We saw Vonleh start all season. We saw in a bunch of D-League games that Montero starred as a dribbling playmaker, and Alexander showed that he's powerful but too short to play center and must become a forward. We know that they're all good but need another year. What this Summer League needs to test out is Connaughton and Layman. And where is Daniel Diez?
That didn't stop the team from dragging Sinanovich, Freeland, Koponen, Diebler, etc. over from Europe into annual Summer League duty. Get over here so we can gauge your progress and decide whether we ever want to sign you.
If he is too short to play center, then why isn't Horford? Cliff has a longer reach by 2-3 inches. He is all center IMO because he can't shoot from the outside, so he really does not have any other option. FYI he has the same standing reach as Steven Adams. (9'1.5")
I tried to do play-by-play on this board for his 4 D-League games. As I often noted, he didn't stand out from other D-League centers and power forwards because he had no height advantage. He did stand out for attempting power moves on offense (though those were easily defended as often as not). I observed that he looks 6-8 (not 6-10 as some claim), but is built like a bulldog (once, I said he looked like an upside-down triangle). Our coaches need to convert him to PF next season, but in this Summer League, he's our starting center. http://www.basketball-reference.com/dleague/players/a/alexacl01d.html
I don't doubt that he 6'8". My point was that his standing reach is taller/longer than centers like Horford. As they say you don't block shots with the top of your head. Standing reach is a better measurement. Plus he is strong and can jump. Why move him to PF? He is useless away from the basket at this point. Maybe he develops a mid range shot and can be moved to PF, but I think his best shot is at Center.
You guys have been indoctrinated, watching Aldridge for years. Most of the league doesn't believe shooting ability is absolutely necessary to be a PF. A powerful rebounder/defender is enough, and that is Alexander's potential. Also, if shot-blocking is the only way to discriminate between C and PF, then we need to search the world for more Manute Bols.
I agree with this, but in order to put him in position to succeed he needs to be close to the basket. Lets say we got Howard or Whiteside, would you want him playing PF next to these guys? But then again the NBA is becoming more "position-less" so who cares what they are called. But I just don't want him chasing stretch 4's around on the perimeter. He is better suited under the basket if he is going to make it IMO.
I also think we should at least try playing two bigs at the time. Meyers is a stretch 4 but having a traditional inside playing power forward could also be nice, give us options
I know he's not tall enough, but I wish wee given Elgin Cook a chance. Payton Jr. will probably never shoot enough to be in the league but I loved Cook's skill set.
I like Cook as well. Basketball pedigree from his father and the ability to do a lot of things on the court. Heis 6'6" and has a 6'10" wingspan and a mid-30's max vertical. Alex Kennedy has some very nice things to say about him when he saw him at some pre-Draft camps.
Yeah. From what what I hear Dillon Brooks has a negative wingspan. Whhatever that means..... he's not projected to be a high pick either. Kids a baller though.
