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Players praising the new guy
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  1. riverman
    riverman
    Posts: 1098

    Posted 10/04/2012 1:00 PM

    On multiple chat rooms from Casey's interviews to media day I've asked several players who they were the most impressed with in camp and across the board they almost all said Joel Freeland, man that guy can play! Do you think he'll challenge for the starting 5 spot by regular season?
    I am a fan of A team that plays like Tower of Power on a big stage on a good night
  1. Blazer247
    Blazer247
    Posts: 503

    Posted 10/05/2012 12:32 AM

    Honestly I think it might make sense to keep Hickson and Leonard inside at the 5, and eventually use Joel as our backup to LTrain... mmmm but on the other hand having Hickson's style contrast with Aldridge could be a great way to change our tempo at 4, and Freeland seems to be fairly ready on Defense to play 5... so many ways this could go and that is gonna be one of our serious weapons this season
    I am a fan of BLAZER BASKETBALL. Not drafts, not business, not trades, not David Stern. Just BLAZER BASKETBALL.
  1. commontongue
    commontongue
    Posts: 1436

    Posted 10/06/2012 9:09 AM

    Id like to see Freeland start. I think JJ is better suited to come off the bench to provide a spark to the second unit. Also, i think his aggressive nature would help Leonard more than it would Freeland. Not to mention that Freelands ability to knock down the outside shot will give L.A. more room to do his thing inside.
    I am a fan of Rip City Basketball
  1. Blazer247
    Blazer247
    Posts: 503

    Posted 10/06/2012 11:27 AM

    So you're saying Freeland starts with Aldridge, then Leonard plays our backup C and JJ comes in for LaMarcus? I like the sound of the dynamic change you're saying, the spark for the second unit.

    But still, maybe late in games or when we really need that punch to close it out, I feel like Hickson playing a small 5 next to LTrain brings that same dynamic out; how does the opponent cover LaMarcus (inside or outside), and if he's drifting out for a shot how do they cover JJ cutting in for a slam?
    I am a fan of BLAZER BASKETBALL. Not drafts, not business, not trades, not David Stern. Just BLAZER BASKETBALL.
  1. riverman
    riverman
    Posts: 1098

    Posted 10/06/2012 1:33 PM

    I think we're going to see varied combinations of our bigs according to matchups but JJ and LA compliment each other because of their skills. Joel's game seems really similiar to LAs. We'll probably see all 5 bigs staggered at the 4-5 spots but I like the instant punch at tipoff with JJ and LA. Eventually I hope Leonard becomes the franchise 5. He'll get a lot of fouls early this season though
    I am a fan of A team that plays like Tower of Power on a big stage on a good night
  1. commontongue
    commontongue
    Posts: 1436

    Posted 10/06/2012 9:38 PM

    I agree Blazer247 that JJ and L.A. make a nice two piece spicy. Albeit dependant upon who we're playing. I like JJ's chances against Dwight Howard because he saw him so many times while he was in the East. When we play Ohilly though, id like for Joel to take Bynum out towards the three point line and unclog that middle for us to cut to the rack. I look forward to all those defensive techs we'll rack up as a result of bigs cheating on D.

    riverman, you too are correct. Thats why Stotts is working on so many variables. Leonard is going to have to learn quick how to stay down on pumpfakes. I hope thats a scenario being implemented in practice.
    I am a fan of Rip City Basketball
  1. D Licious
    D Licious
    Posts: 183

    Posted 10/06/2012 11:22 PM

    I thought Joel handled both Gasol brothers and Tyson Chandler very well in the blocks on both ends during the Olympics.... He was smart and banged when needed and I think his understanding of D and professional experience will be HUGE assets in his chances to crack the starting center.  He won't foul out as fast as Leonard, and Hickson add more firepower to the second unit.  Its about who finishes anyways.

    LMA, Hickson, Freeland, Leonard, Jefferies.... I am liking our mix upfront personally, even though we are short.  Much better than Thomas and Priz IMO

    Bring on the Lakers
    I am a fan of Billy Ray Bates
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