Clearly JJ is playing way to many minutes but is is also clear that JVG trusts JJ on the floor. JVG does not have that kind of trust for Nachbar. JVG doesn't want to play JJ that many minutes; he has mentioned this many times in interviews. But the problem is no one is stepping up to claim those minutes. The times when Nachbar is on the floor (which is less and less these days) he is NOT making any noise. He has GOT to contribute. He was given the chance when Pike was out. He did NOT hit the 3ptrs when needed. He did not make plays. And because of this he is out. JVG is going to play players that he trusts and that make plays. People have to step up.
1. Nachbar is clearly not the sort of player who can sit for 3 games, play 5 minutes, and look great. That's no reflection on him, really - few players can do this. Nachbar did make some plays. He hit some shots. He did well on defense. He's out for two reasons: 1. JVG doesn't like rookies (which Nachbar essentially is) and 2. JVG likes very small rotations full of defense-first players. When he was getting regular minutes, most of the regular posters to this board were seeing something in his play. 2. The issue isn't whether JVG should play those he trusts - but why he assigns such trust where he does. Cato has been insufficient all year at the 4 - it's almost like playing with 4 men on O - but JVG still "trusts" him.
Was there any young talent developed under JVG's tenure in NY? Maybe NY didnt have any young talent at all but I think JVG is used to playing veterans.
I have no prob w/ jj playin all the mins at SF and none for Boki (well i do but it won't change) But for a guy who is as big as pagett, and has way more skill and potential, I don't see any reason pagett should be off the bench b4 boki, if you don't think hes fit for PF then just make like your going small w/ Yao down low and maybe you will realize that he is one of the few guys who actually spreads the floor and fills the lane on the break.
Deuce - Can we agree that trust is a value judgement? Boki is admittedly not shooting well overall. But observe: http://www.nba.com/playerfile/bostjan_nachbar/game_by_game_stats.html there is a strong corelation to shooting %age and minutes played...especially when the number approaches 20 mpg. Even the bad shooting 2-7 vs the Magic had him 2-5 from the arc. Worth noting. In games where Nachbar has played 19+ mpg, he is 8-15 from the arc. I see a Catch 22...he can't shoot because he's not getting minutes, but he's not getting minutes because he can't shoot. At some point, if JVG truly wants to lengthen the rotation he has to bite the bullet. It's not like JJ is shooting lights out or playing errorless ball (he has on at least two occassions fouled a jump shooter late in the clock).
I will definitely subscribe to the notion it could be the chicken and the egg scenario. Does he play poorly because he gets limited minutes and thus does not develp and rhythm? Tough to say. I am not sure whether to blame Nachbar or JVG for this situation. But whatever the case and whoever is to blame Nachbar is being wasted. I too would like to see him get minutes. I would like to see him succeed. This team needs their draft picks to make contributions to add to the talent base. The question is, when Adrian Griffin is officially back, how far is Nachbar burried then!?!?
Regarding Griffin, do we really even need him that much anymore? Defense, especially at the shooting guard spot, is fairly well set; it's the other side of the ball where the problems lie. Aside from spot duty if Steve/Cuttino/Jackson is in foul trouble and playing against a quicker player (that Piatkowski can't guard), I don't see that much use for him anymore.
I agree, the problem is on the offensive end. I just think knowing JVG that A. Griffin will be put in before Nachbar when everyone is healthy. Just a hunch. All things being equal...JVG goes with the defensive guy. And perhaps that is a problem. This team plays good TEAM defense. So individual defensive stoppers is not so much important as guys that can score and shoot jumpers. We need to place these qualities at the top right now. This team plays good enough defense to win. If our offense comes around we will be set.
I dont think so.. I think everything starts in practice. If Boki was practicing hard and playing well in practice I think JVG would play him. JVG states everything starts in practice.. Maybe Boki has been slacking in practice and could be the main culprit in the reduction in minutes. Boki has a sweet stroke and good size I would love to see JVG develop him as a player. I just hope he doesnt become another wasted draft pick. Good speed, good size, sweet stroke, his defense needs work (but not too bad ive seen worse), I think its his hesitation to take the shot is keeping him on the bench. Maybe more of a confidence issue.. Well I hope something happens... its a waste for him to sit on the bench so long. J
