Best Frontline in the NBA 2015-2016

[tatteredprince]

Duncan, LaMarcus, Leonard, West, Diaw, Marjanovic, Bonner, Anderson

Lock it in boys!!!!

:lobt2:

[look_at_g_shred]

Great read imho

[tatteredprince]

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/the-quietly-efficient-offense-of-david-west/

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It’s hard to come up with an anecdote that encapsulates David West. It’s not because he isn’t worthy of one, though. It’s more that his yeoman-like approach rarely contains standout moments. His production from game to game has the consistency of a metronome and, unfortunately for West, the appeal of one, too.
Consistency can be a dirty word as far as branding is concerned, but there’s no denying that West’s ability to churn out points on a nightly basis has been invaluable for the Pacers all season. As his teammates — most notably Paul George and Roy Hibbert — struggled to adjust to the absence of Danny Granger during a dreadful first month, West was there to pick up the slack. According to NBA.com, through December 1, Indiana’s offensive rating without West on the floor was 88.3 — a number that would have made last year’s Bobcats, a historically bad team, look like a collection of offensive savants. Needless to say, the team’s 8-9 record over that stretch could have been much worse without West’s steadying hand.
The Pacers’ current spot at 25th overall in offensive efficiency is still largely attributable to that early-season slump, and that December 1 date is no arbitrary cut-off point. That loss to Golden State coincided with George’s low point this season in his adjustment to being the primary perimeter option. Since bottoming out with an 0-for-7 showing from the field that night, the emerging forward has combined with West to boost Indiana’s offensive rating to 101.7, a number that would rank a more respectable 16th had it been the team’s mark from the start of the season.
When watching George play, it’s easy to see how his combination of athleticism, handle, and shooting ability can be essential to a team’s offense. West’s unremarkable game, on the other hand, doesn’t give off nearly the same vibe. So while George slashes to the rim and unleashes jumpers from deep, his veteran counterpart operates from one of the trickiest areas to operate on an NBA court — the elbow.
At any level of the game, the elbow area can be both a nightmare to defend and a nightmare to navigate. With the ball at that spot, offenses can run a host of actions — from isolations to two-man games — but the spacing is often cramped and the outcome of a possession starting at the elbow can often end with a long 2-point jumper.
But catch a Pacers game and you’ll see West loitering around the left elbow like Taylor Swift outside her next boyfriend’s house. It’s an odd sight that gives the impression that the big man isn’t entirely engaged in the offensive proceedings, but in reality West is simply claiming the real estate where he does most of his damage.
Like Dirk Nowitzki, in an age of “offensive efficiency” West is a throwback in that he relies on an accurate midrange jumper to be a highly efficient isolation scorer in an area that normally doesn’t allow for it. While the big German’s game is rather unorthodox, West’s isolation attacks from this spot consist primarily of jab-step jumpers and using raw power to muscle defenders deep into the paint for his patented half-hooks.

[tatteredprince]

On David West:

A talented young power forward who is one of the most underrated players in the game today. Not terribly tall for a power forward, but has a 7-4 wingspan, and good bulk. Not super quick or explosive. Simply knows how to play the game effectively, and has improved his skill-level dramatically thanks to his terrific work ethic and drive. Has a big heart, and is a true competitor. Tremendous offensive player from the midrange in. Very savvy rebounder. High basketball IQ.

From DraftExpress.comhttp://www.draftexpress.com/#ixzz3gXBp1Mc2
http://www.draftexpress.com

[tatteredprince]

Guys, here is an interesting article:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2527007-lamarcus-aldridge-david-west-give-tim-duncan-something-hes-never-had

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For most of the last two decades, role players have complemented San Antonio Spurs (http://bleacherreport.com/san-antonio-spurs) power forward Tim Duncan (http://bleacherreport.com/tim-duncan). However, LaMarcus Aldridge (http://bleacherreport.com/lamarcus-aldridge) and David West (http://bleacherreport.com/david-west) give the future Hall of Famer something he's never had: strong frontcourt depth.
Without question, Duncan and David Robinson comprised the best power forward-center combo in franchise history. Although the Spurs' current collection of talent up front is impressive, it won't surpass The Big Fundamental and The Admiral.
Regardless, players like Tiago Splitter, Matt Bonner, Nazr Mohammed, Fabricio Oberto, Robert Horry, Rasho Nesterovic and Malik Rose each occupied valuable roles. But comparatively, they all fall short of what San Antonio will showcase in 2015-16.
Duncan, Aldridge, West and Boris Diaw form arguably the deepest frontcourt unit San Antonio has ever employed.
http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/article/media_slots/photos/002/157/349/hi-res-5f98b29ce5308c9e1eba10263aee7295_crop_exact.jpg?w= 340&h=215&q=85
Eric Gay/Associated Press/Associated Press
LaMarcus Aldridge received Bruce Bowen's blessing to wear No. 12, which the Spurs retired a couple of years ago.

Aldridge, who spent the last nine seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers (http://bleacherreport.com/portland-trail-blazers), is an adequate defender but boasts a versatile arsenal on the scoring end of the floor. The 6'11" power forward is an elite mid-range shooter and dangerous while facing the basket.
Plus, Aldridge started to add a three-point shot last season. After connecting on 24 of 116 triples through eight years, he buried 37 of 105 in 2014-15. Working with shooting coach Chip Engelland should only improve that noticeable progression in Aldridge's game.
Duncan and Splitter rarely attempted 16-footers, which negatively impacted the offense's spacing. Put simply, adding Aldridge will change that. According to Basketball-Reference.com (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aldrila01.html), he hoisted 57.1 percent of his total shots from 16 feet or farther.
With Splitter gone, Duncan will slide up to center and can focus on attacking the post, where he was most effective last year, anyway. Duncan attempted 70.8 percent of his shots within 10 feet of the rim, his highest clip since the 2006-07 campaign, per Basketball-Reference.com (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/duncati01.html). He converted 52.8 percent of those looks.

That complementary offense should force opponents to respect Aldridge's mid-range game, shy away from leaving Duncan alone in the post and have higher potential for breakdowns on the perimeter. Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard surely wouldn't mind a few uncontested shots.
But when Duncan leaves the floor, San Antonio's frontcourt production shouldn't decrease much.
At 6'8" and 6'9", respectively, neither Diaw nor West has ideal size for a center—and neither is a tremendous defender. Nevertheless, the duo poses a formidable threat against any pair of backup bigs because of its offensive prowess.
Diaw has been a fixture in the Spurs rotation for two-plus seasons, and he's a crafty passer who can finally target a center who is ready to fire from 18 feet. If the stretch 4 can regain his three-point range, Diaw will return to the dangerous form he displayed during the 2014 Finals.
West chose a realistic shot at a championship ring and backup role over a $12 million salary and well-deserved starting position. As Quixem Ramirez of the University Star notes, San Antonio landed a gem in West.
All four players could be starters on a majority of NBA (http://bleacherreport.com/nba) teams, but the Spurs own a massive luxury, as two will come off the bench.
Most importantly for Duncan, though, Aldridge and West are the offense-focused counterparts he and San Antonio need. When Duncan was in his prime, Rose, Nesterovic and Mohammed contributed as physical, defensive-minded role players. At this stage of Duncan's career, he's become that unsung teammate.
The veteran's defensive ability will be a major component of San Antonio's possible success. After all, Duncan is the undisputed leader up front on that end.
Duncan has remained a stout rim-protecting presence through 18 NBA seasons, and that's not likely to change in 2015-16. Last year, he earned NBA All-Defensive second-team honors and posted a 96.9 defensive rating—the third-best mark in the league (http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2015_leaders.html).
However, pressure to carry the team is largely off Duncan. The 39-year-old is now a third or fourth option at best. It's unfamiliar territory, but this season, Duncan could also receive a title he's never held: role player.

Follow Bleacher Report NBA writer David Kenyon on Twitter:@Kenyon19_BR (https://twitter.com/Kenyon19_BR).

[tatteredprince]

BAD NEWS ON THE NBA:

You cannot, cannot double team the San Antonio Spurs starting five! Absolutely not!