First of all, it is my belief that to win NBA championships a team must have dominant bigs. This has nothing to do with Jasmine’s or Collette’s. Every championship team I can remember has dominant bigs, except the JorPip Bulls. But that’s the greatest wing combo (not Popeye’s) ever. I’ll give it up for the Super Wallace Bros. They were pretty dominant. Garnett, Perkins, Baby. Unfortunately, and despite great play from David West, bigs are the Hornets greatest roster hole, in terms of elite personnel. With or without Collison, the plan is to build around CPaul. What do bigs have to do with it?

To build around CPaul, instead of trying to get dominant big play, I look to the Iverson Finals squad/Bad Boys, and even a little Wallace Bros. Billups is an elite champion point guard. First question, is Thornton the Dumars to CPaul? As a fan, I want to be optimistic. I want to believe that what he can do is be a great perimeter defender, both in terms of strength and quickness to stay in front of great 2s, and reach in passing lanes. I want to believe that he can be a consistent shooter in clutch situations. He’s already shown an ability to take care of the ball and not make risky decisions. I’ve seen him be Wade like in attack mode.

I believe that Okafor is an on and off the court asset. Huge time athlete millionaires tend to also often be badass dudes. He seems like a good dude. Maybe he’s expensive to have come off the bench. But he’s a big dude, and plays well. The Hornets are confident with him putting in clean ups, and the occasional wide open layup. At least he dunks. And David West is great. So the Hornets are on their way to Mutambo, Hill, Lynch, Geiger… tough guys. That’s what Posey was supposed to be. You get a strong, speed-demon, ninja elite at the point, and surround him with enforcers and Aaron McKey.

Second question, could Paul and Collison be like Nash and Barbosa, or Paul and Pargo in 2008 *magic/could Paul be Dumars to Collison? That is, could Paul move to shooting guard? I’m specifically curious because when I thought about some players that the Pacers had after the finals, I was hopeful for some kind of Hibbert and Granger package. They might not have wanted Thornton. I’m looking forward to improved passing lane defense and athleticism on offense from the 3 spot. He hit clutch 3s in the finals. Just musing. I know it doesn’t matter.

Evan Turner. Speaking of the demise of one of the all time greats, I was a dedicated fan of Allen Iverson, and now that he’s overseas. I need to pick a new favorite active player. Before Iverson, it was Barkley. So naturally, I look toward Evan Turner, to not become Sean Bradley (seems like a good dude), and be better than Iguladala while Iguodala is still in his prime. JorPip style. Does the karma seem right, right now for Philly to have drafted a hall of famer? Keith Van Horn? 

5 Comments