BIG trouble

[Patrick.Ryan at westover.af.mil]

Anyone still want to debate the we need another Center way more then
another combo guard or "power 3" thing?

First, let me get out of the way the obligatory "it was only a preseason
game" thing.  In the grand scheme of things this was probably a net
"positive" outcome because it highlighted some very beneficial aspects
that need to be addressed.

Kevin Garnett is not a center. Having to contend with a big beefy center
his quickness was negated and his help defense hampered by having to
consistently fight the position battle underneath.  Maybe, if he had a
similar tall, quick rebounder type alongside him it could work, but with
Scalabrine and or Powe beside him he was being asked to do way too much.

Brian Scalabrine is not a 3 pt shooter.  Does anyone else remember how
he made his lunch money in NJ? It was on hustle plays, being ahead on
the break, and 12 - 15 foot jumpers.  Now he's parked out on the arc
like he's Michael Redd.  If he HAS to play some starting center (and if
he does - we're doomed), then he should do exactly those same things -
cut to the hoop, get to open space A LOT closer - make the passing of
Garnett and Allen that much better.

There are a couple very fundamental things Perk brings that maximize the
starting lineup: 

1. Size. I'm sorry to keep repeating it, but Powe, Davis, Scalabrine are
NOT centers. They're at best backup PFs period.  You can't teach height
and Charles Barkley was a once a generation player. 
2. Passing. Perk is a very good passer. He keep the ball moving, much
the same way Wally Z. did, especially this year when low post plays are
rarely called for him. 
3. Picks. The offense flowed much better the first few games because we
could execute the pick and roll/pick and pop easily causing switches,
mismatches and defensive delays to the shot moving the ball off the
pick. 
4. Rebounds. When Perk rebounds Garnett is off like a shot. Last night
it was almost always Pierce and Allen ahead versus the first few games
where Garnett was ahead. By having Garnett ahead it creates numerous
mismatches to go along with the fast break opportunity. 
5. Defense. I'm going back to the Powe, Scal, Davis thing. When any of
those three are on a real center or PF it's 2 points or two foul shots
the majority of the time. They either get bullied, make someone leave
their man for a double team,  or get shot over every single time. 

Yes, I'm a Heightist. Brand me with the scarlet letter now.  We need one
more big (6'10 or bigger) body. Either via free agency or trade. That's
our Achilles heel. I'm sorry if that moves list darlings Davis and Powe
lower on the depth chart, but if those two have significant roles
(especially at C, less so at PF) we're a much weaker team.  They'll get
their chance to in a couple years.  Hopefully Pollard is that big, but
even with him overtures to get another vet big however necessary would
be a very good thing.