Since everyone is comparing players (and since I don't have much to do at work this afternoon)... I might as well join in. If both were free agents this past offseason, and each of them could be signed to identical 5-year MLE contracts, and the team only can sign one, which would you prefer?
I disagree. Battie provide much better defense, while still being able to spread the floor at the 4 better than Bonzi. Bonzi doesn't address our 4 position at all. Also, we have a little more pick-me-up (hopefully) with Novak, so we'll be less dependent on have a hard-core 3rd option. Plus, Bonzi's career average PPG is only slightly higher than Battier's. With the added defensive presence and character/leadership for the team, I think Battier is a MUCH better choice.
If the goal is to have regular season success, than Battier is the way to go. If the goal is to have playoff success, I’d go with Wells. A player like Battier is built for the regular season. He’s an overachiever that consistently plays hard every single game. Come playoff time, his impact on the game disappears, because everybody plays hard every game in the playoffs. The loose balls and the hustle plays that he’s used to making in the regular season are a lot harder to come by in the playoffs when matched up against superior talent giving 100%. Wells seems to be the opposite of Battier. Less consistent in the regular season, but more talented, and more capable of stepping up when the games really mean something. He actually looks like he belongs come playoff time.
Hard work all the time and not a headcase plus a superior outside shooter and he actually comes to practice? Battier without question.
So, good defensive players who play hard all the time tend to be dimished in the playoffs? That's why Bruce Bowen and Mario Elie never contributed in the playoffs?
The poll would be better served if they played the same position. But since they don't - Wells would be better because he plays good D and has better offensse overall against smaller players than himself. Battier is the better overall player but won't dominate at either the 3 or 4 position.
I much prefer Mobley as the starter of Shannon Anderson. Oh wait, Wrong year. Battier is the better player than Bonzi. Bonzi's best two attributes are rebounding and scoring a lot. With TMac and Yao, Bonzi won't be able to score as much. I'd rather have the more versatile, better shooting, and better defender in Battier.
you guys will take back your words once you see the playoffs performance of bonzi wells, when he'll lead us (co-lead to be more exact) to the championship. Mark this!!!! -Oct25, 06
Sorry, a little off topic, but it's amazing how many Rookies here are pulling the "Mark My Words..." statements already. Good grief.
Everybody is talking about Battier being a consistent threat from outside. I have not seem that in the pre-season and I am afraid a lot of people will be disapointed with those expectations.
this is an unfair poll IMO. no one here has even seen bonzi play for the rockets. given the makup of our team, i would vote battier. however, who knows how this vote would be different after watching 5 or 6 of bonzi's games.
Why compare when we can enjoy the fact that we have both them. In the primes of their careers no less!
