I think the OP must b one bitter lakers fan in disguise who misses ariza on the lakers 2 much........................................................................................................
Granted these are early days and players will defend him harder,but there is no doubt Ariza has exceeded everyone's expectations so far,and that is great for us.
Just had to reply to this one so it would go to the top of the list so that we can all be reminded that judging a player with what happens in pre-season is incredibly dumb. Ariza is a steal.
This is the GARM for you man. one minute they love someone, the next they want them gone lol. The funniest is reading through the game threads and seeing things like: Ariza can't do anything, can't shoot or dribble, then a couple of pages over, you see ARIZAAA > artest from the same dude lol
Because Ariza still has to compete with Brandon Roy, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, and possibly even Manu or RJ if either of them have monster all star years. If he ever gets his handles straightened out, he will be a strong possibility. He is doing far better than many imagined as far as shooting goes but is still not an elite player. Damn OP why did you join Clutchfans..... ahhhhhhh!!!!!! Stop hating.
Some one needs to tell him he is not the man. He would be so much better if he would just play d which he was supposed to be good at.
Who else is suppose to shoot? Hayes and Battier aren't offensive players. Scola's touches is dictated by the defense and how much we can set him up(similar to Yao before). Basically Ariza and Brooks has to take the shots when the play isn't run successfully. Considering how many number crunchers Morey has, I'm sure he and Adelman are quite aware of how many "bad shots" Ariza has taken. And will definitely settle him down if necessary. Ariza has always been a role player. He won't make a fuss if Rick tells him to shoot less.
He's an eyesore to watch, granted. But Ariza haters really need to have patience and give him a chance to develop. Not only is the coach letting him go, the team is obviously letting him take his shots. He's only 25 and never had a strong offensive role. This is part of developing him his offensive game and understanding it. Maybe it's because I'm looking from one extreme (Golden State area) and you guys had JVG (who didn't bother to develop any rookies). But give him more than 8 games.
pwahh on a side note Carl Mandry is like a man possesed. Yes in the wins and loses that we suffered, he continues to put up 20 ppg from da bench @_@
