MemphisX, How long was Stro with you guys before he started sulking? I have a bad feeling that it's already creeping in with him and the Rockets but I'm hoping it's still unfamiliarity and early season jitters. Don't get me wrong, Stro isn't a bad guy, but he seems like the type that needs more carrot than stick to perform well, otherwise he'll get dejected. And as we all know, JVG isn't exactly the type to coddle his players (and I don't mean that in a negative way). Please be as objective as you can. Thanks
It happened once he understood that he would never beat out Pau. He should have been traded then and I think his career would be different. He thinks, whether right or wrong, that he has never been given a fair shot in this league due to competing with SAR, Pau and now Juwan. He is likable even when sulking but his effort leaves a lot to be desired. I am still hopeful he can play up to his potential because he is good for the NBA for entertainment purposes and playing a significant role on a very good team would make it that much more interesting.
Let me add one other thing. Youprobably read a lot on the bad attitudes in Memphis last season...Swift kind of joined in with the ring leaders (JWill and Bonzi) and wore the #6 wristband after Bonzi was kicked out of the arena but he really wasn't disruptive himself to team chemistry. Stro is a MLE level player, much like James Posey. You should not expect much more out of him. He is capable of catching fire and being extraordinarily good for short periods.
Your info is much appreciated. BTW, I agree with you, Memphis WILL finish ahead of Rockets...so that they can watch Rockets play in the finals in front of a TV.
Well, that's insane. I think Stro will be fine, but I expect him to put up 10/5/1 and that's all we need. Anyone who expects more is going to be disappointed. This team needs roleplayers - not more stars. I think getting another SF and getting rid of David Weasley would help this team as well.
stro looked a lot more comfortable in the preseason. if im not mistaken it looked like there were plays that were actually run for him. he was a great passer when the double-teams came. nowadays he looks nervous and unsure. i think they definately need to take advantage of scoring ability and run some plays for him. i admire van gundy for his defense but i have never thought much of his offensive game. very stagnent unless tmac is there to run it.
I'm not worried about Swift. However... In the Hornets game, in the final minutes, the Hornets were able to shut down Yao with a double-teaming fronting defense. They (happily) left our perimeter players open to shoot because our backcourt couldn't get their shots to fall. So, JVG, your center is shut down and your guards can't sink a bucket. Where do you go? Why didn't you go to your power forwards in the final minutes? Why wasn't Swift in the game? I think JVG is a fantastic coach and I almost never question his choices... ... ... almost... but I felt that he should have had Stro in the game in the final minutes and that the power-forward should have been the go-to man.
One more time, I'm going to have to quote what my friend once said about my crazy ex-girlfriend. I said, "You can't make someone beautiful." And he said, "Yeah, but you can't make someone sensible, either." In other words, as regards the unfortunately named Mr. Swift: The upside is, you can't teach athleticism. The downside is, you can't teach brains, either.
This brings me back to my long offseason rant: Getting a stud (above average) starting shooting guard would have helped us more than getting Stro. The combo of DA & JB, who are both old and slow, will do OK I guess. My idea was getting someone who would be our clear 3rd option on offense and could swing to backup T-Mac at SF. BTW, MemphisX, thanks for you insight on Stro. Please stick around and sprinkle in your comments about him regularly. If he is mentally fragile enough to start sulking, that would explain JVG's public comments after game 1. Tell you what: If he does start sulking, I will completely turn on him in a hurry. Hope it doesn't happen because the last thing we need is to have to buy him bottles and a blanket. Right now, I still believe he will be a valuable asset to our team this year.
And when there is athleticism someone will always want to take a chance on him. Even if Swift is not able to take his game to the next level he will always hold good value in a trade due to his talent and small contract.
stro was slow in defense switch.he seems uninterested and jogs instead of run in offensive and defensive sets.i think jvg should give him plays similar on what they give shaq.More alley oops.i think they should hire chip englland as their shooting coach.
i think the best use of stro would be with yao and mcgrady on the court at the same time. someone would have to be doubled and someone would have to be open. that would be dangerous.
