fishmike wrote:JohnWallace44 wrote:One of the shocking things from where I was watching was Mozgov trying to play a perimeter game. I get spreading it out, but that looked ridiculous. He was making the 10 ft shot early in the game, but then late in the game he comes back in and is standing out at the 3pt line. Very odd.
Silver lining is that starter-vs-starter we beat Boston. They were playing their core group through the 2nd half against our guys that will never play in all likelihood.
I dont think thats the silver lining, I think thats the most important thing. Their frontcourt had no answer for Amare, Felton still struggled but his defense was good as was the team defense over all. The offense is still a work in progress but they are playing hard and improved greatly on the glass. Most of all while they struggle to score at times (minus Amare) they are making up for it on defense.
I totally agree. They had more energy on defense that helped to cover up the obvious deficiencies on offense. I think MDA is probably tinkering quite a bit on the offensive side of the court, and it looks like some of the players are confused about their role (e.g., AR, Felton).
We need to see MUCH better play from Felton as missing layups, making ridiculous passes, turning the ball over are sure-fire ways to destroy MDAs scheme.
Gallo is still mainly a shooter. He needs to get screens to get himself open. He also need to find his rhythm and stroke. But I still thnk it's early and we can't judge him based on two NBA-level games. The dude is going to get it on once things gel around him, and he is critical to opening up the floor for our main threat: Amare on the P&R.
AR has issues, to say the least. MDA needs to figure out how to maximize his potential. I am by no means ready to hang up the phone on him. He's 21, in a new system, a guy off the bench. He needs time to develop and a coach who has confidence in his contributions.
Mason should not see the light of day on this rotation. Chandler starting (his jump shot is greatly improved, he nailed two open 3s in the first half). Walker off the bench. When Buke comes back, we re-evaluate. Most likely he starts and Chandler off the bench until he is traded (it's going to happen at some point).
Stat was/is/will be simply outstanding. He's wonderful to have on our squad.
Mozgov will be our starting 5. He was great in the first quarter. He needs to learn the ropes, but he is a complete package for us at center. Donnie did great landing this $3mil player for us. Eddie who?
Fields was also a great find for us and gives us lots of flexibility.
We played Boston well (minus KG, but whatever) and we should have won the game. If we had a scorer like Melo on the floor, Boston would have crashed and burned. Donnie has built us a solid foundation. Let's not throw out the bath with the water so early in the PRE-SEASON.
