Superstar Guards Need a 2nd Playmaker in the Frontcourt, not in the Backcourt

True, and Dwight still takes playoffs to high level.

 

We need a Klay Thompson. Misses Chanandler Bong was no Klay. We need a guy who can flip between alpha and beta easily, not another diva.

 

I think the OP makes a good observation. Maybe we should try and get someone like Boris Diaw or so.

 

Sign Noah and Barnes in the offseason.

 

Also, this is where Dmo would have come in...he's a capable passer and can obviously operate in the post..but we know how that turned out.

 

Exactly what I have been saying....about why he is the key - lets see if his back will hold up.

DD

 

I see no problem. If Harden is our Curry/Kobe/Jordan, then Smith is our Pippen/Pau/Green. If you think Smith is not on their level, well, neither is Harden.

 

Morey went for Kobe&Shaq dual with Harden&Howard, not the later Kobe&Gasol.
Similarly, Wade&Shaq also won championships. Howard isn't as dominant as Shaq on offense, but even with that, we had success last season. Problem is he's declining due to injuries and obviously there is chemistry issue between him and Harden.

Now with that, the next guy we get, should target someone skillful and has exceptional passing abilities, how does Nic Batum sound? At 3 and 4, he could be a great glue guy and as a 2nd playmaker. Of course, I welcome the big names, just not sure how obtainable they are.

Another possibility is Marc Gasol, Grizzlies may be looking to unload him due to his injury. Not a great contract, but he's still very very good. Or we can sign Joakim Noah. He will become a UFA this year, also a great passing big, certainly lack on offense, but cheaper than Gasol.

I think if we can't get the big names, a realistic improvement with Howard gone is sign Nic Batum and Joakim Noah. Ideally though we get a real PF, but we know how Morey loves his small ball...

 

Woooot? lol

 

Be serious

 

harden may not be able to play off the ball even if he's made or willing to do so.

i am not so sure about your ball-dominant pg assessment. does that analysis apply to john stockton or magic johnson as well? were they very ball-dominant as well? my memories are getting a bit hazy. so i really dont know...

 

This is a weird argument of a thread...

Just going backwards in history over the past NBA champs, only the Warrior would have a true 'frontcourt playmaker'... Most of the other teams initiate from the perimeter (and one might reasonably argue that is where the Warriors initiate). The game has moved past being able to dump it in the post, that rarely seems to work for anyone. It has become a perimeter oriented league - look at the last few champions.

NBA champion: star level guard/ wing who can get their own shot (and/or create for others)

Warriors: Curry; Thompson
Spurs: Parker; Ginobli; Leonard
Heat: James; Wade
Heat: James; Wade
Mavericks: (aberration - all about Dirk being clutch in the 4th quarter)
Lakers: Bryant; MWP
Lakers: you might fairly argue that this was a frontcourt oriented team with Gasol, Bynum and Odom providing most of the thrust. But does an all bigs lineup still work in todays NBA?

I'd argue that the game has changed since the Lakers in '09. You need 2 outside in guys who can get their own shot, and at least one needs to be able to create for others.

 

Ehh.

For his career 65% of his two point attempts and 93% of his 3 point attempts have been assisted. That is like textbook catch and shoot guy.

His shooting numbers would plummet if he had to create his own shot for most of his attempts.

He's just not an off the dribble kind of scorer.

 

Motiejunas I'm on board with, but Parsons.... only if he could reign in his ego / maintain a realistic price tag.

 

...basically you need 2-3 all-stars, offensive players with ability to play D or put in effort within system...everyone else is jack of all trades types, so that means mobile players, who can shoot, defend, drive, pass...not great at it, but capable, decent. Warriors managed to fit that in their starting lineup AND into their bench....that's what makes them so great. It's also why bogut can be their achilles heel.

 

Smith had success last year playing alongside Harden as a secondary playmaker, especially when Harden would get doubled. He would throw that pocket pass to Smith, who would then drive down the middle with the option to lob to Howard, score at the rim, or kick out to 3-point shooters. As you mentioned, the warriors run that same play quite often between Curry/Greene.

Unfortunately, Smith can also be very careless with the ball and he takes too many bad shots on a regular basis. He still is worth giving minutes to though, when he is playing well he brings defense/rebounding, playmaking, and at times stretches the floor shooting the three (although this year he's been abysmal with his 3-point shot, compared to last year with the Rockets).

 

Agreed! This is why Josh Smith was important to keep as well. This is the reason why Tjones just does not fit this system. Tjones is a black hole. Dmo and Josh Smith in the front court with Dwight will be great.

 

Pretty much all of Clutchfans wanted to keep Chandler Parsons. I don't think Morey realized I valuable he was.

 

DMO is a nice player but not elite

Are you high?