The Tmac is king threads popping up are ridiculous. Remember that sweet triple double last year, followed by weeks of ineptitude. Tmac could return to All-Star level, and I still make the deal we did. Lets see if he can last. But now about us.....I watched the game carefully tonight and definetly took advantage of my DVR to take a second look at Martin a few times. I don't like that we lost, and our defense for 2+ quarters was poor, but I was pretty pleased considering it was the first change with a quiet radical shift in our rotation. The guys on FSN said it perfectly before the game, "A lot of the time when you make a trade, your able to put the person you acquired in the vacated spot. This is the exact opposite, we have to fortify the frontcourt and learn how to share in the backcourt. The big problem is that we still don't have a shot blocker (I don't think Hill or Armstrong will impact that this season) That is going to magnify a lot of our defensive shortcomings (Scola, Brooks, Bud) and even our more solid defenders. But we will have to make do, unless we pickup an FA. I did come away from tonight actually thinking Martin looked pretty good defensively. He is clearly a quick guy and while he seems to be cheating a little into passing lanes (like Ariza does) I thought he was active and did an ok job staying in front of his guy (although he had a mental lapse or two) Offensively I think I also see potential with a Brooks/Martin/Ariza starting combo. I think Martin has some PG skills and will be helpful in using AB off the ball. Martin is really quick and just had an off night shooting (which sucks but could be nerves) But obviously he is very creative and effective in getting his own shot and I think he can be a catalyst in possesion as well. I really enjoyed watching Brooks and Martin play together tonight. I think we will play better tomorrow, hopefully win. Would like to get a blowout to take a look at Jordan Hill. There will be days when Tmac has better games than KMart. But we still did the smart thing. When Martin starts hitting jumpers (which will come) and becomes regains his fluidity and knowledge in the offense, we will be even more pleased. I still thought a lot of positive things went on with the rotation and chemistry tonight.
I agree. Tough loss but give new guys a chance to getting used to new teammates and new arena. Take more than one game to build chemistry.
While I regret that a new thread had to be made about this, at least you analyzed it with a clear head and a thorough explanation. I couldn't agree more that Martin will come along. You'll already find plenty of people claiming he can't play defense while others claim he can't hit the broad side of a barn. A few times I actually saw him and Temple working very well together to seal off the penetrating dribbler with their lateral quickness. What we saw tonight isn't going to be every game from now on, folks.
