Bud has really so-so handles. No quick first step. If his averages increases, it'll be because of the minutes like Luther Head.
BTW - I think Bud's ceiling is a decent complimentary starting SF with an output of about 15-6-4. And an intelliget defender. Not a star, but a pretty good player. DD
Every player slumps, Lowry sucked at the beginning of last year, and so did Bud, ironically both were coming back from injuries, I think that might be related, right? DD
I said earlier PG is the second most important spot on a team. You can count on the coaches that they are going to have more patience with him than with a shooter. 1. Center 2. PG 3. PF 4. SG 5. SF
I think in today's NBA, PG is the most important, and we are lucky to have Lowry a 2nd tier PG on our team. He is just below elite level, but is damned good. DD
I don't mind Hollinger sometimes, he has a habit of overrating aspects of players by stats alone (which sometimes make him look incredibly stupid) yet he also picks out interesting things that nobody else notices. I guess I'll just say what DD said before Hollinger began supporting Bud and he took a 180 degree: The only difference between journalists and everyone else is they have their opinion published. And also there are lies, damned lies, and statistics.
I would give up Chase before giving up Kevin. Any damn day! Chase is decent, but he's never going to be a "star." I don't see that in him. If he attacked the basket more often, possibly. I wish Jordan Hill would grab a pair and "break out" of whatever slump he has been in for the last two years. I don't care about the numbers...he plays so soft. Gasol looks like He-Man in comparison. If we have a breakout star this year, I think it will be T-Will. I also think Sammy D is going to have one of the best years of his career. Though, it wouldn't be a breakout year because he's been in the league awhile.
Really? You think the PG position is most important? I would disagree and say the center position is. More often than not, a team with a legit center and/or PF win over a team with an all-star point guard. Chris Paul is the perfect example. Tremendous point guard, but even with his numbers, he couldn't do much in New Orleans because they lack a decent center. Of course, the exception can be made, like Dirk in Dallas, but winning teams usually have a great center/PF as a focal point. The old Lakers could have been decent without Kobe and a mediocre point guard handling the ball. Throw it into a dominant player in Shaq and it's over. Same with Orlando. Despite Dwight's BS, they are successful because you can't compete against a dominant center/pf. Guards are easier to find.
I cannot stand Budinger. I just don't see where he helps. He's not a strong defender. His shooting is spotty. He's not a good passer. I just don't see where he warrants a starting role. He's not tough, he's not a fighter. Really, what does he give the Rockets? I certainly think Lee deserves his starting spot. No question. Maybe even T-Will. But there's no way I would give Bud significant minutes. He's trade bait.
Really C Bud provides great athletic ability, floor spacing and he is always improving. Tim Duncan didn't yell and scream either. Behind the quiet exterior of budinger their is a raging inferno of toughness, heart and desire.
I actually agree with DD, Budinger is much closer to an average defender. Most people struggle with understanding the difference between one of the leagues worst defenders (Martin) and a guy who isn't good defensively but not that far away from average in terms of impact. He gets blown by in 1on1 situations but he doesn't consistently make dumb decisions on that end.
I like splitting up the bud and Martin tandem, but I'm not down on bud. It seems like people were just gushing over bud for his potential. Eventually potential gets scouted if the league sees it enough. I agree with an earlier poster that said he looks like Brent Barry. I will take that.
I think chase could develop into a very solid role player ala a Jeff hornicheck....but his basketball iq and confidence has to increase a lot..as well as his d. He is a ways away. Kevin Martin is the best scorer on this team....no question there.
