Shadows

Do you guys think these 2 guys will be one of the most fierce duo's in the NBA in a couple of years. I love Gasol's game he can pretty much do it alll.

Battier has so much potential if he can just put all his tools together. I love the ruit the Grizzlies went in the last Draft, Trading Shareef to build around two rookies will pay off in the future.

Im just wondering do you guys think these 2 guys have what it take's to be the next Pierce/Walker sort of duo in the years to come.

bdachakeya

I do think these guys have what it takes to get the Grizz on another level. I think with a little added weight and muscles to Gasol's frame he can be as good as his desire takes him. If I had one beef to pick with Gasol about his game, it would be that sometimes when he gets the ball on the post he allows the defense to get set, when it had been on the run, because he'll sit there and hold the ball instead of attacking the basket when the defense has been broken down. But all in all, after those two get a little more stronger and another year or two under their belts, with a couple of additional experienced players on their side, they're gonna be a force to be reckoned with.

Shadows

What do you think of Battier's game. I dont see much of him in Toronto what are his strengths and weakneses

Shaqs big toe

Gasol will learn to attack the basket immediately as he realises just how good he is. he was second in the league in Dunks so he must do it often enough.

If you watched the Grizz in the second half of the season, Gasol attacked the basket much more often. I see this continuing into next year too.

bdachakeya

Junkie 101, I love Battier's game. I really think he's gonna be one of those guys who'll give you (15pts., 7-8rbs., 4-5asts.) night in and out in his career. To me, Battier's strengths are all out hustle, rebounding...offensive and defensive, and a reliable shooter, especially when left alone, anywhere on the floor. He's also a natural leader who lets his leadership role show in his work ethics. I'm not saying the guy is the perfect player but he doesn't have many weaknesses to me. But if I had to come up with a few I'd say his free throw shooting was off for his first season but, with his form those numbers will increase next season. And also if you listened to critics they would say that he lacks the ability to take guys off the dribble and also have problems creating his own shot. But to me, he did a wonderful job in proving alot of those guys wrong because when those things were needed out of him, he came thru most of the times. I'll bet you there's probably alot of G.M.s across the league who would love to have a player of his type on their team.

Shadows

I dont really see much Grizz basketball. I know the team but whenever I am reading about them or watching highlights. Battier seems to just be there but not doing anything thats getting him really noticed to me. I guess thats just his style of game. I think he is one of those players who if on a 2 man breakaway he would pass the ball to get the assist rather then dunk it himself. Very un-selfish in my opinion is that a fair way to describe how he plays?

bdachakeya

Junkie I'll agree with you on that, that he's the type of player who would pass up points if the assist is there. Battier is what you would call your "do whatever it takes" type of player. There's no flash to his game but the opposing coach always know when he's out on the floor. This past season, Battier always guarded the toughest player and was given great compliments by many of them, regarding his defense. I know it sounds as if I'm a big Battier fan; I just love what the guy brings to the court each night.

tenkev

While I am a big Battier fan and also a big Gasol fan, I don't think the dynamic of the team will be like the Celtics. I think Battier's game is already at about 90% of his potential, whereas Gasol was probably playing as 60% of the player he will be. Battier will be a consistent good player, but Gasol will be the featured star player.

Shadows

Nice to hear from you tenkev I hope to see you posting more thought's on the board and this site in general.

Do you really think Battier is at 90% of his potential lets not forget he only played 1 season. You probably have seen him more then me so I will take your word for it.

I agree on the Gasol part. Gasol might have 1 of the best all around games in the NBA in my opinion. I love the way he can post up, shoot over you, rebound and block shots.

tenkev

I think Battier might improve alot, but it would surprise me. His game is hustle and intangibles, and those are things that he just can't improve. He can probably improve his endurance and his strength, but I just don't see him becoming a superstar type player. Hopefully I'm wrong and he'll become really great though.

Shadows

I agree with the idea the Battier will not be a super star in the NBA. However 90% of NBA players have better stats in there 2nd season after comming off a rookie season. I do think Battier has the game to be a double-double guy for many seasons infact I think he will be one of those guys who average 20 and 10 in a couple of years but will go very un-noticed because of his style or lack of.

If he becomes more unselfish and starts putting up more shots at the right times he will be a very dependable and quality player in this league no question.

Damian Necronamous

I think that Gasol will be a superstar, with a little more muscle toning. But, I don't think Battier will be a star. He just seems to be a one dimensional player, his only real weapon is his jump shot. I think Battier will be a more consistant Allan Houston like player.

__________________
Chick Hearn: This game is in the refrigerator. The door is closed, the lights are out, the eggs are gettin' cool, the butter's gettin' hard, and the jellooooooo's jigglin'!

Current 2008-2009 LA Lakers Roster
PG: Derek Fisher, Jordan Farmar
SG: Kobe Bryant, Sasha Vujacic, Sun Yue
SF: Vladimir Radmanovic, Trevor Ariza, Luke Walton
PF: Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Josh Powell
C: Andrew Bynum, Chris Mihm, D.J. Mbenga

Shadows

Do you really think that at best Battier can be a role player?(He can be better then that give him some credit).

Comparing him to Allan Houston is without question a compliment. I consider Alann a star in the NBA not a superstar and better then a role player so a star. I dont see how Shane can be 1 dimensional he already has a solid shot and his defence is not hurting the Grizz to say the least.

I really hope Shane shows what he has this year and just starts shooting the ball more instead of worrying about the people around him. Cant be a superstar if your not selfish

Zerto 2000

Shane is a step down from Pau. I think whoever they draft this year wil be Pau's partner, or if Dickerson comes back healthy, him

UofMark

Whoever we draft needs to be a contributer quickly. As games wore on and the Grizzlies started going down their bench, you could feel the energy drop as the replacements hit the floor. I know we can't expect our starting five to play all 48. We need some serious bench depth bad. When JWill left the floor for Brev Knight, the talent and energy drop was very noticable. The same for when Massenburg replaced Gasol. Depending on who Golden State takes with #3 pick, I hope we take either Dunleavey or Gooden. Either one gives us good outside shooting plus has the size to mix it up underneath abit.