Posted by nixluva:
I think the thing that creates the big rift between us is that some of us are looking at the teams current state as only an early stage of development. I've seen so many teams over the years develop from this point into solid teams. We have some players who fill important roles already starting to establish themselves.
Curry of course in the paint. He still has a lot of growth to do, but he's at least become a solid presence inside that we haven't had in YEARS.
Lee is that rebounder we've been needing and he's a really good one at that. He has a chance to continue to develop the rest of his game. He's smart and athletic. I would like to see him get a bit stronger and of course develop that jumper.
Frye is starting to look more like the guy we all knew. I think he actually fits in perfectly with the group we have. His perimeter game makes sense along with Curry. I'd like to see him drive just a little bit to keep defenders honest. I think he's going to be a solid player for this team over the years.
Balkman is the energizer and hustle man we all love. I think we all know how effective he can be. Just imagine if this guy can develop a shot? Even still he's a guy that helps this team in the areas we really need the most.
Jared gets bashed a lot, but didn't we already know that he wasn't a stat guy? I wasn't expecting him to come in and fill up the boxscore, but I do think that he provides a bridge between the gaps in our roster between Frye and Lee. He's got the size and length over Lee, but is just a bit quicker and agile than Frye. He get's a lot of flack, but the guy has been playing better and doing what I expected him to do. I think he's going to fill that role very well for this team.
As i've said the next thing we need is a more potent SF to go along with these guys. It would be great if he was a 2 way player with some decent size, speed and shooting touch. He doesn't have to be an All Star, but a very good talent would round out this team nicely. I believe that Isiah already is looking to address that need.
Well you make a good arguement, and I think you did a nice job of supporting it too. but tell me, is marbury in an early stage of development? is francis? is qrich? is crawford? this is what makes me reluctant to buy into "these are just the early stages of development" theory. also keep in mind that this team depends VERY heavily on the above listed players. also curry is in his sixth year, and so far has shown no sign that he will ever be a good defender/rebounder. also keep in mind that curry actually regressed one year in chicago so it isn't out of the question for the same to happen while he is with us.
but the point that I am trying to make is that all things considered, theres more reason to beleive that this team will have a limited ceiling than there is to beleive that they will progress year after year after year until eventually they are contenders. I'm not denying that players on this team will get better, but this team has alot of problems and some of them won't be solved simply by internal growth. for example, the lack of players that fit, and the lack of a leader. two factors that i feel conribute to this team's lack of consistency.
however, Im not saying that it will be impossible for this team to become contenders under isiah, but in my estimation, in order for that to happem, he'd have to change course from doing what he is doing right now.