I'm all for the learnin'! Terry... teach the hell outta these guys! As we all know, preseason wins/losses don't count so you'll see, they'll do, & allow a lot of things vs. the reg. season; take advantage of things while they don't count.
Some have criticized Leonard for trying to do too much. I'm glad he is trying. This is exactly the time of year to work on those things. I don't want to see him limited to standing behind the three point line waiting. I love that he is working on attacking the close outs and either taking a nice jumper, or even better moving in and creating chaos and looking for cutters. If he can handle the ball reasonably then use that skill to improve the shot. In a few years when these guys get very comfortable with each other, it could be a very tough team to defend because there would be no one person to shut down.
I'm surprised that no one has really mentioned two improvements that I saw with Dame. 1) I thought his defensive effort was much improved. Still not a "good" defender, but not nearly as bad as he use to be. 2) On the P&R, Dame is now keeping the defender on his back & going side to side instead of always going straight to the rim. It's very reminiscent of what CP3 does. I think this is going to allow his offensive game to expand again this year.
The team defense was so good it was hard to really tell how Dame was doing. But, with all the hands poking around it sure looked like it won't be as much of an issue this year. Whether it is Dame improving, or better help defense, or both doesn't really matter.
1. I'll say "ho hum" for most of the stats bc it's preseason, we all know u can't read too much into them; although putting some of the stats w/ watching, some ARE legit & I am excited For "OMG!..." I wouldn't go this far but I was pleasantly surprised by Frazier's play (he played well the whole game) & Conny (in different thread I said why ). 2. I may be the only 1 that feels/thinks this way (& I'm well aware it's still early) but I think Harkless @ the 2 & Aminu @ the 3 w/ Henderson coming off the bench (we need some good scoring from the bench & I think he'd be more valuable/work better here). I know Harkless is a 3 but I believe he can effectively play the 2 & think of him there w/ his size/ matchup problems he'd create for the opposition! 3. If u r referring to Conny... I say yes, absolutely (not all guys apply).
I don't think this will happen, but I am totally with you on this. The havoc caused by having Harkless and Aminu on the wings would be fantastic to watch. Harkless isn't all the way there yet, but he has the defense and handles and apparently the shot to be able to cover the 2. He actually did play the 2 in Orlando in a high % of his minutes. That lineup would also leave CJ, Henderson and Vonleh coming off the bench, which should be plenty of firepower in reserve.
I think rookie PC is having a Meyers like rookie debut...just looks like he's not going to make it, but given some time and the fact he's at the end of the bench..I guess he could get to the point where the game slows down..difference between him and Luke Babbitt...Babbitt shot better
This was huge for the footage I saw. The defense was shockingly good, which is exactly what you need to win games when you're not sure where your points are going to come from. I don't know if it'll last once teams scout us, but I was really impressed by the defensive philosophy.
Eventually he did; remember when we always heard "Babbitt shoots so good in practice, honest!" after every brick?
On the contrary, Pat doesn't look lost, he's already shown physicality, & has shown a LOT of hustle; Pat's season is actually better vs. the 1 Meyers had
I was never on the Babbitt train, although I did give him some praise back in the day for some success I don't care if a guy looks like MJ in practice, he's GOT to bring it when it COUNTS in games; can't look like MJ in practice & show up in games being Jordan Crawford
Key difference being, PC was a four year player at Notre Dame, whereas Nards had only two years at Illinois, and played guard in high school. They're actually less than a year apart, age-wise. Also, there is generally understood to be a steep learning curve for big men, whereas guards' college games generally translate more quickly. Still the point stands, and if he does stick around, hopefully he can develop like Leonard has.
Really? We're gonna bench Lillard in the 4th quarter of every game? That's exactly how the season will go? Get that shit out of here.
I've always thought that Henderson should be our starting SG, but mainly because nobody else on the roster can fill that role (similar to Aminu/SF). However, if Harkless can take that spot from him that will be great. For one it'll mean that Harkless is developing quickly. But the other reason is something you touched on. However, more than just pure fire-power, I think Henderson can relieve some of the PG pressure that will be put upon CJ and be a steadying force for that unit.
while Patty was 1/7 (14%), Pressey was 2/8 (25%). Should've broken it out or said it better. It's preseason for me, also...I've been speaking Pashto much of today.
