MarkPrice25
Situational Stopper
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2005
- Messages
- 522
- Reaction score
- 443
- Points
- 63
As most of you know, I have been a supporter of Z since I've been a part of this board, despite his shortcomings. I understand that there are people out there, both on this board and other places, that think that we are a better team without Z than we are with him. The following is what I observed from center court on Wednesday along with everything that has happened dating back to last year, and there's still only one conclusion: Z is a huge part of this team and his presence on the court is ESSENTIAL if we even want to think about a Championship.
First things first, I was VERY DISAPPOINTED with his Game 1 performance. Even as one of his biggest supporters, I was IRATE when he didn't dunk that ball on the possible 3-point play. He did look lethargic out there and it is concerning.
However, even with that garbage performance and as bad as he was against Washington in the playoffs, HE STILL DREW THE DOUBLE TEAM EVERY TIME HE GOT THE BALL IN THE POST. That's still a weapon.
Everyone here knows I'm not one to make excuses for anybody - even LeBron - and I'm not trying to here. But, this team needs to get Z involved early. If he doesn't get into rhythm early, forget it. Dump it down there on the first possession or two just to get him in the flow.
When did he play the best last season? The answer is when Larry got hurt and we still didn't have Flip. He was GREAT on the West Coast and kept us from getting smeared in every game (I know, we were 1-5, but lost 4 close ones). But, he was the focal point of the offense after LeBron. He's like anybody - offensive success fuels everything else. Arenas got off to a bad start Wednesday and couldn't break out of it. I knew after the first quarter that he wasn't going to do squat. You could tell in his body language.
We need him to get through the East. Period. Forget Chicago, forget opening night, we're gonna run into Miami sometime in May, be it the Semis or the Finals. Z will be the key to beating them. If his jumper's on, Shaq and 'Zo ain't gonna have the answer for him.
Varajao isn't the answer either. He's a nice player, but he's MORE LIMITED than Z. He will be exposed if he plays 30-35 minutes a night. I guarantee that we dump at least a few games this year because he misses free throws down the stretch or commits a dumb foul in the penalty. BTW, does anyone notice when he shoots FTs in crunchtime, he just throws it up there quicker than usual (like he wants to "get it over with" and not "think too much")? He almost didn't hit the rim on the first one Wednesday.
Z needs 12-15 shots a game. He needs to get involved early. It's criminal how he is underused on the offensive end.
Z is limited, but he also possesses a skill set that most centers don't have - and one that at least 25 teams would take in a heartbeat (maybe not at that contract, but you know what I mean).
I know this discussion will turn into a "Z is slow, Z sucks......." but I just believe that Washington is a bad matchup for him and I fully expect him to snap out of it. Now, if another week of poor play follows, I will begin to have serious concerns.
First things first, I was VERY DISAPPOINTED with his Game 1 performance. Even as one of his biggest supporters, I was IRATE when he didn't dunk that ball on the possible 3-point play. He did look lethargic out there and it is concerning.
However, even with that garbage performance and as bad as he was against Washington in the playoffs, HE STILL DREW THE DOUBLE TEAM EVERY TIME HE GOT THE BALL IN THE POST. That's still a weapon.
Everyone here knows I'm not one to make excuses for anybody - even LeBron - and I'm not trying to here. But, this team needs to get Z involved early. If he doesn't get into rhythm early, forget it. Dump it down there on the first possession or two just to get him in the flow.
When did he play the best last season? The answer is when Larry got hurt and we still didn't have Flip. He was GREAT on the West Coast and kept us from getting smeared in every game (I know, we were 1-5, but lost 4 close ones). But, he was the focal point of the offense after LeBron. He's like anybody - offensive success fuels everything else. Arenas got off to a bad start Wednesday and couldn't break out of it. I knew after the first quarter that he wasn't going to do squat. You could tell in his body language.
We need him to get through the East. Period. Forget Chicago, forget opening night, we're gonna run into Miami sometime in May, be it the Semis or the Finals. Z will be the key to beating them. If his jumper's on, Shaq and 'Zo ain't gonna have the answer for him.
Varajao isn't the answer either. He's a nice player, but he's MORE LIMITED than Z. He will be exposed if he plays 30-35 minutes a night. I guarantee that we dump at least a few games this year because he misses free throws down the stretch or commits a dumb foul in the penalty. BTW, does anyone notice when he shoots FTs in crunchtime, he just throws it up there quicker than usual (like he wants to "get it over with" and not "think too much")? He almost didn't hit the rim on the first one Wednesday.
Z needs 12-15 shots a game. He needs to get involved early. It's criminal how he is underused on the offensive end.
Z is limited, but he also possesses a skill set that most centers don't have - and one that at least 25 teams would take in a heartbeat (maybe not at that contract, but you know what I mean).
I know this discussion will turn into a "Z is slow, Z sucks......." but I just believe that Washington is a bad matchup for him and I fully expect him to snap out of it. Now, if another week of poor play follows, I will begin to have serious concerns.