So Lebron James decided to forgo the money and individual glory to play with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.
I give him credit - I didn't think winning was the biggest priority for him.
In the end, Lebron chose to share the glory and win rather than be THE MAN and lose.
I am surprised, only because Lebron was close. The Cavs did have the best record in the NBA; they were undoubtedly contenders. But Lebron ultimately had doubts about his ability to get them to the top. So he chose the best chance to win, at the cost of sacrificing any real shot at becoming the best player to have played this game.
Dwayne Wade is that good, Bosh is that good.
And in crunch-time, wouldn't Wade take the last shot, as he and Kobe did while Lebron stepped back during the Olympics?
These three could go down as the best trio of all time. There is a real possibility, considering that their average age is only 26 years old.
Having three superstars is a great way to win a championship, with historical precedent. Yet, three Hall-of-Famers in their prime, this is unprecedented.
Even if the Heat picked up the league's journeymen to fill the rest of their roster, one can almost bet the house on their winning the Eastern Conference.
After all, the Lakers had the worst point guard rotation in the league, and their starting center Andrew Bynum was frequently injured - in fact, injured in every playoffs he's played. Moreover, the Lakers had an inconsistent bench as well.
And yet they won the past 2 championships.
As the Celtics and Lakers have shown, star power does usually win championships, as long as their healthy and young enough.
The Heat now can assemble the most talented roster in the history of the NBA.
Lakers, the ball is in your court. What should Mitch do? Find out soon.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Steve Blake Finally Signs with the Lakers
The Lakers have reportedly signed Steve Blake to a 16 million dollar contract over 4 years.
After years of struggling with limited, one-dimensional point guards, the Lakers have finally signed a true, legitimate lead guard.
In fact, the 30-year-old Blake is a clear upgrade over any point guard on our roster. He has a proven track record of being an elite ballhandler in the league, an excellent 3-point shooter, and feisty defender.
Steve Blake is a career 39.3% 3-point shooter. Fisher, the Lakers' 3-point specialist, shot 37.3% for his career.
Moreover, Blake was best known to Laker fans as the energetic defender who wouldn't back down from guarding Kobe Bryant. With decent size, quick hands and feet, and a good basketball mind, Blake was able to frustrate Kobe on many nights. His passion and competitive spirit prevented Kobe from getting to his spots and imposing his will on the defense.
Most importantly, he's proven his ability to play next to an elite perimeter player. In fact, Brandon Roy preferred to play with Blake to Andre Miller. Kobe Bryant would have the luxury of finally playing with a better ballhandler than himself. A guy who could set up the offense and make the game easier for Kobe. His shooting stroke would also prevent teams from doubling or tripling Kobe.
Blake has mastered the ability to maximize the talents of his teammates, which the entire nation saw when Blake led Maryland to the NCAA championship, becoming 5th on the NCAA's all time assists leaders. Unfortunately, Blake was stashed on the bench behind Gilbert Arenas, and never got an opportunity to lead his team. When he signed with Portland in 2005, he eventually became a starter and was one of the league's leaders in assist-to-turnover ratio. In a move that Portland regretted, Blake was traded in a deal for the Bucks' all-star big man Jamal Magloire. Lost in the battle for minutes with Maurice Williams, Earl Boykins, and Charlie Bell, the Bucks traded Blake midseason to the Nuggets. Blake ended up becoming a starter and made the playoffs. He became a free agent that summer and the Blazers, who regretted trading him, signed him again. Blake became the starter - a pattern throughout his career.
The additions of Ron Artest and now Steve Blake show that the Lakers are committed to building around Kobe Bryant in the right way - as he turns 32 next month. If only they were able to do it sooner, instead of surrounding Kobe with the likes of Chucky Atkins, Smush Parker, Kwame Brown, Luke Walton, Brian Cook, Vladimir Radmanovic, Chris Mihm - all players who started for the Lakers.
Oh what could have been.
After years of struggling with limited, one-dimensional point guards, the Lakers have finally signed a true, legitimate lead guard.
In fact, the 30-year-old Blake is a clear upgrade over any point guard on our roster. He has a proven track record of being an elite ballhandler in the league, an excellent 3-point shooter, and feisty defender.
He has a 2.9 assist to turnover ratio. That means for every turnover, he's created three baskets for his teammates. That's outstanding.
Steve Blake is a career 39.3% 3-point shooter. Fisher, the Lakers' 3-point specialist, shot 37.3% for his career.
Moreover, Blake was best known to Laker fans as the energetic defender who wouldn't back down from guarding Kobe Bryant. With decent size, quick hands and feet, and a good basketball mind, Blake was able to frustrate Kobe on many nights. His passion and competitive spirit prevented Kobe from getting to his spots and imposing his will on the defense.
Most importantly, he's proven his ability to play next to an elite perimeter player. In fact, Brandon Roy preferred to play with Blake to Andre Miller. Kobe Bryant would have the luxury of finally playing with a better ballhandler than himself. A guy who could set up the offense and make the game easier for Kobe. His shooting stroke would also prevent teams from doubling or tripling Kobe.
Blake has mastered the ability to maximize the talents of his teammates, which the entire nation saw when Blake led Maryland to the NCAA championship, becoming 5th on the NCAA's all time assists leaders. Unfortunately, Blake was stashed on the bench behind Gilbert Arenas, and never got an opportunity to lead his team. When he signed with Portland in 2005, he eventually became a starter and was one of the league's leaders in assist-to-turnover ratio. In a move that Portland regretted, Blake was traded in a deal for the Bucks' all-star big man Jamal Magloire. Lost in the battle for minutes with Maurice Williams, Earl Boykins, and Charlie Bell, the Bucks traded Blake midseason to the Nuggets. Blake ended up becoming a starter and made the playoffs. He became a free agent that summer and the Blazers, who regretted trading him, signed him again. Blake became the starter - a pattern throughout his career.
The additions of Ron Artest and now Steve Blake show that the Lakers are committed to building around Kobe Bryant in the right way - as he turns 32 next month. If only they were able to do it sooner, instead of surrounding Kobe with the likes of Chucky Atkins, Smush Parker, Kwame Brown, Luke Walton, Brian Cook, Vladimir Radmanovic, Chris Mihm - all players who started for the Lakers.
Oh what could have been.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Lakers Offer Mike Miller 30 million for 5 years
According to various sources, the Los Angeles Lakers have offered free agent Mike Miller a contract for 30 million dollars over 5 years, presumably using their midlevel exception.
Most commentaries have noted that Mike Miller has been one of the league's most consistent three-point shooters. However, as outlined in my previous column, Miller is particularly a good fit with the Lakers because he can actually handle the ball, pass, and make plays.
Moreover, despite speculation that he would come off the bench, Mike Miller may actually start - without even replacing Artest. Given Phil Jackson's recent decision to return as the Lakers' coach, Miller would have a unique role in the triangle offense as a big guard, as demonstrated by Scottie Pippen, Ron Harper, Brian Shaw, Toni Kukoc, and even Kobe Bryant.
Miller's unique combination of size and guard skills would allow the Lakers to play as a primary facilitator, and even allow the Lakers front office to forgo the arduous task of finding an upgrade at point guard.
As long as the Lakers continue to play Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Ron Artest in the frontcourt, the team would invariably be best in the halfcourt, running the triangle offense. No longer would Kobe dominate the backcourt due to necessity (or sometimes, Kobe's choice). As a capable ballhandler, Miller would be able to deliver post entry passes more easily due to his height and vision, seeing over defenses. Considering Gasol, Bynum, Kobe, and Artest are all post threats, this would give the Lakers an additional dimension they wouldn't have with Fisher. Moreover, Miller's instincts would utilize Bynum's reach around the rim, and finding Artest spotting up in the perimeter.
Most importantly, Mike Miller would be a pressure-release valve for the Lakers' over-reliance on Kobe Bryant. Defenses wouldn't be able to load up on Kobe (they'd pay dearly courtesy of Miller's shooting), nor pack in the paint using various forms of soft zones - which gave the Lakers trouble the past few years.
Although Lamar Odom was envisioned as a potential primary facilitator in the triangle, it appears that this experiment has failed. His assists average the past three years have all been career lows. Instead, Odom is best in the open court, powering a fastbreak from a rebound, navigating past fewer defenders, seeing one clear play at a time. In the halfcourt, his decision-making has been underwhelming. Due to his lack of a consistent shot, defenses defend the entry pass and drop back to force him to shoot. Moreover, since he doesn't have the ability to change directions, he cannot break down defenses off the dribble. He ends up committing offensive fouls, or, because of his poor free-throw shooting, avoids driving altogether. Playing in the halfcourt in this system has limited his creativity and confidence, and ultimately Odom has become either a simple-minded inflexible player or overly deferential to Kobe Bryant.
However, Miller's addition would be vastly different. Mike Miller is a truly multifaceted guard, a triangle-ideal interchangeable perimeter player, who would free his teammates to play to their strengths and allow the triangle to be run as it always was meant to be run - unpredictable and punishing.
Most commentaries have noted that Mike Miller has been one of the league's most consistent three-point shooters. However, as outlined in my previous column, Miller is particularly a good fit with the Lakers because he can actually handle the ball, pass, and make plays.
Moreover, despite speculation that he would come off the bench, Mike Miller may actually start - without even replacing Artest. Given Phil Jackson's recent decision to return as the Lakers' coach, Miller would have a unique role in the triangle offense as a big guard, as demonstrated by Scottie Pippen, Ron Harper, Brian Shaw, Toni Kukoc, and even Kobe Bryant.
Miller's unique combination of size and guard skills would allow the Lakers to play as a primary facilitator, and even allow the Lakers front office to forgo the arduous task of finding an upgrade at point guard.
As long as the Lakers continue to play Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Ron Artest in the frontcourt, the team would invariably be best in the halfcourt, running the triangle offense. No longer would Kobe dominate the backcourt due to necessity (or sometimes, Kobe's choice). As a capable ballhandler, Miller would be able to deliver post entry passes more easily due to his height and vision, seeing over defenses. Considering Gasol, Bynum, Kobe, and Artest are all post threats, this would give the Lakers an additional dimension they wouldn't have with Fisher. Moreover, Miller's instincts would utilize Bynum's reach around the rim, and finding Artest spotting up in the perimeter.
Most importantly, Mike Miller would be a pressure-release valve for the Lakers' over-reliance on Kobe Bryant. Defenses wouldn't be able to load up on Kobe (they'd pay dearly courtesy of Miller's shooting), nor pack in the paint using various forms of soft zones - which gave the Lakers trouble the past few years.
Although Lamar Odom was envisioned as a potential primary facilitator in the triangle, it appears that this experiment has failed. His assists average the past three years have all been career lows. Instead, Odom is best in the open court, powering a fastbreak from a rebound, navigating past fewer defenders, seeing one clear play at a time. In the halfcourt, his decision-making has been underwhelming. Due to his lack of a consistent shot, defenses defend the entry pass and drop back to force him to shoot. Moreover, since he doesn't have the ability to change directions, he cannot break down defenses off the dribble. He ends up committing offensive fouls, or, because of his poor free-throw shooting, avoids driving altogether. Playing in the halfcourt in this system has limited his creativity and confidence, and ultimately Odom has become either a simple-minded inflexible player or overly deferential to Kobe Bryant.
However, Miller's addition would be vastly different. Mike Miller is a truly multifaceted guard, a triangle-ideal interchangeable perimeter player, who would free his teammates to play to their strengths and allow the triangle to be run as it always was meant to be run - unpredictable and punishing.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Big Guard Theory
If the Lakers continue their desire to run the triangle offense, they need a guy who can handle lead guard duties, allowing Kobe to get easier shots by playing behind the defense, like Michael Jordan after Scottie Pippen joined the Bulls.
Ideal for the triangle would be a big guard, with the height to see over defenses and the length to be able to pass with more angles in the halfcourt. Phil Jackson has long been accused of favoring big guards, based on his usage of Pippen, Ron Harper, Brian Shaw, and Toni Kukoc, all at least 6'6", to facilitate the offense. Even with the championship Lakers, their big guard was actually Kobe Bryant, who facilitated much of the offense (or chose not to) on their championship run. Even during the recent title runs, Kobe played the primary facilitator with Fisher as mainly the spot up shooter. So, what big guard would help Kobe play off the ball?
Manu Ginobili, Brandon Roy, Dwayne Wade, and Lebron James, but there's little point in discussing the viability of the Lakers landing these all-star/superstars.
Manu Ginobili, Brandon Roy, Dwayne Wade, and Lebron James, but there's little point in discussing the viability of the Lakers landing these all-star/superstars.
Thus, the following names are upcoming free agents who would be more available, big guards who can shoot, handle, and make plays.
Top Talent:
Joe Johnson
He's an excellent halfcourt ballhandler, turning the ball over less than 2 times in 38 minutes - remarkable considering how much he handles the ball. He's also a capable 3-point shooter (37%) and capable of driving and creating plays. He's also usually a good defender who can guard multiple positions. But he would come at a price. Joe Johnson is a legitimate all-star caliber player who made 15 million dollars last year. However, he was overpaid by Atlanta and would likely find the market is difficult - most teams with money are trying to land Lebron, Wade, Bosh, and Amare - Joe Johnson would be a clear second tier choice. Once the air clears, there might not be enough money for Joe - teams that get spurned by the big names may choose to simply contract and rebuild in this economy. A sign-and-trade with the Lakers might be a possibility, if Joe Johnson is willing to take a paycut to play for a ring. On the other hand the Lakers would have to provide the assets that make it worthwhile for Atlanta, perhaps Lamar Odom, without pushing their salary beyond what it already is.
Budget Choices:
Mike Miller
He's most well-known for his shooting and unfortunate hairstyle, but he shot 48% from three last year. That is staggering - he's perennially one of the best shooters in the league. But what makes him a candidate for a lead guard in the offense is that he is tall (6'8") and can actually pass (4 assists this past year, 4.5 the year before). This, despite his having almost the same usage rate as Sasha Vujacic's. Imagine if he had the ball more as a lead guard! Mike Miller is coming off the final year of his contract of almost 10m. Due to his playing a moderate role on mostly forgettable teams, the 30-year-old journeyman would likely end up making no more than the midlevel exception as a role player, a third or fourth offensive option.
John Salmons
A versatile swingman with some ballhandling skills. As a top offensive option during his stays with Sacramento, Chicago, and the Bucks, Salmons has shown a surprisingly polished offensive game. An efficient scorer who shoots well from anywhere, Salmons contributed greatly to the Bucks' surprising playoff run, overshadowed only by the brash newcomer Brandon Jennings. Unfortunately, Salmons has been mostly underpaid his entire career, as he opted out of the last year of his contract at 5.8m. He may find that his age, turning 31 late this year, and his lack of major accomplishments may be drawbacks for many teams. Nonetheless, he may be looking for a payday and the Lakers may not be willing to spend.
A versatile swingman with some ballhandling skills. As a top offensive option during his stays with Sacramento, Chicago, and the Bucks, Salmons has shown a surprisingly polished offensive game. An efficient scorer who shoots well from anywhere, Salmons contributed greatly to the Bucks' surprising playoff run, overshadowed only by the brash newcomer Brandon Jennings. Unfortunately, Salmons has been mostly underpaid his entire career, as he opted out of the last year of his contract at 5.8m. He may find that his age, turning 31 late this year, and his lack of major accomplishments may be drawbacks for many teams. Nonetheless, he may be looking for a payday and the Lakers may not be willing to spend.
Shaun Livingston
A 6'7" true point guard. Terrific ballhandling and passing skills for any size. Has shot the ball well in his comeback, but still doesn't show any 3-point range. However, the durability of his knee and his overall fragility are his biggest problems. Many teams would want to take a chance on him, but few would offer him a long-term contract. Auditioning for the lead guard spot on the Lakers would be a great opportunity for this rare talent. A very intriguing possibility.
A 6'7" true point guard. Terrific ballhandling and passing skills for any size. Has shot the ball well in his comeback, but still doesn't show any 3-point range. However, the durability of his knee and his overall fragility are his biggest problems. Many teams would want to take a chance on him, but few would offer him a long-term contract. Auditioning for the lead guard spot on the Lakers would be a great opportunity for this rare talent. A very intriguing possibility.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Lakers Need to Improve to Threepeat
Although the Lakers won the championship this year, they've shown some serious flaws. Over the next few days, I'll outline what I feel are problems with the roster.
First Problem: no capable point guard.
Kobe is still by far the dominant ballhandler for the Lakers, which is a bad thing for the entire team considering how his game has evolved. He is primarily a jump shooter now, due to his knee injury, bad finger, or simply age. He still can be a deadly perimeter threat, but the Lakers are not optimally efficient when they rely on him to facilitate the offense.
In theory, the triangle offense uses multitalented players to initiate the offense. In practice, especially on this Laker team, that simply doesn't happen. There aren't any Scottie Pippens, Brian Shaws, or Ron Harpers. Derek Fisher is a seasoned veteran in the triangle offense, but more as an off-guard on the weak side. This is why even on the championship Lakers with Shaq and Kobe, Fish didn't start most of the time - he was incapable of handling facilitating duties.
Odom also isn't able to do so, because he's innately a full court playmaker. Not a halfcourt executor. He hasn't been able to master the triangle offense even after years playing in it. He was supposed to take pressure off Kobe; instead defenses simply play off Odom, challenging him to shoot (he has an inconsistent shot) or drive (teams have learned to step in and take the charge, since Odom doesn't have the ability to change directions on his lefty drive).
Kobe passing to himself.
Thus, the best perimeter ballhandler, passer, and decision-maker on the team is Kobe. The problem is that the team tends to wilt under pressure, which leads to Kobe calling his own number too many times. Even with Gasol, when he gets bullied in the paint, he either passes back out to the perimeter or can't get in position for the pass. That leads to an over-reliance on Kobe Bryant to create a play - and at this point in his career and physical state, it leads to a difficult jump shot.
First Problem: no capable point guard.
Kobe is still by far the dominant ballhandler for the Lakers, which is a bad thing for the entire team considering how his game has evolved. He is primarily a jump shooter now, due to his knee injury, bad finger, or simply age. He still can be a deadly perimeter threat, but the Lakers are not optimally efficient when they rely on him to facilitate the offense.
In theory, the triangle offense uses multitalented players to initiate the offense. In practice, especially on this Laker team, that simply doesn't happen. There aren't any Scottie Pippens, Brian Shaws, or Ron Harpers. Derek Fisher is a seasoned veteran in the triangle offense, but more as an off-guard on the weak side. This is why even on the championship Lakers with Shaq and Kobe, Fish didn't start most of the time - he was incapable of handling facilitating duties.
Odom also isn't able to do so, because he's innately a full court playmaker. Not a halfcourt executor. He hasn't been able to master the triangle offense even after years playing in it. He was supposed to take pressure off Kobe; instead defenses simply play off Odom, challenging him to shoot (he has an inconsistent shot) or drive (teams have learned to step in and take the charge, since Odom doesn't have the ability to change directions on his lefty drive).
Kobe passing to himself.
Thus, the best perimeter ballhandler, passer, and decision-maker on the team is Kobe. The problem is that the team tends to wilt under pressure, which leads to Kobe calling his own number too many times. Even with Gasol, when he gets bullied in the paint, he either passes back out to the perimeter or can't get in position for the pass. That leads to an over-reliance on Kobe Bryant to create a play - and at this point in his career and physical state, it leads to a difficult jump shot.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Boston Celtics Beat Kobe Bryant and the Lesser Lakers
Boston's Game 5 victory over Los Angeles in the 2010 NBA Finals shows the difference between the two teams: Boston is a team. They have been meticulously crafted to boast one of the best lineups in the history of the NBA; they have no weaknesses on the roster. Rondo is arguably the best two way point guard in the NBA. Ray Allen is arguably one of the greatest 3-point shooters in the game. Pierce is a top 5 small forward. Kevin Garnett is still a top 5 Power Forward - certainly in the playoffs. Kendrick Perkins is a tireless bruising center that does all the dirty work. The Celtics bench boasts impact players like Nate Robinson, Tony Allen, Glen Davis, Rasheed Wallace - all providing key attributes such as athleticism, shooting, defense, post play, energy, veteran savvy. This is an intelligently assembled roster.
On the other hand, L.A. is still very much Kobe Bryant. Certainly, the trade that brought Pau Gasol improved the Lakers' talent; but as the Cavaliers have shown, regular season talent doesn't win championships. On the other hand, as the Celtics have shown, saving veteran legs in the regular season can provide dominance in the playoffs.
Playoff performers determine championships.
The problem is that the Lakers don't have proven playoff performers aside from Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher - who at best should be a limited role player.
Secondly, the Celtics play as a team. Each player fulfills a role.
When facing adversity, players, like any people, resort to what they've been conditioned to do. In war, good soldiers are able to operate under duress due to training. Under a high level of stress, the human mind isn't allowed to take its time and process things as it usually would. It simply reacts, using the shortcuts that appear to ensure survival.
For many of the Lakers, facing a team that plays hard, physical, and is intimidating has led to panicking and underperformance. Why? Because these Lakers haven't embraced or executed their roles.
On the other hand, L.A. is still very much Kobe Bryant. Certainly, the trade that brought Pau Gasol improved the Lakers' talent; but as the Cavaliers have shown, regular season talent doesn't win championships. On the other hand, as the Celtics have shown, saving veteran legs in the regular season can provide dominance in the playoffs.
Playoff performers determine championships.
The problem is that the Lakers don't have proven playoff performers aside from Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher - who at best should be a limited role player.
Secondly, the Celtics play as a team. Each player fulfills a role.
- Rondo penetrates, runs pick and rolls, pushes the ball - creates opportunities for his teammates - this is what a great point guard does. Fisher does none of that.
- Ray Allen is an elite shooter that stretches the floor - despite his current slump, he commands the Lakers' defense to extend itself - allowing Rondo to operate. Fisher is the closest counterpart, except he doesn't pressure the Celtics defense like Ray Allen does against the Lakers. He was 2-9 in the game. Also Fisher is far more apt to try to draw fouls than simply spot up and knock down shots.
- Pierce gets the ball in good position, and he has one-on-one opportunities to score. The closest counterpart is Kobe, except the entire Celtics' defense is geared towards denying Kobe the ball anywhere close to the paint, doubling him when he catches it, and collapsing on him when he drives. Pierce, on the other hand, doesn't face that kind of defense.
- Kevin Garnett is a tireless big-man defender, both individually and team-wise. The closest they have is Andrew Bynum, who is hobbled by a swollen knee. Bynum simply cannot recover quickly, often getting burned. Garnett is also hitting the outside jumper, something that neither Gasol nor Bynum is doing consistently.
- Perkins is a true blue-collar big man, setting hard picks, pushing others out of the paint, boxing out, giving hard fouls. The Lakers have no big man who is dedicating himself to all the little details of the game, the dirty work, the plays that allow the rest of the team to operate.
When facing adversity, players, like any people, resort to what they've been conditioned to do. In war, good soldiers are able to operate under duress due to training. Under a high level of stress, the human mind isn't allowed to take its time and process things as it usually would. It simply reacts, using the shortcuts that appear to ensure survival.
For many of the Lakers, facing a team that plays hard, physical, and is intimidating has led to panicking and underperformance. Why? Because these Lakers haven't embraced or executed their roles.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Lakers Will Win Championship Without Vladimir Radmanovic
This guy.
This picture sums up Vladimir Radmanovic.
The eternal question that plagues mankind is what he could possibly be reading. Does the man read? Can the man read? Certainly it can't be a defensive scouting report. If it is, clearly he has more interesting things in mind, like a pigeon in the rafters. I hope it doesn't poop on me, I'm wearing white shoes. And white pants.
Some of Radman's greatest hits:
- was most notable on the Sonics for his hair:
- trying to dunk in transition (flipped over and landed on his neck)
- turned down the biggest offer of his career, 42m over 6 years. A year later, he found out the best offer he could get was the midlevel
- was kicked off the national team in the middle of a semifinals game for ignoring the coach while eating a banana
- in his first year with the Lakers, he violated his contract by trying to pick up snowboarding in the middle of the season
- separated his shoulder and would be out for months
- lied about it
- gave Paul Pierce the Finals MVP and the Celtics the championship in 2008
- was traded to the Bobcats for essentially nothing (Shannon Brown turned out to be usable for the Lakers, who have the worst PG rotation in the NBA)
- the Bobcats traded him as soon as he could to the Warriors, who were trying to find any takers for Stephen Jackson (feuding with Don Nelson, publicly demanded to be traded)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
