C's Roster as it stands?

[Celtic17]

I like the idea of Perk not being a big scorer. We do and will have plenty of players that can be asked to put the ball in the hoop. If Perk can get his 10-15 point with his focus being on rebounding and defense, I will be thrilled. I also don't think his speed is going to be that big of an issue.

I'm content with a future with Big Al and Mt Perk as our 4 & 5. Now we need to find the depth to back them up.

It should be fun watching them bang it up in Vegas. Let's see what kind of progress they have made and what kinds of new moves they might have.

[DERRENMATTS]

His lack of speed is the part that snags me. There are few big Centers in the NBA nowadays. Most of them are quick guys (Nazr Mohammed, Ben Wallace, Samuel Dalembert). These type of guys can't match up with Perkins' strength, so they'll use their quickness to beat him. Perkins may be able to look solid against guys like Ilgauskas, who is also a slow footed player. But against strong big men like Eddie Curry and Ben Wallce, his lack of foot speed will be exploited.

I'll just have to wait and see.

[Celtic17]

I can see what you mean Derren. If we can get MBlount to 'play' this year, it might help with the faster Bigs. A little help-defense from Al will play a big part in this too. I bet Al could play the 5 when needed. A little more time and we'll see were DA takes the squad.

[DERRENMATTS]

I definitely think Al can play some at 5. He's actually a pretty versatile player. Hope his midrange shot comes back to him this year.

[Roadrunner]

I would agree that today's center is shorter, quicker. Less of a true center, but more of a power forward playing the post.

Perkins, my goals for him is to bring down 10-15 boards a game; play tough, intimidating d-fense, and score 10 points.

[DERRENMATTS]

If Perkins is our future Center, he needs to develop his ability to tip in misses. We haven't really seen if he has this ability, since he hasn't had much playing time in his short career. But as our potential future Center, he needs to have this ability. With Jefferson being around the paint a lot, Perkins needs to be able to tip in Jefferson's misses for some easy points. Giving us around 2 - 3 tip ins per game will be terrific.

So far, we haven't had any big men who are good at tipping in. Blount, Raef, and Walker haven't been doing this for us. Its small stuff like this which gives us advantages, and for any team aspiring to be contenders, its the small stuff that tips the scale in their favor.

One of Duncan's many skills is his ability to tip in shots--either off his own miss, or his teammate's misses. He's not given much credit for this skill, but its what helps San Antonio win close games.

[meltinjohn]

Jefferson can be the type to tip in shots. Next year, I see Jefferson with 30mpg getting 12.5 and 6-7 rpg. Not overly generous because hes not at that level yet. Even if Pierce was gone, I wouldn't picture him getting big numbers yet.
Perkins will be an immediate backup the way it looks RIGHT NOW. I wonder if Blount can make his way back to get his backup center spot back. Perkins in 20-25 minutes could get 6ppg and 4-5 rpg. Something along those lines.

[Roadrunner]

Perhaps Blount has self-esteem issues, with his play.

AJ, his offense is there, it is his defense which needs some opportunity.

[DERRENMATTS]

Yeah, RR. I think Blount suffers from low self esteem at times. Sometimes after he scores, he has a smirk on his face, as if he's astounded that he just did what he did.

Jefferson progressed well last year defensively. From looking totally lost, he went to being an acceptable defender at times. His help defense is looking promising. He needs to work on his post defense against guys who like to lower their shoulders and manuever to the basket.

[meltinjohn]

Blount has to suffer from low self esteem. He just didnt have it at all. 2 double doubles I think last year opposed to 15 the year before or something? He is a lost cause.