I think this season, this team has had 2 major weaknesses. The 4 and the lack of a stopper on the wing. I think we have a plan for the 4 with D-Mo, T-Rob and the other young guys. But we don't have anyone that can be seen as a Tony Allen/Sefolosha type. I have no idea how the rotation would work, but EVERY championship team has had at least one. Everyone on this board preaches our lack of defense, but I haven't seen too much discussion of this need. Lin/Beverly are too short, Harden is a little ways from being an elite defender and it doesn't seem like this is the role they have for Chandler (or Delfino!). So do you see anyone on this roster that could become our Bowen? Or do you see anyone we might be able to go after in the off-season? I know the timing of this thread is kind of strange, but we have a few days before the next game and I wanted to see if anyone knew of anyone that might be a good fit. I think it should be the main priority this off-season.
Josh Smith, Iguodala, Mike Conley, Tony Allen, Avery Bradley, Paul George, Sefolosha, Joakim Noah. Random names that come to my mind. Josh Smith is a FA this summer and Iguodala I think has a player option, not sure about the rest.
I really think this is gonna be the role for Parsons (and right now he is already guarding the best wing player). He was a pretty good defender last season and got a bit worse this year while his offense is greatly improving. Two things would help to make him more of a defensive stopper in the future: A weakside shotblocker in the paint (might be T-Rob or a FA like Josh Smith) - and another major scorer that you run plays for. If we fix the 4 spot offensively and defensively and take the scoring load of Harden and Parsons with another scorer, the whole team defense will improve greatly.
I thought Chandler would be that guy for us but this season he has been caught ball watching and gambling too many times. He has the tools but its a matter of discipline on his part imo. I think Morey did say that acquiring a wing stopper is definitely on the list this off-season. Depending on who is available, this should be definitely the number 2 priority behind the acquisition of another star player. Hopefully Morey pulls through again this off-season and we'll be off the treadmill we've been on for ages.
I'd be ecstatic if we somehow land Iggy. He's a beast on defense and is clearly what we need right now. If we do get him though, he'd probably start and take over Parsons' spot. I wonder what Parsons' opinion on being a sixth man.
Anyway, i think the focus right now has to be on getting the 2nd star. You can get a cheap defensive role player like Ronnie Brewer in the meantime, there's one or two of those every offseason. Once you have a star, you can look for something more permanent.
looking at the FA list, some of the good wing defenders you could target this summer: Tony Allen Iguodala Ronnie Brewer Corey Brewer Matt Barnes Just a quick check so i'm likely missing some. Also, quite a few with opt out clauses (Kirilenko, Ariza, etc).
what would a paul george-harden-lin trio look like? with parsons off the bench focusing more on D like a more offensively dangerous kirilenko?? still getting 30+ mins a night
Mike Conley is a fantastic PG defender. Iggy fits the running part of our team. He gives us defense and rebounding. He can't really shoot which is his main weakness.
Nah, just working his way back. Knicks were rumoured to be shopping him around. Fits in perfectly with Rockets' young lineup. Been shooting well also. Don't know if he will ever develop a consistent 3 but that would just be icing on the cake. The guy was so energetic, he basically tore his ACL by sheer force of his athleticism. I liked Ronnie Brewer when he was with Chicago. Worked well as a defender in that system. Didn't seem to do as well with the Knicks.
it takes time to heal, d. rose is taking all year to get back to full strength physical/mental. Shumps young and I wouldn't be surprised to see him have another break out year like his rookie season whenever he becomes comfortable with his health and the offense or whatever they run down there in Melo's Land now and days.
If we dont get howard( u know its dm's priority) try to get Iggy(or another good wind defender) have parsons come of the bench with Defino. that would be an amazing rotation. Harden/Delfino Iggy/ Parsons I would say if we got Iggy we could probably also still make a run for smith. (dude is not a max) but somebody needs to tell that guy, " we have good shooters, take more of a back role when it comes to offense and be amazing on the defensive side still". And he would have to except it!! Smith/D-mo or Trob That would make us deep, If Rockets went that route..........Pipe dreams?
Shump, while young and explosive on D, hasnt been the same since his injury. he stinks like ass now :|
