Re: Shaky ground

[Alex Wang <awang@mit.edu>]

Great post, Gene.

There are even a couple new faces on the second unit (Williams, Cheaney)
that could possibly make an impact. I was looking at some of the box 
scores last season and there were games where Bruce Bowen would play 
40 minutes, and he was a complete offensive liability. Hopefully the 
second unit players can produce more than Bowen did this season.

Then there's the uncertainty of how effective Pitino's coaching will be 
over the course of a full season. Was his statement that he didn't have
a chance to coach last season due to the lack of a coaching offseason,
training camp, and practice time just a bogus excuse? Will this year's 
summer leagues, minicamps, upcoming grueling "boot camp", and psychotic
practices translate into more wins on the floor?

And will chemistry develop between the players? My feeling is that the
offensive chemistry between Walker and Pierce was actually better last
year without Mercer, and Fortson sounds like a guy that would help keep
them both happy - doesn't take many shots, will probably kick out some
passes after offensive rebounds, and hopefully can even clean the glass
well enough so they can run after the defensive rebound. I have high 
hopes in this department.

Defense depends on whether Fortson can hold his own inside without 
requiring help, and whether Anderson can keep the opposing point guard
from blowing past him. Otherwise, Pitino will have to do a good job
teaching his full court press and halfcourt traps.

Alex

> I think a big difference between our hoped for success this season and
> the success others envision is the "key players" situation.  Most
> other teams have questions about their number 4 or 5 players or their
> bench.  We're concerned about the heart and soul of our
> lineup--Antoine.  And beyond that, we worry about our point guard. 
> The middle level of our starting five may be solid--Pierce and VP--but
> we could have real problems if Antoine and Kenny don't get with the
> program.
> 
> Add to that the unknown of Danny Fortson and whether he can work his
> game into our system.  It's our big name people who have to come
> through for us.  The Spurs know Duncan and Robinson will be solid. 
> The Sixers know their top players will produce, and Milwaukee and the
> Pacers, etc.  Anyway, that's what is on my mind.  That's why we could
> be a 33 win team or a 53 win team.  Not many teams face such
> uncertainty.
> 
> Gene
>