Super Steve To The Rescue Part 2
Well I thought it would be appropriate for a part 2. If you didn't see part 1, read it here. Why a part 2? Read on dear reader!
Steve was supposed to be the savior for the Lakers when he was traded (and before Howard got dealt as well). Well I predicted accurately that there was a very real chance he could break down (2 games in as a matter of fact) and the Lakers would be in trouble. Well a lot has happened. Mainly a new coach. Nash's favorite coach. Nash's favorite coach that perfectly fits him and his up-tempo style.
So because of this, Nash is again appointed savior to the struggling Lakers when he returns. Well offensively this couldn't be more true. (If Kobe allows) Nash totally controls his team. He gets the ball where it needs to be, where the players like it. Just a tried and true floor general.
So what about the defensive end? Nash adds nothing to this equation. Even in his MVP days, he wasn't a good defender. Probably below-average to average at best for his position. Now he's much older and hasn't exactly improved on that aspect.
I bring this up because defense seems to be the Lakers main problem. And as I pointed out, Nash can't be counted on for fixing this. Assuming Howard gets to full strength that should help out- assuming he's not already there. And hopefully (for Laker fans) Gasol gets his knees back in working order, and gets his head straight again. Offensively he's not going to be a beast anymore. How could he be? Look at his teammates! He just needs to be the stretch shooter, and facilitator, and of course defensive rebounder if nothing else. I agree with the notion, that he and Nash should play well off each other. He has the potential to be just fine in D'Antoni's system.
So with two big men knowing their roles and playing D (if nothing else), Super Steve can come to the rescue... to an extent. We hope.
Steve was supposed to be the savior for the Lakers when he was traded (and before Howard got dealt as well). Well I predicted accurately that there was a very real chance he could break down (2 games in as a matter of fact) and the Lakers would be in trouble. Well a lot has happened. Mainly a new coach. Nash's favorite coach. Nash's favorite coach that perfectly fits him and his up-tempo style.
So because of this, Nash is again appointed savior to the struggling Lakers when he returns. Well offensively this couldn't be more true. (If Kobe allows) Nash totally controls his team. He gets the ball where it needs to be, where the players like it. Just a tried and true floor general.
So what about the defensive end? Nash adds nothing to this equation. Even in his MVP days, he wasn't a good defender. Probably below-average to average at best for his position. Now he's much older and hasn't exactly improved on that aspect.
I bring this up because defense seems to be the Lakers main problem. And as I pointed out, Nash can't be counted on for fixing this. Assuming Howard gets to full strength that should help out- assuming he's not already there. And hopefully (for Laker fans) Gasol gets his knees back in working order, and gets his head straight again. Offensively he's not going to be a beast anymore. How could he be? Look at his teammates! He just needs to be the stretch shooter, and facilitator, and of course defensive rebounder if nothing else. I agree with the notion, that he and Nash should play well off each other. He has the potential to be just fine in D'Antoni's system.
So with two big men knowing their roles and playing D (if nothing else), Super Steve can come to the rescue... to an extent. We hope.
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