Warriors and Mavericks

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Originally posted by Tigers37:
Today, it became official. The Mavs traded Nick the Quick for Jamison, a small forward who can score. Since the Mavs score about 120 points a game already (rough estimate)...why did they get more scoring??? Defense wins championships or does Nelson know something we don't?

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they just added a big body...that's how you win the west. You must be able to compete with Sac Kings, LA Lakers, and Portland...alll teams with size in the middle..Jamison can be a 'rotational' guy that can take up space and get garbage points [put backs, slams, hooks, etc]..they already have alot of points, but they need to have more flexibility from player to player..starters to bench...that's why the Lakers and Kings are so successful

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'Sometimes life is obscene' - Black Crowes

'Who in the hell left the gate open???'

'Somebody put roots on me'

'I've fallen, and I can't give up!!!'

I don't think one or two players will make Big-D into a defensive team. They will have to be like the T-Wolves and play better team-defense by scheme rather than individual player defensive prowess.

I think Jamison is a good fit for Dallas. They need a good starting SF and an inside scoring threat. He's both. But they simply can't become a good defensive team overnight and, again, one of two players without that kind of mindset from the Coaches on down is not gonna help.

So I don't buy into the idea that they will be a better defensive team. That's just not who they are...

I agree with both of you...they are getting offense...I'm just wondering if they keep getting more offense players that they are hurting themselves in the long run. Nelson is an offensive genius, I'm just not sure more offense will help get past Lakers, Kings, or Spurs...They will beat everyone else, but I see them stopping any of the good teams.

The Mavs problem/dilemma was that they signed Raef LaFrentz to big contract too soon. I don't think he's that bad of a player but they don't use him and it doesn't seem like he fits their needs.

If he was a Najera type of scrappy player with his height, then he would be perfect. You're right about there only being One Ball to go around but I don't think Jamison is a selfish player. Raef isn't either but he would be better on a team where he was at least the 3rd option. He just doesn't fit the bill as an intense interior defender, rebounder, shot-blocker (though he can do some of those things). He's more of a face-up finesse guy when Dallas needs more of a blue-collar.

Jamison's game might help his. When Antwan post-up Raef could be the mid-range release for short spot-up jumpers.

It will be interesting to see...

I think Dirk is the only one who will get mandated shots. Then Finley, then Jamison and Nash will take a little less liberty and defer to the other three unless one of them struggles.

What do you think about Travis Best being signed? And do you think Josh Howard will make a contribution?

I think the signing of Travis Best was an attempt to replace Nick the Quick, which Travis doesn't have the experience or skills to do. He is quick like Nick but not the shooting or playmaking ability. Josh Howard, I will be surprised if he does. You made some execellent points about Najera and LaFrentz. They are role players, doing the dirty work. LaFrentz doesn't have the body to bang like what's needed in the NBA West.

A bit of variation...How well do you think the Lakers will do with Malone and Payton? If those two can keep their egos in check, the Lakers could be tough. I think the downside is that they still aren't very strong defensively, and the Lakers bench is still weak.

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Originally posted by Tigers37:
I think the signing of Travis Best was an attempt to replace Nick the Quick, which Travis doesn't have the experience or skills to do. He is quick like Nick but not the shooting or playmaking ability. Josh Howard, I will be surprised if he does. You made some execellent points about Najera and LaFrentz. They are role players, doing the dirty work. LaFrentz doesn't have the body to bang like what's needed in the NBA West.

A bit of variation...How well do you think the Lakers will do with Malone and Payton? If those two can keep their egos in check, the Lakers could be tough. I think the downside is that they still aren't very strong defensively, and the Lakers bench is still weak.

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I have to disagree about the Laker's defense. They will be old but their D won't necessarily be lacking. They know what to do.

I think Payton will be the only ego they'll have to worry about. The Mailman, I think, will be cool. His defense may hurt them but, then again, who's gonna stop the elite PF in the West anyway??

I think the combination of T. Best and A. Jamison balance out the lost of NVE, at least in numbers. Best does have playoff experience from Indiana. The big thing they have to make up from the loss of NVE is emotion - heart & fire.

I think Howard could be a surprise because he's a smart player and can perhaps play some D. It depends on who else they get to fill their roster. If they bring back Raja Bell, maybe not. I look for Howard to maybe get minutes at either SG/SF. He could be part of the ALL Hustle crew with Najera who might be slotted for minutes at the 3.... Who knows...

good points...Mailman is the one of the elite PF in the West...still got Duncan and the bro in Minnesota, which I am assumed to admit I have forgotten his name. Payton will also cause some problems offensively as he is a good scorer as a post up man...which is in Shaq's territory. He doesn't have a good jumper.

I agree Best and Jamison will probably replace NVE points but not his emotional leadership. I don't think you can quantify that in points. The all hustle squad will be better with Howard, no doubt...I hope they can make up the difference in rebounding because they will get out boarded.

I think Gary Payton knows how to modify his game... he's just a little selfish. But then again, when he played with Shawn Kemp (the skinny one) he deferred to him, though he may have been still developing.

He can score when needed and knows how to take over a game. I think he's ready to play with other superstars that are equal to or better than he is. With the Bucks in the playoffs last year he even seemed to lay back until he had to assert himself. That might have been poor chemistry but he wasn't forcing the issue.

BTW, he's one of my favorite players... He can use his post-up game when Shaq takes a rest.
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Kevin Garnett (K.G.)... is who you were thinking of.
Then you have: (Elite PF in the West)
Dirk Nowitzki - Dallas
Chris Webber - Sac
Elton Brand - L.A. Clips
Rasheed Wallace - Port.
Amare Stoudamire - Phx (young phenom!)

TOP NBA PF

Elton Brand may be the only one Malone can contain due to size and mobility of the others.

Thanks for the Kevin Garnett, I can't believe I forgot his name. Your list of PF is right on, they are young and mobile...things Malone has lost...but he does have savvy. Stoudamire will be the man in a few years, that boy is tough.

As for Payton, he is one of the great players. Watching him all these years, starting at OSU, he is amazing in how much he has improved his shot. His defense was always there. I hope he can defer, maybe he will be like Oscar Robertson when he went to Milwaukee to help Kareem his first ring. Oscar had a tough rep in Cincinnati, but was more helpful in Milwaukee.

I wonder how Lebron James is going to do...as good as Kobe is now, he got lunch ate when he got started...of course Lebron seems to have a better attitude than Kobe when he started. Playing 80 games against grown men is alot different that 20 games against people his age and smaller in size.

Well... If Lebron "King" James works out at PG maybe he won't take such a beating. I think he and Darius Miles are gonna have some serious chemistry.

I don't know if he can play point but if he can the Cav's maybe tough. Him Ricky Davis/D. Miles/Boozer/Big Z with Dujuan Wagner... Mannnn!!!
They'll be well worth the price of admission.

They will definitely Move The Crowd!

Man, you are so right...they could be what the Clippers could have been...but with a better owner. Who is coaching the Cavs? That could make a difference too...

Do you think Alonzo will help the Nets? I don't know if he can go a full season...He'll have to come off the pine...the Nets still don't have a center...but you don't really need a strong center in the East...only during the Final when you got to come West.