Ernie Grunfeld: Dominic McGuire is going to play some power forward this year

by Mike Prada on Jul 15, 2009 9:08 PM EDT in First-hand reporting

I did an interview with Ernie Grunfeld a short while ago that I'm going to post on the site before today's game. One thing we talked a lot about was the frontcourt depth. In response to a question about whether there may be another move for a big man in the works, Ernie mentioned how he thinks the team has five big men: Brendan Haywood, Andray Blatche, JaVale McGee, Antawn Jamison and Dominic McGuire.

I followed up with a question about whether playing Dominic McGuire at power forward sometimes was something he had in mind, and he said "Absolutely."

So there you have it. It sounds like Dominic McGuire is going to play some power forward this year, if Ernie is to be believed.

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I don't know about that

McGuire did an excellent job defending 2s and 3s last season. defending 4s will wear him out..maybe i’m wrong.

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by rashad20 on Jul 15, 2009 9:15 PM EDT reply actions

but -

he’s not going to be relied on to play nearly as many minutes as last year, at any position. barring injuries, of course.

"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler

by little stevie colter on Jul 15, 2009 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

There aren’t going to be minutes at 4 and there aren’t going to be minutes at 3. For all the minutes he’s going to get he might as well play the point.

by RamV on Jul 15, 2009 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions

The numbers don't really bear that out

According to 82games, McGuire gave up PERs of 27.2 to shooting guards anad 19.1 to small forwards, compared to 18.5 to power forwards. Opposing shooting guards had an eFG of .619 and averaged 29 points and 6.1 assists. Small forwards shot a worse eFG and scored fewer points than opposing power forwards, but it still wasn’t great.

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by Jon L on Jul 15, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Yikes!

Really? That’s awful. I never saw the defensive prowess everyone talked about, but I didn’t think he was that ineffecive…

by steadyhand on Jul 15, 2009 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Well not surprising

given that he’s the only other legit forward on the roster that’s taller than 6’ 7’’. I’ve said this before, but depending on matchups I don’t see why he can’t guard the more mobile PFs on other teams (e.g. Rashard Lewis) for 5-8 minutes a game. I think it could work, especially if the rest of the lineup has size. Think about the following five-man reserve unit:

Critt or Foye (even Arenas) (all over 6’ 3’’)
NY 6’6’’
Miller 6’8’’
D-Mac 6’9’’
JaVale 7’1’’

How’s that for a fast-breaking lineup that can push hard off defensive rebounds? I feel like our team is really versatile this year and there are tons of different ways to get usefulness out of the lineup. Today’s NBA is all about matchups, and I like the ability to go to a more agile lineup. (Of course, I DO still want another banger that can handle Howard and Shaq.)

Anyway, there are at least 2 players ahead of D-Mac at PF, so I’m not too concerned about it.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 15, 2009 9:31 PM EDT reply actions

oops

given that he’s the only other legit forward on the roster that’s taller than 6’ 7’’

Obviously Miller is taller – but there is no way in hell he gets minutes at PF.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 15, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Flip and Grunfeld have already said that Miller can play PF. I wish I was lying.

by disgrunted on Jul 15, 2009 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Asked EG about this

He dodged the question, whereas with D-Mac, he answered emphatically that he’s going to play some PF minutes.

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

by Mike Prada on Jul 15, 2009 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I have a hard time believing Flip will do it.

I mean, maybe if you have D-Mac and Miller together (like in my suggested lineup) it’s possible Miller will be guarding a bigger guy and D-Mac the more perimeter oriented forward, but I’ll have to see it to believe it.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 15, 2009 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions

With his height, mobility and wingspan, Taser...

ought to be comfortable at PF in many situations… He could, for example, defend against a mobile 4 like Marvin Williams, Michael Beasley or even KG…

The need for a bulkier back-up PF and Center I think remains, however. Especially against the Cavs, Magic (when they go twin towers with Howard and Gortat) or Hawks (when they team Horford with Zaza).

by khrabb on Jul 16, 2009 9:01 AM EDT reply actions