<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Just steps from the Raptors' practice court at the Air Canada Centre is a poster for a movie coming out this month, The Inside Man. It could also serve as a fitting title for Toronto rookie Joey Graham. Coming out of a tough Oklahoma State program with an upper body sculpted by the basketball gods, the 16th pick in the 2005 draft looked like a very good bet for solid NBA status. He might still make it. But so far, his first pro season has been marked by a series of alternatively brilliant and baffling performances. He'll disappear for vast periods then suddenly swagger his way to the basket with a bold, inside move that takes advantage of his body ? one he works hard to improve in daily trips to the weight room. Graham on Sunday had one of his best games in weeks, playing 25 minutes and scoring eight points on 4-of-8 shooting. He also had six rebounds (three offensive) and two steals. The Raptors will be looking for a similar effort from him tonight when Toronto plays in Philadelphia. The Sixers have won all three games they've played against the Raptors this year, but Toronto got some good news yesterday when the Sixers announced that star guard Allen Iverson is out of tonight's game. Iverson fell awkwardly Sunday against Memphis and had to be helped off the court. X-rays were negative but an MRI yesterday revealed a contusion and a sprain of his right foot. Graham has enjoyed "breakout" games before but only rarely has he been able to keep it going. Offensive stats only tell part of the story, but Graham had seven games with double-digit scoring from Nov. 2 to Dec. 21. He's only had two since. Graham has seemingly baffled his coaches with his fascination for playing on the perimeter rather than forcing the issue inside, though he says he hasn't been specifically instructed to attack the rim. "We're trying to get him to be aggressive and let his natural talents take over and not be hesitant," coach Sam Mitchell said yesterday. "For the most part we felt like he did that last night (Sunday). He played well. We just have to build on that and keep him going. "You have to keep encouraging him and show him the positive things when he does those things. If he makes a mistake ... I don't take a guy out for making a physical mistake. You only come out for making the same mental mistake over and over."</div> Source
He doesn't have the handles to attack the basket when he has the ball far from the basket. He'll try to do something, but he'll end up getting stop and turning his back and finding a teammate. If they want him to attack the basket and get there, then the coaching staff should work on him with his handles, and for the short term, get him the ball closer to the basket where he can use his size and strength more effectively.
Mitchell should just give him consistent playing time instead of giving minutes to Eric Williams. Graham is a solid defensive player, everyone knows that, but like the article says, he has to be more agressive.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Bobcats:</div><div class="quote_post">Mitchell should just give him consistent playing time instead of giving minutes to Eric Williams. Graham is a solid defensive player, everyone knows that, but like the article says, he has to be more agressive.</div> I dunno about solid defender. I think thats more rep than anything he has shown this year. Plus, he seems a bit lost most of the time. A few weeks ago Bosh was running iso against someone, and graham trotted right toward him, drawing his defender to double bosh.......bosh scolded him and Joey had an aloof look on his face. Jury is still out on him.......but i think he could be valuable in the future.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting norespect:</div><div class="quote_post">I dunno about solid defender. I think thats more rep than anything he has shown this year. Plus, he seems a bit lost most of the time. A few weeks ago Bosh was running iso against someone, and graham trotted right toward him, drawing his defender to double bosh.......bosh scolded him and Joey had an aloof look on his face. Jury is still out on him.......but i think he could be valuable in the future.</div> He's had his good games. He does get burned on defense sometimes, but he has played good defense at times this year. I say he's no worse than average at defense, but he has definitely shown the potential to be a great defender.
You'll see a big improvement from Joey Graham once the Raptors add a legit center to their roster. Having a shotblocker in the paint makes all the difference for perimeter defenders.
I agree with P.A.P. on Graham's offensive game. He has a great mid-range jumper, but doesn't pullup because of his weak handle. Also, when he drives, it ends up being predictable and easy to strip the ball away.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">You'll see a big improvement from Joey Graham once the Raptors add a legit center to their roster. Having a shotblocker in the paint makes all the difference for perimeter defenders.</div> "Legit" centers are hard to come by. Who did you have in mind?
I think he's responded well, he had a good game today, he was being agressive and i thought was pretty solid on both ends.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting norespect:</div><div class="quote_post">"Legit" centers are hard to come by. Who did you have in mind?</div> I think a solid pickup would be Nazr Mohammed or Joel Pryzbilla. Another player to keep an eye out for is DJ Ilunga-Mbenga from Dallas. He's got some nice shot blocking instincts and gets after it on defense. Very strong upper body and very athletic. Overall his game is raw, but he could be a servicable back up and would provide a presence on the inside.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Bobcats:</div><div class="quote_post">He's had his good games. He does get burned on defense sometimes, but he has played good defense at times this year. I say he's no worse than average at defense, but he has definitely shown the potential to be a great defender.</div> i think he's shown more potential then just that. he's got range, and he's solid from the freethrow line. he's got some hops and can throw it down with serious thunder. his body itself just seems to be carved out of marble...he's built like an absolute tank. graham has a TON of potential...i really think he needs the right mix of veteran players, and coaching staff to help him realize it. once he realizes how good he could be...watch out!
^^^^ Agreed i believe he has a ton of potential, I think he just needs more support and more playing time. I almost jump out of my seat when i see him go for a poster dunk he is REALLY strong.
