Disagree. Unless the Pacers FO and coaching staff are dumber than a sack of hammers, they knew exactly what they were getting with Toppin. Unless Toppin’s offense and athletic ability fall off a cliff, he’ll remain a starter. He’s a running 4 that can jump out of the gym and hit threes. Not a defender. Everyone who has ever watched him play knows that. Walker only starts if there is an injury.
Defending isn't as much a skill as it is an effort meter. That same athletic ability and length sure would give him mad abilities defensively. If he chooses to apply himself there.
Rick has clearly stated the team priorities.
Some would rather run and rim rattle. Those guys can still be valuable, off the bench and such. Walker also has intriguing playmaker potential. Walker starts before the season is half way.
Sorry, but I have to disagree with this. In today’s NBA, if you don’t have the length, quickness, and skill to guard multiple positions, teams will headhunt you for favorable matchups. All the effort in the world cannot overcome that. Toppin’s not built to be a strong defender. He’s skinny for 6’9 and he’s top heavy. He doesn’t have the ability to get low and guard perimeter players and he isn’t strong enough to hang with guys like Jackson Jr, who ate his lunch in the Memphis preseason game. The Pacers HAVE to know this, and I’m certain they do. They hope that a player like Toppin can bring other talents to the table. If defense was the premium, then why trade for Toppin when they know he is a defensive liability?
BTW, I’m not disagreeing that Toppin could get benched. Im just saying that if he’s benched because of his lack of defense, that makes no sense. The Pacers know Toppin isn’t a good defender.
Makes perfect sense. Defense is 1/2 the game. If you don't apply yourself there, youi don't deserve to start and may fall out of the rotation completely.
Pacers will struggle defensively all year. They don’t have the players or the coaching pedigree to play strong defense. As long as Carlisle is the HC, defense will always take a back seat to offense and 3s. As for the players, Haliburton and Toppin aren’t on the floor for their defense. Turner is overrated as a defender and Mathurin is still developing. Brown is the only known defender. Walker and Nembhard show promise, but are still developing. Neismith shows potential to be a defender like Brown.
So people aren't allowed to evolve? I think good coaches, ne, good boss's, are continually evolving. there are numerous discussions among he, the gm, the pres, etc talking about what they need to do to be in the playoffs. And nothing mentioned involves shooting. ;)
Certainly. People can always evolve. I don’t think Carlisle is evolving when it comes to coaching defense. He’s 63 years old and this is likely his last coaching job in the NBA. One thing I’m trying to highlight for you is that words mean nothing in this context. Actions speak louder. Regardless of what the Pacers are saying, I don’t think defense is a requirement for starting. If so, why did they give the starting spot to Toppin let alone trade for him? They know who he is and feel his offensive talent outweighs his defensive liability. And regardless of whatever they say, shooting is always THE paramount for Carlisle. 20+ years of watching his coaching tell us that.
Toppins struggles on D and Ricks emphasis on same should have Walker in the starting lineup sooner than later.
Disagree. Unless the Pacers FO and coaching staff are dumber than a sack of hammers, they knew exactly what they were getting with Toppin. Unless Toppin’s offense and athletic ability fall off a cliff, he’ll remain a starter. He’s a running 4 that can jump out of the gym and hit threes. Not a defender. Everyone who has ever watched him play knows that. Walker only starts if there is an injury.
Defending isn't as much a skill as it is an effort meter. That same athletic ability and length sure would give him mad abilities defensively. If he chooses to apply himself there.
Rick has clearly stated the team priorities.
Some would rather run and rim rattle. Those guys can still be valuable, off the bench and such. Walker also has intriguing playmaker potential. Walker starts before the season is half way.
Sorry, but I have to disagree with this. In today’s NBA, if you don’t have the length, quickness, and skill to guard multiple positions, teams will headhunt you for favorable matchups. All the effort in the world cannot overcome that. Toppin’s not built to be a strong defender. He’s skinny for 6’9 and he’s top heavy. He doesn’t have the ability to get low and guard perimeter players and he isn’t strong enough to hang with guys like Jackson Jr, who ate his lunch in the Memphis preseason game. The Pacers HAVE to know this, and I’m certain they do. They hope that a player like Toppin can bring other talents to the table. If defense was the premium, then why trade for Toppin when they know he is a defensive liability?
Because we also need scorers. Doesn't mean he stays starting which was the only point I was discussing.
BTW, I’m not disagreeing that Toppin could get benched. Im just saying that if he’s benched because of his lack of defense, that makes no sense. The Pacers know Toppin isn’t a good defender.
Makes perfect sense. Defense is 1/2 the game. If you don't apply yourself there, youi don't deserve to start and may fall out of the rotation completely.
Pretty disappointed in him so far.
and Toppin had a couple of nice plays on the D end!
Loving his size and offense as expected. If he works on the other end too...... :)
Pacers will struggle defensively all year. They don’t have the players or the coaching pedigree to play strong defense. As long as Carlisle is the HC, defense will always take a back seat to offense and 3s. As for the players, Haliburton and Toppin aren’t on the floor for their defense. Turner is overrated as a defender and Mathurin is still developing. Brown is the only known defender. Walker and Nembhard show promise, but are still developing. Neismith shows potential to be a defender like Brown.
Clearly not what Rick has said.
What Carlisle says and what his coaching pedigree shows are two different things.
So people aren't allowed to evolve? I think good coaches, ne, good boss's, are continually evolving. there are numerous discussions among he, the gm, the pres, etc talking about what they need to do to be in the playoffs. And nothing mentioned involves shooting. ;)
BTW, that second quarter against the Hawks was outstanding defensively.
Certainly. People can always evolve. I don’t think Carlisle is evolving when it comes to coaching defense. He’s 63 years old and this is likely his last coaching job in the NBA. One thing I’m trying to highlight for you is that words mean nothing in this context. Actions speak louder. Regardless of what the Pacers are saying, I don’t think defense is a requirement for starting. If so, why did they give the starting spot to Toppin let alone trade for him? They know who he is and feel his offensive talent outweighs his defensive liability. And regardless of whatever they say, shooting is always THE paramount for Carlisle. 20+ years of watching his coaching tell us that.
Nope, you're wrong. Sorry to be the one to speak up. He's been a Defensive coach his whole career, modern ways be darned.