Not sure we're up to taking on Memphis

[Smash Williams]

How are we defining "driven?"

Durant has worked like crazy to improve his handle and his passing skills. Those are areas that are especially difficult to improve. He's managed to become a more efficient scorer despite already being elite in that area. That recent SI article talks about the work he's put in. I normally take those pieces with a grain of salt, but it shows in the results. He's so much better than he was two years ago.

 

[gracefor24]

I probably should have said "won't play big minutes" instead of "can't play big minutes," as it's about Hollins not wanting to make that tradeoff.

I also don't agree with Hollins regarding Allen on Durant. As well as Durant played in the first round, Houston did have some success in denying him the ball, with Francisco Garcia of all people (when did he start playing defense, let alone effective defense?). Playing physical off-ball defense on Durant and doggedly trying to deny him the ball is something Tony Allen can do more effectively than anyone else on that team. As much as Durant has improved in the last two years, that's still something that bothers him.

The crazy thing is that it bothering him means he is still scoring 35 a game! What happens when it stops bothering him?!! I think we could see a ridiculous show of offensive talent when KD hits his prime around 28 just like Lebron. We could see 4-5 yrs of 32, 10, and 6 from him if he starts playing PF like Dirk did around that time.

 

[coolm]

Please don't get me wrong Smash. I love KD and you're right ... he has worked his tail off improving his game and it shows.

When I say driven I should further it by "outspoken, aggressive, and stern". Jordan would have this be-a-jerk focus and he wasn't letting a play fail. KD doesn't have that. He will be aggressive at times but seems much more comfortable taking what is given. I am not trying to rip him up though - he's most certainly the goods.

 

[stoops4pres]

I probably should have said "won't play big minutes" instead of "can't play big minutes," as it's about Hollins not wanting to make that tradeoff.

I also don't agree with Hollins regarding Allen on Durant. As well as Durant played in the first round, Houston did have some success in denying him the ball, with Francisco Garcia of all people (when did he start playing defense, let alone effective defense?). Playing physical off-ball defense on Durant and doggedly trying to deny him the ball is something Tony Allen can do more effectively than anyone else on that team. As much as Durant has improved in the last two years, that's still something that bothers him.

Precisely. It wears me out how Hollins sometimes reaches these conclusions without evidence to support his stance. How did he know Allen couldn't guard Durant since Durant has improved so much since 2011 (that was Hollins' justification), when he didn't really try that match-up? It's bizarre...

And of course, Hollins finally saw the light towards the end of Game 2, and stuck Allen on Durant. As a result, Durant only had 3 points in the last 7 minutes. I certainly don't think that will be a consistent result, because Durant should win his fair share of battles vs. Allen. With that being said, it does reinforce the fact that Hollins screwed up not even attempting to go with TA in Game 1.

 

[Smash Williams]

Going off on a bit of tangent here, but I've grown to dislike Hollins this season. I think he's a good coach overall. Memphis has been progressively better every season, and Hollins gets his guys to play defense at an incredibly high level. The team's offensive limitations are probably due to roster construction more than anything else.

With that said, Hollins can make some bizarre decisions, from player rotations to matchups to playcalling. In Game 2, for example, with two of the best post-up bigs in the league on the floor taking their counterparts to school all night, Memphis ran multiple post-ups for Tayshaun Prince in the fourth quarter. You have two elite low post bigs on the floor and spacing issues...and you're posting up Tayshaun in the fourth? There was some other odd stuff, but fortunately for Memphis he's matching wits with Scott Brooks.

My Hollins dislike is mostly based upon his behavior during Memphis trade activities this season. I understand wanting to stand up for Rudy Gay--rally your team, show support for one of your guys--but he completely crossed the line with his public bashing of the front office. After the trade went down, at which point there was nothing to gain, his public criticism continued. It was like a kid trying to test a substitute teacher. Then there was the illogical Moneyball comparison. It's a shame, because I really like Gasol and Allen in particular. I'm the OKC fan that claps for those two guys during intros amid the chorus of boos.