Well, Stro looked pretty aggressive and confident tonight. As much as he gets bashed here lately, I'm glad he got the last chance at a shot over, say, Juwan Howard. Jeebz...what the hell is wrong with Howard?? I say Start Swift while he's rolling. Howard looked like a reincarnation of Charles Smith tonight. Put ME in the game coach. I could shoot 0-4 from point blank range, too, and I would do it for free
I sure hope so, I think last nites game should do tons for his confidence. The main thing I noticed was he was quick getting into his moves. He wasn't hesitating as all, hope he keeps it up.
Swift's "roll" is exactly 1 game long. Hopefully he will keep playing inspired ball while Yao is out.
I am one that thinks Swift is trying too hard. ALways going for the dunk b/c he thinks that is what is expected of him. Why not take the midrange jumper, why not a hook? When he's done that, he's book ok. Last night's game showed he can do more than just dunk. Although he is far from solid, how about just tell him, let the game come to you, stop forcing it. I wonder if that would yield better results.
Hmmmm...where are all the Swift bashers at today? They seem to be hiding out somewhere. Yes, I know its only one game, but geez, that was a very well played game by Stro last night. I have been saying for a while now to let him get 30 minutes a game and see what he can do...it's about DAMN time he got over 30 mintues. I hope that was his break-out game/confidence booster. Keep it going Stro!
Yeah, definitely. I'm a little worried his confidence will be shaken by the blown layup at the end, though. He seemed pretty disappointed with himself in the postgame quotes. If he can put together a couple more solid games, I'll be convinced he should get the start. Juwan was just plain awful last night. All he did was blow several point blank shots that could have been taken by more competent players.
I found I was a Swift basher and a huge Swift fan at the same time last night. His mid range jumper is beautiful, his spin moves and basket attacks were beautiful, graceful, and he scored 20 plus points. His negative plays were less last night, but they still stick out. That horrible, slow pass that a seven year old girl would make, the missed last shot ( he was fouled) I like Swift and think that when Yao comes back he will have a useful sidekick at the 4. I will continue to enjoy his successes and laugh, good naturally, at his mistakes.
I hope not...it's not like that was an easy shot. He was kind of fading away, left-handed AND he got fouled . I hope he is strong minded enough to realize that that was a very difficult shot. Im not, and never have been a big fan of Juwan. If you ask me I think Swift needs to start with Yao when he comes back, because Yao and Howard are too similar in their style of play. Both like to work with their backs to the basket, although Juwan can step out and knock down the mid-range jumper. Swift just seems like the best compliment type of player to Yao. His game is very different then Yao's...have you noticed that Stro is at his best when he gets the ball in the post and pivots to face the bucket? I know he has missed a lot of shots this season until last night, but he DOES get some good shots off.
WOW, if he played like last night MOST nights...we'd be ridiculously good. Can you imagine that type of game from him when Yao is back? I mean, I know he wouldnt get the 26 points because he would be at least the 3rd scoring option, but you my point. I think im the only person that thinks this, but I think even when Yao is back that Stro should get more opportunities to post up. I like the way he creates his shot in the lane AND I like the way he passes in the post. Let Swift post up and Yao be on the opposite side. Let Stro create something, and maybe Yao's man will have to help on D, leaving Yao open for a dunk OR he'd be in perfect position for an offensive board (kind of like Dampier last year in the playoffs).
Yea he made some mistakes, but so does everyone else. I was VERY proud of JVG for not giving up on him and yanking him out of the game though. Usually he screws up and JVG pulls him. Last night he finally got the chance to stay on the court and DOMINATED a pretty good front court. Lets keep it going!!!!
I think if you watch these games closely what becomes obvious is that Swift cannot play with his back to the basket (ala the last shot of the game). Howeva, he is incredibly effective (much like Amare) if he faces up his man ten fifteen feet from the basket were he can use his quickness to dribble around the defender and just jump and dunk (or draw fouls). Its the only effective move he has and he did effectively against the Hornets (along with staying out of foul trouble which is also key for him). Van Gundy needs to figure out a way to get him the ball in that position and let him play to his strengths. If he keeps insisting on forcing him to play like Yao he's in trouble because he is going to be forced to rely on a jump hook which he can't hit. I'm not clamoring to trade him just yet.
im cool with more playing time for swift....j ho is too streaky for me and his persistance on taking that 15-18 foot jumper is irritating as hell
For those of us who didn't watch the game the other night, what exactly was he doing. 26/13 is an enormous leap for him, regardless of who we played or whether we won.
Can you imagine how good we can become if Yao and Stro can work the inside and Tmac, Head and perhaps a real point guard can cut to the hoop once in a while and either score or dump it off on either side; or pick up a pass from the big guys if they are covered too tight. Ball movement! Passing! Cutting! Lobs. Working off of each other. Assists! God I gotta stop smoking that stuff!!! It makes me hallucinate....