective Clippers over the couple of months?

“I’ve been a starting point guard before, so I just play my game,” Collison said. “When I’m at the two, I’m good at scoring the ball as well, being aggressive. I’ve been shooting the ball pretty well; so, I’m just playing my game. On the defensive end, I love playing defense. So, I love playing bigger guards at times and being aggressive with them. That’s all a part of my game.”

Collison’s love of defense likely dates back to his four years at UCLA under Ben Howland. Collison, and other former Bruins including fellow Clipper Ryan Hollins, has credited Howland with preparing them to play high-level defense in the NBA.

The defensive edge, though, is also something simply engrained in Collison. He was a prep star at Etiwanda High in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and finished his career as one of the state’s best players. He helped the Bruins make three Final Four appearances in four seasons in Westwood. His ability to alter games defensively, then, with quick hands, an ability to pressure the ball the length of the floor and as Rivers might say just merely being a nuisance, is the same thing he is doing now.

“He’s just been good all around,” Rivers said. “But his defensive pressure has been phenomenal. It’s been game-changing at times. So, it’s been great.”

http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/versatile-collison-has-been-difference-maker-clippers

Also recall J-Bilas calling Collison the best PG defender in College basketball.

he's great in transition. He doesn't stop anyone in the half court.... And Tony Douglas won defensive player of the year in college (just for some perspective). He's a pretty bad PG, thus the 5 teams in 6 years thing. He would help our transition defense (and its a problem) that is for sure. We could also take steps back in other areas as well.

What does our team lack the most from the point guard position: speed (pace) and defense. Collison's main asset is his blazing speed. Still one of the fastest point guards in the NBA, so a HUGE boost there and he would push the pace, which we sorely need. Check.

He seems slight to me so I'm not sure about his defense, although he does have quick feet and lateral movement. His defense would still be leaps and bounds better than Jose. Check.

I'm with this signing if Sac is willing to let him go. He's playing really well this year. What's more interesting is that he's become a better shooter. Great shooting % for a point guard and from the 3 point clip. He would be a significant upgrade.

However, don't know if I'd be willing to give up on Grant at this point. He is a prototypical point guard for the triangle in terms of size and he still is a killer penetrator. I would give up AA, D Will, Lance and Gallo--any combination thereof for him.

SocraticBallin22 wrote:

fishmike wrote:

LivingLegend wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:Here you go fish--dont believe me believe Doc Rivers

How has Collison juggled so many roles, yet remained one of the most consistently effective Clippers over the couple of months?

“I’ve been a starting point guard before, so I just play my game,” Collison said. “When I’m at the two, I’m good at scoring the ball as well, being aggressive. I’ve been shooting the ball pretty well; so, I’m just playing my game. On the defensive end, I love playing defense. So, I love playing bigger guards at times and being aggressive with them. That’s all a part of my game.”

Collison’s love of defense likely dates back to his four years at UCLA under Ben Howland. Collison, and other former Bruins including fellow Clipper Ryan Hollins, has credited Howland with preparing them to play high-level defense in the NBA.

The defensive edge, though, is also something simply engrained in Collison. He was a prep star at Etiwanda High in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and finished his career as one of the state’s best players. He helped the Bruins make three Final Four appearances in four seasons in Westwood. His ability to alter games defensively, then, with quick hands, an ability to pressure the ball the length of the floor and as Rivers might say just merely being a nuisance, is the same thing he is doing now.

“He’s just been good all around,” Rivers said. “But his defensive pressure has been phenomenal. It’s been game-changing at times. So, it’s been great.”

http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/versatile-collison-has-been-difference-maker-clippers

Also recall J-Bilas calling Collison the best PG defender in College basketball.

he's great in transition. He doesn't stop anyone in the half court.... And Tony Douglas won defensive player of the year in college (just for some perspective). He's a pretty bad PG, thus the 5 teams in 6 years thing. He would help our transition defense (and its a problem) that is for sure. We could also take steps back in other areas as well.

If you look at his stats the last couple of years there is no way you can call him a bad point guard. He shoots a high percentage for a guard and is a reliable scorer and distributor per minute. He averaged 16 points a game a couple years ago. He's having a really solid season this year--in some ways outshining Rondo as the backup. I think Vlade really likes him. Make no mistake about it, he would be an upgrade, although not the long term solution at the position.

I agree with most of what you say. His #s are ok. His WS/48 is dead average. He's not a floor vision guy. He gets assists by breaking guys down... drive and dish and penetrate and handoff... that kind of stuff. He's not great at taking care of the ball (Jose never turns it over). I don't know much about his personality, seems likable. He also seems too good to be a backup, but everytime he get bulk starting minutes he gets replaced. Granted early on CP3 came back, but the year after Sac signed him they add Rondo, a guy who is a major risk.