Josh: Last time we were speaking of contenders in the west, so let's talk about San
Antonio. What did you think about Pop resting his guys on a nationally
televised game against the Heat and what did you think about the leagues
reaction to it?
Dillon: First, I will start with my opinion of Coach Popovich's move
to sit players. I hate it for the fans who wanted to see the Spurs big 3
match-up with Miami's stars. These teams do not play much and it was a
nationally televised game as you mentioned. However, in terms of
basketball sense, it makes sense. Spurs were in the midst of an
absolutely brutal stretch of their schedule. The team was playing four
games in five nights and the match-up with Memphis on Saturday was much
bigger in the grand scheme of things. There is no question that an 82
game regular season is too much for Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, and Tim
Duncan at this stage in their career. Coach Popovich doesn't care about
TV ratings; he cares about pursuing another ring. The decision was not
cool as a fan, but it was understandable as a fan of smart coaching
moves.
Now, the move by David Stern to fine the
Spurs a hefty sum is much more dicey. What kind of precedent does this
set? The move was made with winning in mind. Teams with losing in mind
do not play their best players all the time because they would prefer a
high draft pick. It bothers me that a league commissioner feels he
should be involved in coaching decisions for the team. Honestly, do you
think Miami fans that attended the game really cared that much about
watching Tim Duncan bank in a few shots over Bosh?
My final
question for the day and it is a two parter: Can/when will the Lakers
fix whatever the hell their problem is? With their struggles, is it now
once again Western Conference goes through Oklahoma City?
Josh: I
think it is difficult to say if the Lakers can turn this around at the
moment. We saw a short sampling of how Steve Nash would be utilized in
the Mike Brown offense, and it was not pretty. Will that change now with
Mike D'Antoni leading the Lake Show? Probably. There is no arguement to
be made that this team will be worse off when Darius Morris' minutes go
to a two-time MVP. Pau and Dwight are not meshing at all on either end
of the court, especially defensively. What happened to Dwight Howard? This
never used to happen with Dwight anchoring the paint in Orlando and
Gasol is a below average in regards to foot speed and rim protection.
They just gave up 40 fourth quarter points to the Magic and allowed
Jameer Nelson, Aaron Affalo, and Big Baby to combine for 72-22-20. That
cannot happen. I think they need to move Pau for a better fitting four
man, preferably a stretch four like D'Antoni had with Shawn Marion for
all those years in Phoenix, and some depth because they're bench, other
than Antawn Jamison, has been practically invisible.
Do
I think Oklahoma City is the team to go through in the west? You have
to say they are seeing as they got there last season. The teams problems
from last season remain the same though; too jump shot oriented, not
enough scoring power in the post, unimaginative late game play calling.
Westbrook has looked great for the most part, especially in regards to
distribution which has seen his assist rate raise to a career high clip.
This is a weird year in the west because of how top heavy it is. There
are five teams that have a legitimate shot at representing the west in
the NBA finals between OKC, Memphis, San Antonio and both Los Angeles
teams. The Lakers are struggling, but definitely have the players to
compete once summer rolls back around. It could all come down to
seeding, because with how close these teams are and how some teams
match-up well with some teams and badly for others - who plays who could
be a big indicator of who escapes to the Finals.
Last Question: Dunk of the Year? My nomination.
Dillon: Dirty.
Josh Jackson & Dillon Besser
@JoshJackson_TID & @DillonBesser65
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