Mail Call

Aside from the difference in players abilities, is there a difference in defense philosophy we should expect to see due to the new defensive coach.

Perk’s lack of offensive range is a liability. Consider where he plays in our offensive set. He’s either OUT FRONT and no threat to shoot or DOWN LOW helping to clog the inside and prevent penetrations by Ray Allen, Pierce and KG. When he’s out front defenses can sag to clog the middle limiting us to a perimeter offense. About all Perk can do OUTSIDE is set high picks/screens but it’s still forcing us into a perimeter game and “money” is best made close to the basket.

Since this is a question forum, here’s my question. Would Walker be a good pick-up by the Celtics if Minny cuts him? Walker could spend some time at the “5” and while he’s no inside defensive whiz, he can score down low as well as be a threat on the perimeter (something Perk nor Pollard can’t claim) to help open the middle. Walker can rebound too.

Question #2. Since Perk and Pollard are primarily DEFENSIVE centers, barring Walker’s availability, should Danny be looking for an OFFENSIVE center?

I thought Batista was a good scoring good rebounding big man
270lbs of youth, why wasnt he giving a fair chance to play?
i mean other than his one chance with miniscule minutes were he
put up 7pts 5 reb and 2stl
Also were is Batista headed, who has the rights to him?

I should have qualified my question by explaining why a “center” should ever be located out front. A center “with handles” (ala Walker) could be part of a 5 man player weave …in and out of the inside…with occasional reverses and back door cuts. It would all be part of sustaining good ball and player movement to open passing lanes and open looks to the basket.

yeah i missed it, how many demerits do i get :D

Perk, I guess your question and mine, while not necessarily lacking substance, were rejected due to incorrect venue!

 We simply MUST remember to stay in the crosswalks and not “jaywalk”!

Jeff, my comments about Perk had more to do with his offensive limitations than his defensive attributes. My concerns arose from our “stalled” offense against the Knicks. Although Perk wasn’t in the lineup, Scal essentially played …OUT FRONT…much like Perk, as well as INSIDE. Scal’s reluctance to shoot resembled Perk’s lack of shooting range, both scenarios resulting in a defense collapsing inside.

Until Perk develops a reliable mid-range shot he’s only “clutter” at the high post. We need to find ways to open the inside to allow KG, Pierce, Allen and Rajon room to operate.

My question (sorry for the “winded” intro) mainly dealt with our need for a third “5” option at center. More specifically, should we seek an OFFENSIVE “5” with shooting range so as to spread defenses and open the inside/middle? That center could be used when our offense stalls due to INTERIOR congestion.

It would follow that some PF’s might be able to fill that function for short periods.