Or, insert the names of Lauren, Lindsey, Nicole, or Amber. Or just about anyone on the Lynx other than Seimone Augustus. Did this coach actually serve under Flip Saunders? Watching last night's game was fun, especially in the second half, but as feisty as it was, the tilt was never in doubt. Teams that stand around like the Lynx did on offense last night deserve to get beat. Flip at least believed in ball, if not player movement. No screens, no moving the ball from side to side, it was awful. And, no post play. The first adjustment I'd make is to sit Nicole Ohlde down. She's not able to physically compete with veteran championship-tier post players. No physical or mental toughness whatsoever. I always thought she was quick to the basket, but a poor finisher. Last night, she could do neither, and her paint play was HORRENDOUS. She's been in the league three years now; overall, women's post play in the WNBA has improved, she has not kept up, as was demonstrated last night. Kathrin Ress from BC would be a much better starting center at this point. She's got the wider body, intensity, and though she will probably get in foul trouble in the beginning, you can tell she's got a lot of upside to her, being only a rookie.
It's early yet, but you won't win games just by giving the ball to SA and getting out of the way. And, I would hold back the ROY for Lindsey Harding; she's got a LONG way to go to be a top notch point guard in this league. Again, she has some intensity, but a team that disrupts people defensively like the Monarchs do has to move something--either the ball or people. The coach and PG are the ones who need to get it done.
Let's hope these are simply growing pains, the result of five rookies on the roster. Otherwise, it's hard to think this club could win five games this year, if any.
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If You Really Must Know
- Peter Weinhold
- We Mid-westerners often take ourselves--and our subjects--too seriously. These postings are a mix of ideas on the subject of basketball; some farcical, others real, but always intentional. If you can't have fun talking about things you enjoy, why do it?
6 comments:
Pat
I agree with you 100%. They are very week in the post. They didn't need Harding. They should have found a rebounder. Mann and Tamika can't play anymore. Svet and Amber are too slow. They should have kept Duffy for her leadership and drafted big. It will be a long season for Seimone
Hey...stop picking on the big girl.. Nicole is more of a forward than a center. She has been playing the center position because we dont have anyone else. She is more of a finesse player. People just think, oh shes the tallest player on the team, so she must be the center...not true. she is more of a Lauren Jackson type of player. Nicole does not like the physical play, and it shows.. I am not giving up on her yet.. And it was Hardings second game as a pro... i think it is a little early to judge her. We needed a point guard, and got a good one. Svet slow? What are you talking about. Thats funny.
-Airinga
Please don't ever compare Nicole with Lauren Jackson. Oldie is slow off her feet and slow to react. The reason they didn't draft Bales is then they would have two slow motion centers. If they win 10 or 12 games this year they will be lucky. Seimone can't wait till she is a free agent. You can't win in womens basketball unless you can shoot the 3 ball and rebound. Harding can't shoot the 3 and nobody can rebound.
You know, the thing is, Nicole knows what her issues are. I saw an interview with her and she mentioned all the things mentioned here. So she is actually aware, just not executing, yet.
Don't forget, Lauren Jackson herself said that she was able to take her game to a whole new, higher level when Anne Donovan started coaching her. Before that, she was an enourmously talented player, but unschooled in the finer art of post play. Now she can bang with the best of them. This is what Nicole needs, IMO, someone knowledgeable who can work with her. Of course, this already may be happening and she's just dense, in which case, yeah, it's going to be a long season.
Here's the deal folks...it doesn't matter if you're a man or woman, finesse or physical player, if you're playing the post, you have to find a way to rebound and at least finish when you have the opportunity. Those weren't bricks Ohlde was throwing up Sunday night, they were mortar shots.
Again, the organization says before the draft their primary need is in the front court, then they make a play for Harding, giving up an All-Star front court player in the process. Then they proceed to only acquire minimal front court help the rest of the draft. So right now , until the club gets a clue, if they want to win at all, Nicole needs to step up. They've been waiting three years for her to step up, but the same problems dog here, whether she's aware of them or not.
Unfortunately, this is the pros, and progress has to be shown quicker. She has to show more, and soon, or sit.
Pete I agree with you on the Nicole situation. The problem being if she sits there is no one on the team qualified to play the post. That problem goes back to the poor decisions from the GM. How many pro teams in any sport have had 2 number one draft choices in consecutive years and will not improve.
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