Why are there only 4-5 big men in the league with credible back-to-the-basket games? I know facing up and playing in the open court is probably more glamorous, it just seems like to me there is a glaring need for players in the league that can play with their back to the basket.

The benefits of the back to the basket game are obvious if you spent any time watching the big men of the 80s and 90s -- you can take your time, draw help defense, see the court well for passing opportunities, and move to several moves which are basically unstoppable (fade away, baseline spin, hook across the lane, etc.). The only big men that have a full back to the basket reperatoire are Pau Gasol and Yao Ming.

I guess I just wonder why there are all these 6'10"+ guys in the world that don't spend a ton of time refining their back to the basket moves. Maybe it's because of the increased usage of the pick and roll and Princeton offenses and big men playing a larger role on the high post?

[This message has been edited by HotardAg07 (edited 7/12/2010 1:33p).]

Because it has a tendency of plodding your offense and with the defensive rules in place now re: perimeter defense and the 3 point line being where it is now, it just doesn't make a lot of sense.

I see it sort of like the NFL nowadays... there might be a lot of very good RB's and talented run blocking OL's in the game today, but why use them when the WR's can go practically untouched now per the rules?

I honestly don't think its so much that guys CAN'T do it so much as it is just much more efficient for teams not to play that way as much anymore.

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The only big men that have a full back to the basket reperatoire are Pau Gasol and Yao Ming.

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Duncan was saying "You're an idiot Hotard!"

I knew I was forgetting somebody.

OK, Yao Ming, Pau Gasol, Tim Duncan... and who else? Al Jefferson, Andrew Bogut, ??

Having the top scoring PF/C combo who have strong back to the basket games gets you about 40 wins. For some reason, rare are the guys with strong back to the basket games who can defend well away from the block.

Memphis has other issues.

When I shot the Suns/Rocks game last year, I was really impressed with Amare's post game. I had previously thought of him as mainly a PnR, mid range/high post guy, but he has a lot of moves and executes them well. Also he is dumber than a sack of hammers.

a sack of hammers would take offense to that.

posted it in another thread awhile ago but i'll say it again...

Bosh has said he doesn't like to play true center. his game matches that viewpoint.

IMO, Lebron wants a dominant post presence. i like Amare's low post game more than Bosh's.

personally, i'd rather have bosh. amare has 2 microfractures and sometimes (read: all) choose not to play defense or rebound.

that being said...Amare is a better post player. Amare had the highest FG% in the paint last year in the NBA. how does he beat out Bynum or Howard for that stat if he only has a face-up pick and roll game/pick-and-pop game?. how does he get ALL THE WAY to the basket that much during a pick and roll.


if he played defense and rebounded and didn't have an eye and knee about to completely deteriorate immediately, his offensive skills are enough to make him a top 10 nba player.

Why is that glittery guy from the vampire movie stupid chicks like holding a Spurs jersey?

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Memphis has other issues.

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Yeah, its defense. They scored more points than anyone in the Southwest division, but have 2 posts that struggle to guard a guy who can step away from the basket or give help in the lane.

Zach Randolph couldn't stop anybody on defense even if you gave him a double barrelled shotgun

I think the Grizz were crazy to give that money to Rudy Gay but, that said they should be in the playoff mix this year

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I think the Grizz were crazy to give that money to Rudy Gay but, that said they should be in the playoff mix this year

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Did I miss something? Are they expanding the playoffs to 10 teams?

I take that back, it will get you 46 wins, especially when combined with better defense.

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Did I miss something? Are they expanding the playoffs to 10 teams?

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pwned

Would have rather gotten owned on the demise of the Spurs.

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the 3 point line being where it is now

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