Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Predictions
(Want to know the top five scariest places in Oklahoma? Royce lays them out over at The Lost Ogle.)
By the time this article runs, the Thunder will have played their first game, and, Gary England willing, be 1-0 after stomping the Kings. That’s going to happen. If it doesn’t, you probably shouldn’t pay any attention to my predictions for the rest of the season.
Key to the Season: Jeff Green
Sure, Kevin Durant is the team’s best player, and James Harden is the rookie ingenue that is supposed to fill the holes the team had last year. No one is going to dispute that. The guy who will have the biggest influence on how this season turns out for the Thunder, though, is the glue guy–Jeff Green.
For the Thunder to reach the unfair expectations being heaped onto them by much of the national media, Jeff Green is the guy who has to get to that next level. When he was drafted, the thought was that he would be as Scottie Pippen was to Michael Jordan for Kevin Durant. And, honestly, I think he can fill that role. For now, though, I’d just like to see him strive to be like David West. If he can consistently bring his A-game, improve his rebounding, and silence the detractors that say he is too small to play power forward (much like West dealt with before the Hornets arrived in OKC), the Thunder will easily improve on their win total from last season, and with luck challenge for a playoff spot.
Even if he does not, I think Green will do a lot for the team fresh off being named a team captain. While I don’t think I’ve seen this mentioned anywhere, it was Green who I saw motivating his teammates this Summer, by publicly calling on them to get to the gym (via Twitter). It might have just been that he didn’t understand you could send messages directly to people with Twitter accounts, but I prefer to look at it as him cracking the whip.
When will James Harden become the starting SG: Not this year
This might be my boldest prediction. Taken third overall, Harden has to be expected to be an immediate difference maker. Otherwise, you would have to think Presti would have gone with the Spanish sensation, Ricky Rubio, even if the team would have to wait a couple of years to bring him over to the U.S. (which is debatable). The expectation is that Harden will fill the hole at shooting guard and be a better shooter and better defender than we saw at Arizona State.
The thing is, people forget about how much of an impact Thabo Sefolosha made for the Thunder last season. I know I did. That is, until I saw a couple of pre season games and remembered just what great defense he brings to the floor, and it appears he might have improved his shooting stroke. Meanwhile, watching James Harden, I saw exactly what I expected to see from a rookie. He was streaky shooting the ball, a little overwhelmed handling the ball, and disappeared much of the time he was on the floor even though I was specifically keeping an eye on him.
Plus, if you look at good teams, most of them tend to have a guy like Thabo in the starting line up. For instance, Denver last season had a super talented offensive weapon in J.R. Smith, but they started Dahntay Jones who from a stat sheet standpoint doesn’t make near the impact. And the Spurs, have chosen to bring their second best player, Manu Ginobili, off the bench in favor of keeping Bruce Bowen (before his defensive skill deteriorated) in the starting five.
I look for Sefolosha to continue as the Thunder starting two guard indefinitely.
Kevin Durant’s scoring average: 25.3
How did I come up with that number? It’s precisely the number of points he averaged last season. And if he has that number, I would still chalk it up as a better season for the budding superstar.
As the team grows around him, Durant is not going to be counted on to carry the whole scoring load. And for us fans, that’s the way we want it. Watching him put up gaudy numbers because his teammates defer to him entirely and let him jack as many shots as Kobe in the post-Shaq/pre-Pau era, we’ll be watching a team much like the Iverson-led 76ers. In essence, a team going nowhere.
Thing I’m going to complain about most this year: Nick Collison’s mustache (or lack-thereof)
You cannot tease me that you are going to grow a handle bar mustache with the inner half shaved and then not do it. I refuse to let this go silently. I’m picturing a reverse Hitler mustache, or else Rollie Fingers’ mustache if he only grew it from the part of the lip near the corner of the mouth. Either way, endless entertainment for me, a guy who loves Landry Jones’ stache even though I hate Sooner football.
If Collison ever follows through, it will synch the University of Kansas as the place for weird hair. Between the “Absolute Value Stache” (as Collison coined the facial hair he hasn’t grown), Drew Gooden’s skullet, and everything Scot Pollard has done with his hair, every rebellious teenage giant with elite basketball skills will be wanting to head to Lawrence.
Other thing I’ll be complaing about too much: Russell Westbrook’s decision making
Looking at the box scores of the first few pre season matchups I was optimistic that Westbrook’s game was developing as the anti-Rubio crowd suggested. His turnover numbers were much smaller and assist numbers much higher than I had come to expect. Then, I actually watched the Miami game and was left with the same tidal wave of conflicting emotions while watching him run the team.
The most upset I got was at the end of the game. Holding onto a three point lead, Westbrook rebounded a Heat miss with 22 seconds to go. With the shot clock turned off, he went coast to coast with the ball and fired up a wild lay up attempt that came nowhere close to the rim. Luckily, Etan Thomas bailed him out by grabbing the offensive rebound and getting fouled. But, the fact that Westbrook acted like it was a 2-for-1 situation rather than a victory-formation point of the game suggests to me that his basketball IQ still leaves a lot to be desired.
First Player to be Traded: Conditional second-round pick
The Thunder still have around $10MM in cap space. As the season progresses and the economy continues ravaging team owners, there will be a lot of teams begging Presti to help relieve them of salary. I suspect Sam Presti will sit on his hands patiently waiting for a team with high expectations (and high salary commitments) fall out of the playoff hunt and give the Thunder a talented player for nothing.
The New Robert Swift: B.J. Mullens
I saw this guy at P.F. Chang’s last Friday while he was waiting for a table. It’s probably more than I’ll see of him at any games this year. But, for those who are wondering, his eyebrows were immaculately manicured.
Fan Favorite: Serge Ibaka
<Bad pun alert> This guy is going to bring a Serge of energy every time he gets on the floor. </Bad pun alert>
What I’ll be doing tonight: Watching FC Barcelona on ESPN360
I would suggest everyone else do the same. Looking at the team roster, they appear to be the Yankees of Spanish basketball. I’d say Lakers, but I’m guessing the Spanish League doesn’t have salary caps or no way FC Barcelona assembles this much talent. Their roster is a virtual who’s who of international talent not currently in the NBA.
They start Fran Vazquez, who shunned the Magic after being drafted #11, at center. Their power forward is former Michigan State star Erazem Lorbek (backed up by a former NBA player Boniface N’Dong), and Pete Mickael who used to star for Cincinnati finishes out the front line. Their off guard is Spanish superstar and former Grizzlie Juan Carlos Navarro (who bailed after one season in Memphis because they traded Pau Gasol). Then, at point guard is the guy we could have drafted, Ricky Rubio.
I would suggest everyone with access to ESPN360 check these guys out. Then, cry yourself to sleep that we won’t have Rubio to watch in person in Oklahoma City.
Team wins for the season: 32
Sure, 32 wins doesn’t sound like a lot, but a nine game improvement is massive in professional basketball. For the Thunder, that would be a 39% more wins than last year. While I would love for The Columnist Who Shall Not Be Named to be correct and for the team to be challenging for a the eighth seed and flirting with a .500 record…I’m a realist. If the team can post more than thirty wins and be in the game during the fourth quarter night in and night out, that will be enough improvement to make me happy.
Whoaaaaaaaaaaaa you hate Sooner football? Royce, WTH man?
(as in, Royce, how did you allow this to happen? just kidding though. kinda.)
I guess we’ll never get over this Rubio crap! I’m sick of hearing about a guy who never played a game in the NBA, but if they tell it he’s divinity in motion. Give me a break man, Russel started the season with a double double and to tell you the truth, i’m not missing Rubio the slightest on any team.
From what we’ve all read, let me emphasize READ about Rubio he couldn’t shoot a bear in a closet, but my dawg Russ shot 7 of 12, so have that for breakfast,lunch and dinner. I can’t wait for Rubio to come over to the league and get swatted like a spanish fly, when he matches up with the talented and all athletic Westbrook.
OSU alum ——————————->
Clark, I don’t think you will be complaining about Westbrook’s decision making last night. Did you see that almost no-look pass between defenders to a back-door cutting Durant for the flush? I got a sports chubbie with that one. Little Rubio should of been begging to be drafted by this up-and-coming bunch. Although I will say there must be something fun about leading a superstar team in your own country. Imagine the tail that boy must get.
Nice post. Sure, watching Harden’s slow start might make one wish that Presti had taken Rubio, but considering Westbrook’s improvement, I’d say it is, at worst, a wash. I’m hoping that Harden can average more than 13 minutes (not against the Heat or Lakers) and, by mid season, be competing for the starting shooting gaurd spot. We’ll see.
After the game Green had last night (even if it was against a lackluster Sac front court), I’d say there is at least a chance that he can help elevate the team. If Brooks can keep using him to exploit weak post defenders like Nocioni (I’m assuming he is a weak post defender cuz I don’t know much about him) then that gets the team something they did not really have last year.
It looks like Kirstic may have elevated his game as well. He may still lack that killer instinct for finishing around the basket (even against the Kings), but the pic and pop is looking nice and his jump shot has gotten better.
I’m looking forward to seeing how Westbrook/Thabo/Harden do against Hamilton/Gordon tandem that tore it up against Minny without AI….
@Anonymous
I like letting OSU fans say these sort of things. It just makes it all so much more fun in the end. Because we all know what happens in the end.
I agree with you that it will take Harden a year to develop. He was destroyed last night on the defensive end. He was part of a zone at ASU and man to man will expose him.
I disagree about Jeff being the key to the season though. If Russell plays like he did last night we’ll be set. All Jeff has to do is be the same guy he was last year, glue(with improved defense). Russell has the most that he needed to work on: defense, FG% and decision making. If Russell shows increase in all of those he will turnout to be the biggest key to our season.
All of this was written before last night’s game, and yes, Westbrook’s performance in the opener made that section look bad. But, it’s one game, and the statistician did him some favors (turnovers and assists are at the discretion of the scorekeeper who is hired by the hometown team).
That being said, I did see improved decision making last night, including some spots where Westbrook made the smart move of dribbling out from under the basket and restarting the offense instead of forcing a shot between shotblockers (something he never would have done last season). He also showed a lot more willingness to pass the ball, which is probably a big reason he shot for a high percentage. I’d love to see that continue.
But, I won’t back off my Rubio support until James Harden gives me a reason to forget about him.
Oh, although it will take Harden awhile to come around…I’d still take him over Rubio. Russ will be just fine at point. (It took Billups & Parker a bit to develop as a PG and look at them now)
@GAP
I was part of the Rubio train, so I’ll try to break it down without shoving more hype down your throat. Harden has been pedestrian for us thus far and our backup PG position looked awful last night. Rubio is flash and excitement. Imagine your starters leaving at the end of the first quarter and still saying to yourself, “Something amazing is about to happen.” Rubio is a guy who will give you highlight plays every game, while also being a very smart player. Now, has Russell shown himself to be a very good PG to the point that we wouldn’t need Rubio there? It seems so, for which I am ecstatic. But, could we still have gotten more value (even if just for a trade) from Rubio? It looks that way as well.
@Keith
Fair enough, but we have seen one game from Harden and zero from Rubio, so this argument will be lingering for a bit…perhaps forever.
And I would also say that anyone who thinks Rubio would have enjoyed playing behind RW is freakin crazy… he’s a total ego maniac!! I’m also convinced that the team’s decision to place their confidence in RW is part of the reason for his motivation and improvement….
That said… I was totally impressed with Caspi… wtf presti?
I don’t understand all the Rubio nonsense. Our backup PG position stinks, but so does Minnesota’s. Rubio is really helping them out with that, isn’t he? He’s not a completely known quantity, he can’t shoot and he has no lateral quickness. Just what the Thunder need: a defensive liability in the backcourt who nobody will defend on the perimeter. Sam Presti just used a first round pick on Russell Westbrook as our PG of the future; seems completely demented to supplant him after only one season no matter how well he ran the offense.
This team needed shooting off the bench badly, and James Harden can fit that bill if nothing else this year. He was the correct pick.
@Royce
I’m ready for the Detroit preview already…. they had a really good game against a crappy Minny squad, clamping down on D and making a ton of shots…
I don’t think they can do this to RW/Thabo but I’m curious to hear some thoughts.
@Clark Matthews
What about all of the reasons Rubio’s given us to forget him?
Also, the fundemental problem with Jeff Green playing and guarding PF’s in the NBA is that he’s short and has T-REX ARMS. David West, who is only about an inch taller than Jeff, has a standing reach almost five inches longer as well as just being a bigger guy overall coming out of school.
The key for Jeff Green is to learn how to use his superior quickness and athleticism as an advantage on the defensive end. Even though he put on some weight in the offseason, he’s never going to really be a guy who can effectively guard the better power fowards because of his lack of length. He’s showing a lot of improvement with his footwork and body control on defense, and the new scheme Brooks is running will help him out some. Hopefully he can manage because he will be a mismatch every night on the other end.
There are a lot of arguments against Rubio that I accept and just pawn off to “we’ll never know.” But when you say Rubio is all hype and then bust out with a statistically unverifiable scouting report that he can’t shoot, I have to respond. Rubio shot better than 50% from three in the ACB league last year. Harden shot sub 40% at ASU. Don’t tell me Presti was correct in not drafting Rubio because Harden is a better shooter unless you can explain away the facts.
@Bryan
You mean in place of Mullens?
I don’t think that has much to do with it. West’s strength is finding good position and blocking out to get rebounds. If Green can do that, he holds his weight at PF AND he’s a better shooter than West (although West is probably more assertive in getting shots).
A couple of other guys who weren’t any taller than Green and were dominant rebounders were Charles Barkley and Dennis Rodman. When they were grabbing double digit rebounds, no one was questioning their lack of size.
On the other hand, I completely agree that he can create a competitive advantage with his athleticism.
@Clark Matthews
Yes in place of Mullens… or Blair would be better…
Just really disappointed with that pic. And watching Caspi knock down all those shots (two games in a row) while playing decent D, just seemed to highlight our rookies’ flaws I guess.
@Clark Matthews
Hopefully it’s Westbrook that makes you forget about Rubio and not Harden.
But you’re right, we can’t get ahead of ourselves. Russ may turn it over seven times and go 3-14 from the floor against Detroit.
the Iverson-era 76ers made it to the finals, how is that a team going nowhere?
@hendawg
lol… I actually really liked that team
@hendawg
That was back in the Shaq/Kobe heyday before team’s were allowed to play zone and one-on-one basketball was encouraged. When that rule was changed, the 76ers collapsed immediately.
@Royce
@Clark Matthews
Yea, I guess that’s my point in the Rubio debate. Russell is the PG not Harden. Rubio has to become better than Russell to warrant him being picked last year. We drafted Harden based on how well he fit our team: SG, character & decision making. We didn’t draft him because is or isn’t better than Rubio.
Another wrinkle to the Harden thing. Brooks is going to have to use him to put pressure on the oposing 2 while he is on the floor, by keeping him running and active and getting him open looks. If he just stands out there on the wing like he did last night, oposing 2′s will be fresh as daisies on the other end.
If Harden can’t play good D just yet, the least he can do is wear out his man on the other end.
@Clark Matthews
First off, unless Draft Express has wrong information, Ricky Rubio shot 42.3% from 3pt range last year in ACB, not sure where you got 50% from? The thing about Rubio is that, OK he shot the three ball alright. He has a mechanical, slow release that will have to change if he’s going to spot up in the NBA, but so what he’s Ricky Rubio he’ll adjust. James Harden shot just over 35% from three at Arizona, almost equalling what Rubio shot from two point range last ACB (37%).
Rubio might have a somewhat effective set shot from three point range, but he’s horrible from everywhere else on the court. Harden was making shots from all over the place last year and shot nearly 50% from the field overall. There is no comparison between the two.
Charles Barkley and Dennis Rodman are extreme outliers. They are often used as proof that (insert undersized PF) can be a capable defender and rebounder, but players like that seldom come around. Charles Barkley had Jeff Green’s athleticism and about ten times his strength (and wasn’t much of a defender, expending most of his energy on offense and rebounding); Dennis Rodman is probably one of the most athletic players in NBA history and was the antithesis of Barkley, spending most of his energy on rebounding and defense. Jeff Green, along with most NBA power forwards currently in the league, lacks most of these qualities.
I know you guys are just breaking Clarksie in since you don’t know him as well as I do. (Faithful TLO reader that I am) But can we PLEASE drop the Rubio/Shmubio discussion for a bit and talk about how AWESOME our Thunder is? Please?
I for one want to talk about how much stronger Krystic looked last night. Almost every one of the Westbrook/Krystic outside/inside dish moves last night he connected on or at least got a shot off! Last season, he would have dropped easily half of those. Plus he ran the floor much better than I ever recall seeing him move. He didn’t do the standard 7-ft white center “let’s pretend I am going to run down to the other end and play defense on the fast break when I am really just going to jog to midcourt and hope Thabo catches/blocks Martin again!”
I knew I liked you for some reason, although I disagreed with you on the Rubio thing.
Good column, although I think you’re being a little tough on Westbrook. Even with the occasional dumb play, or instance of over-aggressiveness, I think it’s clear that the game has slowed WAY down for Russ, and that his decision-making when compared to last year is significantly improved. Personally, I’m willing to tolerate Westbrook going for the home-run play occasionally (except at the end of games), because his athletic ability and “did you just see that?” factor are what make him the unique player he is.
I’ll withhold final judgment until I see Russ drop 12 dimes on the Blazers with 3-4 turnovers, but he definitely passes the eyeball test (so far) for me.
I agree whole-heartedly with you boldest prediction. I think Harden is having a difficult time adjusting his game to his new role. It is always hard to transition to that next level, but for someone who comes from being the main scoring threat that all the offense is built around, to go to being a role player, AND everyone you play against is the biggest/fastest/strongest/smartest competition you have ever faced, it is even more difficult. He looks like a rookie, and that’s not bad in and of itself, but he needs to adjust all aspects of his game (except his free-throw percentage) and that takes time.
First off, whoever said Green has T-Rex arms needs to check out his wingspan on draftexpress.com. It’s called research.
Jeff Green has a wingspan of 7’1 1/4″…I’ll repeat that, a wingspan of 7 feet 1 and a quarter inches. Blake Griffin, the “quintessential PF” has a wingspan of only 6’11 1/4″, as does Kevin Love. Green has a standing reach of 8 feet 7 inches. He has a no step vertical of 33.5 inches and a max vertical of 38 INCHES, THE HIGHEST MAX VERTICAL ON THE THUNDER’S ROSTER. For comparison again, Griffin has a 32″ no step and a 35″ max vertical with a standing reach of 8’9.
Secondly, as an OSU alum myself, I can and will defend Clark regarding all things collegiate football when and if the need arises…but we’ll probably always differ on the Harden/Rubio debate despite the fact that I was open to seeing Rubio get drafted by the Thunder but DO NOT feel like Harden was in any way a wasted pick or a pick to look back on and wonder “what if.”
Secondly, and I don’t think Clark’s ever said this but others have regarding Harden not contributing immediately, if anyone actually watched Rubio play in Spain and in the Euros you could EASILY have seen how much time Rubio would need to adapt to the NBA. Especially with his shot, which with an insanely slow release, might never have been an outside threat if guarded half-way decently. Toss in his far too cavalier style of play on a young team…and Rubio would have needed 1-2 years at minimum to be an effective floor leader.
Do I think Rubio would have been/still could be a great PG in the NBA? Absolutely, way too talented not to be if/when he comes over. But regarding the need, the fit, the timeline and the overall impact on the team itself, Harden was the smart pick and would have/will require less time to make a substantial impact and adjust to the NBA than Rubio. Tack on the fact that a backcourt of Rubio and Westbrook equaled a disgusting lack of three point threat (neither one would be respected from long range, I’m sorry, it’s true) and in retrospect, we really shouldn’t have even considered it a reality (and this is without the potentially new and improved Westbrook in mind).
Oh, and if Harden can assume even half of a Manu Ginobli role for the Thunder this year off the bench, then color me ecstatic because boy does our bench need a scoring and playmaking punch.
And well put on the Jeff Green analysis, Clark, I just don’t think individuals value glue-guys who lead by example and happily do all the dirty work that 95% of all other NBA players wouldn’t even dream of doing as they should.
@Keith
Not by any means am I saying Harden was the better pick between the two players, i’m just saying i’m glad we didn’t pick Rubio and stunt Russel’s growth. Rubio could very well been a good trade piece, but I love the fact that Westbrook took his job seriously and went to work in the offseason to become a more complete PG.
Hindsight is always 20/20, but can you really tell me that we should have took Rubio and all of his baggage (mom and dad) and still have the chemistry that we saw displayed this whole offseason coming into the season?
good grief, ^ that’s a book up there, my bad Clark and Royce, didn’t seem that long while writing
@okiefunk
Nice point about Krstic getting over looked in our Thunder love-fest. I liked his scoring- I loved that he did a solid job on the glass. However I’m not so sure that it will take Harden a full season to wrestle the starting spot away from Thabo. If Thabo is consistantly hitting the 3 ball then screw it, he SHOULD be our starting 2. With that said, every commentary on Harden I have read talked about his unusual maturity, basketball IQ and “team first” mentality. Unless a whole lot of basketball pundits were mistaken, he should be able to fix his shortcomings on the defensive end faster than most rooks.
By the way, I read where Rip Hamilton left the game last night with an ankle sprain so severe they used a cart to move him from the locker room. Bad news for the Pistons- good news for us if he doesn’t suit up friday.
I really don’t know why we need to look in the mirror. I was probably the biggest Rubio fan here, and I was dejected when we took Harden (instead of Ricky or Stephen Curry). HOWEVER, I got over it!!!! I don’t even think that way anymore. Ruseell has transformed his game – Harden has a ways to go but Thabo looked (for a game at least) to be more confident outside. Rubio is in the past – I don’t care about him anymore.
Krstic had a good game, but he’s dependent upon our passers for decent looks – he can’t create anything on his own. Kudos to Russ for finding him repeatedly.
Is it just me, or is the Harden pick the most controversial move in Thunder history?
well, it is a pretty short history . . .
Harden will be fine – he’s intelligent and he seems humble – it was one bad game. He’s not used to chasing around screens and rotating. On all of his miscues, I rewound it several times. Martin uses a quick burst of acceleration to get open – and Harden was not ready to move with him.
I think Thabo starts the whole year, and that has more to do with Thabo and less to do with Harden.
@Kev
True about Krstic… but did anyone else see the double spin move he pulled? Granted the shot didn’t go in but…still. I think he is getting his confidence back on the block some. Oh and there were two people on him at the time (I think it was a spacing issue that turned into a double team)
@J.G.
I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but Jeff Green.. does have short arms. For the purposes of the power forward position, where a player is expected to use his length and leaping ability to get rebounds, contest shots, and defend near the basket, the standing reach measurement is used. This makes sense since when you defend or go for rebounds you hold your arms up, not to the side. Wing span is a much less effective way to measure length for these purposes since it’s obviously affected by the width of your body from shoulder to shoulder.
Blake Griffin, who himself has below average reach for an NBA PF, is still two inches longer than Jeff Green. According to Draft Express, the average PF measured in the last few drafts has a standing reach of 8’10.5″. Jeff Green’s reach of 8’7″ more closely reflects the average SF reach of 8’8.1″, which should really be no surprise to anyone.
This does not mean Jeff cannot be successful as a power forward. He should be able to make up some of this difference with his athletic ability, better defensive technique, and increased strength / weight. It seems like he’s put some effort into improving all of these aspects, so hopefully the disadvantage he has as far as length will be less of a factor.
@Clark Matthews
Well, given how short that history is, I’d say yes.
@dork
I saw that two, off the left baseline. It kinda surprised me actually because I wasn’t expecting to see any footwork from Kirstic. During the last preseason game, he also surprised me with his quick shot release.
Jeff Green played good defense last night , but a lot of it was in rotation at the three – he still is a liability at the four for the reasons that justin stated above. That’s why I like when Green comes in for Durant at the three when Kevin rests. That’s JG’s best position. We nedd a strong inside presence in order to improve (significantly) defensively. Is that player on the roster?? Do they have faith in Ibaka? We will see . . .
Harden will figure it all out. He’s sharp enough. He isn’t the most gifted athletically, but he’s athletic enough to get the job done, defensively and offensively. If his IQ is where they claim it is, then he’ll know from film what his man has a habit of doing.
People said similar things about Paul Peirce out of college (high bball IQ, low athleticism). Of course, the zone only defense puts Harden on a longer learning curve. Brandon Roy got a similar wrap.
I’m not saying that he’ll be as good as Paul Peirce or BRoy, but who knows, right?
All rookies are tentative and shy on the court at first. If they’re not, they’re reckless. James is far from reckless. When he gains some confidence, and the game slows down for him, he’ll be able to do his thing.
We were patient with Russell. We can be patient with James.
While I was impressed with what Green has improved, I’m still of the opinion that he can’t be a long term PF until we have a big, defensive, rebounding center. I certainly think Green can be as good a PF as Rashard Lewis (and honestly if I had to pick one of the two to be a PF for their career, I’d pick Green), but Rashard is almost entirely as good as he is at PF because he has Dwight Howard behind him. If we had Dwight, young Ben Wallace, or even prime Joel Przybilla, I would like Green a lot more. I love what he brings to the team, but I can’t help but think either he or Krstic (and I’d certainly prefer to keep Green, of the two) will be replaced in the starting lineup by someone who can dominate the boards and defensive paint.
It sure seems that way
@Keith
I read/hear people say that same thing about Green all the time.
The thing is Brooks has implemented a scheme to hide this; with the shell defense and only sending two players back on transition defense, asking 3 guys to rebound.
So it isn’t like they’re trying to use Green in a scheme that isn’t built around his talent, because they are. A team couldn’t use Green in the traditional scheme, but that isn’t what they’ve implemented.
Now, as to which scheme works best, that’s up for debate. But I keep hearing/reading people say that we need a traditional PF. That’s fine, but the scheme would have to change as well.