Defense/Offense

[Georgek27@aol.com]

I'd have to say that the teams defensive play has improved of late. Watching 
on NBA League Pass and listening to the visiting teams' commentators has 
echoed that. This is a good thing. Still we aren't winning ... why?

We aren't that good. We have some good and improving players but there are 
still too many holes on this team. Listen to Tommy H: this team has OFFENSIVE 
deficiencies.

We have Walker & Pierce and sometimes Stith who can score but often have to 
force things. We need a real scorer who can come off the bench and light it 
up. Carr is not that player and I don't know why anyone thought he was. Will 
Sesar be that player? The offense will improve with better point guard play 
-- and maybe someday Herren will give us that -- but Kenny's not getting it 
done and Randy is a second unit guy.

Battie has shown that he is a solid part of a center rotation. VP has not, 
but VP has worked very well with Kenny at times and in the past so he might 
be salvageable with a better point guard.

We won't get both a point guard and a center in the draft, unless we draft 
more projects, so we have to choose. My vote is for a point guard. Can we 
trade for that "other" center to alternate with Battie? I'd love to do a 
Kenny for Wright deal with Atlanta but I doubt they'd do it unless Mutumbo is 
re-signed. Another option might be the Knicks if a package could be made 
which would bring us Camby. If such a deal could be made then we could 
concentrate on drafting a point guard or going after Bibby with the picks 
(and/or VP if not used as part of Wright or Camby package). I'd package our 
pick with Denver's if necessary to move up for Jason Williams.

Starting unit:
Battie, Walker, Pierce, Stith, Bibby (or a draft pick like Williams or 
Tinsley)
Offense would improve dramatically -- quickly with Bibby, not as quickly with 
one of the rookies.

Second unit:
Wright, Moiso, Griffen, Sesar, Brown
If Camby were acquired rather than Wright he might start over Battie. Still 
would be offensively challenged if used as a 5 man unit but would be very 
functional if blended with the first unit.

11&12: Herren, Blount
Herren will see plenty of time with Brown's injuries and will continue his 
development for a larger role in the future. Blount will mainly play if 
Battie and Wright are both in foul trouble.

IR: Palacio
Good to have around when Brown goes on IR.

Excess Baggage: EW, Carr, McCarty
Carr's a FA, EW has a player option but would be foolish to walk, McCarty has 
one more year on the IR unless needed to make salaries work in a deal.

We'd still have the exceptions & our lower picks (Utah & 2nd round) to play 
with. Stranger things have happened.

George