CoolBreeze's 2 Things I Didn't Like Tonight Plus 1

[bleedspeed]

2 things I didn't like:
-Young got owned by Zach. He fought back, but just isn't strong enough. I would have liked to see us try Pek and Dieng together a little here. (or keep Bennet in the game_
-Turnovers - We had a lot of turnovers. Simple mistakes we can correct. We cut out 5 turnovers and we win that game.

Plus 1:
-Bennett/Shabazz were awesome in the second unit. They did to the Grizzles reserves what Gasol and Zach did to our starting unit.

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

Thanks Breeze and others for the analysis. I didn't get to watch. I'm hopeful too. We were in this game until the last minute, with 23 turnovers, no Martin,and 5 points from Pek. I'm blame the loss on Pek, seeing how he gave up 32 to Gasol as well. Does he just play like a pussy or what? Did he just back down from Gasol?

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Thanks Breeze and others for the analysis. I didn't get to watch. I'm hopeful too. We were in this game until the last minute, with 23 turnovers, no Martin,and 5 points from Pek. I'm blame the loss on Pek, seeing how he gave up 32 to Gasol as well. Does he just play like a pussy or what? Did he just back down from Gasol?

He doesn't play like a pussy...Pek is a load out there, and works hard. And he did have 8 rebounds in 29 minutes. But Pek has always had a problem with long, physical teams, and the Wolves start out the season with three of them. Pek sometimes gets flustered, and misses easy shots and travels against tough defenders. He played hard, but it was painful to watch him last night.

Gorgui, on the other hand, played really tough and didn't struggle at all against Gasol/ZBo. Conventional wisdom is that Pek should play more against more physical teams, but maybe it's the opposite. Pek can dominate less physical centers and go off for 20-12 games, and Gorgui can use his finesse (and surprising toughness) to neutralize the impact of physical centers.

[mjs34]

Maybe Pek should be coming off the bench.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I'm going to grow weary of watching Corey Brewer play defense this season... at least until he gets traded. His defense on Conley late in the 4th when he was hopping around foolishly only to let Conley race to the rim using his left was truly atrocious defense from a veteran player who has never figured it out.

For all those who ripped Love's defense, Thad Young gave up a David Lee-esque fg percentage to opposing players at the rim last season. We'll see more of that. But, his penchant for steals will mask that a bit. As expected, he's a credible NBA player. And he'd be sorely missed if not on the team. The Wolves HAD to nab him with that draft pick if they wanted to field a team that wouldn't battle Philly for the bottom.

No idea what to think about Rubio's shot. It's one game. But the one thing I can take away with certainty from this one... he's going to get fined for flopping sooner than later.

I nabbed G. Dieng in my fantasy league for a reason. Not playing at all with Pekovic might make me regret that decision, but who are we kidding... Pekovic isn't staying healthy, right?

Shabazz will be interesting to watch. He's a throwback player in a lot of ways. And he's the antithesis to what we're seeing around the league... he's a guy who's not that big who plays inside. In a league in love with 3 pointers, I can't tell if his game is refreshing or fool's gold yet. My money is on it wavering from night to night... and matchups.

Mo Williams is a decent NBA player. Like everybody else, I didn't care for Barea, never did dating back to his Dallas days. Williams is more like Luke Ridnour, with slightly better range?

Budinger has to show more... at least so he can be traded and he doesn't end up getting paid to go away.

I didn't notice much from Wiggins. While it's good that he didn't force things... isn't that the primary concern with him making the leap? Obviously, the slate is clean and I still have no idea what to expect from him... good or bad.

Bennett looked like an NBA player. Finally. Not a starter, or even a top-notch reserve. But it's definitely a step in the right direction.

The Wolves offense will be horrible to watch at times this season. There still aren't enough creators/shooters to maintain offensive consistency.



[Note: Good to have one of the best things going on this forum back, Cool.]

[bleedspeed]

Another thing I liked was when Williams gave the hard foul at the end of the game. Laid his shoulder into his man. It ended up being a fragrant, but I liked the fire with it. We need someone that will get physical sometimes with this this young team.

I had huge concerns when Dieng had the hand injury. It really makes me feel like Hummel or GR3 needs to go in favor of a long PF/C type at the end of the bench. It just doesn't seem that Turiaf can stay healthy enough to do that. If not he should be suiting up.

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

Thanks Breeze and others for the analysis. I didn't get to watch. I'm hopeful too. We were in this game until the last minute, with 23 turnovers, no Martin,and 5 points from Pek. I'm blame the loss on Pek, seeing how he gave up 32 to Gasol as well. Does he just play like a pussy or what? Did he just back down from Gasol?

He doesn't play like a pussy...Pek is a load out there, and works hard. And he did have 8 rebounds in 29 minutes. But Pek has always had a problem with long, physical teams, and the Wolves start out the season with three of them. Pek sometimes gets flustered, and misses easy shots and travels against tough defenders. He played hard, but it was painful to watch him last night.

Gorgui, on the other hand, played really tough and didn't struggle at all against Gasol/ZBo. Conventional wisdom is that Pek should play more against more physical teams, but maybe it's the opposite. Pek can dominate less physical centers and go off for 20-12 games, and Gorgui can use his finesse (and surprising toughness) to neutralize the impact of physical centers.

Ok, well just because he's a load doesn't mean he's tough. I guess a better question is, were ZBo and Marc getting uncontested shots down low? It sure looks that way by their fg%. And I know those guys are borderline All-Stars and better than Pek, but geez, 32-5? And I get tired of people saying we don't do well against long, athletic teams, or teams with quick PG's. Well, that's just about everybody.

I know it's only 1 game, but Pek just frustrates me. He plays too soft for a man his size. You're right SJM, he'll lose the starting job to Dieng. And I think I'm ok with that.

[bleedspeed]

Thanks Breeze and others for the analysis. I didn't get to watch. I'm hopeful too. We were in this game until the last minute, with 23 turnovers, no Martin,and 5 points from Pek. I'm blame the loss on Pek, seeing how he gave up 32 to Gasol as well. Does he just play like a pussy or what? Did he just back down from Gasol?

He doesn't play like a pussy...Pek is a load out there, and works hard. And he did have 8 rebounds in 29 minutes. But Pek has always had a problem with long, physical teams, and the Wolves start out the season with three of them. Pek sometimes gets flustered, and misses easy shots and travels against tough defenders. He played hard, but it was painful to watch him last night.

Gorgui, on the other hand, played really tough and didn't struggle at all against Gasol/ZBo. Conventional wisdom is that Pek should play more against more physical teams, but maybe it's the opposite. Pek can dominate less physical centers and go off for 20-12 games, and Gorgui can use his finesse (and surprising toughness) to neutralize the impact of physical centers.

Ok, well just because he's a load doesn't mean he's tough. I guess a better question is, were ZBo and Marc getting uncontested shots down low? It sure looks that way by their fg%. And I know those guys are borderline All-Stars and better than Pek, but geez, 32-5? And I get tired of people saying we don't do well against long, athletic teams, or teams with quick PG's. Well, that's just about everybody.

I know it's only 1 game, but Pek just frustrates me. He plays too soft for a man his size. You're right SJM, he'll lose the starting job to Dieng. And I think I'm ok with that.

I have not seen a shot chart, but from watching the game it seemed like they hit most of the shots outside the paint and were extending them a bit. Z-Bo would just push Young around, but he was not giving him clean looks. Z-Bo could just get physical and make his space. The shots Marc hit seemed to be 10 feet out. He made Pek have to cover ground. It was not like Pek was getting pushed around. They made him move.

[Hicks123 [enjin:6700838]]

I only saw the last 9 minutes, so this for what it's worth.

Rubio - Non-existent. This is my issue with him. At the end of the game, we needed a bucket, and Rubio missed an open FT jumper and a lefty layup....this summarizes his career. And the defensive lapse on Carter was inexcusable....I think they said Carter was like 1-8 at the time. General rule in basketball is to let the cold guy shoot a 20 footer at the end of the shot clock, not foul and bail him out.

Thad - Yeah, his defense is visually sub-par. That being said, still love his offensive game and ability to push the ball and force a foul or made bucket at the end. While certainly not an all-star caliber player, he is very solid and a great addition to the team.

Pek - As already stated, he was just bad. Will certainly get better, but he may have a more difficult time this year with the overall pace of play.

Mo - Great addition. I want him over Rubio at the PG spot in end of game scenarios. While he once in a while may make a dumb play (like he did on tech call last night), he is so good in the pick and pop game, and is a great shooter.

Bud - I just don't get many of the apologetic posters on this board. This guy is at best a 10-12th man. He should play very few minutes. Many bring up his shooting as his asset, but his career average is just that...very average. Nothing special. Horrible game from a very mediocre player. Not nearly worth his contract.

Shabbaz - Wow, he is if nothing else fun to watch. He tries as hard as anyone. He is going to be up-and-down throughout the year, but loved what he gave us tonight.

Dieng. As others said, very solid.

Bennett - Looked good the few minutes I saw him, but didn't like the long 2 he took near end. He is prone to those shots, and needs to improve in this area.

[Monster]

Thanks Breeze and others for the analysis. I didn't get to watch. I'm hopeful too. We were in this game until the last minute, with 23 turnovers, no Martin,and 5 points from Pek. I'm blame the loss on Pek, seeing how he gave up 32 to Gasol as well. Does he just play like a pussy or what? Did he just back down from Gasol?

He doesn't play like a pussy...Pek is a load out there, and works hard. And he did have 8 rebounds in 29 minutes. But Pek has always had a problem with long, physical teams, and the Wolves start out the season with three of them. Pek sometimes gets flustered, and misses easy shots and travels against tough defenders. He played hard, but it was painful to watch him last night.

Gorgui, on the other hand, played really tough and didn't struggle at all against Gasol/ZBo. Conventional wisdom is that Pek should play more against more physical teams, but maybe it's the opposite. Pek can dominate less physical centers and go off for 20-12 games, and Gorgui can use his finesse (and surprising toughness) to neutralize the impact of physical centers.

Ok, well just because he's a load doesn't mean he's tough. I guess a better question is, were ZBo and Marc getting uncontested shots down low? It sure looks that way by their fg%. And I know those guys are borderline All-Stars and better than Pek, but geez, 32-5? And I get tired of people saying we don't do well against long, athletic teams, or teams with quick PG's. Well, that's just about everybody.

I know it's only 1 game, but Pek just frustrates me. He plays too soft for a man his size. You're right SJM, he'll lose the starting job to Dieng. And I think I'm ok with that.

I have not seen a shot chart, but from watching the game it seemed like they hit most of the shots outside the paint and were extending them a bit. Z-Bo would just push Young around, but he was not giving him clean looks. Z-Bo could just get physical and make his space. The shots Marc hit seemed to be 10 feet out. He made Pek have to cover ground. It was not like Pek was getting pushed around. They made him move.

Yeah Gasol hit a couple 20 footers Pek isn't gonna be able to cover guys doing that kind of stuff. I'll also add that Gasol has lost probably 2o lbs is VERY noticable and he was MUCH quicker which showed up against Pek. In addition remember that Pek is a little rusty and Gasol played in the WC so he is basically in miseason form. Like I said before Gasol is the best all-around C in the league he is a VERY underrated scorer.

One other comment about Gasol's weight loss. Until there is a top 20 player with a physical nature to change the trend the league is going to go to leaner bodies. Gasol, Love and Lebron look like younger leaner players this year than last. I don't see any player other than maybe Cousins that will change this trend and really I don't think being super strong and physical is going to stop Cousins if he really puts it together because he is way to skilled for that. Guys are realizing that less weight is better for your body you can lengthen your career and all that stuff. This is something that's been happening for years but I think its kicking into another gear now. Its going to bring about a faster paced game that's for sure.