Thoughts on the team

[Ellie Cutler <ellie@oreilly.com>]

I must confess enjoying the games starring my two favorite Cs - Pierce and Potapenko.  Obviously, life as the third scoring option doesn't bring out the best in Paul's game.  He should at least be second (after Walker) or tied for first.  I'm glad he went in the 4th quarter zone - those 4 treys almost won the game - and Roy Williams was watching (he also said that Boston would love Pierce for years to come - no argument from this corner!)

V is as good a center as it gets these days without lucking out in the lottery or trading the team, and he is only going to get better. For his age he really does have good skills - he's a good shooter and passer and has his eyes open. Get him some glue for his hands and he'll be fine.  And it's fun to see him bowl people over, though he met his match in McNasty (or was he McFilthy?) Mahorn last night (I really do like Rick and it was fun to see him play with all these kids).  V's play against Mourning was huge and went a long way in elevating his respect among his teammates.

As for Antoine, I'm happy he ended the season on a high note - his game-winning trey. I think this season has been a huge learning experience for him. Obnoxiously cocky before, he was taken down a peg -- not by others, but by himself - his poor play.  I was noticing recently that my younger dog, Skye,  is finally growing up. His undesirable behaviors are lessening as he approaches his third birthday.  Not that he has ever been a bad dog, just full of it and unable to keep a lid on himself.  While I thought at times that he would never change and I was saddled with an obnoxious animal, lo and behold his potential for greatness looks to be winning out after all.  I thought about the young Cs, and Walker in particular, and realized that they will indeed grow up some day soon.  I think the booing was a good experience for Toine. He's had nothing but accolades forever, which went directly to his head.  The boos put him in a little funk, but after hitting that game-winner he seems back to his bubbly self - did you see him cheering/coaching on the sidelines last night against Philly?  Don't underestimate the importance of the desire to win.  Toine *cares*! and you can't buy that.  Combine that with his talent, and he'll be awesome - just let him grow up.


I like Greg Minor's play and role these days, too.  I remember a few years ago seeing him drop 30 or so points in a game - he's one of the best mid-range shooters around and if he can extend his range a bit will be like Kevin Gamble, but taller and w/more D. They should keep him - he's only going to get better.  He can come off the bench as a 2/3, or if they trade Mercer, could start at 2. He also listens to RP, doesn't need to be the man, and is learning to play smarter D.

I also like Eric Riley, and don't know why he doesn't get more PT. For one thing, he's mature. For another he's a legit 7 footer who is not clumsy, can run, and has a clue about the game going on around him.  I say keep him.

I think Battie can turn out to be a PJ Brown or Ratliffe.  Give him a few years to fill out. He's got the timing to block shots, isn't afraid to mix it up (just too slight for the desired results just yet), and also has a good shooting touch.

I'd give Popeye another shot if he can get really healthy. If he can be 85% of his former self, that would be a big plus to the team (unless they get Lorenzen Wright). I'm not so impressed with the rest.  Not a big Mercer fan - yes he can shoot and is a decent rebounder, but the team doesn't play as well w/him as it does w/Pierce as the main man.  Anderson is the wrong player for this team. And the rest of the roster I could live without.

If they get a 1-3 pick, who should they take?  Lamar Odom could play any number of positions - would be fun to see him in the backcourt. Very talented for sure, but a little laconic on the floor - needs to move without the ball.  Brand, who can say?  I do see Forston and Trent picking it up, though there are probably more that haven't made the transition to the bigger and badder NBA.  I thought Ed O'Bannon had heart, but where did that get him?   I will say that 2-3" doesn't matter when it comes to rebounding and clogging the paint. It's more heart, timing, and strength, all of which Brand seems to have in spades.   Steve Francis?  Only saw him a few times and couldn't see what the big deal was.  Which means he's not ready yet, and also could mean he needs a good college coach in the pros like RP.    Player I would most love to get: Andre Miller.   If Cleveland passes on our pick,  I'd look at the other guards: Baron Davis, William Avery,  and Jason Terry.
 
In the playoffs - the obvious: Indiana, Miami, Orlando - watch Charlotte and Milwaukee.  Out west Utah, Portland, watch San Antonio and Houston.  I'm going with Indiana and Utah in the finals, and it's a tossup for the winner. X-factors: Will Ostertag come to play? Will the Davis bros knock Malone around?  Jalen Rose is peaking right now, and they've got McKey back from IR.  

yadda yadda yadda,

 --Ellie