Know thy enemy: Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves
(In our yearly peek at the rest of the Western Conference, we'll preview each team in reverse order of finish from last season.)
The Western Conference is a brutal place, cold and unforgiving, where quality teams must scratch and claw and gauge each others eyes out like George "The Animal" Steele (left) simply to find a spot in the postseason. But while most of the competition is sinew and gristle, there is a soft, chewy, delicious underbelly on this side of the Mississippi, best represented by three teams that managed to win a combined 64 games in the 2007-08 campaign: The Seattle SuperSonics Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves.
There have been geographical and cosmetic changes, but will anything help these weak sisters win some games?
Oklahoma City Thunder (20-62, 15th in the conference, fifth in the Northwest Division)
Key additions: Desmond Mason, Joe Smith, Russell Westbrook
Key subtractions: Luke Ridnour, Francisco Elson, Donyell Marshall
First things first: Thunder = Worst. Team. Name. Ever. I'm already dreading the weather-related headlines when they play Miami.
Moving on...
GM Sam Presti is to be congratulated for shaping a positive future for the Thunder. Anyone who can turn 
Kurt Thomas into three first round picks is doing good work, to
say the least. As for the present? OKC opens a day after Halloween,
but there isn't a costume on the planet scarier than the hardwood
horrors the Thunder will give their new fans (who, given the excitement
at having pro spots in town, likely won't care). Oklahoma City is led
by the young twosome of Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant at the two-
he'll be a better fit as a forward down the line- Georgetown product
Jeff Green at small forward, and have a decent third piece in power
forward Chris Wilcox.
Beyond that, the best thing you can say about these guys is that they're tall. Not that it helps them much. The ThunderSonics were terrible inside offensively, and while they managed to tie for second in total rebounds per game, they were fifth in rebounds allowed, leading to a very ordinary differential. Meanwhile, they couldn't shoot from two (44.4%), or from three (33.3%, third worst in the NBA, 3.8 triples per game, worst in the W.C.). They didn't defend (106.3 a night, fourth worst in the league), couldn't force turnovers, and struggled to get to the line.
Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln...
There are other illustrations of how bad OKC was last season, but I think you get the point. The important thing to know is that the Thunder, bad as they were last year, could very well be worse this season. Even money for the worst team in the league, I'd say. Mason and Westbrook add a little D, but neither is much of a shooter, and without Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West, traded away midseason in '07-'08, they actually have less to offer from outside. Durant has to grow up fast and Green needs to blossom if this bunch is to reach even mediocrity.
Seriously, look at this roster and explain how the Thunder are supposed to win NBA games with any sort of regularity?
PROJECTION: Worst in the conference, worst in the NBA.
Good Blog: They're new at this, but should you need to learn more about the Thunder (why?), give Oklahoma City BBall a shot.
Memphis Grizzlies (22-60, 14th in the W.C., 5th in the Southwest Division)
Key Additions: OJ Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker, Darrell Arthur, Mark Gasol, Hamed Haddadi
Key Losses: Juan Carlos Navarro, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal, Jason Collins, Kwame Brown
Fair to say you're probably not very good when the words "Antoine Walker" and "Key Additions" are in the 
same sentence. I kid- okay, I don't- because Walker wasn't the key figure in the post-draft deal
that sent Kevin Love and Mike Miller to Minnesota for Mayo and warm,
expensive bodies. Given their glut of backcourt talent, there's no
question that Love was a more natural fit in Memphis than Mayo, but GM Chris Wallace thinks he's found himself a star to line up with up-and-coming swingman Rudy Gay at small forward.
He'd better be right.
Personally, I'd have stuck with Love, who looks like a more solid pro than I'd have forecast six months ago. Plus, they lost Miller, who is a very good player. That leaves the Grizzlies with incredible imbalance on the roster. A backcourt stuffed to the brim with Mayo, Mike Conley Jr., Kyle Lowry, former Laker Javaris Crittenton, with guys like Jaric gumming up the works as well. Gay is an athletic slasher who came into his own last year and is the real deal as a scorer, but isn't versatile enough to carry a team on his own, and is another outside-in guy.
That leaves the Grizzlies very weak on the interior, especially defensively. Hakim Warrick can jump and finish offensively, but can't do much on the other end but block the occasional shot. He certainly can't defend PFs on the block, given his No. 2 pencil-thin legs and reedy upper body. Darko Milicic continues to disappoint, and like many observers who have seen signs and waited for him to fully develop as a player... I've given up. Pau's lil' bro looks like he could be a solid pro, but it remains to be seen whether he's got NBA athleticism and can be someone who discourages penetration. That he's the likely starter at center is less a testament to his skill and more to Memphis' lack of options in the post.
The Grizz aren't good. They're not even ordinary. Actually,
they're pretty damn bad, and any team playing with discipline against
them should find some success. But Memphis is very young and extremely
athletic. Teams that get loose and let them run could find some
trouble. There will be plenty of nights where Memphis struggles to
score since they lack consistent shooting, but will be effective when
they can penetrate and get to the rim. Those will be the nights the
Grizzlies can steal a win, because there will be very few evenings
where they stop anyone.
PROJECTION: A few wins better
than last season with flashes of promise... but still pretty bad. If
not for OKC, they'd be the worst team in the conference.
Best Blog: 3 Shades of Blue is one of the best team blogs around.
Minnesota Timberwolves (22-60, 13th in the W.C., 4th in the Northwest)
Key Additions: Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Rodney Carney, Jason Collins, Brian Cardinal
Key Losses: Antoine Walker, Marko Jaric, Michael Doleac, Kirk Snyder
The Wolves should be better this season, if for no other reason than
a quick glance at the lists above show the players they brought in are
far better than the ones they gave up. There is nothing particularly
devastating about losing Walker and Jaric. (By the way, am I the only
one a little surprised at how Jaric has fallen off a competitive
cliff? Back in his Clipper days, I thought he might be a decent
player. Maybe Adriana Lima made him soft. Still, between her and his big money contract, Jaric is a hard man to pity.)
Love may never be a superstar, but he projects as the type of player who can make a good team better, and if he's able to defend at the pro level will have a lot to offer. Miller is a similar player in the backcourt- a great ingredient whose skill set helps those around him succeed. Both can shoot, which will help extend Minnesota's offense and give Al Jefferson, a beast in the middle (at least on one end), more to operate. Toss in a banger like Craig Smith, and the Wolves have some solid players up front.
Injuries helped make guard play a mess in Minnesota last season, as Randy Foye (right) played only 39 games, leaving Sebastian Telfair more minutes than he should get. This year, if Foye can stay on the floor, combined with Miller and Rashad McCants, at the very least the Wolves ought to be able to shoot. All three of those guys can bomb. Love and Miller ought to help Minnesota move the ball better, too, which should let them improve on one of the league's lowest per game assist numbers, too.
Minnesota's biggest problems will be on the defensive end. Jefferson is a great scorer and rebounder, but can't defend to save his life. Love is a rookie with questionable size and quicks. Foye hasn't established himself as a stopper. Overall, they have a lot of young and somewhat mismatched parts that will make it tough to stop the ball, something they absolutely did not do last season. But despite issues defending the goal, Minnesota should be an improved team this year. Not playoff good, but better. It's worth remembering they splatted out of the gate in 2007 with a 6-34 record over their first 40 games, and improved from there.
Given their improved personnel, the Wolves ought to continue that trend. They still won't be good, but if everyone stays healthy, Minnesota will be able to score in bunches, and use guys like Ryan Gomes, Corey Brewer, Smith, Carney and McCants to make a reasonable rotation. Show up and play, or they'll bite. Get it? Wolves? Bite?
Projection: Still well in the lottery, but if things break right a low 30s win total is very possible.
Toothy Blogs (Get it? Wolves? Toothy? Rim shot!): Canis Hoopus has more editorializing, twolvesblog heaps of news.
BK
BK likes literary references...
We could refer to Bynum and Gasol as Scylla (a six-headed monster) and Charybdis (a giant whirlpool) from Homer's "Odyssey".
If Chick Hearn was still alive, everytime an opponent would drive into the pain he'd yell, "Uh oh! He's caught between the devil and the deep blue sea! Block! Gasol's got the rejection! Fast break!"
I miss Chick.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2008 at 08:56 AM
I meant "drive into the PAINT".
Freudian slip.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Well, there are three remaining for the 15th position, will it be Karl, Crawford or Giles. Based on sentimental choice, it would be Karl who reminds me of Pemberthy, if he could sharpen his marksmanship in the perimeter. Another clue is that Karl is guaranteed for 0.7M for this season whether they will retain or cut him while the other two have no stated salary yet. Lately, the Kings waived Quincy Douby 6'3" PG w/ 5 PPG who was a tormentor of the Lakers last season, is he a nice pick up for 15th position? His contract w/ the Kings states he will be there till 2011 starting at 1.5M this year to 3.3M by that time. I wonder why he was waived early?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 21, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Edwin Gueco,
Where did you read that Sacto waived Douby? I know they're not gonna pick up his option, but I think he's still on the team.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 21, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Jamie Sweet,
>>>Josh Powell is better than Ronny Turiaf.
I have to agree with you on that one. Ronny was much more
likeable and entertaining, but I think Powell will be a better
player for the Lakers.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 21, 2008 at 09:16 AM
pslakersfan,
>>>Most of the Lakers flexibility of lineups comes from some use of Lamar Odom.
>>>How many teams in the league can bring in the same player off the bench
>>>regardless of which starter is in foul trouble. (I am guessing none).
I can think of two others off the top of my head...
Ron Artest and LeBron James
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 21, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Jon K/ sez:
"Some suggestions...."
How about the "Twin Not-Shacks"?
Shack had 18 pts-9 boards in limited minutes last nite vs. MJ's team...including a nimble post spin move that showed just how ready he is for battle this season.
AMARE had 11 pts-4 boards playing about 20% of the game..not bad for his debut, especially the and-one he scored by posterizing the 7-foot french bobcat AA.
I think we will see some swell battles in the paint this season when the SUNS visit the lakers...AMARE vs Gasal...SHACK vs. bynum...and you lucky laker fans can get a peek at Porter's team tonite when the SUNS visit the clips. No Nash, Goran Dragic will start.
Dragic's been doing well at PG altho his shooting is rather awful right now. This preseason experience of starting will be invaluable to Dragic's development. If Baron were playing tonight, Goran would probably have skinned him alive. Makes me think Baron's making it all up to escape having to face Goran.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 21, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Jon K, Fatty, et al,
I humbly submit my nicknames for the Pau-Drew pairing:
Reach Inc.
Lords of the Boards
Alley Oops, You Did It Again
The Lofty Leggy Lanky Lengthy Low-post Pair
Double Trouble
They Block Me
A Couple of Tall Guys Who Play for The Lakers
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 21, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Man oh man - duncan and D-Rob? You guys are off your collective rockers.
Length alone does not a great playa make. You only need to look at kwame to know this is so.
I am looking forward to the portland-la game a week from today...Oden looks monstrous but not very mobile...kind of like bynum. Aldridge on the other hand has beefed up some and will be a good match for gasal. And you know what happens whenever Travis Outlaw meets kobey..yes, it's going to be a fun game!
I am going to go on record as saying that portland has a tougher, grittier team than the lakers. Not necessarily better, but just tougher.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 21, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Rick Friedman,
>>>I said over the summer --- and haven't yet seen
>>>anything to change my mind -- that it is not a lock for
>>>Coby Karl to make the team. He has shown himself to be
>>> a garbage-time-only player. IMHO that is simply not a
>>>good use of a roster slot.
I almost agree with you, but not quite.
First of all, Coby is not much worse than Sasha was going
into his second season in the NBA. I'm not saying it's a lock
that he's the next Machine, but he does show some signs
of life.
Second, he is a hustler. There was a game against Toronto
late in the season last year where the team came out flat
and they weren't putting in the energy and were down
by 2 in the second quarter. Phil put Coby in and he made
the most of the opportunity. He hustled like his life depended
on it, got a couple rebounds, blocked a shot, hit a three pointer,
and played solid hustling defense. But the rest of the team
picked up their energy level to match his, and when he went
out a couple of minutes later, they were leading by 4.
Though I don't think Coby is reliable enough (yet) to give
any big chunk of minutes to, I don't think he's a huge
liability when he's on the floor with four of the core players
for a few minutes. I could see PJ throwing him into a game
or two this season in real minutes to test his mettle, and I
don't think he'll have an ego problem with riding the pine
and playing a handful of garbage time minutes.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 21, 2008 at 09:38 AM
LakerTom,
"Once again, ex sets the record straight. Precise analysis, concise points, decisive statements. You are an artist in logically explaining reality. I always wanted to be the strong silent type who, when he spoke, everyone stopped and listened. Of course, we all know why that never happened."
I agree with you regarding ExHelo. I think he is good for two reasons:
1) Brevity
He never writes a 500 word short story when a sentence or two will do. My college writing instructor always stressed; less is more.
2) Originality
He never beats a dead horse over and over. With him, you want to read the post because you know it is fresh. It is not the EXACT same post every day for a month.
IMO that is why he is the Merrill Lynch of the blog: When he speaks, people listen.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 21, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Fatty,
>>>The Lakers Two Towers:
You do realize that the Two Towers in the LOTR books were
two evil place... Minas Morgul and Orthanc.
I still go with the Sequoias. They're the giant redwoods that
only grow in California.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 21, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Regarding the name:
Some good ideas are floating around on the blog.
I say we come up with a few we like, maybe some variations, then formally send them over to Joe McDonnell, Nixon, and Rick Fox.
Maybe via the K's or Email. I would be glad to take the lead in typing up the presentation, if its OK with you.
Off to the Dr's for a little back procedure,(ouch) be back in time for the game.
Later people.
Posted by: Fatty | October 21, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Pig,
I like "Lords of the Boards" and "Double Trouble".
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2008 at 09:50 AM
>>>I don’t know why we can’t use Twin Towers.
You mean like Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson
You mean like David Robinson and Tim Duncan.
I'll wager there were 10 or twelve other combinations that were
referred to by that name as well. It's like calling someone
John Smith. Twenty years from now, if you tell your kids
you saw the Twin Towers play at Staples, they might
google it and correct you that David Robinson was out of
the league when Staples opened.
Give them a unique name. Something that hasn't been
used before. Here are some suggestions (some mine, some
that other people here have suggested):
The Tall Trees
The Sequoias
The Redwoods
The Sierras
The Peaks
Twin Peaks
The Towering Twinferno
The Skyscrapers
The Monuments
The Ladders
The Giraffes
The Flagpoles
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 21, 2008 at 09:55 AM
LTLF,
When did Ron Ron and LeBron become reserves???
Posted by: pslakerfan | October 21, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Eric M.
I think you mean EF Hutton, not Morgan Stanley?
Posted by: pslakerfan | October 21, 2008 at 10:05 AM
I meant Merrill Lynch, my bad.
Posted by: pslakerfan | October 21, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Edwin,
What is a "logging businessmen"? I am picturing guy in flannel and dickies at a board meeting. Or maybe a logger in three piece suit. Just curious.
pslakerfan
Posted by: pslakerfan | October 21, 2008 at 10:07 AM
How about
"The A-Hole Agent's Client and Shouldve played like it was for Spain."
or
the "Luxury Tax Bigs."
Posted by: Charles | October 21, 2008 at 10:09 AM
LTLF,
you missed "sweet n sour" ...
Posted by: Taliq | October 21, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Eric M and LT,
Thanks.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 21, 2008 at 10:18 AM
We could call them the Phat Brothers, but that might get them confused with Shaq.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 21, 2008 at 10:24 AM
>>>I'd peg Kobe more as Aragorn or something...
Nahhhhh. With the magic that Kobe works on the court, he's
definitely Gandalf.
And remember that the LOTR was Sauron, the evil guy.
I'd go with
Phil = Elrond (the guy who helps them out and gives them
lots of advice, but never actually gets into the fray)
Kobe = Gandalf - works magic, gets the fellowship through
situations you'd never think they could survive.
Pau = Aragorn - kinda wild-haired ranger looking guy who
turns out to be the King. (wasn't El Rey one of Pau's nicknames
in Barcelona?)
Lamar = Boromir - A strong fighter for the team, but lets them
down in a critical moment.
Bynum = Gimli - I know the height doesn't work, but he's
the no-nonsense guy fighting in the trenches.
Sasha = Legolas - the ranged fighter - gets shots off faster
than you can possibly imagine.
Fish = Frodo - he's carrying the ring a lot of the time, but
you can see he's starting to wear down a bit.
Jordan = Sam - props up Frodo/Fish and carries the ring
sometimes when Frodo/Fish can't.
Radmanovic = Pippen - mischievous, not an extremely potent
fighter, but he does have his moments.
Ariza = Merry - He guarded Bag End after Bilbo's party, thus
displaying his defensive skills. In the big battle he helped
bring down a Nazgul. Hopefully he'll do the same when
facing the Celtics in June.
Mihm = Theoden - was out of action for a couple of years,
but was re-awakened by the fellowship and played a vital
part in the final battle.
Walton = Bill the Pony - sturdy and helpful to the fellowship,
though not a major contributor.
and of course...
Doc Rivers = Sauron
Pierce, Garnett, Allen = Nazgul
and
Sam Cassell = Gollum
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 21, 2008 at 10:50 AM
pslakerfan,
Picture the Python "Lumberjack" sketch.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 21, 2008 at 10:55 AM
pslakerfan,
>>>When did Ron Ron and LeBron become reserves???
My bad. I was just considering the "who in the league could
play all 5 positions." part of it.
In reality, anyone in the league could play all 5 positions.
Mugsy Bogues could play center, he'd just suck at it.
Lamar would be a little weak at C, PG, and SG. I wouldn't
count on him for any long stretch at those three positions.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 21, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Kiwi...Yes i am Australian.....As for the Cricket...We just got pounded by India.....Thanks again.....
Posted by: Thirty2 | October 21, 2008 at 12:02 PM
PsLakerFan,
Logging businessmen are not only loggers like (Paul Bunyan) but also the corporate owners of logging company that are appointed or patronized by the Forest Service. From time to time, they engaged into lobbying warfare in Congress against The Sierra Club under the guise of fire protection, they recommend the cutting of these trees. Of course, there is a business aspect in it to convert those giant trees into commercial products. There should be a balance between business and preservation. This has been an on-going battle for more than centuries now. The Sierra Club put up also their own lobbying group to counteract such measures against cutting of giant trees which will harm the ecosystem of the are deprived home for the animals, forest products and California landscape. They move to transfer the management of these trees under the National Park Service. The problem of preservation was not only focused on loggers but big business like in 1978, it was reported Walt Disney Corporation would like convert the Sierra Nevada portion into a ski resort. Today, it is part of the the Nationa Park the destination for hikers and backpackers. It was also the great efforts of Pres. Teddy Roosevelt who was a nature lover that preserved these trees. Therefore, had the loggers or businessmen in 1800's prevailed, we would not have any of these tall trees like General Sherman tree or the tall "tour thru a tree" along the Coast Redwood at Willits, Ca. Business was also generated in form of tourist revenues as California landmark than a piece of furniture now in dumpster. haha
Go Lakers.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 21, 2008 at 12:45 PM
AK,
With regards to Quincy Douby, it was reported by Sacramento Sports -
"Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said the team options for both players are "somewhat under consideration, but highly unlikely."
The deadline is Oct. 31.
According to ESPN News on the Sacramento roster:
"Status Alert:The Kings are unlikely to pick up the contract option on Douby (ankle),... (+)The Kings are unlikely to pick up the contract option on Douby (ankle), the Sacramento Bee reports. (Oct 20)"
~~ The chances of getting waived is higher due to the anckle injury.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 21, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Edwin,
Okay, thanks. For what it's worth, from what I've read, it doesn't sound to me like Douby is in danger of getting waived, but simply set up to become a FA after this season. But maybe you saw something I didn't. Either way, I was mostly curious because I'm writing the Kings' "Know thy Enemy."
Thanks,
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 21, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Twinsies
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 21, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Twin Peaks?
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 21, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Bynum, Get Pau free
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 21, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Haven't had any time to do anything other than read some posts and scroll past the troll.
Some thoughts...
AK/ BK great Know Thy Enemy, I hadn't really read about any other teams aside from my hometown heroes and I found this enlightening. Something that you guys brought up in the Grizzlies section made me think:
"Actually, they're pretty damn bad, and any team playing with discipline against them should find some success."
This makes so much sense to me it was silly-fying. The Lakers seem to always play down to teams like this, last year being an exception, and it is this little observation that created a moment of clarity. The Lakers goof off against lower tier teams, they try to be too cutsie and end up in a dog fight when they should have mopped the arena with their jerseys. Everyone talks about playing down to the level of competiti9on, but never had it, in my mind, been put so succinctly. Well done.
Regarding the weekend games...
I thought in the first game, Kobe came out wanting to shut up the media and Phil. PJ had been taking little pot shots at Kobe's conditioing, and Kobe took that notion and fried it over medium and served it on sour dough, montery jack, sauteed 'shrooms and slice of soy meat. His game was tasty!
Gasol was very active, looks extremely sharp. Farmar had as good a game as I'd seen since mid last year, and he looked even better in the second game. I think that if he gets a little love from the refs, he could have a break out year a la (cringe) John Hollinger. Back to Gasol, he looks as good as he did in the first 10 games or so after he joined LA. His passing is on the money, he's moving and he and Bynum seem to have found each others comfort zone as far as spacing, which in hoops is just about everything when it comes to the triangle.
Bynum looked good passing in the 2nd game, I was not too impressed with his 1 st game, but I think Jermaine O'Neal brings out the Beast in Bynum, him and Shaq really seem to get the young lad pumped. Not sure why in Jermaine's case.
Kobe looks like he's found a nice blend of 2008 MVP Kobe and Olympic Kobe. I am really glad he didn't come into the new season firing from all corners, fading away, driving into masses of defenders, he's almost always playing in a 2nd gear speed, with a 6th gear mentality and he goes from 0 to 60 like nobody in the NBA. Skillzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Odom looks good off the bench. I hate to say it, because I love the dude and want him to be the best he can be. But he looks as good as Coop coming off the bench in the '80's. He's even got the socks going. His defense has been tight, very tight. He's got great footwork on the defensive end. I also don't mind if he wants to shoot those elbow jumpers, I've always thought he popped that shot well and had largely abondoned it since playing in Miami. Does Lamar have little suction cups on his fingers, he just reaches out that long arm and (schloop) he's got the ball. Sometimes he doesn't even jump. There's another big guy, or two, jumping...and Lamar just goes (schloop).
Fish seems to be cruising through pre-season, which is smart because we all know that he will bring the fire when the games are counted. His heart never needs questioning, as can be seen in his critique of the younger players line drills from earlier in the pre-season.
Bynum looks rustier than Mihm, which is a little surprising, but not a matter of panic. He is coming back from his first major injury, there is probably a small amount of personal concern and anxiety. He looks unsure when he gets the ball in the post, but is still moving very well without the ball. He has a great free throw stroke. His rebounding comes and goes, but defensively he still is making a difference.
Radmonavich looks like a new player. Sure he missed horribly from downtown last night, but that didn't stop him from playing good defense and rebounding well. It looks like he practiced defensive anticipation this summer. Not sure how one would go about doing that, but he has been moving into passing lanes very well and has been a force on the boards. His passing is probably one of the most under-reported things about this Laker team. Not that in and of itself makes an awesome headline...Vladimir Radmonavich looks slick handling the Rock. I like that he has set up a charity over here as well, good man.
Mbenga looks just like he did last year. Energy, hustle and blind fortune. I am amazed whenever one of his jump hooks goes in, he looks worse than Luke shooting.
Speaking of....
Luke Walton! Yes! He looks pretty good coming off a summer of rehab. His cuts are sharp and he is not as confused as he was last year. He had some early turnover laden games last year and I think he never really got back on track. Which is pitiful in a way, but, what are you going to do? In the second game, I thought Luke looked as good as I've seen him since early 07 when he led the league in 3 point shooting til they switched back to the old ball. He was rebounding inside well, he passed well, he made his funky white boy turn arounds that are absolutely UNGUARDABLE. Ok, that last part was over the top, but he did look really good.
Trevor is still a menace on defense. Seeing him after the summer makes me realize how out of sync he was in the Playoffs last year. Out of sync and still a step slow. He looks bigger, too. His outside shot looks about as good as Luke's, which is OK. I think he should get more rebounds, although, he is most effective as a perimeter defender and not too many rebounds come way out yonder, so that's a draw and possibly an unfair expectation.
The Blog might hate this next one: Josh Powell is better than Ronny Turiaf. There, I said it. He shoots better, he rebounds better and he plays as good off defense as Ronny did. IS he emminently likable? No, but who frickin' cares. If we had Josh Powell in last year's Finals, we don't lose Game 4 beacuse that guy BANGS. Me likie.
Finally...Chris Mihm. If ever the phrase, "He's on a mission from God." came into play it is in regard to Mr. Chris Mihm. He looks like he wants to tear the head of a weasel and eat it raw. He walks on that court pissed off and hungry and it is awesome. He's got lift, he goes straight up on rebounds, not over or to the sides. He played some great defence last night. He shot the ball well from about 15' out, rebounded well. it is so good to see him healthy again. He could be our secret weapon, along with Powell off the bench. And it'll keep Bynum working with a guy like Mihm playing the way he did last night. My only question...consistency.
Sasha was funny on TV when he was answering questions, but watching the game. He actually didn't answer some of the questions posed, just kept saying how he wanted to go out and play with his pals. He looks stoked to still be here.
I think that is what makes this team special, it is greater than the sum of it's parts. They like each other. They complement each other very well. Last night, and against FC Barcelona (whose owner is pretty cool), they looked like a team that plays with dicsipline. Not when Heath, Crawford and Karl were out there, but with the main 12 man rotation Phil's been trotting out there, it's looking good.
In pre-season.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | October 20, 2008 at 05:36 PM
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BK
Nothing against Jamie Sweet but this seems a lot like your double standard for long posts. Moving target again?
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 22, 2008 at 10:32 AM
JustaLakerFan-
Look, I'm sorry you're upset, but here's the deal- I've never said long posts were automatically out, just that we've deleted particularly rambling, off point posts before. As for the "moving target," I'll say what I've said before:
We're not perfect, enforcement isn't perfect, but the rules are the rules. Speeding is always illegal, but you don't get a ticket every time you go over the limit. Rolling stop signs is illegal, but you probably don't get a ticket every time you do that, either. If you want to make sure none of your posts get deleted, DON'T WRITE THiNGS THAT WILL GET OUR ATTENTION in that way.
s*it isn't okay. **** is. Because we don't really know what you were putting in there. If you have to drop an F bomb, do it like *(@&&^# because that is a commonly accepted "clean" way to express cursing, but you could be saying "darn shucks" for all I know. But subbing out one letter with a symbol doesn't cut it.
I'm not going to keep going around and around with you on this. It's not all that complicated, nor is it personal.
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 22, 2008 at 11:01 AM
The Thunder open 2 days before Halloween.
Posted by: Franchise | October 29, 2008 at 09:41 PM