Rogers vs. Duncan

[GuyClinch@xxxxxxx]

> The difference between this comment and the criticisms bandied about 
> here for most of the summer is that CNN/SI says straight-up that 
> Rodney is a better 3rd scorer than Vin Baker.  Nevermind 
> contracts, 
> or the cap situation.  Mano-a-mano Rogers is better.

Hmm well the thing is this...
Rogers FIT the Celtics.

Rogers and Baker are fundmentally different kinds of players..
With the right team I do agree that Baker is the better player.
But on the Celtics Rogers is indeed better, IMHO. 

Rogers is more of an oversized small forward/guard. Like I said before he is an all-around stud type basketball player. He can score some inside, he can create off the dribble, he can pass a little, he can work well with the pick and roll, he can bomb from downtown, and he can rebound some. Essentially Rogers could step in and fill whatever is lacking.  

Rogers doesn't need a good point guard to function..though of course Jason Kidd will help him. Essentially Rogers who really is only 6 7" at best, has "Guard" skills in a large body. Don't get me wrong he doesn't have GREAT guard skills but he has all the basics down. He can tutor Kedrick and yet guard Dikemebe. He is Mr. Verstatilty. Like I said before he reminds me a bit of Walker cept he shoots better, but doesn't pass as well.

Baker isn't the same kind of player at all. He is a low post scorer with a bit of touch. He can rebound some too. BUT he lacks alot of those "guard" type skills that Rogers had. I think to function ideally he has to be the focus of the offense and needs a good point guard to really peform as well as he can. He is a true scoring power forward type. He is closer to Kevin Mchale. Rodney Rogers is more like Walker but stronger. Maybe Gary Trent is a better comparison. He is one of these oversized guard types...complete with guard skills.

So is Rodney better?
As your third scorer...an option coming off the bench.
YES! 

As your low post threat starting center NOPE.

Ironically the player they traded KA would have worked great with Baker. Say what you want about Kenny but he worked great with the centers on our team, who frankly aren't very good.
He would have really helped Baker.

Also we should have kept Rogers and gotten Baker.
They don't really overlap at all...

Personally..and this is my bias..

I like smaller players. They are more skilled for the most part. So its said to see Rogers go. Guys like Potapenko and yes even Tim Duncan are simply unskilled for the most part compared to a little guy like Shammond Williams. 

Pete