Why are people saying Rudy doesn’t play defense? I doubt there are many highlights of players playing defense. If people don’t think Rudy plays defense because they haven’t seen highlights, then that is just silly. If people are saying he doesn’t play defense, because he’s European, then that is somewhat sexist. If people say he doesn’t play defense because they read it, or heard it somewhere, then I’m cool with that.

P.S. I don’t really think saying Euro’s don’t play defense is sexist, I just didn’t want to use any of the other -ists. I still think he smokes and I question his use of deodorant.

That Rudy understands how to rotate on defense and where to be. His problem will be his size when compared to other beefy SGs.

My solution: Roy tackles the beefy beefcakes like himself at SG, Rudy tackles the smaller PG, and he uses his basketeering skills to funnel the PGs where we want them to go (The Wall of Oden).

Rudy isn’t a bad defender, and has good instincts for steals. Steals don’t equal defense to be sure, but he understands WHAT he is doing out there on defense and will only be a liability because of his size.

Unlike Outlaw or Sergio, who just don’t know where to be on defense.

Morty-murr

No one is saying that offense isn’t important, or that a team can win with poor offense. Every team will spend a great deal of time on their offensive schemes, and game plans. The teams that win championships are the ones that succeed on the defensive end of the floor as well. That’s why its worth mentioning.

Let’s never speak of this again!

Nate stomps up and down the sidelines.. ACL ?

He was drafted as a shooter/scorer and that emerged like a mole hole. What is it about Web you think is so worth hanging on too?

The jury is hasnt reached a verdict on which one came into camp in better shape. If Martell was in better shape it wasnt the reason for getting the starting nod. Here’s my retort to that: Nate wanted a strong second unit as possible. He wouldnt have had that had he and Trout switched roles. I think clearly almost all season Trout outperformed an otherwise uninspired Web and the PTB bench wouldnt have had near the versatality nor energy had Trout started. As a starter Web could blend in easier considering the talent level alongside him. Id suggest Web blended in too well. As a shooter/scorer first and foremost, Web needs alot of help getting set up for open looks. It seems to take alot of team energy to get Web the look he feels comfortable with. It also seemed to me Web wasnt much a transition defender, so when his shot was off, he didnt demonstrate any special ability to get back and defend.

Web also has begun a take it to the hole hard mentality at times that also is not his forte. I was getting emberrassed by how often Web has the ball stuffed down his tonsils 5 inches from the rim on a throw down. With that I have to say ok, Trout also had a fair number of jumpers plastered back into his face, Kenyon Martin for one had that release point pegged.

I think your the role they had them play point of emphasis is little more than rationalization. Since we didnt get to see Travis start, we have no way to compare their perspective roles.

I agree on your last point- Travis had a better year. In my opinion its because he’s a much better player then Web. Now if Web could find his stroke, and make defenses pay for packing it in, he might turn the corner. Travis is already accelerating around it.