Vlad the 3paler Appreciation Thread

[SirBobcat]

I know it's one game, but the dude did that without a single practice with the team and he seemed to gel immediately. Damn! Larry Brown really knows how to build a team!!!

[ALong13]

Little early for an Appreciation thread, but I liked what I saw tonight...I was 150% in favor of the trade, I think he'll be our 6th man off the bench for now on, and provided good energy & defense....much better than what everyone in Lakerland made it out to be...Plus I think after a practice with the team, it'll be even better...he started off slow...but Diaw and him hooked up a few times in the second half...

Between him and Martin, the energy was nice to see...

[ohara831]

1st outing without a practice, and he gets 13 pts 4 reb 2 assists and plays defense just fine for us. Not nearly as bad as advertised on defense. I am very pleased tonight!

[davcbow]

Vlad can shoot no doubt about that and not shabby on defense...ILBIT :cool:

[G-Force for MVP]

definetly a solid player and definetly better defense then morrison

[TattoodCatswife]

He definitely impressed me and did a lot more than I thought he would for it being his first game with us. He sure as hell did a lot more than Ammo and I am QUITE happy to have him on our team.

[110oldeast]

The difference between Ammo and Vlad is that while both can be "scorers," Vlad is a more natural spot up shooter. Many people always expected Ammo to do that when the reality is that he often had to put the ball on the floor to get his shooting rhythm. Vlad has catch and shoot capabilities which make him a lot more valuable to our team. The fact that he can play the 3 and a face up 4 are also bonuses.

[TattoodCatswife]

The difference between Ammo and Vlad is that while both can be "scorers," Vlad is a more natural spot up shooter. Many people always expected Ammo to do that when the reality is that he often had to put the ball on the floor to get his shooting rhythm. Vlad has catch and shoot capabilities which make him a lot more valuable to our team. The fact that he can play the 3 and a face up 4 are also bonuses.

OMG his catching and shooting was phenomenal tonight! There was one play tonight too where Diaw passed him the ball and he barely had the ball in his hand for a second cuz he passed it to Okafor and Okafor made it in the basket on a fast break. It was so beautiful! I was very shocked and how fast him and our team gel'd with each other tonight

[TattoodCats4life]

He seems to catch and shoot well, defend well, these I knew from watching his play with the Lakers, but what impressed me more was him driving to the basket and the skip pass he made i think to meka...maybe ray tho, happened fast tho.

[110oldeast]

In Seattle, he used to drive and throw down some dunks. The guy is a very skilled player. I hope he really responds to his opportunity in the same way Diaw (talk about feeling resurrected!) has.

[TattoodCatswife]

In Seattle, he used to drive and throw down some dunks. The guy is a very skilled player. I hope he really responds to his opportunity in the same way Diaw (talk about feeling resurrected!) has.

Wow, I'd LOVE to see him get to that level here with dunking. I'd like to see Diaw start dunking. Talk about energizing the stadium with Crash, Diaw, Okafor, and Vlad getting in some ally-oops and just dunking!

[polarcat]

the thing is, some players could've come in and been nervous or forcing things. rad looked natural and comfortable whenever on the court. i know it's only one game, but i really hope this is a glimpse of what is to come the rest of the way. he, martin, dj and diop are going to give us some pretty good flexibility and minutes off the bench. kudos to lb, rod and mj for making this deal. it's tough admitting the mistake of blowing a #3 overall pick.

[TattoodCatswife]

the thing is, some players could've come in and been nervous or forcing things. rad looked natural and comfortable whenever on the court. i know it's only one game, but i really hope this is a glimpse of what is to come the rest of the way. he, martin, dj and diop are going to give us some pretty good flexibility and minutes off the bench. kudos to lb, rod and mj for making this deal. it's tough admitting the mistake of blowing a #3 overall pick.

I agree, it's nice to know that we are fixing some mistakes and we are cleaning up our team for the best

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

wasn't expecting him to dunk like this...this should be a nice addition if he can repeat a couple of this highlights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOWVYAJlW2Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yoe-5YorfBQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDOLXtSlpGY

[TattoodCatswife]

wasn't expecting him to dunk like this...this should be a nice addition if he can repeat a couple of this highlights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOWVYAJlW2Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yoe-5YorfBQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDOLXtSlpGY

Wow I can't wait until he starts getting even more comfortable here and starts doing that here!!!!!!!!!!

[davcbow]

the thing is, some players could've come in and been nervous or forcing things. rad looked natural and comfortable whenever on the court. i know it's only one game, but i really hope this is a glimpse of what is to come the rest of the way. he, martin, dj and diop are going to give us some pretty good flexibility and minutes off the bench. kudos to lb, rod and mj for making this deal. it's tough admitting the mistake of blowing a #3 overall pick.

We didnt blow a #3 pick (Ammo) we got Vlad out of the deal and only lost a free agent in Brown... If Vlad keeps putting up #'s like this people are gonna be saying "Ammo? who's that?" :cool:

[Robertpel9]

He is a money shooter, i got to the game early tonight and in a shootaround he buried 14 3's straight

[TheBeagle]

1st outing without a practice, and he gets 13 pts 4 reb 2 assists and plays defense just fine for us. Not nearly as bad as advertised on defense. I am very pleased tonight! Yeah, like I mentioned on the game thread, his speed and quickness especially on the defensive end blew my mind. I wasn't expecting another Ammo in terms of speed, but damn, during one sequence, he helped out Raymond I think on Gordon on the perimeter, then busted his ass to get back to his man setting up for a corner 3; it was really an incredible defensive sequence, and I know it caught Larry's attention. Great start for a guy who I think will exceed expectations!

Kudos to the patrons for giving him a rousing cheer when he was introduced for the first time!

[teej]

Hate to rain on the parade but it was against the Clippers, the worst team in the NBA as far as talent/production and second worst record I beleive...he still looked great but don't give him the key to the city just yet :)

[davcbow]

Hate to rain on the parade but it was against the Clippers, the worst team in the NBA as far as talent/production and second worst record I beleive...he still looked great but don't give him the key to the city just yet :)


Are you saying Adam could have done good too? LOL I think not...:cool:

[teej]

Are you saying Adam could have done good too? LOL I think not...:cool:

No, Adam woulda done worse than BD

but one game isn't enough sample size to give a guy an appreciation thread...I like Vladi but I am withholding judgment til March I'd say...

[Slam]

The difference between Ammo and Vlad is that while both can be "scorers," Vlad is a more natural spot up shooter. Many people always expected Ammo to do that when the reality is that he often had to put the ball on the floor to get his shooting rhythm. Vlad has catch and shoot capabilities which make him a lot more valuable to our team. The fact that he can play the 3 and a face up 4 are also bonuses.
This is very true, and was always my concern about Ammo. He needed too much time to execute and the 24sec NBA shot clock doesn't allow that.

Rad, like Hammer, just catches the ball and shoots it without thinking. It's automatic.

Like all one dimensional shooters I'll always be worried if his shot goes missing, but looking at the way he made that weakside cut down the middle for the layup (when Boris handed him off the ball) and the fact that he is such a big body makes me think that even if his J isn't working, he might be able to contribute in other ways.

[Chef]

this is only a 1 game sample, but vlad moves much better than hammer or ammo. plus, at 6'10" he is much more likely to finish at the basket than either of them. if lb can light a fire under him like i think he has/will, vlad could be a major asset to our bench.

[Slam]

wasn't expecting him to dunk like this...this should be a nice addition if he can repeat a couple of this highlights

There was one play (I think it was in the 3rd) that he took his guy off the dribble from the top of the key. He got all the way into the lane and it looked like he was going to throw down for sure but he lost the handle at the last moment.

That was promising.

[BRNC]

He has always had a well-rounded offensive skill set...I just wonder why he fell out with Jackson...he'd seem to be the type of player you'd want making a deep playoff push...the other side is could be a total salary dump to resign Odom (which makes sense)...

[Ghost Kat]

Yeah, It's only been one game. But Raja in his first game turned the ball over like 5 times and looked uncomfortable. Even in one game though He's play'd better then Morrison has all year, What's Morrison's season high this year? Probably not more then 15, already matched by The Impaler, Mr. Radmonovic. He has much more to offer this team for this season. Even if he doesn't hit 3 3pts in the 4th every game and doesn't score 13 pts a game. He's still an upgrade over Morrison,

[teej]

Yeah, It's only been one game. But Raja in his first game turned the ball over like 5 times and looked uncomfortable. Even in one game though He's play'd better then Morrison has all year, What's Morrison's season high this year? Probably not more then 15, already matched by The Impaler, Mr. Radmonovic. He has much more to offer this team for this season. Even if he doesn't hit 3 3pts in the 4th every game and doesn't score 13 pts a game. He's still an upgrade over Morrison,

I think AmMo's high was 12...

[Slam]

I think AmMo's high was 12...
16 Vs Denver..............back at the start of Nov!!

[teej]

16 Vs Denver..............back at the start of Nov!!

How? Can I request a recount? And Vlad will get that soon enough I hope

[Slam]

How? Can I request a recount? And Vlad will get that soon enough I hope
He took 7 three point shots.

[Ampsportsduo]

From what I saw he's deadliest in a "catch and release" role. According to 82games 98% of his 3's this season are assisted. When he shot off the dribble he wasn't as effective, but drained a deep 3 over two guys when he caught and popped.

Edit: This is not to diminish his ability to drive, just his 3 point shooting.

[dnbman]

It sure helps that he's so tall too. In blow coverage, he'll be to shoot over a lot of rotating wing defenders, as he did last night.

Again, I'm not ready to say he solidifies us in the playoffs. However, the guy can play ball. He plays like a professional and provides us with a significant need.

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

i also suspect that LB will want Vlad to try to drive in more

much like he is working with Diop to improve his offensive game, i don't think LB wants one dimension players, and he is confident that he can develop the players

[Ghost Kat]

Talked to my cousin, A lakers fan, He was gusting about "The Impaler" as a 3pt threat. Said He's usually a killer come playoff time. It's good to have a big guy off bench that can actually hit a big shot. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's game, Rad will have gotten a better look at the system. Now that the coaches have seen what he can do they'll now where he fits in the system.

[coordinator0]

Sign me up for this! I didn't think Vlad would produce so soon ala Diaw and Bell (to an extent) but wow. Just wow. I', starting to really like our depth when Crash and Bell come back... Dare I say it? I think I do... I predict playoffs! Eventually lol.

[Robertpel9]

We were there tonight he shot well. He is a pure shooter though (which is fine, i think we all knew that) in general hi passing and D were average at best (being generous) but i was on my feet everytime he hoisted a shot up, he has an beautiful shot. Watching him in pregame again he just drains everything.

Augustin since he came back is not far behind. I used to detest Felton when i first started following this team but going to games in person all the time you see things you don't see on a stats sheet or TV. Felton Hustles his ass off and is a tough SOB, i hope we can keep both but i dont know how felton and DJ get minutes. Vlad is going to be a rat compliment to Bell

I am thinking we should just pay up and keep this group. It is a lot deeper know you have a solid starting 5 in felton, bell, diaw, crash and Okafor and then you know have a solid bench in DJ, Vlad and Howard (I still think Diop, May, Nazr are useless) but we are not solidly 8 deep. One more move and we will have a top 4 team in the East but i think we need to keep Felton after watching him play in person every game over the last 2 months. Getting He and DJ minutes is what LB is paid to figure out. DJ is just straight money from everwhere but i worry about his durability he is a small guy

[Felton for Prez]

I was there tonight and I am very worried about Vlad's body language. Its awful. The lack of effort is just oozing out of him.

I am very worried about this aquisition. I hope that one game is not a habit.

[teej]

I was there tonight and I am very worried about Vlad's body language. Its awful. The lack of effort is just oozing out of him.

I am very worried about this aquisition. I hope that one game is not a habit.

How you can score 21 points for the Bobcats, please Larry Brown, and have made it this far in your career with no effort is not possible...are you sure it wasnt the plays LB was running?

[Robertpel9]

I was there tonight and I am very worried about Vlad's body language. Its awful. The lack of effort is just oozing out of him.

I am very worried about this aquisition. I hope that one game is not a habit.


I was there too and we must have seen a different game

the guy is a pure shooter and he dies that VERY well, also i liked when he shot an airball less than a minute later he came back and drained one right from the perimeter with no hesitation, what more do you want.

We did not being him here to be a defensive allstar or assist leader, he is here to provide a spark of scoring off the bench and you cant ask for more after two games

[TattoodCatswife]

How you can score 21 points for the Bobcats, please Larry Brown, and have made it this far in your career with no effort is not possible...are you sure it wasnt the plays LB was running?

Thank you much for posting this as you saved me some time from saying the same exact thing. Being at the game tonight I saw NOTHING oozing out of him besides the excitement of playing the game and the happiness of getting minutes.

[kickazzz2000]

Thank you much for posting this as you saved me some time from saying the same exact thing. Being at the game tonight I saw NOTHING oozing out of him besides the excitement of playing the game and the happiness of getting minutes.


maybe he was talking about ammo?

[TattoodCatswife]

maybe he was talking about ammo?

HAHA yeah he must have been cuz I sure as hell didn't see Vlad have the attitude of Ammo tonight.

[TattoodCats4life]

The only thing I saw oozing out of VRad was...uhm...points!

[davcbow]

He must be a Ammo fan still bent out of shape that he got traded....:cool:

[TattoodCatswife]

He must be a Ammo fan still bent out of shape that he got traded....:cool:

yeah, it sounds like it

[teej]

He must be a Ammo fan still bent out of shape that he got traded....:cool:

and isnt getting ANY minutes in LA

[TattoodCatswife]

and isnt getting ANY minutes in LA

He won't see any minutes either..I don't see him doing much for LA at all, that trade was for Brown and Morrison got thrown in

[davcbow]

He won't see any minutes either..I don't see him doing much for LA at all, that trade was for Brown and Morrison got thrown in

I looked at the box score from their game tonight, ammo dressed and was available but didnt play, brown wasnt available....:cool:

[BRNC]

Dav I think LA did the trade to cut salary...neither player will be with them past next year (when Ammo has an expiring contract)...they wanted to move VladRads salary....Ammo does not play D and Jackson (like LB) has low tolerance for those that don't and bring nothing else to the table...Vlady at least can hit shots...

[teej]

I looked at the box score from their game tonight, ammo dressed and was available but didnt play, brown wasnt available....:cool:

Neither of them will play much if at all...they traded for cap space.

[TattoodCatswife]

Neither of them will play much if at all...they traded for cap space.

Yeah, it definitely was for cap space but we really got a phenomenal player out of it:biggrin:

[ALuhrs704]

Great Trade.

[GoBobs]

I didn't see tonights game but he gives us what we need points! Is there a chance he was using that body language to be decptive giving him a better change of speed? In the past phill jackson called him a space cadet and people questioned if he had brain damage on d just letting his man go back door. He seemed to be plenty focused and into it in the cllippers game I saw. I hope thats the vlad we continue to get. If so It will be a very good trade indeed. His mental toughness is in a much better place then Ammo.

[Felton for Prez]

Watch him on the defensive end and the boards. Something just doesn't seem right about him. My wife even asked if he was stoned.

The comment about making it this far in his career was cracked me up. He got buried on the Lakers bench because of his lack of effort in practice and his unprofessionalism (please don't make me find the article). That's how far he's gotten in his career.

The guy is 6'10" and can stroke it, no question. I am not suggesting he's not an upgrade over Morrison. I am merely saying that there are things about him that look off. I hope I'm wrong and I'm glad others don't see it.

[Felton for Prez]

I didn't see tonights game but he gives us what we need points! Is there a chance he was using that body language to be decptive giving him a better change of speed? In the past phill jackson called him a space cadet and people questioned if he had brain damage on d just letting his man go back door. He seemed to be plenty focused and into it in the cllippers game I saw. I hope thats the vlad we continue to get. If so It will be a very good trade indeed. His mental toughness is in a much better place then Ammo.

I completely forgot about the space cadet stuff. That is absolutely what I saw.

I agree, hopefully getting more burn will help him focus better.

[TattoodCatswife]

Watch him on the defensive end and the boards. Something just doesn't seem right about him. My wife even asked if he was stoned.

The comment about making it this far in his career was cracked me up. He got buried on the Lakers bench because of his lack of effort in practice and his unprofessionalism (please don't make me find the article). That's how far he's gotten in his career.

The guy is 6'10" and can stroke it, no question. I am not suggesting he's not an upgrade over Morrison. I am merely saying that there are things about him that look off. I hope I'm wrong and I'm glad others don't see it.

Dude, he's a foreign guy from Serbia..he is going to look maybe a little "different" but I hope everyone doesn't take this comment as being racist or anything cuz I TOTALLY am not..but just stating the obvious about him...as long as the guy keeps putting up those numbers he did last night I will have no issues with him :biggrin:

Also no can look as goofy as Michael Phelps.

[BETCATS]

i dont think Shannon and Adam ever combined for 21 points! Shannon was great, i wont miss Adam, but i heart Vlad-Rad.

[davcbow]

If you think Radman looks funny, have you ever took a gander at Ammo?
Now picking on someone for their looks.... Ridiculous:cool:

[Muttley]

I think that even if Vlad matches Ammo's lack of ability on the defensive end, he's already shown that he will make up for it on the offensive end (relative to Adam). We didn't acquire him to start him. He's supposed to come on and give us an offensive boost and rest some starters (at multiple positions, too!).

Reggie Miller said on the Dan Patrick Show that the trade was a plus for the Lakers (as opposed to the Bobcats) because Adam is younger and less of a headcase and a better shooter than Radmanovic.

Dan's response was, "... are you sure about that?"

Reggie clearly had something twisted. I doubt if he'd ever seen Adam play this year. Figures since we're not on TNT.

Also, that baseline drive and dunk last night was SWEET!

[Ghost Kat]

I'm not sure if He's a space cadet but I know he's been productive in his 1st two games. I don't see him as being lost. He doesn' have the best defensive footwork. But I saw him hustle last night. I saw him chase down a guy on a fast break, Now he fouled him, But he did atleast go for the block. Morrison just grabbed people that went by him. He can atleast guard his man, Morrison couldn't guard my Grandmother in the Rest Home league.

[VladRadfor3]

Watch him on the defensive end and the boards. Something just doesn't seem right about him. My wife even asked if he was stoned.

The comment about making it this far in his career was cracked me up. He got buried on the Lakers bench because of his lack of effort in practice and his unprofessionalism (please don't make me find the article). That's how far he's gotten in his career.

The guy is 6'10" and can stroke it, no question. I am not suggesting he's not an upgrade over Morrison. I am merely saying that there are things about him that look off. I hope I'm wrong and I'm glad others don't see it.

Please take everything the L.A. sports media says with a gigantic grain of salt. They live for drama and when there isn't any they will most definitely create it. Vladi wasn't benched because of unprofessionalism, or lack of effort, or anything that he was or wasn't doing on the court (Even Phil Jackson had to admit that). He worked hard over the summer, came into camp noticeably improved on D, and played well for the Lakers as a starter in their first 20 games. Ultimately, he was benched because the Lakers had one too many small forwards. With Ariza rapidly improving and Phil's inexplicable obsession with Luke Walton, that left Rad as the odd man out. It's that simple. I'm not saying that Vlad hasn't made mistakes, he has, but it's not all on him. He's a frustrating player at times, but he's a pretty good guy, and when his three ball is on you can't lose. I hope everyone will give him a chance.

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

if vladimir smokes pot, then ammo must surely smoke crack

i don't see any signs of being a space cadet or lack of effort..i'm sure jordan, LB, and the rest did their due dilegence when they traded for him. i don't think LB is stupid to bring someone who will lack effort at practice

[tamburello]

It's still too early to judge his performance, however, I must say that Vladimir is doing pretty good job after two games. If all we expect is making three pointers, I guess he's matching all expectations. I hope he keeps up like that.

[spectre]

It's still too early to judge his performance, however, I must say that Vladimir is doing pretty good job after two games. If all we expect is making three pointers, I guess he's matching all expectations. I hope he keeps up like that.

That's the thing Tam (and is usually true with everyone)...expectations. If we expect the guy to come in and be an above average defender we'll most likely be disappointed. Since LB wanted the guy he knows what he can and can't do, and I expect him to play Vlad to his strengths and try to mask his weaknesses.

[davcbow]

I'm proud as a 2 peckered pup with Radman being a Bobcat, the man can shoot lights out.... He can do other things that Ammo could not do.... :cool:

[Slam]

Like I have been saying: In effect he has replaced what Hammer used to bring us, but is on a much shorter contract. He's some great fire to have off the bench.

Side note: I've actually been a little impressed with his D. Not man D, but his team D. He rotates very well and very quickly which means there isn't as many holes for the opposition to drive through or drop into.

[Ghost Kat]

Side note: I've actually been a little impressed with his D. Not man D, but his team D. He rotates very well and very quickly which means there isn't as many holes for the opposition to drive through or drop into.

I have to agree his team defense has been 100% better then Morrison. Actually his team offense is 100% better then Morrison. He's bigger more mobile, better BB IQ, and he doesn't hang his head when he misses a shot. He put up two air balls in that last game. He came back down the court and his next shots were all net. Morrison never did that.

[Ampsportsduo]

Does it sound crazy that I wish Diaw would finish at the rim like Vlad?

[TheBeagle]

Does it sound crazy that I wish Diaw would finish at the rim like Vlad? It's a perfectly sane thing to wish, I think we're all in agreement.

[TattoodCatswife]

Does it sound crazy that I wish Diaw would finish at the rim like Vlad?

I've been anxiously waiting for him to do this since he has come here

[teej]

I think Larry wants Boris to stay out of the paint more than most PF's on Offense though, but yes it would be nice.

How do you like the trade now, Tamb?