Carmelo has what it takes to play D. Vogel brings that mindset when it comes to players, he doesn’t have to play good defense all the time but he’s shown in small spurts this season that he can hold his own defensively.
that's my prayer, if he can finally does that, he's closing games
I know it’s not crazy to see players through out the history of the NBA developing some sort of defensive prowess later in there career, there is probably a few examples, if Melo had hit that 3 to tie the game against OKC he would be the talk of the town right now because he’s been very solid offensively.
Carmelo has what it takes to play D. Vogel brings that mindset when it comes to players, he doesn’t have to play good defense all the time but he’s shown in small spurts this season that he can hold his own defensively.
that's my prayer, if he can finally does that, he's closing games
I know it’s not crazy to see players through out the history of the NBA developing some sort of defensive prowess later in there career, there is probably a few examples, if Melo had hit that 3 to tie the game against OKC he would be the talk of the town right now because he’s been very solid offensively.
Melo's defense may be almost non-existent but he still plays with the same conviction and passion that he displayed as a young player.
His experience, knowledge and basketball IQ along make him a valuable asset.
When his shot is on, he is still deadly and he is also a dependable closer
He has earned his playing time here and has become a valuable piece of this team. He's no "spring chicken" but I expect him to play well most nights.
I'm also glad he decided to become a Laker.
Joined: 19 Nov 2007 Posts: 4389 Location: Lake Nacimiento
Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 3:43 pm Post subject:
He 100% showed in the Grizzlies game he can play defense when he cares.. He was so into that game defensively he was literally yelling at other guys to get in the right spots on defense a few times which is something I personally don't recall ever seeing him do much or at least anytime in the last 5+ years watching him. He was also closing out and moving his feet pretty well staying in front of the defender which is why I left the comment in this thread on the 25th about it. I didn't see this kind of conviction on that end before the Grizzlies game or since but it still gives me hope that when he really wants to he can at least be attentive and elevate himself to being an average defender which when he does that he's instantly one of the best role players in the NBA imo instead of just a "Professional Scorer".
I'm hoping throughout the year once more guys start getting benched for only playing on the offensive end ala Monk it hopefully wakes others up to the realization Vogel heavily respects anyone putting in defensive effort which is also why an undrafted rookie is playing heavy minutes on an extremely veteran rich contending team. In a game like yesterdays Reaves and Bradley's defensive effort stood out way more then they honestly should have, nothing but respect to them but if others weren't dogging it much of the game it wouldn't have been such a standout. Then you add to the fact both Reaves and Bradley are also solid offensively it's the other players jobs to match and try to surpass it now. Monk, THT and Nunn especially all have the talent to do it but will they? I think Vogel sits (or heavily reduces minutes) for any of those guys even the 10 million dollar man if he gets clearly outplayed once he returns.
Should have been brought in on a vet min years ago. Didn’t understand the politics involved in not doing so…especially seeing how he would be a great mentor to Kuz while encouraging a healthy fight for that role/PT.
He’s going to be off and on, but when he’s lit, he’s cooking those nets. And it’s totally worth the vet min we giving him.
Hopefully Vogs/Fitz can unleash some type of dormant defender within him…cause dude has some bite (I recall he was trying to step to the Suns or Frizz when we were trying to fight back from a deficit…that stick with me). _________________ Not familiar with the salary cap/CBA rules & how it impacts our Lakers?
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Like many posters mentioned, Melo is great as long as we don't have another negative defender in the lineup. He actually has good strength and size to help defend smaller bigs in the post, and his shooting ability and confidence is crucial in close games.
Should have been brought in on a vet min years ago. Didn’t understand the politics involved in not doing so…especially seeing how he would be a great mentor to Kuz while encouraging a healthy fight for that role/PT.
He’s going to be off and on, but when he’s lit, he’s cooking those nets. And it’s totally worth the vet min we giving him.
Hopefully Vogs/Fitz can unleash some type of dormant defender within him…cause dude has some bite (I recall he was trying to step to the Suns or Frizz when we were trying to fight back from a deficit…that stick with me).
Melo right now is playing close to a MLE type then someone who is worth the vet min, if he was doing this with with another team some team who is thirsty for winning would have given him a nice contract.
Melo is also getting shots playing next to AD/Westbrook/Bron, that he would not be getting anywhere else. The amount of openings he gets are incredible.
Teams will need to start putting a body on him, and when they do, it just opens up the paint more for Westbrook or Bron.
Melo is also getting shots playing next to AD/Westbrook/Bron, that he would not be getting anywhere else. The amount of openings he gets are incredible.
Teams will need to start putting a body on him, and when they do, it just opens up the paint more for Westbrook or Bron.
He made a couple of threes with the defender there, but your point stands. It's a fabulous luxury to have one of the league's top ten all-time scorers next to James, Westbrook, and AD.
When he's on, and we can surround him with solid defensive players like Reaves & Bradley, along side James & Davis, we're real good.
Finisher, not scorer. That’s the Lakers have given him a better role to play. He is great to play alongside the big 3. Vogel has his lineup for final minutes set in Anthony + big 3 + Bradley/Bazemore/(Ariza)
Joined: 17 Sep 2008 Posts: 21099 Location: In a white room, with black curtains near the station
Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2021 10:39 pm Post subject:
lar9149 wrote:
Heard on post game interview 4 blocks and 2 steals first time since rookie year. Awesome
Yeah something lit a fire under him. Not sure how long it will last, but I gotta say I like seeing Carmelo make an effort on defense these last couple games. Even Vogel commented on it. Making his rotations. He had Reeve's back when HBK rotated to help and someone failed to help the helper, Melo made the adjustment and that led to one of his swats. THAT is a surprise.
Can he/will he sustain that focus? Truly awesome if he does take that path.
Joined: 19 Nov 2007 Posts: 4389 Location: Lake Nacimiento
Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2021 11:02 pm Post subject:
TooMuchMajicBuss wrote:
lar9149 wrote:
Heard on post game interview 4 blocks and 2 steals first time since rookie year. Awesome
Yeah something lit a fire under him. Not sure how long it will last, but I gotta say I like seeing Carmelo make an effort on defense these last couple games. Even Vogel commented on it. Making his rotations. He had Reeve's back when HBK rotated to help and someone failed to help the helper, Melo made the adjustment and that led to one of his swats. THAT is a surprise.
Can he/will he sustain that focus? Truly awesome if he does take that path.
Grizzlies game was even better imo on the defensive end. I agree though he has looked surprisingly better then expected now in a couple games. After the Grizzlies game he went back to awful but then the last two he's been solid again. I'm not sure if he's just trying to make a full on change or just turn it on and off. Regardless, I just really love seeing he's even capable of this as far as from an effort standpoint. Gives me some hope going forward because he is obviously not going to always shoot lights out.
I've been noticing him and Russ clearly putting a bit more effort on the defensive end lately. You have to give Vogel some credit as well if he has Melo not being a liability by seasons end because a lot of coaches have tried...
Melo is also getting shots playing next to AD/Westbrook/Bron, that he would not be getting anywhere else. The amount of openings he gets are incredible.
Teams will need to start putting a body on him, and when they do, it just opens up the paint more for Westbrook or Bron.
Shots that he would not be getting anywhere else except in the Olympics. Is this what it takes to bring out something closer to Olympic Melo? I never thought it would happen after it didn’t work out with the Rockets, but this is really interesting.
And someone else just mentioned Olympic Melo before I did.
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