I don't mean to diss Pike. I'm just a little leery of the whole "zone buster" concept. It's like we're waiting for some sweet-shooting messiah to come make it all better for us. Here's another idea: Try passing the damn ball.
Maybe we finally have a coach with an actual offensive plan that isn't afraid to scold or bench anyone who doesn't stick to it.
Maloney, Jamerson, Price, Johnson etc etc. Yeah, the list goes on and on. Hopefully Pike will be a keeper. If not, his contract is not too bad and comes off the books in 3 years. It is not like we signed him to a 7 year contract, cough, cough Moochie.
Oh, Really..................................... Does the word Danny Ferry ring a bell, or how about Steve Kerr?????? White Boys with dead-eye Jumpers last forever in this league, ala Bullard If he didnt retire someone would have given him a job as a bomber Steve Kerr hasn't played D in 6 years, and he just got a ring
Steve Kerr averaged 12 minutes a game this past year, Danny Ferry only 9. Piatkowski averaged 22, and that was down a few minutes from recent years. Both of you guys are right, though. I think the white guy who can just shoot is becoming more of a rarity, but, if you can do it really well, and you can also play defense somewhat, you stick around - for a long time. That's the point, Piatkowski can play defense. Also, I don't think Steve's selfish tendencies will hurt Piatkowski, because Steve is an excellent drive and dish out to the perimeter players. What he needs work on as a PG are his pick and rolls (and dishes), pushing the ball up the court much quicker, much more consistently and better, and his drive the lane/jump with nothing to do plays. He is actually quite competent at driving the lane and then dishing out to the perimeter.
I thought we were going to go 0-83?!? No, I'm just happy to have a shooter who will move instead of just sitting outside the three point lane all day.
Actually, with proper spacing this season, I believe Pike's mid-range game could be more of a consistent benefit to the offense. As mentioned, for example, when set for mid-range shooting opportunities, Pike tends to be pretty competent at pump fakes, allowing the defender (who typically respects his shot) to come off the floor, and he then generally shoots or takes those moments to look to try for lay-ups.
