This is the first I've ever really seen of Ed Davis as far as I can remember, and I like what I saw. I can't quite explain what I mean here, but he moves like an old-school player. He moves like big men I've seen in old games in the 70's and 80's, he's tall and lanky and there is no nonsense or fanciness to his movement, it is deliberate and with a purpose. The way he runs, the way he goes immediately to the hoop for a layup, up to block a shot or grab a board. I dunno if I'm making sense or not with that description, and I don't expect him to be a star for us or anything, but I like the way he plays the game. For one game anyway, he played very hard and was effective and efficient. My optimism after this game is for Davis to be a key bench player this season, fill a much needed backup role in the middle. Aside from that I like all of our players for the first time in a while, and that for me is just a nice thing, lol. Last year was close, but a few guys irked me, and before that Coward drove me nuts, I don't like not wanting to root for some of my team's players at all. I'll include the coach in that, I finally like and feel respect for our coach again. Most of these guys deserve to fight for at least some time out there. X still isn't back, Young is out, Kelly was out, these are all guys that will or can help this team, so some nice talent to be developed is on this roster even if we aren't a great team. There's also Ellington and Price who may or may not make the roster, but if they do could prove useful in times of injury. I'm going to enjoy this season for whatever it is, even if thay turns out to be simply enjoying one of Kobe's last years, man I hope he stays healthy. Lastly, have to mention I liked what I saw from both of our rookies, I think it's the most potential we've drafted since Bynum in '05 followed by Farmar in '06.
This. We may not be as top talented as the previous two Laker championship teams but we have a good amount of solid guys and a deep rotation.
That's definitely Ed's game. Solid player, solid athlete, solid mechanics. He's not spectacular and he won't carry your team, but he's got the NBA tools. I think the big problem could be a) his size and b) we've all talked about his opportunities. He's played on a really bad team that was dedicated to the wrong players. He's also played on a really good team that had two All-Star caliber players in front of him. I'm looking forward to his play this season. He's going to give us solid production any time he's out there.
what caught my eye overall was the team's defensive rotations. Although they were a split second late a good portion of the time, it just feels good to know that defense is a priority now. I expect us to get better as the season goes on and guys get used to playing together. We don't have great individual defenders, but we can overcome it by playing great team defense
First game was almost too good to be true.. Kobe looks like he's the same old Kobe.. Nash looked like an actual starting PG.. Randle & Clarkson both look like they could be immediate impact players.. Hill looking like the double-double machine he is in only 19 minutes.. Special Ed with 4 blocks in 12 minutes looking like he can definitely be that rim protector we were lacking. Lin & Boozer had off games but I don't think they're much better than they looked. It's just 1 preseason game but if we have some luck in the health department, I'm extremely optimistic about this team & I really like the collection of players we have.
Nash's performance was probably the most surprising thing for me. He looked way better than I expected. Kobe looked fantastic as well but I honestly expected that. I liked what I saw from Clarkson, his mindset specifically. Loved the way he was attacking yesterday. This season is going to be infinitely more enjoyable than last year, I can see that already.
This. I always loved hearing Byron shouting a lot of the time on the defense end telling his guys to "Deny the spot", "Beat him there".... all the the defensive end. I loved it and boy is it refreshing.
I noticed that too and was stoked. Nuggets are not joke when it comes to putting points on the board so holding them to under 100 point was refreshing to see, something that happened few and far in between last season. Of course harder tests will come once they face the likes of Golden State, Portland, Houston, and the other team later in the schedule. But yeah, so far so good.
Sooo happy to have a coach that doesn't talk a mile a minute with a hick drawl/mumble that's unintelligible and who has a strong leadership presence and has been a multi times champion in the league as a player as a Laker. Liked a lot what I saw from both Randle and Clarkson. Am still giddy about getting Randle who a lot of us feel will be a BEAST. The fact he can handle the ball that well with his size at 19 and pass and have some footwork going swiftly on the block already is great. Clarkson's handles, change of pace and direction also impressive to me. Of course what is not to LOVE about seeing Kobe healthy on the floor again and looking GOOD. And Steve Nash as well. Jeezus the guy is 41 next month I think. What a ton of work he must have put in over the summer to beat that nerve issue back (knocks on head for wood) and same for Kobe's comeback from his severe injuries....the amount of work. Just amazing in camp that he was the one winning all the running drills first day. One more thought.... big grin thinking of the mismatches physically that could occasionally be created if Randle is dropped in at small forward. He's quick enough in certain situations. Maybe when Kelly is in at power forward to stretch the paint. Also maybe....maybe....he could spend some time putting some hurt and hard work on LBJ when we play them.
If Nash and Kobe stay healthy, I see us making the playoffs as a 7 seed. And you never want to face a team led by Kobe Bryant in the playoffs.
OK what are our glass half full expectations for how the active roster is going to do tomorrow against GS .....in comparison.....to Clips getting their as*es kicked last night? I would think....if he's smart.... Byron would want......and am pretty sure everyone here would want ......to see how Ronnie Price does against the Splash Bros. Turn him loose when there's opportunities. I am totally unfamiliar visually with his game so will be like looking at a brand new player for me to check out. Have to give him the "eye test"......... wink effing wink
This crew will have the heart, the attitude to try and stay within striking distance of the last playoff spot. Maybe even the seventh seed. Watching Real Training Camp on Saturday, I could swear that Miller and Fox did not even peg Houston to be one of the eight.
120 points Wait.... WTF.....has this been a dream!! D'antoni is still here and I've woken up? Noooooooooooooooo!!!!!!
I really think our combo of Hill, Davis, Randle & Boozer is a lot of athletic size that will be tough for most teams to deal with... Unfortunately, none of them are big time scoring threats... JR has the potential to get there though.
Well that was the first team we've played that's legitimately better than us. That offense... man if they're hot you're just not going to stop them. Scary good.
