Waiting For Lampe

[George O'Brien]

Currently Lampe is on IR while Clark is on the active roster but not even at the games in street clothes. Chances are Clark will be cut as soon as he it healthy enough to play on the wild hope that someone will pick him up.

Once Lampe comes off IR, there is at least a chance he will get a chance to play, if only to satisfy the curiosity of fans who want to have a reason to watch the games. It struck me that this curiosity is highest among "draftnics" who really pay attention to the various reports about players. I just came across a report from

cbs sports line

Sportsline's Analysis

If it weren't for the presence of Darko Milicic, Lampe, 18, would probably be getting a lot more attention. Already 6-11, he's expected to grow another couple of inches and runs the court with great fluidity. He reminds many of Dirk Nowitzki and is almost certainly a top 10 pick. He could go as early as No. 6 to the Clippers and probably wouldn't slip past the Knicks at No. 9. (Tony Mejia) Scouting Report

DOB: Feb. 5, 1985. Considered among the best young players in Europe. Plays for Universidad Complutense, the top minor league team for Real Madrid in the Spanish League. Though he's only 18, averaged 18.6 points and 7.5 rebounds through 17 games. Also went 23-for-52 (44.2 percent) from three-point range. Despite size, had only nine blocks. Did play a few games with Real Madrid the past two seasons to replace injured players, but didn't get much playing time. Excellent athlete who runs the court like a small forward despite his size. Physically strong and possesses solid fundamentals. Excellent agility, speed and quickness. Good shooter with solid ball handling skills for someone his size. Use athletic ability to gets rebound. Plays a good inside-outside game, but must work on post play. Versatility will enable him to play either forward position in the NBA. Needs to improve upon rebounding and defensive skills. Will take time to develop because of youth and inexperience at the top levels of European ball. (AP)

 

[Gee!]

Originally posted by George O'Brien
Clark is on the active roster but not even at the games in street clothes

Clark was put on IR today.

 

[Yuma]

Keep waiting.....

 

[JerkFace]

as soon as lampe's five games are up i'm sure he'll be activated.....i hear that he is recovering from his shin splints nicely

 

[devilalum]

This guy might turn out to be good but it will defenitely take a few years. How long did it take Jermaine Oneal to make an impact?

The problem I see is that he was a second round pick. If he gets really good in 3 or 4 years the Suns won't be able to resign him.

The second round pick situation is something that needs to be looked at in the next CBA. Teams should be able to resign their own second round picks for a descent salary or at least be able to match any other teams offer.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

The Jermaine Oneal situation isn't as bad as people make it sound. I am pretty sure he would have made an impact much earlier in Portland had they actually played him. They left him rotting on the bench, and the second he gets consistant time in Indiana, he starts showing what he can do.

 

[devilalum]

Originally posted by thegrahamcrackr
The Jermaine Oneal situation isn't as bad as people make it sound. I am pretty sure he would have made an impact much earlier in Portland had they actually played him. They left him rotting on the bench, and the second he gets consistant time in Indiana, he starts showing what he can do.

But do you really think Lampe will make a big impact next year?

I'm thinking if he makes huge strides over the summer he might get 12 min. a game next year.

I've seen posts on this board that have him starting at center next year. Everything I've read about him says he has a small forward game.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

Originally posted by devilalum
But do you really think Lampe will make a big impact next year?

I'm thinking if he makes huge strides over the summer he might get 12 min. a game next year.

I've seen posts on this board that have him starting at center next year. Everything I've read about him says he has a small forward game.

Oh no, I am living in reality. Lampe is 2 years off I would assume (if he winds up being anything).

I was just pointing out that O'Neal was more a victim of his environment, and Lampe should progress faster if he progresses at all.

 

[sunsfn]

Originally posted by devilalum

The second round pick situation is something that needs to be looked at in the next CBA. Teams should be able to resign their own second round picks for a descent salary or at least be able to match any other teams offer.

The Knicks signed Lampe to a three year contract to avoid the pitfall that the Warriors and Detroit are having problems with.
The two year contract is the problem.

 

[George O'Brien]

I am very high on Lampe, but have always said that I do not expect signficant minutes from him for a couple of years. Besides being young and inexperienced, he is making a drastic position change. This is why I am so concerned about having another center besides Voskuhl and Lampe for at least a while.

 

[devilalum]

Originally posted by sunsfn
The Knicks signed Lampe to a three year contract to avoid the pitfall that the Warriors and Detroit are having problems with.
The two year contract is the problem.

So after 3 years can the Suns pay him whatever they want?

 

[George O'Brien]

Originally posted by devilalum
So after 3 years can the Suns pay him whatever they want?

Which is better than not being allowed to pay him what they want.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

Originally posted by devilalum
So after 3 years can the Suns pay him whatever they want?

Well, the team will have his bird rights, which means it can match any offer for him.

Bird Rights go into effect once a player has played for you (or under his current contract) for at least 3 years.

If you do not own a players bird rights when they are a RFA, then the team can only match offers up to the MLE (assuming they are over the cap).

 

[Errntknght]

Devialum, "I've seen posts on this board that have him starting at center next year. Everything I've read about him says he has a small forward game."

Lampe seems to have the size to defend against centers plus his defensive footwork is already pretty good. Offensively, his game fits a high post center - assuming the reports about his long range shooting and passing skills are reasonably on target. The few shots he's taken don't tell you much but he certainly looked comfortable hoisting them up from outside, which isn't a bad sign. He gets up and down the floor with good speed, too, and he doesn't have to strain to do it - which helps him fit with the running game D'Antoni is talking about. Incidentally, he made a great finish on a fast break against Indiana, and as the frontrunner not a trailer.

I wouldn't expect to see him as the starting center early next year but by the end of the season he might be contesting for it. I do think D'A is an idiot for not playing Lampe regularly some this year just to get him started and keep his enthusiasm at a high level. It would make it easier for him to put in a productive summer once he knows from experience what he's going to be up against in games.

 

[George O'Brien]

Originally posted by Errntknght
Lampe seems to have the size to defend against centers plus his defensive footwork is already pretty good. Offensively, his game fits a high post center - assuming the reports about his long range shooting and passing skills are reasonably on target. The few shots he's taken don't tell you much but he certainly looked comfortable hoisting them up from outside, which isn't a bad sign. He gets up and down the floor with good speed, too, and he doesn't have to strain to do it - which helps him fit with the running game D'Antoni is talking about. Incidentally, he made a great finish on a fast break against Indiana, and as the frontrunner not a trailer.

I wouldn't expect to see him as the starting center early next year but by the end of the season he might be contesting for it. I do think D'A is an idiot for not playing Lampe regularly some this year just to get him started and keep his enthusiasm at a high level. It would make it easier for him to put in a productive summer once he knows from experience what he's going to be up against in games.

I think we should make a distinction between the Suns current high post and the Kings high post. The Kings actually run their offense through the high post rather than just a few pick and rolls. This puts a lot more emphasis on the center's passing and shooting than what is asked of Jake. The Kings version of the high post requires forward skills.

On a team with Amare at the low post, this should be a pretty good offense and it would appear Lampe is an ideal fit. However, it would take retooling the offensive sets over the summer.

My concern is on defense. Lampe looks like he has the ability to defend against forwards, but can he defend the post? This could take a while.