Lamarcus at SF

[blue9]

When he's in the low post, he's very skilled with his footwork, or one-dribble moves. That's not what I'm talking about.

Have you never watched Dirk or Garnett (in his day) put the ball on the floor from the perimeter to get inside? I would venture that Griffin and Davis are both far superior ball-handlers to Aldridge as well. Love and Bosh too. My question to you would be the reverse--what elite PF's have ball-handling skills that are equal to or worse than Aldridge's? Duncan (who is superior in other ways), and...?

I've tried bringing this up in the past to no avail. His dribbling is atrocious. (And he doesn't have very good hands when it comes to catching passes on the move, either.)

 

[riverman]

When he's in the low post, he's very skilled with his footwork, or one-dribble moves. That's not what I'm talking about.

Have you never watched Dirk or Garnett (in his day) put the ball on the floor from the perimeter to get inside? I would venture that Griffin and Davis are both far superior ball-handlers to Aldridge as well. Love and Bosh too. My question to you would be the reverse--what elite PF's have ball-handling skills that are equal to or worse than Aldridge's? Duncan (who is superior in other ways), and...?

I think Dirk is one of the most awkward guys dribbling a ball in the paint I've seen..he dribbles about chest high and isn't great at finishing off the dribble. Duncan is a passer. Garnett is not a better ball handler IMO..I just don't see it. Hakeem was a great ball handler

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I've tried bringing this up in the past to no avail. His dribbling is atrocious. (And he doesn't have very good hands when it comes to catching passes on the move, either.)

And again, this isn't to take away from what he does well, which is many other things. But I do believe he would put up fewer ill-advised contested long two-point jumpshots if he had the ability to consistently dribble past a pressing defender.

 

[BBert]

But what's more valuable to the team as a whole? Leonard being able to score in the post, or Leonard drawing the rim protectors away from the paint with his perimeter game? I would much rather the lane be open for Aldridge post-ups or CJ drives.

Defense down low is key, but IMO he is already exactly who he needs to be on offense.

I think his offense is great. He's a very good shooter. That part of his game doesn't need work. He can continue to work on defense, and working on a low post game will only make him a better player. The guy is 7'1" tall. There are going to be times when he finds himself with the ball close to the basket. He could be unstoppable high and low. Unguardable. Hit'em where they aint!

 

[BBert]

I think it's important that he is capable of running a solid pick and roll/pick and pop. That could be one huge advantage over Rolo.

There you go. Both would be deadly with Meyers.

CJ and Meyers off the bench is going to be a beautiful thing to behold next season!

 

[BBert]

When people suggest this I just put my face in my palms. How can LA play SF when he can't take a defender off the dribble from the top of the key?
His handles are SUSPECT.

"Suspect"? You are too kind.

 

[riverman]

And again, this isn't to take away from what he does well, which is many other things. But I do believe he would put up fewer ill-advised contested long two-point jumpshots if he had the ability to consistently dribble past a pressing defender.

I will agree that our whole team is substandard at finishing in the paint. I'd also add that Griffin and Durant are better ball handlers than LA

 

[PtldPlatypus]

There you go. Both would be deadly with Meyers.

CJ and Meyers off the bench are going to be a beautiful thing to behold next season!

CJ/Meyers will be the younger/better version next year of what Blake/Kaman were this year.

I'm already excited.

 

[BBert]

That's the thing about Gasol... that guy sets a mean pick. The refs look the other way too.

That's because it's mean. They are afraid to make eye contact.

 

[riverman]

LA seems to drive the middle or right and take his defender but not left..he likes to go left because that's his sweet spot for shooting

 

[BBert]

CJ/Meyers will be the younger/better version next year of what Blake/Kaman were this year.

I'm already excited.

And Crabbe waiting in the corner for three!

 

[dviss1]

LA seems to drive the middle or right and take his defender but not left..he likes to go left because that's his sweet spot for shooting

No his left hand is suspect. It always has been.