Anonymous
Years ago
(Please excuse my one-eyed aussieness)
Given the Heat v Spurs matchup, do mills or baynes offer any particular opportunity for pop?
Could they create a niche problem for the Heat, or help solve a problem for the Spurs?
We would all recall that even a limited player like Longley was used for particular effect by Jackson on particular matchups.
The Situation
Years ago
Phil didn't utilise Longley because he was Australian.
lol mills will warm the bench/ towel wave like in the last series
& baynes will not even suit up.
Great to have two players in the team in the NBA finals!
I can see Baynes getting spot minutes. The Heat don't enjoy playing against big, physical 5's. They made Hibbert look like a superstar on offense.
Heat are running with
Bosh 6'11" 235
Birdman 6'10" 228
Anthony 6'9" 245
Haslem 6'8" 235
Spurs have:
Duncan 6'11" 255
Splitter 6'11" 240
Bonner 610" 235
Diaw 6'8" 235
Baynes 6'10" 260
Blair 6'7" 270
He'll get hooked in a hurry if he just runs over people (which is how the Heat will try and play him), but he should be able to establish deep post position fairly easily and if he can avoid fouling he should score pretty easily too.
DB5
Years ago
Could definately see Baynes get minutes. Pop could really exploit Miami's lack of height and just wear them down.
orbit
Years ago
Longley played all season as starting centre - he wasn't just put in 4 finals.
As far as comparisons go however Miami are using Birdman similar to Rodman at Chicago. Set screens, rebound & cheap points. He's been good for them - except the suspension. Similar colorful character with his 'look' as well. Diamonds in the rough perhaps?
DB5
Years ago
I think TMac will be the difference, he is a winner.
;)
Tiger Watcher
Years ago
Can't see Mills getting off the bench....unless parker breaks a leg!...even then Parker in a wheel chair is a better defender than Patty.
Baynes might play spot mins to bang a little and be physical but even that might not happen depending on how the spurs want to play the heat.
They will combine for a total of 00.00 minutes.
If Pop wants to win surely he will put Patty on for that offensive spark. Patty would destroy chalmers.
rohant16
Years ago
If Baynes chokes out Birdbrain i'm good with that
Ricey
Years ago
No minutes will be given. Why is this even a thread
Wouldn't be surprised if Baynes got double doubles given some time was given.
orbit
Years ago
Saying Patty can't defend is a croc of shit! The guy is a great full court in your face defender, he'll struggle with bigger guards that's all!!
YouknowME
Years ago
DOnt expect anything and dont be dissapointed is what I think. Sure either could get minutes but will they? fairly unlikely
Mick
Years ago
To answer the original question:
You can expect to see the Aussie duo employed in a similar fashion to the rest of the playoffs: that is, sparingly.
pyscho
Years ago
If they get any minutes look at it as a bonus, doubt Baynes will play
those who haven't seen Patty defend don't know what he is capable of. He is solid.
Mick
Years ago
I've seen him defend. He has a tendency to overplay his man and then go for the flop when the guy gets him on his hip.
Not a great defender at all, but can be effective in short stretches as a pest.
On Birdman twas at my mum's place last night for tea the news comes on and they show highlights of the Heat/Pacers game with Andersen waving his arms around.
Mum: "Look at that guy, what is wrong with him?"
Me: "I don't know where to begin"
Baynes will not be on the 13 man active roster for any of these final games. Baynes and De Colo will be inactive barring any injuries. Mills will get some spot minutes in at least 2 games.
Dunkin' Dan
Years ago
Well said, Mick. Patty is not a solid defender at all. He's a gambler. He'll get some cheap steals as a result, but more often he'll get burned. And when he settles into honest one-on-one defence his lack of size is a definite liability.
Kobe24
Years ago
If Mills and Baynes arent getting ANY court time, unless its due to a blow out win or loss. Neither are very good at this level... This is the NBA Finals people. Take off the Aussie pride rose glasses.
Mills should get some time just for that offensive spark and I reckon Baynes will get the call up being one of the bigs and a good one at that.
daneo
Years ago
Will Baynes even Suit up? I havent seen him in uniform since splitter has been back.
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