Who should be our starting PG next season? We have Sura, Head, and James as the most likely candidates, but who should get the nod? James is probably be the most seasoned PG as long as JVG can keep the reigns on him and keep Yao involved. But he sometimes gets narrow sighted and doesn't recognize open teammates. He does have good speed and defensive ability. Sura brings a no nonsense style approach and gets everyone involved except himself, almost to a fault. If he could work on his 3's in the offseason, he'd keep opposing defenses honest. He's also lost a step and gets beat by his man too often. Head could bring a more aggressive style to running the point much like he played at his alma, he likes to attack the basket in transition and setup on the three for open looks. He's young and will make mistakes, but do we throw him in and get him comfortable early or do we bring him in slowly? I can't imagine the plays we'll run with Head, D.A., T-Mac, Swift, and Yao all on the floor but know it will be fun to watch. This has to be the most talented group ever to play alongside McGardy.
Sura. I think a lot of people forget what he brought to this team last year. Yes, he does have some weaknesses but all palyers do. He's a decent passer and shooter, a great rebounder for a PG, and he doesn't need the ball. I love his toughness and his attitude.
I had heard that Sura's injury would take a full year to heal. If that is the case, and it keeps him from playing at 100%, then I think that either Anderson or James should start. There is no way that Head could start this early, and he sure didn't show this summer he belonged. But, it would not surprize me if he competed later in the year, especially if there were an injury. If Sura is completely healed, then I think he get's the job by default. He was last year's starter. He may have lost a step, but he's tough as nails, and adds a gritty piece to our puzzle. He get's everyone involved, and even though James is probably better, James tends to hang onto the ball way too much. He's better at instant offense off the bench. I'm still hoping we trade for a starting PG. I'd like us to trade Howard/Baker/Norris for Davis/Duhon (Duhon would have to agree since he's just signed). Of course, if negotiations with Chandler break down, and they wanted to do a s&t with us, I"d be thrilled. I'd throw in any one or two of Wesley, Sura, James, 3 #1 draft picks and 3 million to get him, although I'm sure others could give them something sweeter. (still holding onto the dream until the last second ... even though I know there is a remote chance of it happening). If we traded Sura or James, I'd like to pick up Jason Williams for PG depth. If that happened, I'd start Duhon.
I say there is almost no way MJ is our opening day starter. His game and mentality are perfectly suited for the role of 6th man hired gun. If Sura isn't healthy enough I could be wrong. Head has a zero chance of starting at PG opening night, and a slim and none chance of starting at all this season IMO. The one way I could see MJ starting is if DA turns out to be better than expected playing PG on offense. Then MJ plays SG on offense and they switch roles on the defensive side. To answer your question: Sura will start if healthy enough.
When any PG passes poorly, is selfish, and averages less than 25 per game...he has no business ever, ever starting.
I would have to say Bob Sura. IMHO I wouldn't be surprised to see the exact same starting lineup as last year with a vastly improved bench with the addition of Swift and DA.
If Swift isn't starting, it means he has been a severe disappointment and is on Van Gundy's ____ list. Thank God if that happens he has a tradable contract. I'll predict. Swift starts the first game of the regular season.
Mike James has always had a very solid A/TO ratio. Be it as a starter logging 30+MPG, as his most frequent back-up role (mid 20s MPG). He is not undisciplined nor selfish. I do think James is the ideal bench PG, but not near as good as starter. I'd like to see Sura or DA to start, if the both are healthy one will play more SG or even SF minutes, but MJ to get 20+ bench minutes. We have 3 vets who can give us solid PG minutes, three more solid guys than for many games last year. This is a good thing. Head has a better chance to get SG minutes than PG minutes (though still not much chance this year at all), PG is a tougher pro transition, particularly for a college swingman.
If I had to pick between what we have. I'd start Mike James, even though I really like having him as a spark off the bench. But Maybe Head will be able to do that, I'd give Head minutes this year, alot of people on the board are saying to send him to the NBDL, I really hope that doesn't happen. I'm a big Illini fan. Deron Williams, 05-06 Rookie of the Year.
isn't this topic about who would be the starting PG? Anywhoo probably Sura, Mike James is too selfish for my taste and he keeps taking stupid shots sometimes.
If this is true our mgt would derelict to enter the season with no Starting PG. MJ is a good backup, but not a starter. I don't know if DA could start at PG or not, but if he did then that would leave our SG position exposed.
I never want to see Mike James start. Even if Bob Sura is injured. I like what he brings off the bench but I don't think he's meant to be a starter in this league. He doesn't fit as our starter, that's for certain.
If Sura is healthy he has to start on opening night. He brings toughness and attitude to the team and we need that in the starting line-up. Additionally the only part of his game that is a real weakness is his ability to keep his man out of the paint. However, with the signing of Swift that isnt as big of a problem as it was this past season. MJ is perfect to come off the bench and provide some scoring when Yao and T-mac are resting.
Sura will be our starting PG this season, barring an injury or trade. He brings toughness and rebounding that is very valuable to our team. Mike James is the perfect backup for this team, I think he could start, but the energy he brings off the bench awsome. I look for MJ to have a good season.
