Exclusive OFFICIAL AROUND THE NBA: JANUARY 2023

Denver so good … another triple double for Jokic and a win

 

This is very underwhelming like the first time I saw him play on ESPN when he was in high school, or his rookie season, or any time I've ever seen the guy touch a basketball or defend a guy touching it.

 

First time i ever get to see Lebron play live will be this Sunday.

 

This is ridiculously bunched up:



You've got to wonder what the Phoenix front office is thinking right now. Devin Booker for MVP!

 

it's an experience. i went to school in cleveland so got to see him in live a few times while he was in his athletic prime . he's like no other player i have ever seen just from his physical presence alone.

 

Unfortunately I can't attend Laker games anymore, too old to be fist fighting.

 

So far you have 2 teams in the west who I think have "tanking" in their minds. A far cry from those who said teams would tank intentionally from day 1 for big Vic. I like that it is this close. The Blazer could end up being over 500 and still be in the lottery. Not a horrible consolation prize.

 

That was the funnest I've had at a Blazer game in a long time.

 

This is how you build a team

 

oh for chrissakes...get a fucking clue

yeah, the key to building a contender is to draft a 2-time MVP with a 41st pick. It's crazy that every other team isn't using that template

 

Is there any way we can jack up the moda center a mile high?

 

Definitely looking forward to it.

 

C'mon. You got one more in ya. I got your six bro.

 

Most likely three times by season end? Who could blame them for voting for the guy again. He's a force like none other right now.

 

We're two games out of 5th and 13th in the West... yeah that is ridiculous.

 

I mean why wouldn't they just know?

"Jokic's upside isn't too spectacular because he's a below-average athlete, so he'll have to focus on utilizing his skill set and operating as an efficient shooter and passer within a system."

"The big downside, though, is his athleticism. He doesn't get much lift off the floor at all, and he doesn't have the speed burst to drive past opponents or stay in front of them laterally.

It's going to give him major problems on defense and limit him to being a role player on offense."

"There are several unathletic big men who enhance their team's offense by playing with great footwork and smarts. Forwards such as Boris Diaw and Pero Antic are good comparisons for Jokic.

As a second-tier prospect, he may not be expected to produce much, but you can't underestimate a player with good instincts and intelligence."

"Jokic had shown some glimpses of outside shooting during his Adriatic League season, but he shot just 22 percent from behind the international line in 2013-14."

WEAKNESSES/CONCERNS

Jokic's weaknesses revolve around his bottom-tier athleticism. While he moves his feet pretty well from point A to point B, he lacks the quickness and vertical agility that the rest of the league owns.

These deficiencies will be most glaring on the defensive side, where he'll struggle to keep up with NBA-caliber speed. Whether he's guarding power forwards or centers, he'll have trouble staying in front of them or consistently protecting the rim. He also won't be as effective on the boards as he is in the Adriatic League.

The slow-footed tendencies will also hurt his chances to create offense. Even on closeout drives, his slashing will get corralled pretty easily by help defenders, and he won't be able to elevate over upper-echelon defenders.

In addition, he should speed up his shooting delivery in order to maximize his spot-up chances.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles...raft-2014-highlights-scouting-report-and-more

Blazers need to draft every player that has a pre draft report like this one!