I actually think Patric won the battle between him and Vanleh. Vanleh even fouled out. Couldn't handle the size of Patric.
. |
I actually think Patric won the battle between him and Vanleh. Vanleh even fouled out. Couldn't handle the size of Patric.
The problem with some people is that when they look at players on a team they want every dude to be an all star if their starting and sixth man of the year if they are on the bench. It don't work like that. Rivers, Young, Withey and so forth are young guys. As long as you see improvements, those guts will bring you exactly what you want when you want
He went undrafted....what's the issue?
What ever he brings will be a bonus.
I think the Pelicans actually got two quality "2nd"round picks, even though they went into draft without any picks. Most don't stick on a roster. I think both of these men have a chance. And Patric Young was considered draftable, and ranked in the top 5 or so players not drafted.
Watching Utah's Trey Burke play in SL. I'm so glad we didn't draft him.
Russ Smith has the same height and weight as Allen Iverson. 6'0" 165. Not as much talent as AI but who does. Russ seems like he has a strong competitive drive and is 23 already. I think he should get 10-12 minutes per game this year.
I liked Schwan's comparison of Orlando Darrell Armstrong. Would love to get that kind of production off the bench down the line.
What's been up with p young he hasn't been as effective as the first game?
Regression to the mean, seems like. Had a very undersized frontline vs the D-League Selects. And he threw them around. Teams threw beefier players at him, made sure to get a body on him sooner. So he came down a bit.
Now, we see what kinda worker is he. He's in great shape, but he could always stand to get even stronger, if at all possible. Better footwork and positioning and the more subtle nuance. I'm not even slightly worried about him long term. Think we've got ourselves an off the bench UDFA stud. A rarity in the NBA.
He struggled a bit today versus vonleh/zeller(2 first rounders) but was very legit in the first 3 games.
I'm not worried at all. He's a better than advertised rebounder and has amazing strength/energy. Footwook could be better and offense isn't perfect but that'll come(only 22).
I haven't watched any SL games this year, but Burke looked pretty damn good when he came back from injury and settled down as a starter for Utah last year. Played like the first round lotto pick he was.
I wouldn't put much stock into SL games for a player that is NOT on the fringe.
I've seen 3 of the games so far - DVR playing now - and I'm pretty impressed considering Pels aren't sporting any 1st round picks.
Russ - I'm sold. Sign me up. Speed. Will. Speed. I like the Armstrong comparison, but I think Russ has a little better speed and shimmy/shake ability rating. Definitely going to have a career. Needs to clean some things up, but not to far away because I see quick learning already. But don't expect him to get much bigger.
Patrick Young - Glad we have him. Needed a real physical presence off the bench. Can play 4's & 5's. Will work and get better. But probably not a starter. To stick long term, will need to refine those offensive skills and hone that jump hook. But I have some concerns about the hands?!
Fells - I agree with some of you guys. Give him a contract. A smallish (but rangy) 3 with the sweet J. Looks like a willing and crafty defender. Kind of reminds me of a favorite during my Houston period - Mario Elie. Essentially undrafted out of college (Elie went in the 7th round). Breaks into the league at 27 after playing abroad and in minor leagues. Plays solid D and lets the stars create looks that he is unafraid to knock down. Just Feels right. (rimshot)
Withey - impressed with the body. showing some improvement. Still not sold. Not sure you can cure the slowness agility deficit that seems to ail him. At this point, If I had to decide, I would rather give the minutes to Ajinca or even maybe Young before I put Withey in a real game. Willing to be patient because there is still a lot to like. Want to see some more of that 18 footer.
Eric Gordon - looks svelte in the pictures. Man, if he were happy, healthy and motivated, he could be really good. The team could be sooooo gooooood. NO NO NO NO. I cant get those hopes up again... Oh why not? contract year..?... he does look fit....
I said it before, I think, the ultimate success or failure of Demps will depend on identifying and developing the cheap or even free talent available outside the NBA. He cashed his cap chips in and got a pretty nice group around his superstar. But so far, even assuming AD becomes a top 5 player very soon, I wouldn't really say we have a championship squad. Sure the other big money guys can get a little better and a lot wiser, but that still only put us "in the picture." What puts you over the top is getting big contributions from some of those other cheap guys. (Again: See Spurs) Maybe for the Pels its a Russ Smith or Patrick Young. Luke Babbit or Ajinca. Who knows. Demps seems to have a good eye at the bargain basement bin. (Maybe because he spent his playing career there and knows what it takes to make it there.)
And really, for this town, I think that is all we can really expect. I'm ready to go. Lets get that arena painted!!
Really it's hard for a high IQ structured PG to shine in summer league. Poor spacing, limited time spent with limited talent. His poor shooting is concerning considering how poorly he shot last season. But the biggest thing that Trey did that impressed was play defense. He cleans up the shooting he has the potential to be really good. Hard to project number with a new coaching staff, but I wouldn't be surprise if he has 8 apg and somewhere near 17ppg.
Last edited by da ThRONe; 07-18-2014 at 10:09 AM.
If rivers could score 20+ points there is no excuse for anyone for not doing the same. Spacing or no spacing.
I should clean this post up.
It's not that high IQ players struggle. Burke is a marginal NBA athlete therefore he needs to be able to have options in order to have a greater impact on the game. Unless his jump shot(with range) is on he's not going to be able to go out consistently give you 25 a night without team mates that pose some type of threat whether it be cutting, finishing at the cup or spacing the floor. When you have no feel for the players you are playing with or the defense has no respect for them players have to compensate for that with either great shooting(and Burke has been off) or great athleticism(and Burke doesn't have it).
Don't miss the #NBASummerLeague action on @ESPN3 with the @PelicansNBA facing the @MNTimberwolves. http://t.co/KIqzRrJKxL
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 19, 2014
So I noticed Wiggins didn't play for the Cavs tonight...
edit: Neither did Bennett...
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)