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Around SBN: Todd Haley Is The Steelers Next Offensive Coordinator

Our Lineup

With all of the discussions going on about who is required at the 1 and 3, what upgrades we need to make. I would like to take a second to throw in my five cents that potentially, we have the lineup we need already sitting on our roster. No upgrade required. Our starting lineup would feature Brandon Roy at point guard, Rudy Fernandez at shooting guard, James Jones at small forward, LaMarcus Aldridge at Power Forward and, of course, Greg Oden at center. There have been concerns that having Brandon at point would wear him down over the season, considering the pounding he takes in the paint. However, I think this is negated as he continues to develop his body, and having Fernandez on the court adds a competent (by all accounts) ball handler. LaMarcus and Oden are guarantees, but I suspect some of you are questioning my placement of Jones at the 3. My thoughts are that Jones is an amazing spot up shooter, and that he struggled at times coming off the bench getting an open shot. With four competent scorers surrounding him and drawing the D, I think Jones could have a phenomenal impact on the team. The bench would work itself out like this. Steve Blake at point, Webster at SG, Outlaw at SF, Frye assuming the PF spot, and Przybilla taking over backup 5. With Webster, Outlaw, and Frye, the White Unit would have plenty of scoring options and is better balanced. Blake, Webster, and Outlaw will all hit their open threes, and Blake and Przybilla are both competent, if not excellent, defenders. Webster and Fernandez are interchangeable at SG, depending on how quick Rudy makes the transition to NBA defenses, but I liked the idea of another ball handler. Eventually as Steve Blake grows older, his back up guard spot would be assumed by Sergio Rodriguez. This would allow the White Unit to be lightning quick, with Rodriguez leading the break, and tow of our best finishers, Outlaw and Webster, filling the lanes beside him. This lineup is potentially and arguably the best 10 (11) man lineup in the entire league. Przybilla is the, by default, best back up center in the league, and I can't think of anyone besides Steve Blake that I would like managing the reserves. That batch of veteran leadership would cool down the younger players heads and help them grow as NBA players. Considering the chemistry of our team, I highly doubt anyone would make a fuss over coming off the bench, as long as their role is clearly defined and we are succeeding. Mull over this and tell me what you think.

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I like it

After the All Star Break. When our newest players have had a chance to work together for a couple of months.

by coastrider on May 11, 2008 9:37 PM PDT reply actions  

So what happens

to Jack and the pick? Shall we pick somebody to stay over in Europe and trade JJ for a future draft pick? I still say we’re overloaded and neither Webster nor Rodriguez would get much time on the court in your scenario—maybe better to package them together (maybe with JJ) to get a top tier player than let them stew and lose value riding the pines.

I like your idea of more-or-less staying the course, and I suspect any moves made will leave most of the pieces you identify in place. But we have 12 players (including Rudy) who will expect serious playing time (Raef and McRob probably don’t). Just not enough minutes to go around - some smart deals could turn 3 players into a veteran upgrade at the 1 or 3 and give us a happier, healthier roster. Be interesting to watch anyhow - and most of the pieces you mention will be there.

by BrailleTaser on May 11, 2008 10:00 PM PDT reply actions  

disagree

James Jones is very overrated around here.
I’m not sure he’ll get playing time next year.

by Falcao on May 12, 2008 7:58 AM PDT reply actions  

You realize we had the most success this year ...

when Jones was healthy and in the lineup, right?

by bfan on May 12, 2008 9:07 AM PDT up reply actions  

I like that starting lineup

Including having Jones at the three. The thing about Jones is, he is such a deadly shooter that the other teams have to guard him (they will regret it if they don’t), even if he is just standing in the corner a long way from where the action is. That means the defender guarding Jones will be a long way away from the action as well, basically turning a 5-on-5 into a 4-on-4. If Jones’ teammates aren’t very good offensively that doesn’t help much, but if the other 4 are Roy, Rudy, Aldridge, and Oden, I like their chances of scoring against any 4 defenders in the league.

by trk on May 13, 2008 12:20 AM PDT reply actions  

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