Still, Washington's overall defense was sufficiently effective for them to have won the game. But...

Still, Washington's overall defense was sufficiently effective for them to have won the game. But what they require more than anything else is a point-producing low-post player, who will compel opponents to double-team him and therefore generate layups for dive-cutters as well as pressure-free jumpers for the likes of Arenas, Jamison, and Butler.

Charley Rosen on the Wizard's OT loss to the Raptors, and an assessment on what they need. After watching their offensive performance of late, I'm inclined to agree that what they need is a reliable postplayer.

about 2 years ago Pryme 18 comments 0 recs |

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They have reliable post players

Caron, Antawn and Gilbert can post up smaller guys. They just don’t do it.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Dec 8, 2009 11:37 AM EST reply actions

We're not talking about Mark Jackson, Corliss Williamson and Larry Johnson here.

If they don’t do it, then either the coach doesn’t believe in their ability to be consistently successful, or they aren’t really comfortable doing it (as much as, say, shooting a contested jumpshot).

Either way, that means they’re not reliable post players.

by Pryme on Dec 8, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

This information

1) has been the case for as long as I can remember

2) applies to most of the teams in the NBA

but is true nonetheless.

by MR on Dec 8, 2009 12:11 PM EST reply actions

True

other teams have just been better at covering up their deficiencies.

by Pryme on Dec 8, 2009 12:21 PM EST up reply actions

Curious

Anyone care to start a list of “point-producing low-post player(s), who will compel opponents to double-team him” in the NBA? I’m guessing it’s short.

by MR on Dec 8, 2009 12:24 PM EST reply actions

Well, I can tell you

That we have one of 2007’s top five sitting on the bench.

by Pryme on Dec 8, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions

Has Flip explained

why Oberto has been DNPing the last few games?

Its always Roger Mason (Jr.) time!

by Sean Fagan on Dec 8, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions

You think Oberto would command a double team in the post?

Rosen’s point is not who is effective or good, but who can command a double team.

by MR on Dec 8, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions

Well, certainly not on a team with Tim Duncan

Here? On the surface I’d say “no,” but you never really know unless you try.

But if you factor in “commanding double teams,” according to NBA.com stats this guy would be the best option for us.

by Pryme on Dec 8, 2009 1:17 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think we have to try. We know.

If we try to post Oberto not only will it not force a double team, I think it’s possible that the opposite might happen…teams might just leave him alone altogether to double on the cutters and 3 point shooters, forcing him to miss a wide open point blank layup. No offense Fab.

by MR on Dec 8, 2009 1:53 PM EST up reply actions

Our only other options

(assuming the solution is: work with what we’ve got) is to either put Jamison in the post more or turn Haywood, McGee and Dom into halfway decent postplayers (somewhere between 10-15 ppg).

by Pryme on Dec 8, 2009 4:10 PM EST up reply actions

I think AJ is clearly the only reliable scorer in the post, but I question whether he will be double teamed down there. He usually isn’t, perhaps because of his quick move/unorthodox style.

There is no sane NBA coach that would double on BTH, McG or Dom.

by MR on Dec 8, 2009 4:28 PM EST up reply actions

Butler?

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Dec 8, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions

Could be

I just don’t see him being doubled down there much if at all. Plus I don’t think a lot of offenses are built on posting a SF (correct me if I’m wrong).

Again, just because there is an effective player in the post doesn’t mean he’s going to be steady enough for defenses to key on him. First he’s got to prove that it hurts more to leave him in single coverage than to leave a slasher/shooter open. If I were defending the Wizards I wouldn’t double Butler in the post.

by MR on Dec 8, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions

Just what we need

Another Offense first, high-usage guy that doesn’t know how to spell D

Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......

by Rook6980 on Dec 8, 2009 7:15 PM EST up reply actions

Where could we even get one of these?

Emeka Okafor might be available, but he’s not a good passer. Oh, let’s just trade for ZBo or Eddy Curry. Actually, Luis Scola would be a great pick up, but I doubt Houston would give him up.

by pantslessyoda1 on Dec 8, 2009 3:01 PM EST reply actions

southeast division is argubly the toughest in the league

how many dominating post players are there in our division?

i’m not even sure howard is that great in the post.

by DarrellWalkerFan on Dec 8, 2009 3:48 PM EST reply actions

I agree

I just think because he’s the one who works hardest at it, he’s better than the average post person. To me, he’s more or less a bizarro Alonzo Mourning, but considering the lack of decent 7-footers in the East that’s good enough.

I suppose another option is for Haywood to develop his postgame; we don’t need a guy to get us 30 in the paint as much as someone to take the pressure off the perimeter guys.

by Pryme on Dec 8, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions