I’m a big Ariza fan, I feel he brings a lot of intangibles, versatile on defense, and when he’s on, he can be a threat from 3, BUT, I just get a difference vibe when Luc is on the floor. These last few games I feel our defense has stepped up to another level, and there’s not much drop off on the offensive end. Wanted to get your thoughts. I know Ariza is everyone’s boy, but the style of play with Luc starting the last few games has been pretty awesome to watch. We’re locking folks down. Memphis grizzly defense with a MDA Phoenix Offense hybrid
Ariza will have an easier time off the bench after recovering from injury. The Prince is a better defender, and plays better when he starts.
I don't think the starter/reserve role really means much outside of ego. We know Luc is OK coming off the bench. I have no reason to think Ariza would be a problem if asked to come off the bench, but its a possible chemistry issue that's best not even approached unless there is significant gain from it. They will both play a lot of minutes either way, and whoever is playing more effectively that game will close. Luc has been absolutely spectacular, no way to understate it. I think he's more valuable to the team at this point, but Ariza is still really valuable as well.
It's crazy that we're deep enough to even think abt benching Ariza. He's an unquestioned starter for over half the teams in the league. I love me some Daryl Morey.
Luc has a step on him, and is a better finisher around the rim I still think ariza is a better one on one defender for the playoffs, and 3 point is a toss up
I I agree Luc is better. However, I wouldn’t mess with the chemistry and egos too much at this point. If we make any starting lineup change the first to go would be Ryan Anderson. Life is good. Kind of reminds me of the Sam Cassell should start over Kenny Smith days.
Food for thought.... Our second unit has been murdering the other teams 2nd and Luc is a huge part of that. Would Ariza have the same effect?
I have been on the "start Luc" bandwagon for a while now. But not in place of Ariza, in place of Anderson.
This is a no-brainer for me.... But, Ariza has something in his legacy that cannot be taught: The Clutch Factor. The Lakers don't win some of their early championships without his miracle shots; Washington is the same and so on. I love Luc, and when I heard about the Rox interest in the listed #12 before the season (pre-trade, to be fair), I knew he would be brought here to supplement our defense more than anything. He's been shooting the ball well, but I think Trev has the scoring edge. Defensively, Luc is a much better help defender than Ariza is at this point, but one-on-one, Trev's hands and discipline are severely underrated. We're lucky to have both, but this team is a bigger threat with Trev starting and finishing. Aside from these freak injuries, Trev has been one our most durable guys. You need that in the playoffs. And, while not about ego, it's disrespectful to all that Trev has been to the Rockets to move him to the bench. His numbers, leadership, attention to detail and presence around the league have earned him his spot. Just my 2, worthless cents.
Ariza might just be the most under appreciated player on this team. The leadership, toughness, shooting, defense, and flexibility he gives this team is invaluable. Luc has been AWESOME, but Ariza deserves respect for what he's given us the last 4 years. It's fantastic that we have both guys, plus Gerald. That's a phenomenal wing rotation to carry into the playoffs.
I like Luc in the first rotation bc its more defense heavy and harden needs it and can get other guy open as well. However I think since he has chemistry with Paul Pringles plays Luc when Paul comes in the game later on together.
