Thomas seemed particularly concerned about Marbury and Crawford, whom he called out specifically when discussing the preseason after the game. They shot a combined 4 for 19 in the game, but did have 5 assists each and only one turnover (Crawford) and four steals (three by Marbury) between them.

"For Crawford and Marbury, this is their exhibition season," Thomas said. "We're hoping we see two different guys."

I asked Isiah to elaborate on it because in the game it was hard not to notice Zach Randolph's frustration several times when shots were going up from the perimeter and the ball wasn't finding the post as often as it should.

"I know they are better players than what we have seen in the exhibition," Isiah said. "A lot of the focus has been putting the ball inside, but we definitely need a healthy compliment from our guards to be considered a dangerous team."

Thomas' words were presented to Crawford, who said he had heard the same from Thomas, but seemed surprised it was publicized.

“One thing about coach is he’ll always talk to you before you hear about it from the media,” Crawford said, “and we appreciate that.”

Posted by TrueBlue:

Posted by Solace:

Funny, he's waived four good backcourt players already before the season started. Maybe if he's not happy with the backcourt, he should've thought of that before he started waiving better players in favor of worse ones.

How far do we go back with him squandering or not utilizing properly sf/g?

He's waived, not brought back, or traded

Carroll
Udoka
Barnes
Ariza
Nichols
Houston
Woods
Rose
Francis
Williams
Hardaway
Tim Thomas
KVH


I don't think any combination of the above could do any worse and some of them grouped accordingly could do much better than the combination of sf/g we have here now. I know some of these players we're guards and could even play pf but many of these players possessed good shooting, playmaking ability, and defense. Salary wise I know if we kept a couple of them we'd be better off.


[Edited by - TrueBlue on 10-27-2007 01:37 AM]

Posted by nixluva:

It'll also be nice to get Q and Balkman back. I'm expecting a few growing pains at the start and for the team to settle into a groove after that. So long as we don't come out sluggish and lose a lot of games.