CjR wrote:
O.G. broe wrote:
CjR wrote:
uptempo wrote: ...Our best hope will be an improvement in team speed. The sad thing about this is how Dunleavy probably will never improve beyond what he is now, a marginal-slightly-below-average small forward.
We’ll see this year if Dunleavy can fulfill his promise. Personally, I want both him and Pietrus to succeed under Nelson's tutelage in whatever role or spot(s) they play.
migya wrote: With the recent articles of Nelson (some I've read in large part to the posting of OG rumma broe), I'm starting to have doubts about the success the team will have with him and his use of the players. Him stating that he will use alot of dun and Murphy at the 4 and 5 spots makes it look like he isn't ging to use Biedrins and Taft very often at all.
Got a feeling the old cunnt is in it for the money only!
Well, money is something Nelly is definitely not short on. He came mainly because he’s really wanted here and was sought after by Mullin. Nelly already likes the makeup of players based on what he wants to accomplish. I'm guessing here but him mentioning that he’ll play a lot of Dun and Murph at the 4 and 5 respectively, I take as “in some games.”
Bottom line, along with individual improvements and better preparation, this will be a team effort and I think he’ll be very creative in tapping new horizons for players (in different games) who never thought they can be utilized in ways that will present the best chance for each to succeed and for the team to win. Biedrins and Taft play hard on both ends of the court and run like gazelles, so I think/hope they'll be the mainstay. Actually, it’ll be very exciting to see how he’ll mold this team’s identity and how his plan of attack unfolds in certain games or point in the game.

So refreshing to see someone who is on point....
Thanks, Broe,

and keep those articles coming!
migya wrote: Just doesn't sound good what I'm reading in these articles!
I know what you mean, but to me, by saying this, Nelson appears to be instilling the psychological groundwork to develop new aspects of Murphy and MDJ's game. He’s stretching them, and nothing spurs learning (and hard work) like knowing one has to actually play that position. (The actual game-time use or frequency is immaterial, at this point.)
Murph playing the 5 means: He’d better learn now how to bang on the inside, post up/inside moves, rebound w/putbacks, challenge shots/get nastier on D, etc.
Dunleavy playing the 4 means: Better learn now inside or post moves by using quickness & handles, dish inside, rebound inside, challenge/fast rotate on weak-side help, etc.
I think he’s basically telling them to learn those skills, stretch and improve their game, and be ready whenever they’re called upon in specific games or situations (whether in creating mismatches, change of pace/look, Beidrins, Taft, or Ike in foul trouble, injury induced, or what have you.)
To me this is a good thing, and I really think this is situational. No one has personally challenged Murph and Dun to do these things, and it can only help their game and the team.