Now that the sting of getting bounced has started to abate ...

[Nikolokolus]

Somebody (Shooter I believe?) asked the question the other day about 'the bloom coming off the rose', and considering the timing of that thread and having a few days to marinate on the season and put things in perspective have peoples' impressions changed with some of the emotion and immediacy taken out of the equation?

Gut reactions I had after the game:

"LMA was a major disappointment"
My feelings now: He was a minor disappointment. Clearly LMA struggled with the role of being the number 1 option and apart from a decent showing in game 1 and a fantastic game 4 the Suns had a lot of success doubling him early and often, something that is bound to bother a guy with the limited ball handling LaMarcus possesses and the fact that so little player movement would occur by his teammates to get themselves open to receive a pass. He's still way too passive on the glass, but all-in-all I think he did the best he could.

"Rudy is a hot plate of garbage"
My feelings now: "Rudy is a hot plate of garbage," works for me and I fully expect him to be moved this summer so he can "be happy" I just hope this team somehow can add a reliable, veteran shooter who isn't so one-dimensional to bring off the bench to help space the floor and give this team some more pop from distance without being so streaky and apparently mentally fragile as both Rudy and Martell were to varying degrees this season (ala the role Ben Gordon played for the Bulls).

"Nate's coaching leaves a lot to be desired"
My feelings now: Nate's ability to make in game adjustments is still very below average in my opinion, but with such a banged up team (Nic, Brandon and Camby all gimpy) I'm not sure there were that many in game adjustments available to him. I'm still not super optimistic about what he'll do in the playoffs if he gets there again with this roster, but I don't see anyway around it; he will be back for next year and hopefully with a summer to reflect on his approach this year, he tries to recognize his weaknesses and somehow addresses them.

That's all I've got, post 'em if you got 'em.

 

[oldmangrouch]

Gut reaction: Roy and LMA are Pippen and Kukoc. The only way this team wins a title, is if Oden becomes their Jordan.

Upon reflection: we're boned.

 

[Sedatedfork]

Gut reaction: We can't even count on Roy now, Oden's never going to be healthy, and we have no player who can carry this team in the playoffs. This team got broken down fast and does not have a lot of upside. Roy's knees are going to be shot in 3 or 4 years.

Upon reflection: Oden was starting to actually have some consistent success right before his injury. If he can come into camp in shape and stay healthy, this team could take a huge leap next year. Same, with Batum. It's amazing that the team was able to withstand the injuries they had. If next year is a healthy year, maybe this team can get close to 60 wins. On the other hand, if this team crumbles we are looking at wins in the 40's. This team is at a crossroads right now. Are they going to start reaching their potential, or has the bubble burst? I will keep hoping that they can compete for a championship starting next year. I have always thought you Nate-bashers were thinking the grass is greener. It sounds like the players like and respect Nate, but it might be time for a change. The team has been decent defensively, a tad more boards would be nice. Offensively, this team has been way below average. I am willing to give Nate one more season, but if next year is more of the same I hope that the front office takes a look at making a move. I am indifferent about making a move this year, because I think to bring in a better coach we need to show the NBA that our guys are not injury prone and that there is a real chance to win with this team.