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Originally Posted by Azyiu  I think Lamar is an easy fall guy, but I am also glad most non-Lakers fans think he sucks. He will be a "surprise" to most people comes playoffs time. Honestly, although I don't think we will see the kind of plays from his Heat days, he is really not that bad. In fact, he is a very smart player, with his size, speed and passing skills, he actually fits very well in the triangle. One of the main reasons why he was mentioned in almost every trade scenario is due to the size of his contract. |
His contract wouldn't be an issue if he lived up to that price tag.
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Originally Posted by Azyiu You pretty much ignored what I said in my original post. I too think Suns' starting five is as good as anyone out west, but I see their problem in their bench or the lack of it. Then again, except for Amare, all of the Suns' main guys are over 33 of age... they might be slightly better this year, but I still would take the Lakers long term any day.You pretty much ignored what I said. |
I named at least 7 guys. Last I checked there is a reason they call it a "starting 5". they have at least 2 guys who can come off the bench and contribute big. I mean c'mon, barbosa averages almost 20 a game off the bench! That's from one guy.
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Originally Posted by Azyiu Shaq played for the Lakers for 8 years, so you think I don't know? Seriously, let's not just look at stats here. Of course, his size and speed alone are good defensive capitals, but IMHO his speed is slowly decreasing (if not already have). Plus, except for the 1999 - 2000 season, Shaq never really seriously commited to playing great D. I mean, sure, once in a while he get a steal down low then lead a fast break as a point-center, but just how often do we see that? Still, even though he might not be as good as one-on-one defender like Sheed, he will improve the Suns down low for sure! |
You don't get named to the all nba defensive team for sucking at d. He is a solid defender. The difference is that he knows what games matter and what games don't. He understands if you burn yourself out during the season there isn't much left for the playoffs. Especially at his age and size. Shaq has really held his own in the post season as far as I'm concerned. He will greatly improve the suns defense.
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Originally Posted by Azyiu This statement alone tells me you really don't know Pau.  Either that, or you basically ignored anything he had done in the last two Euro Championships. He was pretty much the sole reason why Spain was so successful in the Euro Championship in 2006 before breaking his foot, and his teammates picked up the slack and won it all. Last year they made it back to the championship game before losing to the surprising Russian team. Sure, it is easy to blame one guy for a loss and all, blame him. Oh, while you are blaming him for his soft D, please also call out guys like Tony Parker, Boris Diaw (they didn't even make it far last year), Nowitzki etc!  While we are at it, like I said in my last post, you think Pau is not as good as A.C.Green, Horace Grant or even Sumaki "Are You Kidding Me" Walker on D?  |
Dude, fuck the Euro championships. This is the NBA, that fiba shit doesn't mean dick here. The bottom line is he sucks bad on d in the league that matters. I never said pau was better or worse than any of the formentioned players. Horace would have beat his ass for sure, I will tell you that. I don't blame pau for any loss. Wake up and face the facts. The dude is soft, and it is not just me saying that. Nba players, scouts, and coaches have made the same claim. That Euro league garbage (where everyone seems to play soft) has really fucked up his nba game. There is a reason why dirk, parker, and diaws teams suck- they are the only players on their respective teams that can actually play. Don't fool yourself. If it comes down to d- your lakers are in some trouble. Especially if they drive the lane on pau. I can see it now- the game is tied. game 7 of the western conference finals. Nash to shaq- shaq faces up Pau. Wow! did you see that! Posterized! And the Suns win! Dude- watch him play. He falls asleep in the defensive end and all the sudden wakes up when it comes time for offense. I was scared shitless that if he did get traded with the Bulls skiles would just bench his ass. He used to sit eddy curry for long strechs for that very thing. Sure that is pretty much 70 percent of the nba... but c'mon. Pau seriously needs to toughen up. He has to much potential for crtics to bash him for lackluster effort on the defensive end.