Deep Thoughts from the LAC Game

Random observations of today's game.

A. Our starting line-up needs a shake up. We can't keep getting behind in games and trying to battle back. Stevenson, I don't think is the guy for SF. We got way behind with him starting and unless there is a specific wing to stop, I don't think he holds much value on the court. I mean he finally took his first 2 pointer of the season today.. sad. This is going to sound blasphemous, but I think we should start Farmar until James or Shawne come back. Hear me out... We don't have enough scoring/offense or momentum when we start games. We start slow and passive. At least Farmar has shown he will play aggressively, especially when he plays with Deron on the floor as the off-guard. Unlike Gaines, I think Farmar is better as a SG and Deron would still play the point. The caveat would be Farmar must be instructed he will get his minutes assuming he passes to everyone including MarShon. But I'd rather Farmar spotting up for the 3 than Stevenson, and I'd rather him putting the ball on the floor than Morrow. Yes this puts Brooks back at SF, and as much as I don't like him there, he can play there. If that doesn't work, go back to Morrow, but I don't think Stevenson or Gaines are the answer. Or trade for a SF. Sadly, I miss Damion James because of his rebounding (which is excellent for a SF) and defense. I think he would have been much more serviceable with Brooks next to him as he would have no offensive expectations.

B. MarShon is right on two things. We are close to winning if we start executing/converting. The talent is there on offense from our guards to keep us in games along with the 3 pointers from role players. The defense and rebounding could be there from the frontcourt with more from Hump, Sheldon and healthy D.James. Brooks continues to impress me on defense, and we know D.Will is capable, or we were told. Secondly, there needs to be fire on the team, and it needs to come from Deron and even some from Okur, in that he is a vet and used to a winning atmosphere. They both need to start drinking Red Bull and play with some passion. High five your teammates, yell at them on defensive miscues, but most of all lead by example.

C. I know most of realize how much we miss Brook (and injuries in general have hurt us), but there is something major missing from this team, that would have been added had not Lopez went down.. Kirilenko. If we didn't have to sign Okur (who hasn't been overly impressive), and had a healthy Lopez and AK (who we would have added about a week ago), we would be a much much better team. AK alone would make this team soooo much better as our SF rotation is terrible.I dream about this rotation: Deron | Brooks | AK | Hump | Lopez

D. Pay no mind to the Dwight/LAC rumor. Dwight denied it, and unless they trade Griffin (which I doubt they would), they won't get Dwight. They don't have enough in FA from the Paul trade and the Jordan and Butler contracts next summer even with amnestying Mo Williams.

E. Shelden Williams is the man. He's so bad offensively and should never be allowed to shoot a jump shot, but he works his butt off on defense and on the glass. When Lopez is healthy, we're going to have the best collection of big men (Lopez, Okur, Hump, Shelden), in a long, long while. He's like a cross between Collins and Aaron Williams for me. Him and Humphries and sometimes Morrow and Okur, remind me that we do have some great role players on this team, we're just lacking one more AS quality player.

F the refs. What was that?! Two blatant goal tending calls that were "missed" not to mention the "missed" call they reviewed and SAW Griffin knock the ball out. That was incredulous. I've never seen such blatant cheating by refs before tonight. I don't know who tells them to rig games like that, or how much they get paid to do it, but if anyone doubts it, there it was.

G. +4 for Brooks in 42 minutes, yet we lost by 10 in 48. Gotta love this guy. I also don't mind that he's not getting too many more looks. He doesn't force things, and we don't want him to develop a chucker's mentality. He manages to play within the game and stay efficient. He'll start getting his soon enough, but I like the consistency and the build up. Once he has a decent big man to play with, he will look even better.

H. Last but not least.. Deron. I often think the criticism is unfair, but tonight was one of those nights where it was justified. He just doesn't help the team the way he should/could. His shots aren't falling, he's turning the ball over and he continues to demonstrate poor leadership with his poor body language and lack of motivation on the court. I still think he's a top PG in the league (behind Rose, Paul), but I also think it is being demonstrated he's not a trans formative player with his play or leadership.He excelled in Utah with a good big man, system and coach, but he doesn't have the tools to carry the load offensively or defensively. Kidd would be able to change a game with offense by taking it to the rim, drawing fouls or easy buckets, or on defense by forcing steals/turnovers and getting the team to run with him and match his effort.