Will Alexis Ajinca be our backup PF this season? [Archive]

ziggy

07-22-2009, 05:17 PM

Chris Wilcox is gone, Sheed gone, Charlie V gone, Fatass is in Sacramento (not that he would have helped).
Big Baby, Drew Gooden and Ike Diogu are still out there but at this point none of those guys are a lock for the 'Cats.

With that being said, By the All-Star break, could Lexi be a servicable 10 to 15 minute backup PF behind Boris. I realize that he could have some "not so great" moments on the court early in the season, but 40ish games in after getting those 10 to 15 minutes per game in the first 1/2 of the season could we survive with him in that role?

Opinions?
:g:

teej

07-22-2009, 05:24 PM

Between Nazzy and Lexy, if we don't get Big Baby, Gooden, or Powe (I don't like Ike), I think we should be ok...I guess.

ammofan

07-22-2009, 05:25 PM

I hope not......

ALong13

07-22-2009, 05:26 PM

I really hope we re-sign Juwan Howard...even if it's one year and a little above the vet min...re-sign him even 2 years if he wants...he's still a good back-up IMO

Proudiddy

07-22-2009, 05:33 PM

no...............

davcbow

07-22-2009, 05:38 PM

I think Lexy will be fine if we just play him, his experience will come... He should be much better than last year... He is a 2nd year man now play him! :cool:

Demon DeaCat

07-22-2009, 05:59 PM

bing!

07-22-2009, 06:03 PM

I'd hate to think what would happen if Boris were to go down with an injury... Lexy manning the 4 by himself... nah. He should get more minutes this season (not nbadl minutes) but that's about it, I'm not all that comfy knowing he'd be a regular factor in Larry's rotation.. but then again, I always enjoy pleasant surprises (beef, beef, BEEF!).

Slam

07-22-2009, 06:50 PM

Well, we traded away a first round pick to get the guy. If he can't give us 10-15 minutes a night as a second year player then we were pretty off the mark in our assessment of his talent. I say throw him out there. We're going to have to find out whether or not he can play eventually.
What are you talking about? If he played 10-15mpg as a second year player he would be WELL ahead of where he was assessed as a talent.

He was drafted as a long term project. How many long projects play 10-15mpg in their 2nd year?

amour217

07-22-2009, 07:15 PM

docend24

07-22-2009, 08:06 PM

You guys underestimating that we have kind of 4 forward tweeners on roster - Crash, Boris, Vlad and UPS (ok some would say Lexy is a forward tweener too), with bit of a small lineup we have enough bodies. Real big banger would help of course.

Jennings

07-22-2009, 08:58 PM

I like Howard. When he got in the game last year, he seemed to do a pretty good job. We'll have to see how lexi progressed from last season.

rsxnova

07-22-2009, 08:58 PM

Demon DeaCat

07-22-2009, 09:28 PM

What are you talking about? If he played 10-15mpg as a second year player he would be WELL ahead of where he was assessed as a talent.

He was drafted as a long term project. How many long projects play 10-15mpg in their 2nd year?

No, if I was expecting him to replace Boris as our starting PF in year two, that would be well ahead of schedule. To say he should be able to give us spot duty off the bench to the tune of 10-15 minutes as a second year player is just expecting natural progression.

I get that he's a project, but even projects should show some discernable improvement from one year to the next if they're as talented as you think they are. Maybe Lexi gets those minutes next year and maybe he doesn't. PT has as much to do with opportunity as anything, but if he's not at least capable of giving Boris a breather for 3 minutes a quarter if given the opportunity, then I have to question if he's that good. What's your expectation, that he should spend the year back in the D-League again?

teej

07-22-2009, 10:17 PM

I think what we want and expect are two different things.

Because LB was hesitant to send him to the D-League, his growth was retarded. Thus, he'll probably spend more time there this season, and then progress to a bench role here in Charlotte. That's what I expect, as long as we sign ANYone who can be a banger.

What I'd WANT from a second year project is the ability to contribute, say, 5-8 minutes of quality help a game, and up to 20 minutes if called upon. But I doubt Lexy is able to be called upon for that role yet, and I certainly doubt LB sees him there. Perhaps later on in the year if he progresses ahead of schedule, or, were Boris or the backup to go down with an injury we could see him in that role sooner. But right now, I'd prefer for him to grow naturally.

G-Force for MVP

07-22-2009, 10:28 PM

Lexy is going to be a beast

TattoodCats4life

07-22-2009, 10:50 PM

Lexi on the 3 behind wallace...
Vladi and Brown behind Diaw...

I'm 100000000% behind the idea of resigning Juwan for 2 years at vet min year one, team option vet min +10% the 2nd year. (with the idea in my head that he would be a great big man coach beside coach thompson).

TattoodCats4life

07-22-2009, 10:51 PM

Just realized this didnt take...

Imagine this lineup off the bench...

Big PG/DJ
DJ/Henderson
Lexi
Vladi/UPS
Diop/Nazr

It'd be a huge lineup...and lexi can move across the floor fast enough to keep up with 3s.

teej

07-22-2009, 11:03 PM

Just realized this didnt take...

Imagine this lineup off the bench...

DJ/Dontell
Hendo/DJ
Lexi
Vladi/UPS
Nazr/Diop

It'd be a huge lineup...and lexi can move across the floor fast enough to keep up with 3s.

Fixed :biggrin:

And Lexy is faster than some points...

davcbow

07-23-2009, 12:21 AM

Fixed :biggrin:

And Lexy is faster than some points...

Exactly we need to play him and not make him swelter on the bench or down in D-leagueville...:cool:

TheBeagle

07-23-2009, 02:18 AM

Nobody would be happier than me to see him getting some good minutes here instead of being in Maine, but I don't think it's time yet. As far as his progression, remember that Larry wanted him, and thusly, traded him for a future lottery pick because heconsidered Lexy a lottery pick in the following draft ('09), which makes him for all intents and purposes a rookie this upcoming year.

I think the '09-'10 season we can get a better indication of what kind of player he'll become.

I've been preaching the good word Lexy since last summer, and I think he will be a special player for us, but I really don't think he's ready for a primary backup role this year....still, I'd love to see him given the opportunity and prove me wrong.

docend24

07-23-2009, 06:45 AM

Lexy is going to be a beast

A Red Claw.

docend24

07-23-2009, 06:53 AM

Well, there is a hope Lex can learn a lot from French national team camp (including Larry Brown) a lot, regardless what positiobn on their team he'll get.

Then after our pre-season I really want him to play in Maine till say December because Red Claws are a new D-League team so there could be a chance they could kinda make a team around him if he is there early. And I would actually love to see an offense run for him in which he would get a lot of touches (including long jumpers). That coulde only help him to have an experience to be first/second option and (semi) go-to-guy.

(wishful thinking included)

Slam

07-23-2009, 09:38 AM

What's your expectation, that he should spend the year back in the D-League again?
He only played 11 games in the D last season. I'd love for him to play in the D up until the All Star break and then in the big show for the rest of the season.

Like I have been saying, Lexy isn't even on my radar just yet so I don't expect a thing from him - litterally. My expectations will start next summer when he, in a way, becomes our 2010 draft pick.

Because LB was hesitant to send him to the D-League, his growth was retarded. Thus, he'll probably spend more time there this season, and then progress to a bench role here in Charlotte. That's what I expect, as long as we sign ANYone who can be a banger.

What I'd WANT from a second year project is the ability to contribute, say, 5-8 minutes of quality help a game, and up to 20 minutes if called upon. But I doubt Lexy is able to be called upon for that role yet, and I certainly doubt LB sees him there. Perhaps later on in the year if he progresses ahead of schedule, or, were Boris or the backup to go down with an injury we could see him in that role sooner. But right now, I'd prefer for him to grow naturally.
I agree with every signle word of this.

Ghost Kat

07-24-2009, 01:20 AM

teej

07-24-2009, 01:26 AM

I can't see Ajinca playing the SF in the NBA. I don't think he has the footwork, speed, or or really anything to guard the SF in the NBA. He couldn't stay in front of Crash , let alone try to guard Lebron.

:facepalm:

:confused: Uhh, he was the only guy besides DJ who COULD keep up with Crash...what were you watching??

Ghost Kat

07-24-2009, 01:43 AM

:facepalm:

:confused: Uhh, he was the only guy besides DJ who COULD keep up with Crash...what were you watching??

What were you watching?

Are you talking about running up and down the court or having to guard Crash.

Lex, Run yes...

Lex, Guard No...

Ajinca is athletic,yes, but he's still pretty akward looking half the time. PF is a good spot for him to grow into a Duncan type player. SF, No, Ajinca couldn't keep up with Josh Howard let alone anyone with their own shoe and a name brand.

teej

07-24-2009, 01:58 AM

Lex, Run yes...

Lex, Guard No...

Oh ye of little faith. dear sir, who is our coach? Who, if anyone, could transform Lexy into the biggest, fastest, badass SF in the NBA?

Hint: He's coaching him right now :biggrin:

SWedd523

07-24-2009, 10:48 AM

Oh ye of little faith. dear sir, who is our coach? Who, if anyone, could transform Lexy into the biggest, fastest, badass SF in the NBA?

Hint: He's coaching him right now :biggrin:
Vincent Collet?

SCBobcat

07-24-2009, 11:17 AM

I am in Portland, Maine right now. I'm going to try to find some Red Claws gear before Lexy makes that team the most talked-about one in the D.

spectre

07-24-2009, 01:00 PM

I am in Portland, Maine right now. I'm going to try to find some Red Claws gear before Lexy makes that team the most talked-about one in the D.

:biggrin: +1!

TheBeagle

07-24-2009, 11:07 PM

I am in Portland, Maine right now. I'm going to try to find some Red Claws gear before Lexy makes that team the most talked-about one in the D. LOL! Say hey to my dad for me. Drove him to the airport predawn today. Just go up to every 60 year old male you see and ask him if he's Beagle's dad....believe me, you won't make an ass of yourself :biggrin:

As of two weeks ago, no Red Claws goodies to be found in the Portland area yet. Maybe better luck this weekend.....

SWedd523

07-24-2009, 11:57 PM

As of two weeks ago, no Red Claws goodies to be found in the Portland area yet. Maybe better luck this weekend.....

You're killin' me!

kickazzz2000

07-25-2009, 01:22 AM

You're killin' me!
Random OT thought: I've always wondered...if you live in one Portland, would you be a fan of the other Portland's teams. Meaning, I wonder how many people in Portland, ME are Blazers fans just because the team has Portland in it.

[/Random Ass Thought]

davcbow

07-25-2009, 01:24 AM

Back when I was a little kid I always thought the Trail Blazers played in Maine because I didnt know any better....:biggrin:

teej

07-25-2009, 01:27 AM

Back when I was a little kid I always thought the Trail Blazers played in Maine because I didnt know any better....:biggrin:

I thought the Wizards played in the state of Washington...

SCBobcat

07-25-2009, 10:20 AM

As of two weeks ago, no Red Claws goodies to be found in the Portland area yet. Maybe better luck this weekend.....

I found a nice Red Claws Adidas sweatshirt with the 3 strips down each sleeve. They had only five in stock and two of them were XXL, so they must be banking on some big, cold fans.

davcbow

07-25-2009, 11:05 PM

I found a nice Red Claws Adidas sweatshirt with the 3 strips down each sleeve. They had only five in stock and two of them were XXL, so they must be banking on some big, cold fans.

Or going to slide it over their hockey uniforms....:biggrin:

SWedd523

07-25-2009, 11:18 PM

If anybody wants any Red Claws gear (that's you Beagle):

they can be purchase at our office (413 Congress Street in downtown Portland) or call 207-210-6655 and we'll mail them to you. They are not online yet

That's straight from them. Tell your pop to check that place out!