We're not that far above that group from a talent standpoint. The hope is that it fits the system better and that they fit together better... and that they're better from a personality perspective.

freeskier wrote:

loweyecue wrote:The team Walsh inherited didn't know what defense was, this team actually plays defense. Or does that not come in to the discussion of "talent"? And most of those players were selfish one dimensional ball hogs, compared to young unselfish players we have now.

For the most part I agree. But, during those few games, I do remember seeing the ball moving on offense. I think we were averaging like 5 assists per game w/ Isiah, and being surprised what could do with the same team. I havn't watched much preseason, but went to the first Garden game, where STAT got 30pts, 0 assists. He had 1 assist against the Nets. I don't know if this is being selfish or just not having anyone decent to pass to.

STAT is the focal point of the offense and it is his job to take it to the hole and score. As long as he is getting results and shooting a high percentage I wouldn't worry about his assist numbers. If he start doing that when he is being double or tripled team and just can't make it then that is cause for concern.

TheGame wrote:The big difference between this team and the team of Z. Randolph, Craw, Lee, Duhon, Nate is that this team has more efficient scorers and defenders at every position. I think offensively, the team Walsh inherited could keep up and maybe even exceed this team, but this team should be a much better defensive squad if MDA actually coaches defense. That will be the big difference this year. Teams should be more hesitant to drive on us with the shot-blocker that we have now and with Felton and Douglas at the guard spots, we can shut some teams down. MDA just needs to make a commitment to coaching defense and stressing defense during the season.

Mike already made more of a commitment starting last year. He emphasized D in camp last year and now this year with better defensive players it already looks like this team is going to be a much improved team defensively. Once the rotation is set for a while and the players can develop a much tighter defensive chemistry, the D should be more effective.

We may not have more guys that can create their own shots like we once did, but there are more team oriented players. We really need our shooters to step up and hit more consistently tho. That's the only way the floor will stay spread for Amar'e and our other inside players to thrive.