Thank You RichDaDCLakerFan...
... Because we could use a break from debating Smush vs. Farmar, Pinnock vs. "The System," and "KG Joining the Lakers" vs. "Ain't Gonna Happen." And your comment presents a pretty cool topic of discussion.
"Of all of the role players we have had over the years, do you think there are some role players worthy of having their jersey retired? The first one that comes to mind who should be considered is Michael Cooper. He was on all 5 Showtime Laker championship teams, defensive player of the year 86-87, and played his entire career with the team. Any thoughts?"
Interesting question, indeed.
I remember when Robert Horry was en route to winning his sixth ring with San Antonio (and hitting his typical array of clutch shots to make it happen), it spurred (sorry!) a debate between BK and I that lasted roughly a week. The subject? Should role players be allowed in the Hall of Fame? I won't subject y'all to a complete rehash of our yapping. You good people certainly don't deserve that. But in a nutshell, even though there would be inherent problems (how to truly judge one role guy against the next, since much of what they do isn't stat heavy), I liked the idea simply because rewarding standout guys of that nature appealed to me, imperfections be damned. BK was against it because he hates Robert Horry. Or more accurately, because aside from issues already presented, guys who simply weren't good enough to be HOF players — as opposed to sacrificing stats for team — could end up enshrined (which may diminish the point of the Hall itself) and someone like Horry may have an unfair advantage due to the teams he played with. In the end, nothing was decided for sure (other than BK and I having way too much time on our hands), but it was a lively discussion. And it sort of reminds me of Rich's question. If the HOF is indeed too much, even for the best of role players, perhaps the team should be doing something on their behalf.
As far as literally retiring the numbers, put aside the "who's to say blah blah blah is better than blah blah blah?" arguments. The biggest problem I see is eventually running out of numbers for current players. Seriously. Say there are one or two outstanding role players every few seasons (and with the Lakers' stellar track record in this regard, that could be guesstimating on the low side). If each of those guys' numbers go the way of the Logo, Cap or Goodrich (not to mention inevitable candidates like Kobe and Shaq), we're eventually gonna see Lakers with decimal pointed digits, letters or shapes under the names on their jerseys. They'll even burn through the weirdo numbers like 73 and 91 that only the Rodmans and Artests of the world wear. Therefore, a formal retirement may require the kabash on a purely practical level.
What I do think could work and would definitely be cool, though, is some item next to the retired jerseys that lists all the exceptional role players. It could be an oversized jersey, a plaque, whatever. Those invaluable guys get their due and a suitable assortment of numbers remain open for use.
Would you get behind this? Or do you think while role players should be appreciated, there are certain honors reserved for stars and stars only?
—AK
How did this CLOWN put Tysos Chandler and Eddie Curry over Kwame in the center rankings?!?! Is he on crack?! I mean come on. It's losers like that, that make me stop reading these bogus rankings and lists from writers. Its sad, but 95% of them don't know WTF they talking about!
Posted by: Blaze1bx | August 31, 2006 at 10:38 AM
Edwin,
Good article. I think the guy had a pretty reasonable ranking. Kwame needs to build on his late season success, period. I think everyone is done waiting for his development or making excuses. He has the size and ability to be a game changer, I just don't know if he has the mind or heart.
Seriously, how disappointing has Eddy Curry been? Between Curry, Chandler, and Kwame that has to go down as the single most disappointing top of the draft ever. Ever.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 31, 2006 at 10:42 AM
Mike T and Andrew Z,
Maybe they'd look to open roster space by trading someone like Cook (Sasha could also be a good possibility) for a future second round draft pick. That could be a way to create an opportunity for a Pinnock, Green or Profit type.
As far as trading Mihm goes, I don't see it happening, at least not now (or without signing a vet big, at the very least). Bynum and Turiaf are too unproven as their only other true bigs. It leaves them too thin with Kwame as the only guy proven capable of playing 25-30 minutes a game.
AK
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 31, 2006 at 10:44 AM
Now you know I don't like to disagree with you Mike T (lol ;-)...but I think we'd be better off saving our "tradeable commodities" what little they are (according to the rest of the sports nation, pooey) for the trading deadline when we probably need someone to either boster our resolve or address a glaring, current need (though as it stands we already have obvious needs). Waiting until the trading deadline really gives us a better understanding of what players will/can bring...seeing as they've had pretty much the first half of the season to do it (as well as a full year of the triangle)...so if they still suck, or are glaringly inept...or a better deal comes along...we'd have pieces to deal. Then again, by that time, if we're so far below expectations (which won't happen, hopefully)...chances are it would be deal the team, panic time.
Posted by: Faith | August 31, 2006 at 10:56 AM
AK,
Why is it gotta be Sasha huh? Why you gotta be hatin on him all the time? Haha...jk. In my opinion it could very well be Smush...simply cause he's played 82 games as a Laker starter. But then again, I probably just started another Sasha vs. Smush debate (runnnnn! lol).
Posted by: Faith | August 31, 2006 at 11:04 AM
Dang Faith,
You have a good point.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 31, 2006 at 11:11 AM
Chris Mihm 25 minutes a game for the coming season? NO WAY!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 31, 2006 at 11:13 AM
Guys,
Do you really see a second year player that only played a fourth of the season, which was sparingly at that, actually replacing a guy that was a starter for several games last season? I like Ronny Turiaf. I like his energy, and aggressiveness. I like his attitude as well. However, my like of him doesn't cloud the fact that he hasn't earned the recognition that some of you think that he has. Maybe in another year he will, but right now, he is a struggle to even make the active roster.
You have all missed the glaring reality that exist with the Lakers right now. For the past 2 years before now, all we have heard is how weak and shallow the Lakers roster is. However, as we get closer to the upcoming training camp and season, the Lakers are starting to be revealed as a very deep team with too many players and not enough spots. Will they make a trade? Not likely at this point. If they wanted to mae a trade they would have by now, because some team would have taken what the Lakers wanted to offer. However, the Lakers are not really actively seeking a trade because they believe that they can be successful for now with what they have. In a year, a trade will make sense because the next trade will be for a championship run. This year they are simply going to test the waters with what they have. IF they manage to do above their expectations, they will of course take it. However, if they don't they will simply work towards next year which will be the culmination of their 3-year plan to win a title.
That being said, the roster for now is just going to be stuffed, accept it. We must also accept that some quality players, which may have great potential, won't get much playing time this season. That's not necessarily a bad thing, if they work hard in practice and learn. By next season, they will be either active participants or their work this season will lead to them be workable trade pieces. Either way, this season will have been worth something for all of them.
There are only 12 spots available. I believe that we can quickly identify 10 persons that will fill the first 10 spots...Smush, Kobe, Lamar, Vlade, Kwame, Maurice, Luke, Chris, Sasha and Shammond. That will leave 2 spots available and roughly 6 guys to fight for them...Jordan, Aaron, Ronny, Andrew, Brian and Devin. Look at the 10 players and you clearly see that the Lakers need more security with their big men, thus Andrew Bynum is almost assured a spot out of necessity if nothing else. That leaves 1 spot. Do you honestly see Ronny Turiaf beating out Brian Cook for that last spot? I just don't see that being a reasonable possibility. How can you sit Brian Cook on the Inactive List with his experience and shooting ability. He has earned a spot.
Posted by: JJ | August 31, 2006 at 11:19 AM
Oh-oh Faith disagrees with Mike T., it's parting of the Red Sea.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 31, 2006 at 11:23 AM
AK,
With all the talk lately of Pinnock and roster spots and the like, do you think it's really in the best interest of the team to actually try and make spots on the roster for guys like Green, Pinnock, and Profit?
I can see the urge to get rid of McKie, but the only one I could justify doing that for is Profit, but the dude ruptured his achilles last year, that's no jammed finger.
For a team that definitely has raised expectations, doesn't it make sense to keep vets like Cook and McKie on board for the simple fact that they are vets as opposed to looking for room for young, project guys?
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 31, 2006 at 11:35 AM
Wizo,
I always give the same argument when people say Duncan is the best PF ever. As big as he is, there is no way ANYONE can justify calling him a PF.
I remember last year when TNT was doing there "Next 10" thing, and Kenny Smith said Duncan was the greatest PF ever, it pissed me off soooo much that I had to yell he is a CENTER at the TV. And to say he is the greatest PF ever is disrespectful to Barkley, and Malone (even though I'm not a fan).
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 31, 2006 at 11:45 AM
A little about Turiaf.
http://www.fiba.com/pages/en/news/rss_article.asp?r_act_news=16180&r_cat=8
"Joseph Gomis came off the bench to score a team-high 17 points for France, but none more important than his acrobatic three-pointer at the 20.9 second mark to tie the game at 73-73.
"I think we got back to the good French team we usually are. Yesterday's game (the quarter-final loss to Greece) gave us some energy to get back to who we really are. Now we have to look ahead to a tough test on Saturday," said Florent Piertrus.
Power forward Ronny Turiaf proved dominant over stretches in scoring 15 points. France captain Boris Diaw added 13 points and eight rebounds but commited eight turnovers. However he did atone for two missed free throws with a steal in the closing seconds."
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 31, 2006 at 11:49 AM
Blaze1bx,
As dissappointing as Curry and Chandler have been, they've brought more to the table so far than Kwame. I think it's because Kwame is one of our guys we look at him in a kinder light, but thus far he really has played under par. Again, I'm praying to God he builds on what good play he had at the end of last year, then you might see him crack the top ten.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 31, 2006 at 12:03 PM
Speaking of trades, here is a story on the Grizzlies, they unloaded Lorenzen Wright, Shane Battier and Bobby Jackson in place of Stromile Swift and go for youth Rudy Gay and Kyle Lowry and Hakim Warrick will have more playing time. Eddie Jones will be his last year with Memphis. It appears that Jerry West is trying to reserve caps space for possible bidding war for big name stars in the '07 FA Market i.e. if he will let go on Eddie J $15M, he'll come up with a total salaries of $ 40M.
Perhaps, Mitch K. says "me-too", so lakers don't expect anymore trades at this time.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 31, 2006 at 12:06 PM
Hey Mike T -
Not as though you were suggesting or anything, but I can't see us considering Kemp, although I am for as many wide bodies as we can get especially considering Shawn was once very skill-fully inclined. I dont know that he still is. Plus, we gave our vet league mininum to Shammond. Good for him tryna get back in the fold though. I wish him the best. I think if he stays in shape, come trade deadline, somebody may scoop him up for their playoff run..Maybe..If he stays clean and leaves that almighty gonja alone!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | August 31, 2006 at 12:12 PM
does anyone know where to get highlights for the FIBA games?? believe it or not, they dont show any of the games over here
Jon(inJapan)
Posted by: joninjapan | August 31, 2006 at 12:19 PM
No offense but Brian Cook having a secured spot in the rotation? The guy can't play defense at all. His shooting is made obsolete with Vlad Rad and even a mature Sasha. Rony Turiaf is going to play minutes at the 4 or 5 spot this year. Cook isn't assured of anything.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 31, 2006 at 01:28 PM
joninjapan,
Go for www.Fiba.com or www.ESPN.com
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 31, 2006 at 01:29 PM
lakersrydeordie,
As for Shawn Kemp...It's just interesting to see how it plays out for him. Makes me have visions of a Bob McAdoo type player, which is a impact bench player.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 31, 2006 at 01:30 PM
JJ-
Hey. In the list you presented, there's a chance too that Sasha could be the odd man out, considering LO can drop back into the backcourt, among the billion or so combinations the team can put together.
As for Turiaf, the Lakers have to look at him as a 10-15 mpg guy for the time being, and if he proves otherwise, then great. At this point, as I've said before I don't think they can move Mihm, unless it's for another PF or C. You can't go into the season hoping LO, Ronny, Bynum, and Kwame will get the job done up front. Beyond offensive questions, neither Bynum nor Turiaf have shown the ability to stay out of foul trouble.
In a perfect world, you end up with more qualified players than playing time to use them.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | August 31, 2006 at 01:31 PM
Damn! I missed the last two Turiaf performances on TV but saw the stats today. He's shooting 100% over the past two games and dropped 15 against Germany. And apparently his defense is right there. Good rebounding stats as well. But he fouled out quickly in the game against Greece, a point I remember Laker Tom worried about.
I didn't understand why the French coach didn't play him more, maybe out of historical respect for Fred Weis, who will soon be retiring as Johan Petro takes over the 5 spot. I also didn't understand why they only played Turiaf at the 5. I see him as an efficient 4, but the French coach has three athletic small forwards he likes to play at the 4 (Diaw and the Pietrus brothers). Finally Ronny's getting the minutes (26 against Germany) and showing what he can do when he gets in the rhythm. One more game to go. This is great preparation for training camp and would have been better if he had had more minutes. He should be ultra ready to get his rhythm going in October.
Here are the quotes in the official report on the Germany game relating to Ronny:
Power forward Ronny proved dominant over stretches in scoring 15 points.
…
Turiaf began to make his presence felt with a dunk and a free throw before Gomis' three-pointer gave France a 25-18 lead with 7:23 left before half-time.
The advantage increased to 31-20 with another Turiaf basket at the 3:35 mark. Nowitzki's jumper ended a three-minute scoreless streak for the Germans, but Turiaf hit again to make it 36-22.
…
Dirk Bauermann's troops still had no answer for Turiaf, who ran off five straight points to help France stay ahead 45-36.
…
Diaw's trey put France back ahead 58-57 before Hamann's three foul shots made it 60-58. Nowitzki's jumper gave Germany the lead, 64-60, only to see Turiaf convert a three-point play to make it a one-point game again.
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/06_wcm/scheResu/fe_scheStat_gameRepo.asp?roundID=5151&groupName=74&gameName=A&lid_7568_langLC=en&eventID=3507&selNodeID=&competitionCode=&season=
Posted by: Tsphere | August 31, 2006 at 01:32 PM
Mike T,
I don't see why you think Chris Mihm won't get 25 minutes a game this year. He averaged over 26 a game last year and put up about 10 points and 6 boards a game. I don't think it's such a stretch to think he could do the same for us this year. He was actually really effective for us before his injury, most of the time being our second most reliable guy on the court.
Edwin,
Eddie Jones paired in the back court with Kobe would be pretty good next year, don't you think? I wouldn't mind signing him for a year or two, let him retire in purple and gold the way he should. PJ likes his big, veteran guards.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 31, 2006 at 01:40 PM
hey my post never showed up! (and i didnt even argue against AK!)
Posted by: wiZo | August 31, 2006 at 01:47 PM
Wizo/Weave-Man,
Umm what has size got to do with Duncan's position. Can't think of a center that's been bigger than Shaq, do we then say shaq is not a great center because of his size. Irrespective of size Duncan game is as sweet as it gets at the 4 position. I mean if you feel like size is all there is to his game, why not have bynum play the 4. Duncan's game is a 4s game, he can post and he can step out and make the mid range jumper. Plus he's got enough sense not to try 3s unlike some knuckleheads ( a.k.a rasheed wallace my game is so sweet in the post but i'd rather camp out beyond the 3point line cuz i dnt have larry brown to keep me in check no more and hey i dnt care that if we lose to miami laker fans will probably have to endure the pain of miami spanking dallas )
LoL, I had to get the wallace thing off my chest. But on the real, let's give props to whom props is due. Duncan is a great 4, as to where he stands in the all time greats, i'd have to rank him 1 or 2. It's a tossup between him and malone, but i'd definately pick him over barkley. I watched malone push the bulls to the brink in game 6 of the 98 finals so he gets kudos for that, and for those saying duncan's defense is weak, umm i watched him guard shaq 1-1 on crucial plays in the playoffs and he always more than held his own. The one thing he couldn't guard was kobe dunking on both him and the admiral repeatedly the year we went 15-1, but then again nothing could have stopped kobe in that series.
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers.
Posted by: Taliq | August 31, 2006 at 01:52 PM
JJ,
I would rather play the energizer, Ronnie Turiaf than Sasha or Walton if you're asking for the last guy on the roster. You have an optimistic outlook on a Laker roster, of course that's natural being the Laker fan but sports columnists put the Lakers at 6th or again 7th in the West. I will reserve that judgement until the preseason time cuz' I've not seen Evans or Shammond play and how improved the role players we left behind so disappointed during the playoffs. Although, barring no further trades, let's put our hopes in next year's market, aiming for the big one i.e. based on trade acquisition but based on performance, we can never say die until we are finally eliminated this year.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 31, 2006 at 01:52 PM
Andrew Z,
Honestly, I don't think the idea of subbing Cook for Green or Pinnock will really make or break the season in any respect. I was just saying, if they did prefer one of them over Cook (for whatever reason), that's one way to make room.
Faith,
Yeah, obviously Smush could be the ousted one instead of Sasha. I just don't think that would happen unless Sasha's made HUGE strides (or Smush simply plays atrocious during camp).
Wizo,
I have no idea what happened to the post. I just got home and haven't been in front of the computer the last couple hours.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 31, 2006 at 02:00 PM
Andrew Z,
If Mihm is still with the team come next season we know it'll be as a back-up center. Judging from the rotation patterns that Phil Jackson used last year (in terms of time). From what I saw the 5 spot usually plays until about 2 or 3 minutes until the start of the 2nd quarter. The back up played the start of the 2nd until about the 8 minute mark. That's about 7 to 8 minutes per half. Chris Mihm is looking at 16 minutes tops. And that is without Bynum.
I think it's pretty safe to say Kwame Brown is going to get 30 to 35 mintues per game. That leaves 18 minutes, tops, at the 5 spot. Again, 18 minutes left at the 5 spot without Bynum to consider.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 31, 2006 at 02:01 PM
James T,
Thanks for your kind remarks.
Hey Bloggers,
You can get back to dream land momentarily. Right now though, let's talk about a champion!
After destroying first Houston, then Los Angeles, the Sacramento Monarchs soundly whipped Detroit in their first game last night.
"The win (last night) came one day after Shock coach Bill Laimbeer guaranteed his team would defeat the Monarchs in the best-of-five series".
Keep in mind that the Monarchs have been listed as the underdog in each game.
"Perfect in five post-season games, Sac has defeated three opponents by an average score of 16.8 points"
The quotes are from the Bee, so I won't bother to hook you up with one of their faulty links.
My point is this:
The Brokebacks (rightfully so) start with a given respect and must work down from there. Sacramento, on the other hand, with its non-superstar, role/team players must earn every ounce of respect it gets.
This is not a complaint.
It will be fun to watch the Kings destroy opponents this coming season. "Like, where'd those dudes come from, man?"
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 31, 2006 at 02:03 PM
AZ,
Eddie Jones is no longer the young kid you used to know. I don't know whether it was during the time of Rambis or PJ when Eddie J. left the Lakers. He seemed not compatible with the new players, Shaq & Kobe at that time cuz' he disappears during playoffs. Besides, his salary is $15M it occupies so much of the salary cap if Lakers are getting big name Superstars.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 31, 2006 at 02:03 PM
And:
If the Lakers are relying on Brian Cook for anything...that only means there's trouble in Lakerville.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 31, 2006 at 02:03 PM
Ak,
What do you mean you just got home? Don't you live in the Times, or is that the moment?
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 31, 2006 at 02:05 PM
Mike & AZ,
This is how I look at PJ's approach on the C this year. He would start Kwame for maximum minutes while Chris Mihm gets sub during first few games. Gradually he will put in Bynum before December with limited testing minutes during 2nd or 3rd Qtrs. and if the kid contributes on defense and a little on offense without the usual turnovers, then, his minutes will grow from there and eventually replace the minutes of Mihm. If Bynum becomes phenomenal during SPL he's like Shaq trying to dunk every shot, Mihm will be traded before February or else they will lose him without any exchange. If for any other reasons all these three Centers are still bad, you will see Ronnie Turiaf playing the 5 on the last minutes of 4th quarter.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 31, 2006 at 02:20 PM
Hey guys, all this talk of what might happen is a lot of fun and I love to add to the stew as much as anyone but...
I was looking over the USA Basketball web site and our Kobe-less / Laker-less boys are doing a good job of things for sure. But amidst the mens team hype, we are letting the womens team go un-noticed. They have been killing it out there in un-real fashion. Check out the scoreboard from them. I was blown away!
USA U20 Women's National Team Results
• USA 96, Brazil 54
• USA 114, Bahamas 23
• USA 124, Mexico 38
• USA 90, Canada 39
• USA 97, Puerto Rico 57
The lowest margin of victory was 40 points. Props to the girls of the RED WHITE and BLUE!
T-Woody
Posted by: T-Woody | August 31, 2006 at 02:29 PM
Edwin,
Talk to me in minutes not generalities. LOL!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 31, 2006 at 02:29 PM
Sonny,
I work from home. I don't let "the man" define my hours or whereabouts.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 31, 2006 at 02:30 PM
sonny,
WNBA? Seriously?
Mike T,
I also think Mihm is our back-up to start the season, but Kwame is going to be on a short leash with PJ and Chris brings things on offense that Kwame just can't. Based on match-ups I think you'll see Mihm get his 25 minutes a game over the course of the season. As for Bynum, I don't think he'll get many minutes at all, I just don't think he's anywhere near ready.
Edwin,
i think this is the last year of Eddie's contract, why not sign him next year for half the MLE? I know he's an older guy now, but he still knows how to play and can be effective. Since he's not the go to guy like he was the first time around, he just has to find his place. I was just thinking of guys who will be free agents next offseason that we could actually afford and who would actually be of some benefit to us. when you have peanuts to spend, you're more than likely getting peanuts in return.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 31, 2006 at 02:32 PM
AK,
Fight the power brother, fight the power.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 31, 2006 at 02:34 PM
Players I Can't Stand:
(In No Particular Order)
1-Ray Allen
2-Raja Bell
3-Mike Bibby
4-Shawn Marion
5-Sam Cassell
6-Manu Ginobli
7-Tony Parker
8-Bruce Bowen
9-Tim Duncan
10-Kenyon Martin
11-Leandro Barbosa
12-Boris Diaw
13-Chris Kaman
14-Tim Thomas
15-Devean George (sorry, but hey)
16-the old Reggie Miller
17-Vince Carter
18-Kyle Korver
19-Shawn Bradley
20-Michael Olokokandi
21-Chauncey Billups
22-Tayshaun Prince
23-the old Rasheed Wallace
24-Eric Snow
25-Stephen Jackson
26-Ruben Patterson
27-Alonzo Mourning
28-Shaq
29-Antoine Walker
30-Gilbert Arenas
31-Mehmet Okur
***
Players I Love:
1-Kobe Bryant
2-Lamar Odom
3-Kwame Brown
4-Smush Parker
5-Chris Mihm
6-Andrew Bynum
7-Sasha Vujacic
8-Ronny Turiaf
9-Luke Walton
10-Brian Cook
11-Vladimir Radmanovic
12-Jordan Farmar
13-Maurice Evans
14-Shammond Williams
15-Laron Profit
16-Devin Green
17-Aaron McKie
Posted by: ajax | August 31, 2006 at 02:35 PM
Mike T.
I really don't know the workings of the Coach because you are now asking for details or micromanaging. Ok just for exercise, let's assume Kwame at 25 and Mihm at 15. Before December, Kwame at 20, Mihm at 12 and Bynum at 8. Based on my post, if A. Bynum becomes a big time C dominant, active and effective, you will see Bynum at 20, Kwame 15 and Mihm at 5. If they all suck nobody will play the last quarter, he will ask Turiaf to provide the energy while Vlad and LO will help in the rebound, that PJ's style in all his games, he always goes for his best players playing on the closing minutes of the game. Of I'm referring to close games not garbage time.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 31, 2006 at 02:43 PM
Andrew Z,
"Chris brings things on offense that Kwame just can't."
LOL, clear you're joking! Chris Mihm can't plug the lane on defense and his "offense" isn't strong enough to cover his defensive liabilities. Chris Mihm averaged 10 points last year as a 3rd option. He won't ever be the 3rd option again. Vlad Rad is going to used in that area. No way Mihm get 18 minutes a game.
As for PJ's "short leash," again, LOL! Kwame Brown has Phil Jackson by the balls in this matter. I saw it last year. When PJ goes into his punishment theory by taking Kwame out of the game the defense goes to hell real quick. PJ has no choice but to play Kwame Brown if only for defensive purposes. The only way that changes is if Bynum comes through on the defensive to make Kwame Brown irrelevant.
What was funny was game 7 of the Phoenix series. PJ pulled Kwame Brown a couple of times. Especially in the 2nd half. When he did Phoenix stuck it to the Lakers even worse...LOL...I was laughing at PJ because he looked down the bench and put in Kwame, again. It doesn't matter what Kwame does on offense if he because Ben Wallace type on defense and that isn't out of the realm of possibility.
Short-leash? Kwame Brown is a core player...he is not on a short leash.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 31, 2006 at 02:45 PM
Edwin,
Those number don't make sense. Kwame Brown is going to get minimum of 30 minutes per game. If not then it's going to be more. There are only 18 minutes at the 5 spot available. Even if Kwame Brown bombs...Chris Mihm is not the answer at all. If Kwame bombs the Lakers will trade before they go back to Mihm as the starter.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 31, 2006 at 02:49 PM
Yes Andrew Z,
You got something against women?
For that matter, Women's Team USA is also a powerhouse.
Go Monarchs!
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 31, 2006 at 02:55 PM
AZ,
On Eddie Jones...
Yes definitely if he will agree with $2.5M. I really doubt that no other team will pick him up at $5M to $8M i.e. if he maintains his current production next season at 11.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.4 APG FG 40%.
If he goes below that benchmark, we're just buying experience from him since there be young players available next year as well as the new drafts that could replace that ability at a minimum cost.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 31, 2006 at 02:56 PM
Mike T,
This is like deja vu all over again.
Neither one of us is going to convince the other of their side of the argument, let's just hope both Mihm and Kwame play really well this year because we're desperately going to need both of us never uttering the words "I told you so".
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 31, 2006 at 02:56 PM
Mike T.,
I already admitted that I'm don't forecast in details as you wanted me to be. I didn't say Chris M will be the answer, he will only be a sub for Kwame at the beginning of the season and AB will be coming in gradually just like what it was last year isn't it? When you are making a forecast, you have to base on the past actions. What I said in the end that if Kwame, Bynum, Mihm cannot be relied on at the Center position, then it is a possibility that PJ will call on Ronnie Turiaf rather than continue the malaise on the floor. PJ did this during the playoffs on Game 7, it was Ronnie Turiaf who closed the game.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 31, 2006 at 03:04 PM
sonny,
I love women, I just find watching the WNBA extremely boring. I also didn't know a women's Team USA was playing right now, although I'm glad they are doing well.
Edwin,
Eddie's numbers last year were about the same as Smush's. I wouldn't pay him more than $2.5 mil a year, but for that price wouldn't you want him back?
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 31, 2006 at 03:06 PM
Andrew Z,
With Vlad Rad at the 3 spot and Odom at 4 Brown and Mihm won't be playing well together because they won't be on the court at the same time.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 31, 2006 at 03:12 PM
Andrew Z,
If you find WNBA Basketball extremely boring, you must be watching the Los Angeles Sparks. Try the Monarchs on for size. Their hustle and tenacious defense really makes them fun to watch.
As far as your love for women goes. O.K., if you say so.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 31, 2006 at 03:16 PM
"..but we hate Shaq cuz he's a big selfish baby, played a big part in shipping out eddie and nick"
wiZO,
Can you elaborate on that statement?
P.S. Nice Jaron Rush mention. Thats a name I have not heard in a long time!
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | August 31, 2006 at 03:18 PM
Mike T,
I think there will be teams we play where Mihm and Kwame will be on the court together.
Also, are we sure the Kwame automatically gets the starting job? Usually people don't lose their starting gigs due to injury, and Mihm is back to 100% already.
In regards to Lamar playing the 4 and Vlad the 3, who is the first four off the bench? Cook? Turiaf? Both are huge liabilities in their own way. Both Kwame and Mihm will see time at the four this year, I guarantee it.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 31, 2006 at 03:19 PM