If he measures out at 6'8, his release will be quick enough. At 6'7, he may or may not have to work on speeding it up, but I really don't think the rockets need an Eddie Johnson release. I see the primary job of the rockets three is that he makes sure that the opposing team defends him on the perimeter, and when they don't to punish them. Lil Francis Langdon was below average NBA athlethically. He couldn't shoot over his man well. Couldn't play defense or rebound. Trust me, that's like comparing Maloney to Mobley. TPL, Battier is very good at being set when he catches the ball. TPL, I thought the same thing about Miller last year. Miller can get his shot off, and Miller is a poor man's Battier, IMO. If Bat can get his shot off, do you agree with my assessment that he'll be atleast as good as Francis behind the arc? ------------------
Joe Joe, I think I'm coming around to Battier. The more I think about him, the more I like the idea of drafting him. For one, he comes from a solid program in Duke, he's not going to be timid and scared coming into the league IMO, like Joe Johnson very well could be, and I think I overestimated how important a quick release would be. our guards get into the lane so easily and often, that we just need a guy who can make them pay for packing in the lane againt Cat and Francis, and Battier fits that role to a tee. Add in the fact that it's a certainty he's going to bust his ass on defense and you can't help but like the guy. ------------------ [This message has been edited by tacoma park legend (edited May 20, 2001).]
Interesting, watching the WC Finals last night, I think Battier could end up being another Rick Fox, which is great. He's a better athlete than Fox, but Fox has the better build. But I say that Johnson will be the better pro. Johnson's a better athlete, ball-handler, and has comparable range. ------------------
From Sportstalk.com And at the NBA physicals, Battier scored highest on the lateral agility test. Translation: Battier will be able to stay in front of the player he's defending. I wish they compared his test to NBA players. Offensively, he would be a great second or third option on a team with a solid PG. He's not the creator Atlanta, LAC, the Bulls, or the wizards need. It will be a sad day if a warrior like Battier ends up with a bunch of chumps. Larry, just because you have warriors printed on your shirt doesn't make you one. ------------------
I've been clamoring since day one for the Bulls to pickup Joe Johnson. Much ups compared to Bat. The funny thing is---this is the most press Bat is going to get his whole career. He'll make the all-rookie team next year, maybe be the roy. But he doesn't have what it takes to be great. He'll be a Rick Fox kind of player. ------------------
he'll certainly get more attention than fizer or crawford had their rookie year. battier is going to be a very good player. his teams will win.. the bulls if they knew how to draft would pick him. ------------------ --TEX
Just looking at stats since I haven't seen the other JJ... JJ's best month behind the arc 10 of 19. 2nd best 6 of 12 46% 3pt season Battier's best game behind the arc 9 of 12. 2nd best 7 of 13. 42% 3pt season At looking at a rockets perspective, a mad bomber with A+defense and A-rebounding beats a percision sniper with A- ballhandling, A- creativity, and A to B+ defense (based on scouting reports and stats giving JJ benefit of doubt). Just looking at the type of player, I go Battier. If JJ is a little better at what he does, go battier. If JJ is far superior at what he does, go JJ. I don't buy that Battier has no upside. A player that works hard (which Battier has proven), always has upside. If a bad college shooter can add a shot, why can't Battier become the best NBA 3pt shooter? A question for gettingbranded....don't the Bulls' opponents usually swarm Brand because the Bulls lack enough 3pt shooters? I think the Bulls do need more offensively than Battier could supply and maybe JJ is a good enough creator that the Bulls won't need a solid PG. How's Crawford looking at the point as a creator for his teammates? ------------------
When he touches it inside they do. But Mercer and Crawford (in the second half of the season) and Hoiberg kept them very honest a lot. The only thing crawford didn't show last season was ability to attack the hole and finish. His passing is great, his shot is great, his ball handling and dishing is great. I'm really excited about this kid. He just needs experience. If he can learn to attack the hoop with any kind of consistancy no one will ask any more if we should have selected Steve Francis. Thats not saying he'll be as good as Francis, just that he will an excellent complement to Brand. JJ would just add to that mix. Another tall lanky player who can shoot and score and pass. It would be a special trio in a couple of seasons. Think Pippen (sorry), Karl Malone and Penny (pre mental breakdown) all in their young prime togather. Of course I may a little optimistic...but that comes with being a fan... ------------------
I'd prefer that the Rockets take Joe Johnson. ------------------ "I'm not the only person in this league who thinks they're dirty.", -- Steve Francis on the Utah Jazz "When point guards come to Houston now, they go to sleep the night before. They don't go to the movies, they don't go out, because they know they're going to be in for a game. He is the answer. They don't have to worry about a point guard for the next 10 years" -- Former Rocket and current TNT analyst Kenny Smith on the Rockets' point guard Steve Francis
Battier is good, will be solid.... think of STEVE SMITH. But Joe Johnson will always beat him just like how KOBE beat Steve smith this years playoffs. Johnson has immense skillz, and potential whereas Battier pretty much has reached his potential and will only get better as a player by refining it. Which is nothing compared to potential. ------------------
Typo. to be more clear........ Battier has reached his potential, and will only be a better player by refining his skills now in the future. Which is nothing compared to Potential which Johnson has. ------------------
GB, Thx for the info on Crawford. I'm interested to see JJ play now to see what the fuss is. I'm skeptical of what I haven't seen and I rate Battier higher than most. ------------------
You're either joking or just repeating the standard party line about Battier. Remember the draft a few years ago when Tim Duncan was the Battier-style "sure thing" who wasn't going to get any better, while Tony Battie (and maybe Keith van Horn) was the guy with "upside" and great potential? What do you think of that draft now? How about Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf, from a football analogy? Also, as much good stuff as I've heard about Joe Johnson here and elsewhere, there's no *way* he's going to be the next Kobe or anything near it. ------------------
