Mo Better Closer
For those not housing a permanent vendetta against ESPN, check out the latest issue of the mag, specifically page 110. It's a piece about guys who may not start, but are quite likely to be on the floor during the final minutes, especially with a win in the balance. As writer Elena Bergeron says, "Starter is a job, but 'closer' is a title of respect." Among those spotlighted is the Lakers' very own Mo Evans, praised for his ability to finish and (especially) his D. So kudos to Maurice.
And if you're in the mood for a reading frenzy, flip to page 77 for a piece about the Dallas Cowboys' futuristic new stadium in the works. It's written by a pair of brothers, but that's the only authorship hint I'll provide.
But if you'd prefer instead a debate frenzy, I pose the following query. What quintet do you typically want on the floor to close out a Laker game? Obviously, different crunch time situations may present themselves (up by 3 vs. down by 3, for example), so feel free to throw out offensive and defensive versions, if you find them wildly different. For me, all things being equal (and all players being healthy), I'd probably go with:
Smush - He's experienced a few gaffes down the stretch this season, but has come up with even more clutch steals and shots.
Mo - His ability to shadow a tough cover allows Kobe to preserve that much more energy necessary to take over a game.
Kobe - It was between him and Aaron McKie, but my gut says "#24." I stand by my gut.
LO - Not that Odom's presence really requires justification, but you always want your best rebounder on the floor during crucial moments.
Kwame - In the case of a close contest, defense is often the equivalent of "tie goes to the runner." Kwame is a better overall defender than Andrew Bynum.
Depending on the situation, I could see subbing in Luke or Vlad for Mo (or keep Mo on the floor for Smush), Bynum for Kwame, or throwing Turiaf into the mix. But the above fivesome strikes me as the best "catch-all" lineup. But you may very well not agree. Or agree 100%. Either way, thoughts?
AK
Although I also think that Wade gets "special treatment" by the refs. The simple fact is that after the rule changes it is nearly impossible to guard him (same goes for Nash- who went from being a good player to a 3 time MVP). Anybody who has even just played pickup basketball knows that it is impossible to guard someone quicker than you without minor handchecking.
Add the fact that Wade has no fear in throwing himself into big men and drawing contact makes him a free throw machine. If he played in the 80's someone would give him a hard foul (like the Piston's did to Jordan) and make him think twice about venturing recklessly into the lane.
Posted by: Jtrincad | February 02, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Only John Hollinger would come up with a mathematical ranking system for teams.
Hey John, the NBA already has a mathematical formula for ranking teams. It's called a win-loss record.
Paul
Posted by: greenpaz | February 02, 2007 at 10:39 AM
I agree that Wade does lead the league in freethrow attempts but Kobe is 3rd in total attempts:
TOTAL
PLAYER NAME, FTM FTA FT%
1 Dwyane Wade 364 444 .820
2 Gilbert Arenas 346 413 .838
3 Kobe Bryant 338 396 .854
4 LeBron James 271 394 .688
See for yourself: http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/FreeTS.jsp?league=00&season=22006&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&qualified=N&yearsExp=-1&sortOrder=5&splitDD=All%20Teams
I think on any given night any 4 of these players could get on the line when they want. Kobe just needs to rely less on the refs and more on executing and leading the team. The team as a whole needs to be able to stop teams from scoring and controlling the pace. Allowing opponents 102.82 ppg is not going to cut it.
Check it out: http://www.nba.com/statistics/sortable_team_statistics/sortable1.html#top
Posted by: wilzuvsteel | February 02, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Lakofan,
"Can you prove that a conspiracy does not exist?"
Absolutely!! The complete lack of evidence is obviously proof that someone is destroying all the evidence!! The only possible explanation!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 02, 2007 at 06:58 PM
Conspiracy theory???? probably not!
Bias................Definitely Yes!!!
Unfortunately no one in the media or the league is addressing it. Lebron's flagarant foul has been downplayed by many. I guess it is a "natural movement" to closeline someone in a basketball game. Yet no writer (not even L.A times) is writing to talk about it. Stu Jackson your lack of NBA playing experience, lack of leadership and low IQ is showing...you should be suspended or fired for stealing a paycheck from the NBA.
Posted by: w.b | February 03, 2007 at 11:24 AM