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IrishR#1 said 06/27, 06:29 PM
I agree with you about the part where both teams made a good decision, but in the end, Memphis got the better deal.

With Iavaroni as head coach, the Grizz will run a Phoenix-like system. Mayo is perfect for the run 'n' gun. He can run the floor and is great offensively, and when your team is scoring 110 ppg, it is easier to have your defensive lapses overlooked. Mayo would function as the Barbosa of the team with his ability to play the one and the two.

Jaric is another wing who can back up Gay. Walker can play the 4 in the run 'n' gun without having his height be a weakness.

The T'Wolves really just picked up bad contracts in Miller and Cardinal, who are both mediocre small forwards. Contracts never have much of a say in who wins and loses in a trade when the contracts have to even out.

PG-Mike Conley
SG-Mayo
SF-Gay
PF-Arthur
C-Milicic

Kyle Lowry, Marko Jaric, and Javaris Crittenton all give the backcourt a bunch of depth. The Grizz are in a tough position playing in the west, but they will be able to turn it around by drafting players who fit the system.

IrishR#1 said 06/28, 12:46 PM
I'll explain why I think Mike Miller is mediocre.

1. The Timberwolves have a different style of play than the Grizzlies. The T'Wolves slow it down while the Grizz run. With Miller playing the wing or shooting guard, it is easy for his points per game to be higher than it would be in a regular system. Look at Mike Dunleavy for the Pacers. He isn't as good as his numbers would show, but the system works well. Take Miller out of the system and things could change.

2. Miller is a liability on defense. When he has to guard players like Peja, Manu, Melo, and other great 2s and 3s, the T'Wolves could have some trouble.

Miller is just like Jason Kopono. He's a good shooter but not starter material.

When I compared Mayo to Barbosa, I wasn't comparing skills but what Mayo is expected to do in the system.

The Grizz have set out a good plan for their system. This trade got them a 2 who can run the floor, a wing, and a 4 that all fit in the system.

IrishR#1 said 06/29, 11:55 AM
Style of play does make percentages go up depending on where they are shooting it from. With him driving the ball instead of shooting more jumpshots, his shooting percentages went up. He did improve as his 3pt % shows, but his scoring numbers were inflated.

Miller is a taller Kapono who has been used in the system more often. Miller has played 30+ minutes over the past few years as a starter, so his numbers will be higher. Same with the rebounding because of his height. Miller is also about to enter his downslide of his career, so his dependability will go down.

The Grizzlies didn't need a center with a jumpshot. In the run 'n' gun, they didn't need a big man who can shoot. They need a big man who can get a rebound and make the outlet pass. Milicic can do that.

I don't understand the last sentence. Mike Miller was a starter. He will be replaced OJ Mayo. Miller wasn't expendable because of Rudy Gay. He was replaceable. Anyways, if Miller is expendable by the Grizz, then I'm not sure he is a great player.