I mean ya asked me for da truth and dats what i’m given ya straight up
— Tony “Toots” Morales
Let’s just dive into this, shall we? I have listed some questions for you to tug on your brain with. All of them deal with the Pelicans. Answer the questions as best you can without going paragraph crazy. Answer all of them or select a couple and have at it. Try to avoid the word salad and be as precise as you can. I look forward to your responses.
- Which Pelicans player got better when it mattered most? (can’t use Davis)
- Which Pelicans player could start for the Spurs? (can’t use Davis)
- Which Pelicans player would you trust the most in the final three minutes of a “must win game?” (can’t use Davis)
- Select any player or players and list their top two skills . . . just two . . . anyone that lists more than two gets on my $#@! list.
- Does Anthony Davis have a weakness in his game?
- How long have you been an NBA fan? Use a scale of 1-5 (5 means your a Hoop Addict) . . how would you rate your love of the game? Why?
- What’s the sweetest play / action in basketball?
Have fun!
Gerry V is a 21-year NBA analyst, 17-year talk radio host, a 16-year coach . . . also hosts “Gerry V’s “Talk Back Live on 99.5 WRNO New Orleans right after every Saints Sunday Game. Follow Gerry V on twitter (@GVTalk).
20 responses to “Weakside Eyes: A Pelicans Questionnaire”
1. Which Pelicans player got better when it mattered most? (can’t use Davis)
A shame Anderson didn’t get to play enough for me to choose him, he would be my answer. So, I pick Morrow, he stepped up whan the team was starving for scoring and leadership.
2.Which Pelicans player could start for the Spurs? (can’t use Davis)
Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson. They’re the ones that play the most to their strenghts and within themselves, just like Pop likes.
3.Which Pelicans player would you trust the most in the final three minutes of a “must win game?” (can’t use Davis)
Tyreke. Been a fan of his since his dark Kings days and believe he’s the clutch gene in him,
4.Select any player or players and list their top two skills . . . just two . . . anyone that lists more than two gets on my $#@! list.
Evans – ball handling and transition offense
Davis – pick n roll offense and help defense
Holiday – pick n roll offense and perimeter defense
Anderson – catch and shoots off screns and offensive rebounding
Gordon – contract and attitude… just kidding, infiltration and spot up shooting
Smith – rebounding and fire (is that a valid skill?)
Morrow – spot up shots and tear drop
Rivers – ball handling and perimeter defense
Steamer – fouling and turning it over
Aminu – rebounding and transition offense
5.Does Anthony Davis have a weakness in his game?
Yes, his lack of experience. The more he plays, the more he figures out. All the guy needs is time.
6.How long have you been an NBA fan? Use a scale of 1-5 (5 means your a Hoop Addict) . . how would you rate your love of the game? Why?
It’s been about 14 years, me being 24 now. I’d rate myself a 5. I would say I love this game a lot, to the point I coach my male and female college team and was the responsible for the sport for 3 years . Why? Just fascination for the game, the moment I was introduced to it I fell in love, never to look back again.
7.What’s the sweetest play / action in basketball?
A game-winning shot.
1) Which player got better when it mattered most? (can’t use Davis)
Definitely Anthony Morrow. I thought he was a great pick up in the off season but as the season progressed he def became one of my favorite players. I love his that he isn’t afraid to shoot. I really hope he stays next year and continues to get solid minutes.
2) Which pelicans player could start for the Spurs? (Can’t use Davis)
Probably Jrue, I think Anderson could def start (but he would probaly come off the bench and Tyreke has too much talent not to start if he played in San Antonio)
3) Which Pelicans player would you trust the most in the final three minutes of a “must win game?”
I don’t think we got to see to much of him but I would trust Jrue the most in the final three minutes. We saw it in Philly and we saw it a couple of times here. He can take over games.
4) Pick a player and list two skills.
Davis – Pick and Roll Man and shot blocking
Jrue – Spot up shooting and Perimeter defense
Tyreke – Penetration and fast break offense
Anderson – Spot up shooting and offense rebounding
Eric Gordon – when he wants too he can be a pretty good defender and penetration
Morrow – Spot up Shooting and fearlessness
Smith – Pick and Pop and hustle
Withey – great hair and help defense
Rivers – handles and perimeter D
5) Does Davis have any weaknesses?
I think Strength is still a pretty big weakness for him. I just imagine how much better he will be when he can really hold his own down low.
6) How long have you been an NBA fan? Scale of 1-5.
I’ve been a fan since the Pelicans came to new orleans as the Hornets. Casual fan at first when I was young but the older I got the more devoted I got. Now I am def a hoop addict. My girlfriends uncle actually called me that over easter this year when the play offs first started. haha
7) What’s the sweetest play / action in basketball?
I think blocks are pretty amazing. I also love the elevator door play. Whenever a team runs it, even when its against us I go crazy.
1 morrow
2 jrue defends and good spot up shooter.
3 jrue again at the end of the game you want someone that can get to the rim and shoot off dribble.
4 jrue defence and game manager
AD shot blocking and mid range j
5 AD weakness is he settled to much for Jumpers
6 5 I have been a fan basketball for as long as I can remember. I’ve always gone for the underdog team
7 extra pass for corner 3
1. Morrow. Borderline unplayable at the start of the year, valuable when pressed into more duty
2. Maybe healthy Anderson
3. Anderson
4. Aminu- rebounding, long athlete
Evans- attacking the paint, running the break
5. Not really. Things to work on, but I don’t know about weakness.
6. Mid 90s. Dont watch as much of the league as I used to, so a 3 or 4. A fascinating sport with amazing talent and personalities
7. Too many! Ray Allen jump shot, Chris Paul running a pick and roll, LeBron on the break, Steph pulling up, Gasol directing traffic, Spurs offense, Dirk working mid post, Tony Allen on defense….
1. Morrow
2. Holiday won’t beat out Parker, Evans defense not good enough for Pop, so I’ll go Anderson
3. Holiday…he is a cool cat
4. Rivers…getting to the rim, defense
5. Yes…not go-to post up move due to lack of strength
6. Lifetime; 4; always my favorite sport growing up, liked going to the Dome as a kid to watch The Pistol
7. Catch and Shoot Jumper for the Win (see Lillard)
1. Tyreke Evans – Being that the season was as bad as it was, it was really encouraging to see him finish the season so strong. It matters, because of the excitement it generated for next year.
2. Evans – I think Coach “Pop” could plug him in, and he would make the Spurs better.
3. Evans – Because of his ability to penetrate and kick out to shooters.
4. Morrow – Terrific shooter (obviously), underrated at finding other ways to score when outside shot is not hitting.
5. At times, against stronger, and more experienced/savvy players, he can get pushed around.
6. Since I was a kid growing up in the 90’s. I used to loathe Michael Jordan, just because my older brother loved him, so I really liked the Knicks growing up. My fav’s were John Starks, Oakley, and Ewing. I would say a 4. To be honest, I am a bigger football/MMA fan, but that doesn’t take anything away from the fact that I love basketball.
7. To me , it doesn’t get much better than a quick guard beating a defender off the dribble, driving into the lane, and kicking to a wide open teammate for a 3. I also really like a blocked shot resulting in a fast break dunk.
This is a continuation of #2. I really think Gordon could start, and excel on the Spurs also.
1. Brian Roberts – His leadership on the offensive end of the court seemed to blossom as he was needed more after Holiday’s injury. I expect him to be hot on the block as he proved himself a starting PG in this league.
2. Alexis Ajinca – The Spurs have been know to have taller than average centers with decent mid-range shooting skills. With a talented PF like Tim Duncan (or AD) and a full year of preparation, Ajinca could be more than a serviceable center.
3. Tyreke Evans – His ability to create his own shot is tops on the current Pelicans roster. Better health & a starting role may increase his confidence and make him a top 5 closer in the NBA.
4. Austin Rivers – a. Austin has shown the ability to defend other point guards successfully. b. He is an explosion of energy off of the bench and seems to pass that along to others once he is on the court.
5. Yes – His back-to-the-basket offense is not yet “there”. I anticipate an off-season where he adds a few post moves to his game. Will make his face up game even better.
6. I have been an NBA fan since the early 90s. Then again I was only about 6 or 7. I would rate myself a 4. I love basketball because of the intensity of the game. Even in a blowout, when your team is losing, the intensity that the reserves play with can get you going with one great play.
7. A lead-changing three. Nothing’s more exciting than seeing that ball go down and hearing SHOUT! played throughout the SK Center!
1. Anderson espacially when Davis went down against NYK and CHI
2. Holiday besides Parker because of his defense, courtvision, passing and catch and shoot abilities
3. Evans
4. Davis (blocking shots, finishing at the rim) and Gordon (catch and shoot, finishing at the rim)
5. Yes. Courtvision, sometimes he doesn’t see the open man or the easy pass.
6. 4 year NBA fan and addiction level: 5. I’m from serbia, so I guess that’s why I love basketball.
7. A buzzer-beater
Which Pelicans player got better when it mattered most? Ajinca (stepped up against better bigs)Which Pelicans player could start for the Spurs? (Tyreke or Ryno with Timmy as C. Jrue is not good enough to take Parker’s spot. Not yet anyway.Which Pelicans player would you trust the most in the final three minutes of a “must win game?” Tyreke, Jrue, Gordon and Ryno in that order.Select any player or players and list their top two skills . . . just two . Al Farouq Aminu: Rebounding and keeping the bench warm.Does Anthony Davis have a weakness in his game? I’d say passing/post game need work, if I absolutely have to nitpick.How long have you been an NBA fan? Use a scale of 1-5 (5 means your a Hoop Addict) . . how would you rate your love of the game? 5 Why? I love the game.What’s the sweetest play / action in basketball? The dunk of course. Especially with contact. Easy answer.
1. Tony Morrow: When his skillset was irrelevant, so was he. When it was necessary, he was huge (shooting and leadership).
2. Tyreke, easily. Pop maximized TP until he got a reliable shot, and he could play the point forward role extremely well.
3. Jrue: It’s not tyreke or EG because they’re a little prone to bonehead stuff. Everytime Jrue shoots I’m happy with the shot.
4. Austin Rivers: On-Ball Defense and driving ability (getting to the hoop)
5. Yes, he has no counter moves. Watch a good big man and you’ll see how each defensive strategy is countered. If a savvy and athletic defender can jump his first move, he gets stuck. we saw that multiple times this year.
6. I’m young-ish (26) but I’ve been a fan since 92ish. I still remember watching Shaq’s rookie year as a kid. I’d say I’m a 4 of 5. I don’t watch EVERY game (just all the pels games and other good games) and I don’t memorize rosters, etc. There’s nothing greater on the planet than the rush from watching a game like game 6 of the HOU-POR series.
7. The sweetest play is a pick and roll to post up to turnaround fadeaway with a silky big man like Z-bo or Aldridge. Impossible to stop, completely impossible.
1.Morrow: No moment was to big for him…his leadership was priceless.
2.Tyreke: his ability to drive and kick, would fit well with the Spurs.
3.Tyreke
4. Davis: shot blocking ability, smooth mid range jumper.
5. back to the basketball…
6. Since the mid 70’s…..Rick Berry, Gus Williams Warrior’s championship season is where I picked up the game……
7. ankle breaking crossover…..
Tyreke Evans. He got better when the starters were filling up the few hospitals not demolished by Bobby Jindal. Anderson. (Tyreke Evans can’t shoot from outside, pounds the ball too much. He would be a liability in the San Antonio move-the-ball offense. Second choice: Holiday).Tyreke Evans. He will get to the rim some way, somehow.Anthony Morrow. Shooting from deep. Also: All NBA three-point celebration.Davis’ low post game is a work-in-progress. Fan for 45 years. Love of game: 3.5 (I can’t just watch game after game, or any old team, so not a binge viewer. Quality over quantity.)I associate sweetness with a play that rewards you after a slow build-up in anticipation. So, the three-pointer: the higher the arc, the better.
1. Tyreke Evans, we needed somebody to step up at the end of the seson when we basically had nothing to play for, and he did exactly that.
2. Tyreke Evans. I’d choose him over Kahwi Leonard. Holiday wouldn’t be able to take Parker’s spot, not yet at least.
3. Jrue Holiday, I remember the Blazers game in January, Holiday took over the 4th quarter, everybody usually remembers Reke’s jumpshot to win it, but Holiday had us in that position.
4. Tyreke Evans, AGAIN. He’s great at attacking the rim (we all know that), and he’s got RIDICULOUS handles, have y’all ever seen his mixtapes?
5. Needs to work on his back to the basket game, but that’ll come.
6. I’m 16, my following of the NBA has intensified in the last 3 years. I’m an absolute 5 on the Hoop Addict Scale, I’m a born and bred soccer guy, but damn I love basketball. I love watching those superstars like Lebron, KD, Kobe, Melo, and eventually, AD, who just take over games and make it theirs. And those flamboyant, creative players like Tony Parker, Kyrie Irving, and Tyreke Evans (at the end of the season) who make passes and moves that leave your jaw on the floor.
7. 3 POINT GAME WINNING BUZZER BEATER.
Which Pelicans player got better when it mattered most? (can’t use DavisWhich Pelicans player could start for the Spurs? (can’t use Davis)Which Pelicans player would you trust the most in the final three minutes of a “must win game?” (can’t use Davis)Select any player or players and list their top two skills . . . just two . . . anyone that lists more than two gets on my $#@! list.Does Anthony Davis have a weakness in his game?How long have you been an NBA fan? Use a scale of 1-5 (5 means your a Hoop Addict) . . how would you rate your love of the game? Why?What’s the sweetest play / action in basketball?
1. Tyreke
2. Tyreke (they would want him on second unit though…Anderson maybe)
3. Anderson
4. Aminu: Rebounding and being named Aminu
5. Add the David West 19 footer from the elbow and the league would have to change the rules.
6. 15 years. Anyone who knew me would say 5, but I give myself a 4 since I mostly just look at box scores now (busy with: work, kid, being lame)
7. I am not so old that I have forgotten the joy of attacking in transition.
1- Evans I guess. Babbitt at times. No one consistantly.
2- Anderson or Evans.
3- Evans on ball handling, Holiday on shooting and defense.
4a- Rivers – ball handling and defense (I’ll say spot up shooting when I see it happenning often)
4b- Gordon – turning the ball over and getting injured.
5- Yes. Multiple. Most glaringly is his lapses in D that I didn’t think we’d ever see with him. He is great and on his way to being one of the best in the league, but I really hope we see an improvement from him on defense more than anywhere else. I want him to be the anchor of our defense like the Celtics KG was.
6- I don’t think my level of fan has anything to do with the amount of time I’ve been a fan. I’d say that I think about basketball for about an hour and a half a day. Whatever that makes me.
7- It may be a little gimicky but that Golden State Elevator play looks so nice. If I’m being not gimicky I still love the drive and kick. Having a guard collapse a defense and passing out and around the arc is beautiful.
1. The whole bench
2. Jrue is perfect for Pop but a sleeper is Aminu Aminu is an unique old school player that just need the right system
3. Evans is money
4. I learned Darius Miller could plays 1,2,3,&4 & Austin River have an elite crossover
. Back to the basket but knowing Davis he will fix it
6. I’m 20 so I would say for about 14 to 16 years. I.crazy happy for the lottery and summer league. I probable die without basketball lol so yea I’m a five
7.When Jrue do that spin in lane.
— Which Pelicans player got better when it mattered most? (can’t use Davis)
Difficult to evaluate with so many injuries, to me the best option for the Pelicans was Evans getting to the rim, to the line, or dishing to the perimeter.
— Which Pelicans player could start for the Spurs? (can’t use Davis)
Parker > Holiday; Evans > Green; Green > Gordon (unhealthy and not defensively); Leonard > any SF on Pels roster; Duncan/Davis (not graded per V’s instruction); and Splitter > any C on Pels roster; roll players Anderson (healthy) > Diaw; Ginobli + Belinelli + Mills > Evans + Roberts + Rivers.
Answer = Evans or ZERO. The one that is close is Gordon or Evans over Green. But with respect to Gordon, who here would swap Gordon for Green? Everyone I hope. Green’s contract has one year left at $4.025 Million; Gordon has 2 years remaining at $14.89 and $15.51 Million. Not even a difficult decision.
In terms of bench, I would take a healthy Anderson over Diaw, and going forward I would take Evans over an old Ginobli (but over past 3 years I would have taken Ginobli over Evans).
—Which Pelicans player would you trust the most in the final three minutes of a “must win game?” (can’t use Davis)
Evans has a skill set that thrives in crunch time with the ability to get to the rim and get fouled or dish to the perimeter. And I think the same would go for a healthy Holiday who can play the pick and roll game with Davis and has the advantage of a jump shot and three point capabilities.
—-Select any player or players and list their top two skills . . . just two . . . anyone that lists more than two gets on my $#@! list.
Evans – penetration/ball handling/gets to the line (those are three skills melded into one skill set); plays and guards multiple positions
Holiday – pick/roll; perimeter defense
—Does Anthony Davis have a weakness in his game?
Offensive aggressiveness (at times) and size (he could use another 15 pounds).
—How long have you been an NBA fan? Use a scale of 1-5 (5 means your a Hoop Addict) . . how would you rate your love of the game? Why?
26(ish) years…end of the great Lakers/Celtics rivalry years with Magic and Bird and the beginning of the Jordan years against the Bad Boy Pistons were my intro to NBA basketball.
Love of NBA game = 4 (in awe of athleticism and varying styles of play) and its ratches up to a full 5 from April-June, the intensity of a physical 7 game series is insane. What’s the sweetest play / action in basketball?
Team Action: back door screens/cuts in the NBA are exciting to see develop often arising from great court vision and passing and resulting in spectacular plays at the rim.
Individual Action: the dream shake – the athleticism of Hakeem Olajuwan was a cite to behold.
1. Off the top of my head, Brian Roberts always seemed to come up with a big shot when it mattered.
2. I’m thinking Anderson. Obvious floor stretching, smart player, has a few moves around the rim.
3. It’s been so long since I’ve seen him play but I’ll say Jrue Holiday. He doesn’t have the weaknesses that some of his teammates that I would otherwise consider have. If you need 3s, you’re good; drive to basket and finish or pass out? Check. Hold the lead with stifling defense? You’re good there, too.
4. Rivers: ballhandling and on-ball defense (could argue spot up 3)
5. 3 point shooting, and I don’t even think it’s a necessary skill for him (though it would be nice). That’s all I can think of. I feel his other “weaknesses” are just areas of his games that are not elite. Maybe I’m too much of a homer but I don’t see any other areas of his game that are bad.
6. I started to love the NBA when I was a preteen rooting wholeheartedly for the Kings to beat the hated Shaq and Kobe led Lakers, so around 15 years. But I still contend that my love was reignited when then Hornets games became available in the entire New Orleans area. Once I could actually see the team I claimed as my own, my interest in the NBA as a whole increased drastically again.
I’d rate my self a strong 3. First and foremost, I’m a Pelicans fan, not an NBA fan. For example, until the playoffs, the only non-Pels games watched were a few of the Christmas games. But I do stay on top of the league enough to know more than the average fan. I just can’t get excited enough to care about a Suns/Nets game in December.
7. Transition 3. There’s something about getting a turnover or board, pushing the pace and dropping it off to a trailing shooter. It’s a thing of beauty when orchestrated well.
1. Tyreke Evans. I think Tyreke really improved as the season progressed. He really got to the rim at will (and that Portland game was amazing!) I think he could really make another big jump with a full off-season to get better.
2. Jrue. He has traits that they seem to value (length, defense, versatility)
3. I would trust Jrue in a clutch situation. Tyreke is a close second but I feel as if Jrue would less prone to a mental lapse resulting in a turnover. Jrue also has a lethal pull-up 3.
4. Jrue. As mentioned before he is very versatile on defense. He can guard 3 positions (Come playoff time, that would be huge). He is also a solid on-ball defender. He won’t rack up a bunch of steals but he plays solid.
5. Anthony Davis is not perfect. He can be out-muscled by bigger centers. An argument can also be made that he has struggled with minor injuries.
6. I’ve been in love with basketball for a good 10 years. I can’t get enough of it. I’m a hoop addict.
7. The sweetest play in basketball is a pull-up 3 in a defenders face. It makes fans go crazy. Followed by an alley-oop. (I cant wait for all the Holiday–>Davis alleys that will be thrown down next season!)