Reasons Varejao should not start

[Kypus]

I have been a vocal AV supporter since he joined the team. During the losing streaks I wasn't worried because I knew we had this guy stashed on the bench. I love the guy and the way he has transformed our team's defensive energy. However, to start him would be a disservice to his game and to our team. You find a guy that can do the things he can do off the bench, just go with it- don't make him the starter just for the hell of it. Think, guys...please.

I pulled this from the Phoenix game thread from last week.

Originally Posted by RuanuLaw
Hey, I was just thinking. Why don't we give Varejeo a chance to start. How does that sound? Your imput please.

No. Just....no. His game is full of holes that would be exploited if he started.

1. He really isn't a good offensive player- he never was even with his national team and his brother was the star. (5 PPG if I rmbr right) If his own brother can't get him the ball in the best place for him to score, who can?! I was shocked when he called for the ball today and drove through the middle for the score. It was almost as slow as Z driving downcourt. Everyone on Phoenix was too surprised to do anything about it

2. He's a terrible FT shooter. 53% last year from 68-127. His lack of offensive game compounds this, there's no way you could justify having him out there 30 MPG.

3. He's injury-prone. Mostly because of his wild play, but he isn't that physically strong.

4. We have no idea if he can play halfcourt offense. When he has the ball, it's usually because he's just stolen it. The only pass he makes is getting it back in the PG or Lebron's hands.

But the biggest reason- he's the anchor of our bench and is best there. His energy is contagious and that's a great asset to bring in off the bench.

 

[Pioneer10]

Right now we have Gooden that's the best reason not to start AV. Drew has been playing real well on offense and the boards.

If we lose Drew, Av may deserve a look but right now AV's energy is real nice off the bench

 

[aggressivestyle]

Right now we have Gooden that's the best reason not to start AV. Drew has been playing real well on offense and the boards.

If we lose Drew, Av may deserve a look but right now AV's energy is real nice off the bench

agree with you 100%.




Kyrus, you gotta remember AV is young and this is his 2cd yr. He had potential to be a 1st round pick and even a lottery pick but he decided to wait another yr before entering the draft if i'm not mistaken.

His free throw shooting is getting better, his shooting is also getting better, but these things aren't consistant.He could be a starter in this league at either the 4 or 5, but not yet, may not be able to next season either. But eventually he should have the skills, stamina,IQ,experience to do so.

 

[Mac]

Double what Pioneer said..

Anderson just needs time on the court to get used to being on the court.

Strength will come, he isn't weak like a Shuan Livingston, but he does need to get stronger. His offensive game, or lack there of, wouldn't really be a big problem. For two reasons..

#1-He would be the fifth option, so he wouldn't be looked upon to score anyway.

#2-The dude is always moving, so it's not like his guy could rotate off of him and double Z, because Anderson is all over the place. So he should be able to get wide open layups if his man does choose to double Z.

Is he ready to start? No. I dont think many will deny that, but I definently wouldn't mind him starting. But even if Drew was traded, Marshall would get the nod anyway. Because you are both right, his energy off the bench is very valuable.

 

[The George]

As i said in the other thread the only way AV can start is if we have a shooting/scorer PG i.e Jason Terry , Chris duhon etc. If we had one of those types of PG and we traded Drew then AV is the best fir for this team at PF...His hustle defense and rebounding would be the exact fit for what would be an offensive juggernaut (sp?) He would be that deterrant in the lane and he could poissbly be a rebounding machine with the way he plays....with our team the way it is now No he shouldnt start but in the future if we get the right type of PG it will be a MUST that AV will start

 

[LyXo]

My arguments for AV starting, written a while ago...

1. Just because AV starts doesn't mean AV will consume all minutes. He'll probably log about 25, both at the 5 backing up Z and the 4. It opens up the avenue for Drew coming in and playing 25 minutes at the 4. Drew wont' have to play out of position in this case: something that caused trouble in the past in Memphis and Orlando.

2. Remember: Who did you see in 4th quarter situations? Certainly not Drew Gooden at the power forward spot. It was either Tractor or AV. Something tells me that AV will learn from his mistakes quicker and make less significant ones. The only problem I see with AV with more minutes is more fouls. Which brings me to my next point

3. Respect. AV gets no respect with his defense. Gaining starter status, refs will look more into his game. Remember that game VS Detroit last season, last one that we lost? With about 2 minutes in the game, AV makes the cleanest block you could make VS McDyess. Oh no, that Brazillian rookie with the crazy hair couldn't have done that clean, not against McDyess, that guy has crazy hops. Call the foul. With respect, fouls will be called less, and his mistakes will dissapear, essentially making his defense better.

4. It's better for Drew Gooden: In the starting lineup, he'll be the 4th option. Might as well not even give him the ball at all. But he needs it. His main talents are scoring. All of those won't even be close to evident playing alongside the main 4. His numbers will most certainly decrease from his 14/9. But coming off the bench, he should accept his role and fit in well. He'll body up the 2nd stringers in the post. He'll be a candidate for the 6th man award. Can you say Antawn Jamison? Look at the contract he got. It won't be hard to convince Drew that he's better suited off the bench, as long as we can guarantee him 20+ minutes, which we will. He has the choice to be the big fish in the bowl off the bench. Or be that guy that never tapped his potential as a starter, has a bunch of question marks over his head still, even after being in the league for 4 years.

5. Missing spark? Whenever AV is on the floor, that's the fire. There is no need for a spark. You guys say that he brings instant energy when he's in. Why not start it out right? Besides, Gooden's scoring punch will be big off the bench as well.

 

[Karma]

Anderson has matured alot defensively since last season. To me I had him down as a pure hustle player who is best suited off the bench for his career. However he is proving to be a smart defender and is now avoiding foul problems he suffered last season. He has a future as a starter and is alot closer then I would have imagined. This progression makes the possible Gooden trades not a major concern for the power forward spot.

 

[The George]

I agree Karma....AV has vastly improved his game...he is no longer "Side show bob" who runs around aimlessly just hustling everywhere....He still hustles but with a purpose and he is playing a much smarter game...and his Free throws are getting better which is nice