I've read that most people believe Tayshaun will eventually become a "go to" player for this team.

Do you think this will be his year?

I think he needs to work on his jumper some more, and that he'll be a valuable offensive player (again).

But I don't think he's quite ready to be "go to".

Why shouldn't he? If it wasn't for Tayshaun we'd be out in the second round. I think Tayshaun needs to get more rest so that he can have more energy to be a big force on both ends.

This team needs more points in the paint, and Tay can do that.

I agree HIMAT, he can score some points in the paint.

And I'm not dissing Tay at all, I just think the team has too many other options for Tay to step up as "go to" when the game is on the line.

I think his game has improved each year as he gets more comfortable in the NBA. And I think it will continue to improve.

I hope he can step up as the man. I'd be happier than anyone about that, but realistically, he needs a lot of things to go right for that to happen.

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yes he needs more rest, but management STILL haven't addressed the need for a backup for tay! why not?!

this was a problem 2 seasons ago and has still not been rectified. what is going on joe?

I’d say if not this year, then don’t expect it to happen ever. He’s played three seasons in a row in all 82 games, only missing two starts. He’s getting really close to the time in his career when you know what to expect because you’ve seen it before, and you can’t expect much else.

Across the board Tay took a step backwards this past season. Maybe his strength was sapped by marriage, maybe by an offense that afforded him fewer opportunities, mostly reducing his role to hanging out in the corner watching the other guys play until someone tossed the ball out for a three. Don’t know the cause, but the effects are pretty clear.

For me, stepping up means two things –

- shooting a higher percentage (mostly from a different mix of shots rather than better shooting – get in the post, drive and pop, etc.)

- rebounding the basketball (on both ends).

Can he do it? Yeah, I think the talent is there and I think the heart is there.

Will he do it? Not as sure. Rebounding is mostly on him – desire and effort. Shooting better depends on the offense and how he is used. I think he can be the most versatile offensive player on the team (maybe tied with Sheed) if he’s used properly.

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"But first, are you experienced? Or have you you ever been experienced? Well, I have."
Jimi

Tayshuan needs to start his move to the hoop quicker. With his long arms he is able to get of his jump hook with good accuracy on just about anyone. When he is standing still, pounding the ball, waiting to start his move, he is vulnerable to steals. Tay also needs to learn to recognize double teams quicker and pass before they close on him. Once Tay makes these adjustments, he just might be a go to scorer.

Did anyone notice, that once Tay started to get love from the national press in the playoffs, that Chauncey seemed reluctant to pass Tay the ball? Or was I just imagining things?

I noticed that Tay recieved some respect from the national press.

To me, he just does not have the physique to play as many minutes as he does and be the go to guy. He just needs more rest game to game to be able to have the strength left at the ends of games to really make that work.

I think he has the awkward, hard to guard moves to be able to get his shot off about anytime but with his low weight to height ratio and not enough rest, he just will not be able to go where he wants to go to get his shot off with enough regularity.

When he gets down a few in minutes played, look out. He will off and running.

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Things appear to be at their darkest . . . . . . . . . just before they go totally black!!

Tay's little lefty hook seems to find net most of the time...the only problem with it is that you don't see it often enough. Tay's fast, but he's not quick. I'd like to see him become more explosive off the dribble. HELP Arnie!!! Another 10-15# properly applied might get Tay some quickness.

Until that time comes I don't see Tay 'breaking out'.

I think he still defers. He showed up when no one else did in some of the playoff games b/c no one else was, so he picked it up. We could see him become a consistent second scorer, or more likely third scorer, if he wasn't the fourth option.