Last season Bynum was injured a number of times but he started 65 times at center, which means Gasol started at C 17 times. So obviously you're wrong that it was 'most of the time'.
Yes, when Bynum is healthy, he plays C, since that's the only position he can play, but Gasol had significant games at C over last 3 years (17, 32, 27), plus he played a lot of C even with Bynum was starting, since he Andrew logged only 30 mins there, and Gasol picked up the rest. And Pau made 2 all NBA teams and 2 all star appearances, playing significant time at C. Also, he helped lead the team to a title and Finals in play-offs playing C. Over past 3 seasons Gasol played C a lot, and did it extremely well. If you have examples of how he sucked at C playing significant minutes there over the past 3 years, in spite of his team accomplishments (2 titles, 3 finals) or personal accomplishments (great stats, 2 all nba teams, 2 all star teams), go ahead provide these. Otherwise just admit that LA sure benefited from having a guy play center, who is not a defensive shot blocker, but 20-10 all around great player, who can block about 1.6 shots in 35 mins. You know, someone like we have in Jefferson.
The strategy that Bynum will be injured when we play them is the same strategy that hopefully the Jazz never meet the Lakers in the playoffs on the way to a title. But yep, Gasol + Odom have also been bad for the Jazz -- and that won't change much if we just go with a 6-10 C and 6-8 PF. But maybe Odom or Gasol would be injured too?
Bynum not being 100% is not a strategy, it is just a very realistic expectation based on history. If he is not injured, I already said, it is a tough match up for anyone in the League. Odom and Gasol are unlikely to get injured. That's why I have described in detail to you why we are so much better off with Al+Millsap against them, than before. I am still waiting for you response on that.
That's the crux of it really. There are those like you who would prefer a 6-8 PF and make Jefferson play as a 6-10 C like in Minnesota. That is just not going to get it done at the elite level if we have learned anything from playing the Lakers since they got Gasol.
Well, Al did get 23 and 10, 1.7 blocks, when starting at C a year ago. I don't think Minnesota's poor showing was because of him. I already showed you how a non defensive 20-10 center, who can block some shots, did amazing in LA. Yes, is he 7 feet tall, and Jefferson is only 6-10. But I already told you, Mutombo in his prime is not going to come here. The best teams can do on this is get someone much less talented than Jefferson (or Millsap) and already on the decline, like Chandler or Haywood, and pay them huge money. I would prefer 7 mil/year Millsap, who already proved he is 18-11 guy at PF, plus 20-10 center who can block some shots too. Denver has no problems with Nene at C. They actually did better as a team when they got rid of defensive center in Camby. And Jefferson is WAY more talented than Nene, and is a better inside presence/shot blocker.
Again, Jefferson would be great as our 6-10 PF but he'll need a 6-11 or better starting defensive center. I really like Millsap but he'll have to come off the bench as PF again and, as Deron's the only untouchable, is also a possible trade chip for a starting defensive center.
Having Millsap come of the bench is a waste of his talent. The guy is a proven 18-11 player as a starter, and can even get better than that. That's why Booz and Millsap did not work: they play exactly the same position and were our #2 and #3 guys. Now, we with Al, we have the luxury of having our #2 and #3 guys both play 35 minutes, and not be a liability together. I would like that more than giving Millsap away for someone like Chandler, and paying Chandler huge money and suffer a downgrade in talent, just because he is "defensive center".
