Lakers @ Cavaliers Game Thread (8pm ESPN)

[David_TheMan]

Bron doesn't like playing off ball for extended periods though and Rondo can't really shoot so unless he has the ball he won't really be doing much.

IMO Rondo and Bron play roles that are too similar to really mesh and Rondo just isn't of a caliber high enough to offset the cohesion Kyrie brings. Interesting scenario though

Yeah there is overlap, but I would say the same thing was said when Bron played with Wade.
They were both slashers and streaky shooters, but they made it work.
I think if you get Rondo there, he will setup Bron and make it easier for him and it gives LeBron the ability to also pass without having to feel like he has to set everything up, he can pass beautifully out of double teams in the post, he can play pick and roll, and so can Boogie, but Boogie can get you guaranteed buckets in the paint.

I understand what your saying though, I just think with a motion based offense, it would be dangerous.

 

[Gil Scott-Heroin]

You are right, I should say Cousins plays above average defense.
Rondo played great defense when he was on a team that wasn't rebuilding, Dallas was odd and its clear he didn't fit with Carlisle. Again with Karl I won't knock anyone because defense isnt and has never been a priority.

Curry fukked great defenders up, using Curry as an example is terrible, that said I still think in a system with Rondo, Iman, LBJ, TT, and Cousins I think defensively they would be beastily, especially if they had a coach that stressed defense. On offense the key is making LBJ relinquish the ball handling and move off ball.

But you just said they would handle the Warriors defensively -

Its is compatible, it isn't about Rondo changing its about forcing LBJ into the post. Rondo becomes primary ball handler, LBJ works off ball and high post, Boogie in the paint, spot up shooters outside.



I think defensively they could more than handle the Warriors, and they would be better suited to not go small but punish the Warriors for going small with a reliable low post scoring threat in Boogie.
Just my opinoin, I'm not a fan of this small ball shyt.

Man look, it's a horrible idea to even think to put LeBron and Rondo together on the same team - it just means there's two players who can't shoot particularly well from the floor (Rondo especially) who can't operate without the ball in their hands. If you're going to trade Love/Kyrie for Cousins/Rondo, you'd have this lineup in the playoffs -

Rondo
JR
LeBron
Tristan
Cousins

Do you even realize how terrible the ball movement and spacing would be (not to mention how bad the shooting would be)? On the defensive front - Rondo played good defense when he had arguably the greatest defensive anchor of the modern era behind him, where he could play in the passing lanes. Whatever defensive ability he had in Boston, is long gone due to his injuries and moodiness. You can't rely on Cousins to protect the paint because he too gives inconsistent effort and isn't particularly smart on defending shots in the paint and helping out on PnRs.

 

[Gyasi85]

What happened to love?

 

[Bilz]

He got 17

Close.

He was at 12 for a long time until he got a bailout foul call

 

[Gyasi85]

you didn't see where Kobe said they talk on the phone alot?

I just seen it...in truth..coolest thing i seen Bean do was send autographed kicks to Alimoe funeral in Harlem...as vicious a nikka as Bean is...that was legit...

 

[David_TheMan]

But you just said they would handle the Warriors defensively -

Man look, it's a horrible idea to even think to put LeBron and Rondo together on the same team - it just means there's two players who can't shoot particularly well from the floor (Rondo especially). If you're going to trade Love/Kyrie for Cousins/Rondo, you'd have this lineup in the playoffs -

Rondo
JR
LeBron
Tristan
Cousins

Do you even realize how terrible the ball movement and spacing would be (not to mention how bad the shooting would be)? On the defensive front - Rondo played good defense when he had arguably the greatest defensive anchor of the modern era behind him, where he could play in the passing lanes. Whatever defensive ability he had in Boston, is long gone due to his injuries and moodiness. You can't rely on Cousins to protect the paint because he too gives inconsistent effort and isn't particularly smart on defending shots in the paint and helping out on PnRs.

yes I said the Cavs would handle the Warriors defensively, not Rondo would handle Curry. I"m talking team defense, being able to have the talent on the floor that can cover defensive rotations, play above average man defense, yet also have a legit big than can effectively patrol the paint if he must and more out as well. I think the lineup I suggest could do that.

No that isn't the lineup I would have, I already posted the starting lineup I would go with.
Rondo
Shump
LBJ
TT
Cousins

There wouldn't be terrible ball movement if you have a system that would make use of the talents on the floor, there is no reason to say you cna't have proper spacing, and with an adjustment to LeBron's game into say the high post while Boogie is in the low, you would have nice offensive versatility.

 

[Edub]

anyone can score with clarkson defending them

Really...so the only reason Kyrie bust 35 is cuz clarkson d huh





Nikka Kyrie bust everybody ass...just ask the entire Spurs squad

 

[Victim of Racism]

 

[THE MACHINE]

Softest dude ever

 

[Gil Scott-Heroin]

yes I said the Cavs would handle the Warriors defensively, not Rondo would handle Curry. I"m talking team defense, being able to have the talent on the floor that can cover defensive rotations, play above average man defense, yet also have a legit big than can effectively patrol the paint if he must and more out as well. I think the lineup I suggest could do that.

That's not happening with Cousins though. When the pace of the game keeps changing due to a constant fight for possessions, and the Warriors have the Cavs running up and down the floor launching 3s on the fast break - Boogie ain't gonna do shyt but pout on the other end when he throws up a wild shot and doesn't get a call.

No that isn't the lineup I would have, I already posted the starting lineup I would go with.

Rondo
Shump
LBJ
TT
Cousins

There wouldn't be terrible ball movement if you have a system that would make use of the talents on the floor, there is no reason to say you cna't have proper spacing, and with an adjustment to LeBron's game into say the high post while Boogie is in the low, you would have nice offensive versatility.

That's one of the worst shooting lineups in the entire league. There would be practically no spacing and they would have terrible ball movement because Rondo is incapable of playing without the ball in his hands - like completely incapable. Not only that but he isn't a scoring/shooting threat when he has the ball. He's 6th in the league in time of possession (only behind Lillard, CP, Reggie, Westbrook and Kemba by 30 seconds), #2 in touches per game - while having one of the lowest points per touches out of all starting PGs. Basically he dominates the ball without looking to score, which is pretty much the worst thing for a team's offense. Teams would be leaving him open to double team Cousins or LeBron and they wouldn't have to move far due to the lack of a 3-pt threat. LeBron needs the ball in his hands to be effective. Cousins needs the ball in his hands to be effective. The only player that could play off the ball is Shumpert, and he's not even a great off-ball player. The offense would consist of Rondo dribbling the air outta the ball while LeBron and Cousins find position on either side of the block, Tristan clogging up the lane and Shumpert running around trying to distract defenders.

It's just an absolute ridiculous trade idea.

 

[David_TheMan]

That's not happening with Cousins though. When the pace of the game keeps changing due to a constant fight for possessions, and the Warriors have the Cavs running up and down the floor launching 3s on the fast break - Boogie ain't gonna do shyt but pout on the other end when he throws up a wild shot and doesn't get a call.



That's one of the worst shooting lineups in the entire league. There would be practically no spacing and they would have terrible ball movement because Rondo is incapable of playing without the ball in his hands - like completely incapable. Not only that but he isn't a scoring/shooting threat when he has the ball. He's 6th in the league in time of possession (only behind Lillard, CP, Reggie, Westbrook and Kemba by 30 seconds), #2 in touches per game - while having one of the lowest points per touch out of all starting PGs. Basically he dominates the ball without scoring. Teams would be leaving him open to double team Cousins or LeBron and they wouldn't have to move far due to the lack of a 3-pt threat. LeBron needs the ball in his hands to be effective. Cousins needs the ball in his hands to be effective. The only player that could play off the ball is Shumpert, and he's not even a great off-ball player. The offense would consistent of Rondo dribbling the air outta the ball while LeBron and Cousins find for position on either side of the block, Tristan clogging up the lane and Shumpert running around trying to distract defenders.

It's just an absolute ridiculous trade idea.

Its your opinoin about Cousins, not mine. Also I don't think they should be trying to match them in pace. I think it benefits the Cavs to play at a slow pace, that deliberately goes at Green.

Its a poor shooting lineup, but I think its has enough streaky shooters to keep any team from packing the paint, and it leaves a good second unit that can score centered around Mo and JR.

As for Rondo, the idea is for him to be the primary ball handler and for LBJ to be off ball. Being motion oriented, I'm not of the mindset that anyone should be waiting at the corner backside of Cousins or Bron players need to be running cuts to the basket to keep people honest.

You think Rondo would over drible, I disagree completely.

 

[O.T.I.S.]

anyone can score with clarkson defending them

Like Russ any better defensively

 

[ALonelyDad]

Didn't expect Kobe to get that type of love in Cleveland because of the Lebron/Kobe stan rivalry, that was pretty cool.

 

[Gangstar8]

Like Russ any better defensively

hes not?

 

[Sleepy Walker]

Didn't expect Kobe to get that type of love in Cleveland because of the Lebron/Kobe stan rivalry, that was pretty cool.

If you can't acknowledge Kobe's greatness you are truly blinded by hate