The Bucks stopped there
Milwaukee isn't exactly a juggernaut of the Eastern Conference- you have to be a pretty bad team not to make the top eight in that part of the world- but for whatever reasons, in recent history the Bucks have given L.A. fits. Even better for the cheese staters, Milwaukee had entered Friday night's tussle at Staples riding the crest of a three game winning streak. Bully for them! Fair to say it didn't last. From moment on, the Bucks had no answers for Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum as L.A. cruised to a 110-105 win that wasn't as close as the score might indicate. Part of the problem for Milwaukee? Kobe Bryant was sick, saddled with a pretty nasty upper respiratory infection. Unfortunately for opponents, what sounds like good news generally isn't, as Kobe has a long history of playing killer ball while battling killer bugs. So his 37 points- including 16 in a decisive fourth quarter- and seven dimes shouldn't have surprised anyone. While Kobe was killing it from the outside (5-9 from beyond the arc, part of what the box shows was an effective three point attack), Drew did plenty of damage inside, dropping 25 points and grabbing a career high 17 boards. And while he's still on the hunt for his first 20/20 game, Bynum was pleased to get a win over a team that had beaten L.A. earlier in the year.
Fair to say Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak was impressed with 24's performance and the Lakers' ball movement, but it's worth noting that until Friday's points explosion, the Lakers had made a run up the W.C. standings without big points from Bryant. Overall, Kobe's scoring and minutes are down, which both indicate how successful the team has been, and the latter something that could come in handy down the line. Call it a case of "less is more."
Vlad Rad and Sasha both missed Friday's game, and both will likely miss a few more.
There's word out of New York that James Dolan may finally be warming up to the idea of firing Isiah Thomas, or at least relieving him from his coaching duties. But should he get canned entirely, one name that would almost automatically be thrown in the Speculation Hopper as a Basketball Ops replacement would be- and here's where Lakers fans shudder- Jerry West. (Remember, it's New York, so whenever there's a job opening, it's assumed all the big names would actually want the gig. Jerry West working for James Dolan? Doesn't exactly seem like a perfect fit.) Meanwhile, they're hiring actors to pretend they're fans. You can finish that joke for us- it's a slam dunk.
Kobe and Pau aren't the big names tossed around in trade speculation anymore. Now, it's T-Mac, an indication of where the Rockets are- not a happy place. McGrady and the Rockets say there's nothing real behind the rumors, though.
In the category of "you don't see that everyday," we present the Hawks and Heat. It's the first do-over since '82, but not the most interesting (this link, by the way, references a game PJ mentioned in his pregame media session).
Kevin Love has obviously had plenty of attention locally, but how will his skills translate to the pro game?
WAT
Posted by: Grady | January 12, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Kobe can't look shot everytime he touches the ball like last night or the Lakers will not go far into the playoffs....It s almost like he saw all the pub for A.B. and started getting jealous. 25 shots is TOO many for any one player...Kobe...please don't let your ego get in the way of a winng formula!!!
Posted by: neil | January 12, 2008 at 11:15 AM
AK/BK,
You said Drew made 23 points.. He actually made 25 points.
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | January 12, 2008 at 11:18 AM
I continue to be amazed by Bynum's development.....The footwork, the hands!!! I will be the first to admit that I was real skeptical of all the raves he received in the past two years, especially when he was categorized as a "potential franchise player."
Thank God we didn't trade this dude!! After seeing Kwame's Manos de Piedras (Hands of Stone: Remember Roberto Duran?!) again last night, I'm convinced we wouldn't be as far as we are without Bynum.
Maybe Kwame should put that linebacker frame to good use....maybe, join the WWE, do cage fighting, NFL?! Anything but basketball.
Posted by: groove69 | January 12, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Wow, no mention of Bynum dropping his first accidental f-bomb on TV? He did a pretty good job of covering/ignoring it afterwards, but I had to rewind the TiVo a few times just hear him talk about LO grabbing all those "F*ing rebounds" during his post-game. Lol!
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | January 12, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Kevin Love is a great college player, but he's definitely not ready for the NBA. First, he won't be able to play center because he's too short. So he'll be a PF, where his slow feet and still suspect outside shooting and moves will be a liability. His BB IQ, hardnose positioning, rebounding, and great passing will make him a very good backup PF (Lakers???), but he's got a long way to go before he's ready for the big time.
Posted by: CornerJ | January 12, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I wonder how many articles are written every year about the Bucks that contain "The Bucks Stop..." reference in them somewhere. I bet it's a lot.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | January 12, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Kobe really is special when people are saying he has an ego problem after he plays sick...scores 37 pts on 12-25 shooting, leads the team in assists, and has one turnover, has a +/- of +19 (highest on the team), and the team wins...
Posted by: Ed | January 12, 2008 at 11:45 AM
People need to stop analyzing the Lakers like they are fifth-graders. Kobe only started shooting last night because the Lakers were trailing and shooting about 20 percent as a team. He rode the wave and won the game. The stuff about him being jealous of Bynum is ridiculous and small-minded. Kobe himself said yesterday that Bynum's development makes it harder to double-team Kobe and Bynum makes them pay when they dump it inside. Proof is in the pudding, Kobe may not score as many points this year, but he gets them easier and quicker, just look at his points per minute.
Posted by: jeffgrotke | January 12, 2008 at 11:52 AM
haha, the bynum post game interview was classic. hes still young and he'll learn.
as for the game, only watched the second half but they did a great job holding all the buks runs off. the bucks kept answering but the lakers kept answering back and eventually are just too god offensively. remember when the lakers use to let teams back in to the game and sometime lose? (new jersey this year, and a lot last year) its nice that this team has gotten everything together and realizes the importance of closing games out.
ive turned in to a big jcritt fan but he NEEDS to slow down, hes playing like hes on speed. farmar needs to big like a big bro and teach him how to relax because farmar was once out of control. i think critt will be a great player in the near future. he just needs to slow down and understand when its appropriate to add some flair to the game.
anyways, this is some pretty exciting stuff going on right now, lets keep it up, cant wait until sunday.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | January 12, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Last night was a pretty good game. I attended it and i must say those bucks bastards ruined such a sweet victory. I mean the game was over but they could care less about the fans. which brings me to what i want to say.
In order for this Laker team to be considered championship material (they're good enough to be in the WCF) they must bring this type of attitude. They should have an attitude of us against the world. sort of like the patriots in the NFL. I am very optimistic about this team, only if they can stay healthy.
and how about give that lamar odom money to bynum eh? he's proven he's more of the number 2 option. Odom doesn't deserve the 15-17 mill a year he's recieving. odom to me is more like a 9-10 mill a year. Lamar is going to be a FA in a couple of years and hopefully we can keep this team together for a long time.
hahaha and this one is for fantasy. how about 2 years from now, shaq goes back to the lake show signs a vets minimum and wins another one with kobe eh? lol
Posted by: afrojoe | January 12, 2008 at 11:58 AM
lakers are a half game out of the 6 spot
Posted by: greek dude | January 12, 2008 at 12:00 PM
J. Walter,
Is that what Bynum said? LOL. I had to watch the ESPN feed.
Posted by: Xodus | January 12, 2008 at 12:01 PM
I'd like to see Kevin Love in purple and gold, but he definitely won't be an all star in the Association.
Don't tell LakerTom I said that tho, haha.
Posted by: Xodus | January 12, 2008 at 12:04 PM
> lakers are a half game out of the 6 spot
and a half game out of the top spot.
Hollinger's computers say LA currently has the best shot at top seed in the west: up to 63.6% likely as of today - http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds
Fish & LO have off nights (comb. 5-20) and the Lakers still win!
(thanks Kupcake and Drew!!)
Where's Mike "Kwame (-13) Brown" T. been hiding out lately? BWAHAHAHAHahahaha. ahdhhahahahah. ha.
Posted by: newJtimes | January 12, 2008 at 12:49 PM
PJ had a choice last night; rest Bynum, play Kwame more, and lose, or play Bynum more and win. He chose the victory.
Kwame's post defense has never been enough to overcome his poor rebounding and his horrific offense (which is so bad it detracts from the offense of the other four players on the floor.) There just hasn't been another option before, between Mihm's injuries and Bynum's inexperience.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 12, 2008 at 12:54 PM
AK/BK,
I would love to know the format of these post game interviews. How many people are present? It seems that it's first come first serve when it comes to asking questions, whoever speaks quickest gets their question answered. Is that the case?
At the end of the Bynum audio clip (from last nights post game) theres an intelligent question which provokes an insightful response from Andrew about his new found offensive confidence. It then seems like the reporter attempts to follow up to their question but is interrputed with a useless question about being a championship caliber team. Who's allowed to ask questions in these interviews?
Posted by: BynumBeliever | January 12, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Phile called plays for Kobe because the Milwaukee guards were so small. Ivey is 6'4, Mo Williams 6'1, Charlie Bell 6'3 and he could just shoot over them. That is why he took so many shots to begin the game.
Posted by: richard | January 12, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Whoa:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds
Posted by: whoa | January 12, 2008 at 12:56 PM
AK/BK,
I challenge you guys if you are truly Laker fans to get this message to Kobe. Go down to your local health food store and get some wild oregano - it really works for me. Not the kind most people cook with, that is really Mexican wild sage. Get the real stuff, and that upper respiratory infection will soon be gone. Keep taking it through the season, at least.
All we need now, is a trainer who specializes in weak ankles, and the title will be ours.
Roger
Posted by: Roger B | January 12, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Andrew's F bomb post game interview is on youtube under Andrew Bynum + magic word
Posted by: richard | January 12, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Andrew's F bomb post game interview is on youtube under Andrew Bynum + magic word
Posted by: richard | January 12, 2008 at 01:08 PM
I personally think Kevin Love is going to be fantastic at the next level. I'm certain he'll be an All-Star.
Go Bruins!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 12, 2008 at 01:30 PM
This team is starting to remind me of the 01-02 championship team. Kobe and Fish in the backcourt. Bynum starting to dominate almost like Shaq. Bynum has a different body than Shaq and at this stage he actually looks a bit more like his mentor Kareem. Excellent footwork and hands. As he grows stronger, I think he will morph into his own type of player, a combination of Kareem's IQ and Shaq's power. Wait til he learns the skyhook!
What is surprising is how Odom is starting to look like a Robert Horry, and how Luke Walton is starting to look like Rick Fox! Both Odom and Horry originally started out as small forwards then got converted into slender power forwards with an outside shot, as a dominant center came to dominate the paint and needed more room to operate. Both come up with an impressive number of rebounds every game. Let's not forget that Horry was a big time rebounder, and defensive stopper come playoff time. He sort of sleepwalked through the regular season. Odom is also a player that plays better in the playoffs than the regular season. Odom is also more versatile, has much better handles and passing touch than Horry. Robert was of course one of the best pressure shooters in NBA history and had the heart of a champion, winning championships with 3 different teams as a starting player. The next step for Odom will be to develop Horry's heart and basketball IQ. I think this is coming especially as Odom becomes the No.3 or even 4 scoring option. Odom does not have the personality to be a No. 1 or 2 scoring option, but now he will be more relaxed and will be able to play more freely.
What is even more surprising is how Luke Walton is becoming another Rick Fox! Both are players that look slow and don't have the hops, but both have above average basketball IQs and reliable 3 point games. Rick was a tough defender and made his rep as a defender. Based on recent games, Luke is showing this type of tough defense, for example versus Peja in the NO game. Luke has better passing skills than Rick but tends to overpass at times. As he gets more confidence in his own shot and he feels more of a contributor through tough defensive statements, he will make better passing decisions in the future.
What is potentially even better in this 07-08 team is they have a bench that is even deeper than the bench of the threepeat teams of 99-02. Those teams had experienced players like Brian Shaw, John Salley, Mitch Richmond, Lindsey Hunter, etc. but they never had a second team that played as a unit, and never the type of youthful enthusiasm and athleticism that the bench of this season has. The bench this season lacks experience but makes up for it with energy and teamwork. Because they pay as a unit it also gives the chance for the veteran starters to rest more minutes and to be more cohesive as a unit too.
If Trevor Ariza continues to develop, he could be almost the second coming of James Worthy!
There are 3 things that this 07-08 team needs to develop to another level before they become a "dynasty" like the 00-02 threepeat Shaq-Kobe teams:
1. Bynum has to raise his game to yet another level. Everyone in the world has underestimated Drew except for the Lakers' FO. I may yet underestimate him again by guessing that he will become even better as the season goes but he will have a couple of bad games in the playoffs which will be enough to prevent the Lakers from winning it all this year. Just plain lack of experience and body stength. But next year, there will be no stopping Bynum and I predict he will be the second best center in the NBA by next year, next to Howard. These 2 will battle it out during the next 10 years.
2. Team defense. One characteristic of the 99-02 teams that was just as responsible for the 3peat as Shaq-Kobe was team defense. Those teams had the ability to totally shut down opponents' offense especially during critical playoff moments. Team defense was always a trademark of Phil Jackson teams through all his 9 championships. This 07-08 team is not yet at that level but shows the potential. As this team plays together longer and gets more playoff experience the team defense will come especially as Bynum becomes an intimidating shot blocking force at the lane just as Kareem and Shaq were in their primes. Again not til next year.
3. The bench simply needs to just mature and gain playoff experience. The big X factor here is Ariza's development. Can he be another James Worthy? I think he has the most potential of anyone in the bench to move to a permanent starter's role. Farmar or Critt? - a nice problem to have.
I'm sure the Lakers will be losing Kwame after this season simply because another team will offer him money that the Lakers don't think he's worth. For this season, he's the perfect backup center. Next season, hopefully Mihm will be recovered fully and be the backup center, and Turiaf occasionally filling in too. This won't be a big problem because Bynum will be playing Kobe/Odom type minutes next season.
So my predictions: this year-second round or conference finals. Next year-Champions once again!
Posted by: htown | January 12, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Guys it happens. What I love is it reminded me (his actions at least afterwards) of how young he is lol.
Go Lakers!
Good win!
Posted by: Faith | January 12, 2008 at 02:12 PM
BynumBeliever,
I know this question wasn't directed towards me, but I write for my college paper, so I'll answer. It's first come first serve. There isn't really an order of questions or any real rules.
Posted by: Xodus | January 12, 2008 at 02:16 PM
thanks for the tip on youtube richard. i was watching the espn interview with kobe that was going on at the same time.
everyone that believes those playoff odds need to cool it. it's great the lakers are playing well, but we need to be like the players, not get too high or too low after any given game.
Posted by: greek dude | January 12, 2008 at 02:17 PM
YES!!!! Jerry West, go be the GM for the Knicks. And then you can trade
David Lee and Renaldo Balkman to the Lakers for Chris Mihm. And then
the future few years of Lakers-Celtics finals will be assured.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 12, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Don't read too much into Hollinger Playoff Odds.
It says the Spurs have a .4% of winning the championship.
What sense does that make?
If Vegas wanted to give me the Spurs at 96-1 odds everyone would make a killing.
Hollinger has to re-work his system! I love the Lakers as much as anyone but wow we are a tad-bit overrated if his rankings say we are the best in the West by far!!
Posted by: Korey | January 12, 2008 at 02:32 PM
thanks for posting that richard, lol. I watched on ESPN so didn't hear him say that. Drew can get away with that. He has that little kid's face and is a loveable giant.
I know some (maybe most) find Stephen A. Smith annoying but he said something pretty funny yesterday. If you didn't catch pre-game for the first game, they were talking about the Lakers success and Stephen A. said, "what happened with the Lakers is that they figured out they're allergic to Kwame Brown, that's what happened." Pretty funny and true (to most of us, inlcuding myself) though I know we need Kwame as a back-up it's just he's way to over-paid.
On another note, I love we're doing well but have some mild concerns. Obviously, we all hope there aren't injuries. The other thing for me is that we don't peak too early. I know that Kobe and Fish will take it to another level come playoff time but what about everyone else. Two years ago, the team peaked going into the playoffs and we were one Kwame reabound away from the second round. This time, the team is getting better, as we all want them to do but being as young as they are their could be a mental block their. With our coaching staff and leaders, we SHOULD be alright but it's not a given. It'll be interestig to see as the season goes on that the hunger everyone has doesn't stay but grows. They just have to remember what Kobe said in his training camp introduction of himself, "I'm Kobe Bryant and I want to win a championship."
Posted by: Tushar 24/7 | January 12, 2008 at 02:33 PM
You may not like what I have to say but you've got to admit without me you guys are pathetically boring. And you know that's the truth.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 12, 2008 at 02:34 PM
greek dude,
>>>Lakers are a half game out of the 6 spot
Actually, the Lakers own the tiebreaker with both San Antonio and New
Orleans at this point, so they are a game out of the 6 spot. But yeah, I
agree with the message. Don't get two cocky -- a two game losing streak
and you're at number 6 or even number 7 in the Wild Wild West.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 12, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Thanks for the info, Richard. Can't imagine why anyone would be offended by Bynum's verbal slip. Welll, I can imagine, but it would ridiculous.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | January 12, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Kwame's thinking must be play as bad as I can so I can't get traded. There is no way an NBA player can play that bad. Was he trying to lose the game on purpose? Pathetic Performance Kwame! I almost want to do a Zakee chant.
Posted by: BD | January 12, 2008 at 02:58 PM
richard thank you man. just saw it again
Posted by: Charles | January 12, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Whoa,
Our playoff percentage went up a fraction (as did Orlando's) but our NBA champs went down from 14% to 11% and Dallas' went up to 3 from 2+.
It's just computer sims based on Hollinger stats and power rankings, but they are still entertaining to watch.
I find it interesting that he had Detroit and Boston in a virtual tie for a while and now Detroit is the computer's favorite to come out of the East. I think the weakness in the model is that it does not account for injuries... otherwise San Antonio would be higher than they are.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | January 12, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Mike T
There is a reason that Christ preached about forgiveness and warned against judgment.
Any and all religions or philosophies about "God" are firmly founded upon collective tenets. The first tenet in most if not all monotheistic faiths is that God cannot be understood. He cannot be named, he cannot be defined. For a definition in any human language seeks to confine him. Therefore any conclusions you may have made about the nature of God are wholly susceptible to fallacy. This is where faith is involved. A person who is honest in their spirituality will examine their beliefs and necessarily come to the conclusion that he cannot understand God. Humility is needed. Humility is necessary to even respect God. Therefore Christ preaches (like many others throughout human history including other religious faiths as well as more contemporary examples MLK, Ghandi etc.) to refrain from judgment and holding steadfast beliefs, to forgive endlessly. These teachings appear true because they allow for the overwhelming possibilities of God and understand that his omnipotence must exceed any human understanding. Therefore religious conclusions that suppose to "Know" what pleases God or what is "right" etc etc are all basing their following tenets in direct opposition to their first core tenet--That God cannot be confined in language nor understood.
Mike I am not challenging your faith or questioning your spirituality, nor the merits of said journey, but take those lessons and apply them to your relationships. You cannot be so steadfast in your beliefs and cynical to any opposing views. This self-righteousness is limiting you. You are a talented writer, and you do know much about bball. Stop shouting others down and holding fast to conclusions/players for the sake of being right. Open your eyes and ears and let your mind be free to new ideas, new possibilities.
Peace brother.
Don't stop writing--you bring flavor to the blog.
jandro
Posted by: jandro | January 12, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Mamba24
Okay, how about a new bandwagon, the "Drew Crew"? I'm the driver, not sure who the shotgun is, but that guy running along behind and trying to catch hold of the rear bump is certainly Steve Hartman, the official "Bandwagon Man".
Posted by: LakerLarry | January 12, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Xodus:
I read that. LOL. The Bruins will take over for the Gators the next few years. Kevin Love just posted a career high 27 points as the #5 Bruins bested the #4 Cougars this morning. Before the year is done, the Bruins will be NCAA champs and Love the Player of the Year and #1 pick in the NBA draft. In 5 years, Love will be an NBA all-star while Joakim Noah will still just be the son of a once famous reggae star and pro-tennis player and NBA backup.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 12, 2008 at 04:03 PM
BynumBeliever-
Hey. There are a few protocols, but generally it's every man for himself. There are a lot of questons asked that are game related and that most of the writers can use, but often times you'll hear one that seems a little more random or isn't quite as probing or relevant to the game. That could be because the reporter just isn't that good (a possibility) or often because a guy needs a quote to fill a specific need for a story or notebook he's working on.
Sometimes, too, you just don't get time to ask the question you really want, especially if it's not totally on topic for that game. I know if I'm working on something that isn't game specific, sometimes I'll hold off asking so that writers on deadline can get the nuts and bolts stuff they need.
Hope that helps.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | January 12, 2008 at 04:08 PM
ex:
“PJ had a choice last night; rest Bynum, play Kwame more, and lose, or play Bynum more and win. He chose the victory.”
You are absolutely right, ex. I have been a long-time Bynum supporter although I appreciate Kwame’s 1-on-1 defensive capabilities but last night Kwame seemed dedicated to losing the game solely by himself with hopelessly wild lay-ups, offensive charges, and timely turnovers. I found myself screaming at other Lakers players not to pass the ball to Kwame. He truly gave the Bucks a 5-on-4 advantage when the Lakers were on offense by totally negating our inside game. I was praying that Phil would start Bynum to begin the 4th quarter and was elated when he did. Hopefully, Bynum’s spectacular performance has killed any thoughts that Phil had of starting Kwame Brown.
Am I also the only one to notice that Bynum is beginning to emerge as a fiery team leader? Watch him on the bench and the sidelines and after plays. His growth mentally as far as the game goes has been as impressive as his growth physically. I would not at all be surprised to find Drew demanding the ball more as we get to the end of the season. We are finally starting to see the intensity and competitiveness that we first glimpsed in his rookie year altercation with Shaq in every game that Drew plays. And we are also beginning to see the emergence of the Kobe and Drew Lakers as our next championship dynasty.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 12, 2008 at 04:16 PM
htown:
Nice post about the similarities between this team and the Lakers 01-02 championship team. I had posted the same thought earlier and made the same comparison that it was the Kobe and Fish backcourt with Drew at center instead of Shaq. I also compared Trevor Ariza with Rick Fox as our defensive oriented small forward. But I love your comparison of Lamar Odom to Robert Horry. You’re right that Horry was always a stalwart defender and rebounder in the playoffs, much like Lamar. What I like best about your comparison is that Laker fans should value Lamar and his dominant rebounding and outstanding defense in much the same way as we valued the same from Rob. Great connection, htown.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 12, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Korey,
FYI; The odds for .4% are 250-1
Posted by: Eric M | January 12, 2008 at 04:26 PM
LTLF:
I agree. We need to get some former Lakers in position as NBA general managers so we can pull some KG-style deals. I like your Lee and Balkman trade for Mihm. LMAO.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 12, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Andrew's Rankings at 20 years old in the NBA.
Ranks #1 in the NBA in Field-Goal Percentage(0.634)
Ranks #5 in the NBA in Efficiency Ranking Per 48 Minutes(36.18)
Ranks #8 in the NBA in Blocks(72.0)
Ranks #10 in the NBA in Rebounds Per Game(10.2)
I am thinking we might have to bench him till he finally figures it out. I am sure you all are just as disappointed in Bynum as I am. I say we give him 1 more year to get it or trade him and start to build around Kwame. We both know Kwame is just scratching the surface. In fact, the only reason I watch the Lakers is because of Kwame.
Posted by: BD | January 12, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Re Kevin Love - despite his tremendous skills there's not a lot of room in the NBA for slow power forwards who play mostly below the rim. All those rebounds he gets in college will be snatched above the rim by someone else in the NBA. It's hard to see him defensively checking the likes of Garnett, Duncan, Wallace, Dirk or even a Lamar Odom -- they can all go right over him and right around him. Checking centers -- Yao, Howard, Bynum, Amare, etc. -- not a prayer.
Offensively, most of his FG attempts in the lane will be jammed right back in his face. Even if he develops his mid-range/long-range shooting ability he doesn't have the quickness to show and drive past defenders.
He might be able to play a role along side a bigger center or a dominant defender/rebounding PF. No way he's going to anchor the middle or be the predominant inside presence for a team in the NBA.
Posted by: SG | January 12, 2008 at 04:31 PM
LakerTom,
Noah does a VERY good job when he does play. He's not all star material but he's a great passer, rebounder and defender. He'll be a fixture on a contending team. The funny thing is that Noah got all the media attention when it was Horford with his developing post moves, developing mid range shot, rebounding and defense. Horford will be a 3-time all-star in this league.
I like Kevin Love, I just don't think he has the athleticism to be an all-star in today's NBA. His game and athleticism seem to be out of the 70's or 80's. I like his fundamentals and post moves and think he'll fixture on a contending team.
Posted by: Xodus | January 12, 2008 at 04:40 PM
LakerTom,
"Am I also the only one to notice that Bynum is beginning to emerge as a fiery team leader?"
No.
At the end of last season, I was disappointed in Bynum's work ethic (as evidenced by conditioning) and lack of intensity; it seemed like he hadn't learned much from what he observed his first year. I saw those two factors as much more limiting than his "skill potential", which he pretty obviously had.
He has clearly made huge strides (pun intended) in both those areas, and he is at least a year ahead of what I thought was a reasonable expectation.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 12, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Since we're tossing around thoughts on Love, I'd like to toss in my 2 cents on the can't miss NBA star on the Bruins...Russell Westbrook. This guy is a total stud. And like Baby, he's improving by leaps and bounds. The guy plays totally stifling defense, is a great penetrator, and is a total posterizer on fast break dunks. If you want someone to shut down the Pauls of the league, this guy is it.
Mitch...go get him.
Posted by: CornerJ | January 12, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Russell Westbrook...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FP0ua5xFw4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mVa_CY25fQ&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXtO6NuQWs0
Does he bring what Jordan or Javaris cannot? He is another Nate Robinson?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | January 12, 2008 at 05:39 PM