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Originally Posted by rabidwolverine
I wouldn't say that. Game 5 is the game that Detroit must win. They can't let L.A. get any momentum going back to L.A., even though Detriot should have taken the first two there. Besides, L.A. has lost the last 7 Finals series in which they trailed 2-1. Gary Payton has shown without a shadow of a doubt that he is washed up, yet the commentators try to defend him based on the player he used to be. He hasn't averaged ten points a game in any of their playoff series.
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1) He's trying too hard to back off and let the Shaq and Kobe show do their thing. If he tried to take over the team, he would piss off the two players who "matter" there.
2) He's on cruise control, because all he wants is a ring. He doesn't want to stay in Los Angeles, so he will play well enough to ensure they win the series, then go elsewhere or retire.
3) He doesn't fit into the system. I can buy that, he didn't fit into the Triangle, so they abandoned it... now what? The ball still doesn't run through him. It should, and I think he is worse because it doesn't.
4) He is getting destroyed on the pick and roll. Shaq's big fat ass is the reason that teams can pick Payton without worrying, and getting their PG free. Either they need a LONG, athletic Forward, or they need to trade Shaq for a more athletic Center and you know, 6 draft picks and a bench defender.
You never know. He has a big ego and he put it in check to help the Lakers. I don't think he realizes that the Lakers really need his help. I think he's sitting back so that he doesn't rock the boat... because an ego like his would take the game over and piss everyone off.
Am I saying he's the same player he's always been? No. But I have faith that he has the ability to be productive... at least moreso than he is now. This is pathetic. This isn't being washed up. He produced last year, the dropoff is indicative of far bigger problems than age.