Why does Phil Jackson respected Luke more than Ariza?

[RicKYM]

It has to do with experience. Ariza does have more talent and athleticism but he is raw. He played only one season of college ball and has been a bench player in the pros so he's still learning the game. Walton has been with the Lakers for awhile and knows the triangle offense. This is why he's on the court rather than Ariza. If the Finals has proved anything besides defense wins championships (again) it's that experience will usually triumph over raw athleticism.

[THEMVP]

Why does he never allowed a Ariza to play until the last minutes of a game? Ariza is a better defender than Luke, He can shoot outside shots and slash his way through the rim for consistent layups unlike Walton..What's the point of playing a guy like Luke? All he is capable of doing is passing the ball..

There are lots of other coaches who would even use Ariza as a starter, but PJ don't even let's him play good minutes..

[king_james_number_6]

Phil wanted the Celtics to win.

[Nickster]

What up THE MVP,

As great of a coach as Phil Jackson is there is no doubt that this was not his best coaching job. He made a lot of questionable moves- and a lot of non-adjustments.

i mean in this series why not play Roni more- he was a lot more physical than Lamar and Gasol (especially during those stretches when they were doing nothing)?

There is no doubt that Ariza is a better player than Walton. Perhaps he trusted Walton more because of his experience and Ariza was still coming back from surgery (he hadn't played much at all coming into this series) but it was surprising because he was pretty effective in game 4 and you would have thought you would see him a bit more in the last two games because he is a much better defender than Luke and they needed someone who could guard Pierce.

i think you'll see Ariza getting a lot more minutes next season- and if possible the Lakers will try to unload Walton if anyone would be willing take him.

Nickster

[notorious]

i think its because of waltons father and considering he is one of the only 3 players left from that 2004 team

[dwadefranchizemia03]

i'd trust phil jackson on this one, the guy has won 9 rings.

ariza is more athletic and maybe a better defender but walton is a much better shooter and passer and dribbler and post player and plays the triangle better than ariza.

[Adam510]

Ariza>Kobe>Luke>Sasha

[Gambit]

Bill Walton. Luke wouldnt even be in the NBA if it wasnt for his dad. He sucks!!! and I'm a Lakers fan.

[souleoneice]

Remember, Ariza had that broken leg. He would have played more but he wasn't ready for full-time duty.

[patsmight]

walton is more experienced than ariza (ariza is 22 or 23) and walton is a very smart player though he always makes stupid mistakes when it counts the most