No Dribble Diet

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

Shved needs to be on the no dribble diet like Shabazz at least in terms of shooting off the dribble. I wish I could find the stats that show his shooting percentages off the catch and shoot and off the dribble because my eyes show me there is probably a significant difference. Way too many possessions are ending in bad shots after trying to create off the dribble. Theses guys need to move the ball more and get open off the ball so they can just shoot it when they get the ball. We're way too un-athletic and play way too much below the rim to try to take the ball to the hoop into the teeth of the D. I realize we need some scoring at the rim, but I would rather that be high percentage put backs by Love and Pek, good cuts to the bucket and some posting up than trying to drive into the teeth of the D. Also, this is pre-season. Dieng should be getting all of Ronny's minutes. We already know what Ronny brings to the table. He is a vet and he doesn't need PT in the pre-season to get ready for his limited role in the regular season. Give Dieng some PT so he can get some minutes before he has to be the backup when Pek undoubtedly goes down for a few games this year.

[shahidi124 [enjin:6591729]]

Shved still played a LOT better than the other night. He hit a few open shots and had a couple nice dishes inside for easy buckets. I agree with you though, he is pretty bad at off the dribble shots, much better at the set shot. Pretty much the exact opposite of Ricky.

Dieng played great in his limited minutes. Rebounded decently, but had good defensive positioning. I think he could be an asset sitting at the high post looking for cutters as he is a pretty good passer. And agreed, he needs to play more. Not sure what Adelman is doing playing the vets so much. Needs to give the younger guys some burn. CJ hasn't even seen the floor for god's sake.

[thedoper]

I agree Shahidi. I think he played really well tonight, in control and poised. I just think Shved is going to be up and down based on a lack of experience. His form is good on his shot but he does lean a bit on the move. I think he will end up being a good shooter.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Shahidi, I think there are two objectives Adelman is trying to achieve in the early part of the pre-season: 1) Get his top 9-10 guys in the rotation playing time together in order to establish chemistry; 2) Figure out who will take the 15th roster spot. Since Dieng and Shabazz aren't expected to be in the 9-10 man rotation, nor are they competing for a roster spot, their playing time takes a back seat for now. I suspect that they will both see more time in the last couple of pre-season games when the starters will only play token minutes in order to avoid injury.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I agree, Q, that Adelman is focused on a quick start this season, and is using preseason to get his core guys used to each other. He has said as much in interviews by continually stressing how his players need to communicate more on defense. We all want to see what Dieng can do and I think he has a bright future, but the 15-20 backup center minutes are going to go to Turiaf early in the season. And I'm okay with that as he has looked good to me in the first two games...he looks young out there. I liked his 9 points and 3 blocks last night, and especially like his help defense when his teammates get beat off the dribble. Truly a veteran who knows how to play team defense.

I couldn't see much of the game last night through the annoying prompts on firstrowsports.com, but it was nice to see a better box score line from Shveddy. I still think he was trying too hard against his countrymen in game one, and will be an improved player this year. I like our depth a lot, barring injury (knock on wood).

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

LST, Shved's progress is key to this team because of Budinger's injury and Kevin Martin's likely injuries to come (of which we already saw last night). He will get major playing time on the wing, even at SF sometimes.