the "Animal" -- maybe a bit overrated ALSO thoughts on Gooden

by chris_francisco on Jul 29, 2009 6:43 PM CDT

This is my very first post but I felt like it was necessary after reading everyone's comments. I am actually very happy to see Brandon Bass go, and believe this organization would have deeply regretted matching Orlando's offer (I also believe that Orlando made two mistakes in A. offering Bass so much money and B. matching Gortat's offer sheet, mistakes that will hurt them later, IMO). Brandon Bass had a nice jumper and good hustle, but at 6'7" he was already undersized to be a PF and just sillily undersized to play back-up 5. We could not count on his shooting touch in crunch time (unless my memory is fading?), and it was just embarrassing watching him attempt his power 2-handed dunk in heavy traffic and get ruthlessly denied over -- and over, and over again. His basketball I.Q. seems pretty low. However, he is young, confident, and will probably get better with playing time and good coaching (although I'm doubting he'll get much of either) so it is true that he has some upside.

Meanwhile, it looks like were signing 6'10" forward Drew Gooden to a one year deal (I say "looks like" because its nothings official til there's ink on a contract ala Gortat) who for his career averages 12 points and 8 boards (2.5 offensive rebounds per) a game, shooting at a clip of 47% in 28 minutes. The "Animal" for his shorter career has averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds (1 of which is offensive) while shooting 48% in 18 minutes (stats on NBA.com). So, if you are looking at this situation as Drew Gooden replacing Brandon Bass, then its basically swapping for a taller, heavier, more experienced (NBA Finals experience, to be precise**) player who averages almost double the stats in less then double the minutes. At 6'10", he also has pretty legit size to contend for the starting center position.. and if he is truly an upgrade over Damp (despite the fact that Dampier has incentive to play well -- its his contract year), then we will have IMO done a great job at not only covering our losses but actually improving steadily in the process.

**Although his team was swept (blame Lebron)

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Couldn't disagree more..

Bass was the spirit that would come in when the Mavs couldn’t get anything right and provide instant energy. I’m struggling to remember any time that he was denied at the rim, unlike most of his teammates. And he developed a really nice 10 ft’er that Gooden doesn’t have. I’m sad to see him go, but am glad that he has a legit shot at a starting spot that he never would have gotten here.

Just my opinion, I wish him the best, but also hope that Gooden can step up and make this team better.

by bbob on Jul 29, 2009 8:07 PM CDT reply actions

does he really have a legit shot at starting?

Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, Bass, Howard?

Either way, i see where CF is getting his “denied at the rim” statement from. He had some explosive dunks, but he never seemed to throw them down when a defender was close to him. He did get denied a few times.

Not hating. I LOVE Bass. And I, too, will miss him. But I do actually view Gooden as an upgrade in many ways, mostly the size/weight difference which I think will lead to more consistent post production and rebounding from that roster spot.

"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 30, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Hmmm..

That’s the word I hear from O-town. They want to avoid playing Lewis at the 4 this season.

maybe I’ve put all of the denies out of my memory…. the excitement of when he did throw down probably made me forget…

I am with both of you on Gooden, I’m glad we have some more size in the post. I’m just not sure how all of the pieces are going to fit together, yet. Going to be interesting to see how it all plays out.

by bbob on Jul 30, 2009 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Brandon Bass was blocked 29% of the time he attempted a shot in the paint.

courtesy of 82games.com

http://www.82games.com/0809/08DAL13.HTM

Mavs this year = 82-0.

by chris_francisco on Jul 29, 2009 9:21 PM CDT reply actions

Bass, even getting his shot blocked, could not possibly be worse than Gooden. Gooden is the kind of player who might look OK in the stats and if you see him once in a while when he has his 1 good game out of 10, but a lower-IQ baller would be hard to find…there’s a reason nobody keeps him around very long.

"Give me chonchon."

by Slowpoke Rodriguez on Jul 29, 2009 11:52 PM CDT reply actions

I'm not really convinced Gooden is a huge upgrade over Bass.

But I am convinced its NOT a downgrade, at least defensively. Bass is a better offensive player for sure from 15 ft away, but directly underneath the basket Gooden has an advantage. Bass has heart, hustle and character.. Gooden has the size, bulk, and back-to-basket game. Despite his “heart” which is something I do admire and hope to find in every Mav, Bass is just a jump-shooter who can’t create his own shot and we know where taking a bunch of jumpers gets you. Gooden vs. Bass in 1 on 1 = Brandon Bass wins. I know. But really, we’ll be fine with Gooden, watch.

Mavs this year = 82-0.

by chris_francisco on Jul 30, 2009 6:32 AM CDT reply actions

plus, brandon bass could never start at center.

Mavs this year = 82-0.

by chris_francisco on Jul 30, 2009 6:34 AM CDT reply actions

And Gooden can?

"Give me chonchon."

by Slowpoke Rodriguez on Jul 30, 2009 3:50 PM CDT reply actions

some have said so

"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 30, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions

That is a dumb idea and the Mavs will find out REAL fast.

by Carlo on Aug 5, 2009 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Intangibles....

Bass has been known to overproduce in his short career & Gooden has been known to loaf a bit. Drew may very well have more inherit talent BUT he also has a bit of an unsavory reputation for laziness that precedes him. It’s kind of an interesting take to explore but at the end of the day, we’ll just have to see how it plays out on the court. I’m willing to bet that it’s probably a wash.

by newkidd07 on Aug 1, 2009 5:41 PM CDT reply actions