Rakeem vs Keita

[otto123]

Does anyone think Xmas should get more time to play at the 5 when Melo goes out? He's more athletic and he challenges the centers down low better then Keita. Keita's hands are terrible and Xmas can be an offensive threat down low.

 

[SarasotaPaul]

Does anyone think Xmas should get more time to play at the 5 when Melo goes out? He's more athletic and he challenges the centers down low better then Keita. Keita's hands are terrible and Xmas can be an offensive threat down low.

No. He's lost on defense and isn't anywhere near an offensive threat.

 

[OrangeCrush22]

I don't think so. Keita has much more experience. And hustles on every single play. Something Christmas doesn't do. When things aren't going his way Christmas seems to lose focus.

 

[otto123]

No. He's lost on defense and isn't anywhere near an offensive threat.

Annnnnd Keita isn't? Xmas didn't do to bad last gm he played center, and he is an offensive threat when our guards drive they can dish it off for a dunk Keita can't catch

 

[jec1521]

Xmas played the 5 against providence the first time and got destroyed...

 

[SoBristol]

Xmas played the 5 against providence the first time and got destroyed...

Also the second Providence game, second half. Keita will get pushed around, but he gets the occasional block or rebound. Christmas just wasn't up to it --

 

[SkanSU]

and ... even Rak says he feels lost at the 5 and playing out of position

 

[GardenOrange]

His defensive rebounding or lack there of is getting him pulled 30 secs into the half.

 

[Whitey23]

amazing that you can be so lost in a zone defense 4 months into a season.

 

[longislandcuse]

amazing that you can be so lost in a zone defense 4 months into a season.

He only plays like 5 minutes a game

 

[longislandcuse]

I would say give Xmas an extended chance but that only because I am growing more and more frustrated with Keita's inability to do anything. That being said, im overreacting and Keita does block and alter shots which is something Xmas may or may not be able to do right now, but I dont think we will find out this year.

 

[Whitey23]

He only plays like 5 minutes a game

They must practice at least 5x a week, right?

 

[longislandcuse]

They must practice at least 5x a week, right?

Yea but nothing prepares you for game minutes except for game minutes. If Rak had to play more minutes I guarantee he would improve quickly, not saying there wouldnt be alot of bumps in the road, but he would improve alot faster.

 

[General20]

Does anyone think Xmas should get more time to play at the 5 when Melo goes out? He's more athletic and he challenges the centers down low better then Keita. Keita's hands are terrible and Xmas can be an offensive threat down low.

Dont judge Keita by his admittedly sub par game against Pitt. Keita has proven to be necessary against smaller quicker teams that spread the floor and drive to the basket. The physical Pitt game was not where he shines.

 

[MyMeloMyMan]

If Christmas played the 5 for 10 mins per game, he would foul out. He has no idea when to stay at home, when to come up, when to help, when to jump. I would only want to see him there in dire situations. Keita is pretty much "just a big body", but he atleast understands defensive principles of the zone.

 

[jordoo]

Dont judge Keita by his admittedly sub par game against Pitt. Keita has proven to be necessary against smaller quicker teams that spread the floor and drive to the basket. The physical Pitt game was not where he shines.

Completely agree with this. Pitt is the worst game to judge Keita Baye (hahah. Keita has been a valuable bench player IMO and knows what he is far ahead of Rak as far as knowing how to play the middle of the zone. Keita is a luxury to have as a 4 year backup big. We are lucky.

 

[otto123]

LOL a lot of ppl were wrong in this thread. Like I said a while ago and NOBODY agreed I'd rather have Xmas at the 5 instead of Keita tonight he showed why and if he had gotten the chance earlier in the year he could have proved it sooner.

 

[Sgt Cuse]

Does anyone think Xmas should get more time to play at the 5 when Melo goes out? He's more athletic and he challenges the centers down low better then Keita. Keita's hands are terrible and Xmas can be an offensive threat down low.

I have a feeling Keita will continue to back up Melo. My feelings are never wrong. Sorry.

 

[MyMeloMyMan]

How could anyone look at Keita as anything other than a gatekeeper? A 4 year guy who tries hard...nothing more. The great part is, if all his minutes dry up next year, he'll be fine with it. Great teammate.

 

[otto123]

How could anyone look at Keita as anything other than a gatekeeper? A 4 year guy who tries hard...nothing more. The great part is, if all his minutes dry up next year, he'll be fine with it. Great teammate.

Craig Forth>Keita