Which player from last year do you wish we had back the most?
Dwight Howard
66%
[ 32 ]
Javale McGee
8%
[ 4 ]
Rajon Rondo
14%
[ 7 ]
Danny Green
2%
[ 1 ]
Avery Bradley
6%
[ 3 ]
Other
2%
[ 1 ]
Total Votes : 48
Author
Message
CandyCanes Retired Number
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 35750 Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA
Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2021 1:03 pm Post subject: Which player from last year do you most wish we had back?
I feel like having Dwight would solve a lot of our problems defensively, but I also feel like we need a secondary playmaker other than LeBron (playoff Rondo). Rondo also brings a certain intensity which I feel we're currently lacking. Bradley would be a great fit in the starting lineup-- allow LeBron to play PG and bring Schroeder off the bench.
Overall, I'd go with Dwight. _________________ Damian Lillard shatters Dwight Coward's championship dreams:
Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2021 1:21 pm Post subject: Re: Which player from last year do you most wish we had back?
CandyCanes wrote:
I feel like having Dwight would solve a lot of our problems defensively, but I also feel like we need a secondary playmaker other than LeBron (playoff Rondo). Rondo also brings a certain intensity which I feel we're currently lacking. Bradley would be a great fit in the starting lineup-- allow LeBron to play PG and bring Schroeder off the bench.
Overall, I'd go with Dwight.
I agree Howard gave you rim protection and that defensive energy off the bench. Stats may do not always match up with the visual part of the game.
Rondo increases Howard's value as he was able turn Howard into an offensive weapon with the lob. We were fine with 2 centers who couldn't pass or shoot three. Not sure what Pelinka was thinking bringing in Gaslow. Now we have a center who could pass fantastically and nail the three. We should be much better off, right?
So yea, we lost a lot of the verticality which was what made our team so dynamic. Playoff Rondo was also definitely missed. A player who could pass as good as anyone and shoot 40% from three was just unfair. If a player is a good passer, you have guard all five guys all the time. _________________ LeGoat! LeMazing! LeGend!
Rondo easily. Harrell gives us more on a more consistent basis than Dwight off the bench, and we're the best defensive team in the league (when healthy) already.
But you add Rondo to the bench (instead of Caruso) and suddenly you have an engine running more. You also have the guy that held LeBron accountable for his 40 foot "steph" moments he'd brick, and whenever he'd coast. Also the pick and roll with Rondo and Harrell off the bench.
Starters:
Dennis Schroeder
KCP
LeBron James
Anthony Davis
Marc Gasol
Everyone else that wasn't brought back from last year's team's impact was replaced or improved in the off-season statistically. All except our backup 1 position which Caruso currently holds. But Rondo would be such an upgrade given everything he brought to the table in comparison to Caruso, it would be the biggest difference maker.
Our defense is 2nd, our Offense is 18th and suffers from stagnant standing around and no actual point guard when Lebron is in one of his moods, Rondo took care of that. As well as holding everyone (including LeBron) accountable and not being afraid to get in their face. Our team misses that a LOT this year. _________________ How NBA 2K18 failed the All-Time Lakers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxMBYm3wwxk
Last edited by MJST on Fri Feb 26, 2021 11:49 am; edited 1 time in total
None. The fact they are not here is saying enough.
Dwight could sign but he didnt want.
Bradley betrayed the team.
Rondo is not even playing for Hawks.
Green was bad anyway.
Trez and Gasol are way better than McGee.
This year team IMO is better just they didnt figure out the chemistry so far and we have AD injury plus this Dennis crap. Now its the perfect time for naz Laker fan to support the team and show faith in Bron, AD and Vogel. Its easy to be a fan when everything going great, its now when you show your support.
The only player I think that would really make a bigger impact based on situation and complementary skills, is Rondo.
While he has not played much for Atlanta, and would likely not have have played too much thus far for us, I would have liked to seen him play with a 2nd unit of Trez, Kieff, Kuz, THT. He could have really organized our offense and set up Trez in a way no one else does. Then, in those AD led 2nd units (which have been poor this year) Rondo would have helped as no one gets AD the ball the way Rondo can.
Even now, I would take a chance and trade back for him, but we do not have the salaries I think to make that move with Atlanta. There is something about when you have a great mind and organizer with the ball, that you can trust that you just can't with a young THT, Caruso, or even Dennis. Those 10-12 minutes that Bron sits, to have a Rondo would have been great.
I love Dwight, but we are the #1 rated defense in the NBA. Without him. Without a fully motivated and healthy AD. Without Bron playnig D like he is capable of (look at last night's D). On offense we are the #19 rated offense in the NBA. Dwight will not help our poor O rating. He is not a 3 point shooter (which right now is a weakness) nor is he a bench PG who can lead the team when Bron sits (Again our current weakness).
We need Rondo type of guy the most of the dudes from last year. Even now, if Atlanta would do it, I would probably move Wesley+McKinnie+2nd round for him. Just getting a guy who can set the table up, and get players in the right positions to take good shots and make good plays, is a huge skill to have. Then think about his influence on Dennis could be, how he could get him to see passing angles and reading the defenses. Wonder if Kidd is doing that.
I think Rondo knows he gave it all out in the Bubble. It would be tough to expect that from him this season (he’s much more expensive than his then-minimum deal and injured much more often). Of course I would love Playoff Rondo but that ship has sailed. Dwight was the more likely scenario.
But remember he was talking about how he felt he wasn’t being paid enough. No one has considered whether he wanted more from the Lakers coming off a ring. Certainly guys like Rondo did. Rob had the hard cap to work with so maybe that was a reason they told Dwight to abstain for a minute. But Dwight couldn’t and he just jumped at signing with the 76ers for less money. Really puzzling. _________________ From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum