How we keep Love: Start Dieng, Pek off the bench

[alexftbl8181 [enjin:6648741]]

I think we are all getting ahead of ourselves with Dieng. He's still raw and has a lot to learn. He has played bloody well don't get me wrong, but I think it's too early to declare him our starting center. We also had success with Turiaf as our starting center which does indicate the need for a rim protector as our starting 5. But I don't believe it is essential.

Every contender has rim protection. We're also giving up the worst FG% in the league (among "good" teams), and the primary factor is opponent FG% on contested shots within five feet. Love can't block or alter shots. Pek basically doubles down on this weakness. It's a front court pairing that simply doesn't work in crunch time - not in an NBA where it's now all but impossible to keep perimeter players out of the paint. Is Dieng a lock? Of course not. But he has a chance to be what we need, and you have to start placing your bets when you're looking down the barrel of Love's impending exodus.

Every contender also have big time players coming off the bench. Spurs have Bellinelle, Splitter, Manu. Heat have Ray Allen, Clippers have Crawford, Thunder has Lamb and Adams. Rockets have Beverly.

And the Wolves have JJ. So how does trading Pek for a wing solve this problem?

[60WinTim]

Ill say again, is there anything that shows that Deing is making our team defense better then Pek?

Pek is more experienced and is MUCH stronger, so his post-up positioning, sturdiness and footwork is better at this point in time. But the numbers do say that Dieng is superior when it comes to rebounding, blocks and steals. He is a better help defender due to his height, reach and quickness, but that is more a subjective view on my part.

So one could argue the team defense is not a whole lot different right now. But as Dieng works on his strength and gains experience, it's extremely likely team defense will be much better with Dieng than with Pek. And on the offensive end Dieng's passing and mid-range game are already superior to Pek...

[alexftbl8181 [enjin:6648741]]

Ill say again, is there anything that shows that Deing is making our team defense better then Pek?

Pek is more experienced and is MUCH stronger, so his post-up positioning, sturdiness and footwork is better at this point in time. But the numbers do say that Dieng is superior when it comes to rebounding, blocks and steals. He is a better help defender due to his height, reach and quickness, but that is more a subjective view on my part.

So one could argue the team defense is not a whole lot different right now. But as Dieng works on his strength and gains experience, it's extremely likely team defense will be much better with Dieng than with Pek. And on the offensive end Dieng's passing and mid-range game are already superior to Pek...

are you ripping Pek for not having a mid-range game? why the hell would you want him to be shooting mid range jumpers? Passing I guess, they both avg under a assist a game so who really cares

[60WinTim]

Yes, I am ripping Pek for not having a mid-range game - it's a liability that allows other teams to pack the paint. And if you don't realize how superior Dieng is at passing, either by eye or be advanced stats, I can't help you...

[alexftbl8181 [enjin:6648741]]

Sorta weird how the best center in franchise history can't bring back a legit wing player, huh?

Pek is a great guy and a brutally effective scorer. He is not what a modern NBA team needs from the center position.

[bleedspeed]

I think the only way I trade Pek is for cap space and picks. I don't see it happening and if it did we better have some lined up we will get. I like the idea of Pek and Dieng for us at center. Pek should start when healthy and I think they both play 20+ minutes a night. It will help Dieng develop and keep Pek healthy.

[alexftbl8181 [enjin:6648741]]

I think the only way I trade Pek is for cap space and picks. I don't see it happening and if it did we better have some lined up we will get. I like the idea of Pek and Dieng for us at center. Pek should start when healthy and I think they both play 20+ minutes a night. It will help Dieng develop and keep Pek healthy.

didn't we trade big Al for picks and cap space? that worked out

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Sorta weird how the best center in franchise history can't bring back a legit wing player, huh?

Pek is a great guy and a brutally effective scorer. He is not what a modern NBA team needs from the center position.

says who? people on here? I happen to think that the trade for the wings proposed on here would be terrible for us

[60WinTim]

Something that doesn't get mentioned much is how players fit into Adelman's offensive and defensive schemes versus how they might fit into a new coach's systems.

Pek is not really a great fit for Adelman. Yeah, it's nice to have someone you can throw the ball into down low and have a chance to score. But Adelman's "offensive system" is suppose to be built around ball movement, basketball cuts, and finding open shots for players. Pek's contribution in those areas is pretty darn minimal.

Who knows? Pek might be even more prominent in a new coach's system.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Something that doesn't get mentioned much is how players fit into Adelman's offensive and defensive schemes versus how they might fit into a new coach's systems.

Pek is not really a great fit for Adelman. Yeah, it's nice to have someone you can throw the ball into down low and have a chance to score. But Adelman's "offensive system" is suppose to be built around ball movement, basketball cuts, and finding open shots for players. Pek's contribution in those areas is pretty darn minimal.

Who knows? Pek might be even more prominent in a new coach's system.

Someone like Stan Van? Got it. Establish the post presence.