And our rotation isn't already screwed up with Yao's 24 MPG cap and injuries? Please look at the bigger picture. You cannot have TWO defensive liabilities on the court at the same time (4 when you count Scola and Miller) at the same time and expect to win. Between Brooks and Martin, one of them has to go the bench. I would also like to start Hill instead of Miller. Great NBA teams are ALL ABOUT BALANCE. Just take a look at all the teams that have won a ring. All of them have had balanced scoring and good defense. Rockets 94/95: - Backcourt only has one defensive liability (Smith) - Rockets have very strong D with Olajuwon, Drexler, Elie, Horry, Otis, and Maxwell Lakers: - Backcourt only has one defensive liability (Fisher) - Lakers have very strong D with Bryant, Gasol, Bynum, Artest, and sometimes Odom Celtics: - Backcourt only has one defensive liability (Allen) - Celtics have very strong D with Garnett, Perkins, and Rondo Pistons: - Backcourt only has one defensive liability (Hamilton) - Pistons have very strong D with Wallace and Prince Bulls: - Backcourt only has one defensive liability (Kerr) - Bulls have very strong D with Jordan, Pippen, Rodman, and Grant You noticing a pattern here? Defense keeps in you every game and your scorer and closer starts and ends it for you. Our closers (for better or worse) are Brooks and Scola, but we cannot have both Brooks and Martin in the lineup at the same time.
The game is just not as simple as you are trying to make it out to be. Why you refuse to acknowledge Scola's defensive shortcomings but emphasize Brooks/Martins is a mystery to me.
Scola is without a doubt the worst defender on the team. I don't know how anyone here doesn't see that.
No one is doubting his effort only his skills. To quote the great JRR Tolkein "I do not doubt his heart, only his reach" DD
This from the guy who whines about sample sizes? Haha. You're hung up on the idea of being a 'starter' and ignoring the fact that Brooks would have just as much of an impact. When Yao returns to the lineup, you have Martin on the same side of him like you're doing with Scola. It's an easy game -- no reason to make it any more difficult. We emphasize Brooks because him AND Martin are both weak defensively -- with Yao in the lineup, only Scola is weak defensively. I'd rather us improve our perimeter defense than have guards be able to penetrate easily to the rim and get my big men in foul trouble. Let's not forget who the Chicago Bulls are coached by -- that was the best defense I've seen on us all year. They're going to be a really good defensive team.
Exactly what I was saying. The arguments for and against AB & Lowry are irrelevant. Both have glaring weaknesses in their overall game but simply stated; AB is a poor defender and Lowry is poor offender. We need an upgrade. Same for the C position & the SF. I might go out on a limb and say the Coach too but I'm going to deliberate a little more before I make that decision.
Scola NEEDS to be a starter simply because he is the most consistent and most efficient offensive player we have on the team right now. That, and to my very own surprise, also our best rebounder this season. The problem is a combination of a poor defensive backcourt AND the lack of a defensive presence at the rim. It's disappointing that Jordan Hill isn't logging in more minutes. I think this would help tremendously but perhaps he doesn't get time because he easily gets into foul trouble?. Also, Shane's defense hasn't been on an elite level. Still solid though.
And how did that end up working out last night where we werent scoring AND the opposing guard was torching us?
Dude, you are acting like we got torched by the Bulls. It was a winnable game. 15-0 run starting the 4rth doesn't help either. Would you still be this upset if we won the game?
You're basically saying, "Well Brooks wouldn't have stopped Rose either, but at least he would have scored!" Okay -- let's say I agree. What would have stopped Brooks from being in the game last night? The fact that he didn't start it? When I speak of having Lowry start, that includes having Brooks off the bench and Yao in the game in big situations. Judging him without two of the biggest weapons on this team is silly. It's especially silly to judge him after ONE game where we played one of the best defenses in the league.
Let me rephrase, Brooks doesnt have to start, but I want him playing with Yao/Shane/Martin in the half court lineup. If thats your starting lineup, thats where I want him. If Bud, Lee, Hill are starting, then go ahead and put Lowry in there too. Losing games is not what upsets me. What upsets me is the mob mentality where stupid fans have to find a scapegoat after every loss. EVERY SINGLE GAME there is a moronic thread started about who needs to be traded. EVERY SINGLE GAME.
Hummmm, so where is this great defense from Lowry? First rose and now Westbrook. I tried to explain to those about the bigs are killing our guards,but its brooks fault. Oh yeah, 3 starts, 17asst 13 to's for the tempo controller.
Leeb, we have been right about this all along. As I have said numerous times, with the new rules of no touching on the perimeter, and guards being allowed to carry the ball, it is impossible to stay in front of good players. The most important thing is having someone there to guard the rim. We have 2 guys, Yao and Hill....and Yao is out. So, uh...where is Hill? DD
Hill cant protect the paint any better than Scola...He is a weakside shotblocker...Not a defensive enforcer....Theres a difference...But He still needs to play...That I agree
Sometimes protecting the paint is just being there and standing tall. Hill makes mistakes, but dang it, the guy is the only athletic big we have....maybe Patterson some day, but he is in Rio Grande. Got to play Hill. I like Miller and I like Scola, but I would break them up and put Hill in there with either one....just to add athleticism. DD
I dont think Patterson is the answer defensively.....but its worth a try....The only thing we have resembling a defensive stop is "taking a charge"...or Battier putting a hand in a players face "after the ball has left his hands already"
True enough.....and again....this is exactly why I wanted the Rockets to take Whiteside.....a very athetlic big man with upside....... With the team stacked as it is with decent players, you would think they would take a swing for the fences instead of another safe pick in Patterson. DD
