Cunningham's place on this team

Coach Monte Williams doesn't think Cunningham is a SF. Saying "noway can he keep up with Batum and Webster."

So, could Dante be the future backup PF for this team? I haven't seen his post game but his mid-range game is money. And he looks like he can step in right away and contribute.

From the articles I've read and some of the 'Nova fans I've talked to, Dante has a similar skill-set as an Abdur-Rahim.

 

His role will be to look good in street clothes.

 

If he's a power forward, he's going to struggle mightily trying to defend guys like Aldridge because they're too tall and athletic, and he's going to struggle trying to defend guys like Blake Griffin because they're too strong.

 

I disagree with this. Cunningham is also very athletic and extremely strong.

 

Yup. DC is RIPPED! Look at pics of him. And the league is getting smaller and smaller every year. More and more power forwards are 6'7'' to 6'9'' if you look at teams rosters.

That being said, I am still a believer that a PF needs to be at LEAST 6'10'' and 235 pounds. I don't like DC at the 4, but I will take him where the Blazers will put him. I like DC.

 

A lot of people are high on him. Being compared to Cliff Robinson and such. As for covering other sfs, can he be any worse than thee Outlaw?

 

What? You like Dante!? I would have never guessed!

 

The team is already too jammed with players who need minutes. I can't see Cunningham having any sort of role short of significant injuries befalling the team. Even for just the key 10-11 players on the team (Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Miller, Batum, Fernandez, Bayless, Webster, Outlaw, Przybilla, Blake), it's challenging finding as many minutes for each of them as they deserve or need. I don't see how any of the number 12-15 players on the roster can play non-garbage minutes when everyone is healthy. I even have trouble finding minutes for Bayless, since he hasn't really earned any yet, he just needs them for development. And I like his talent a lot...but when a team is entering its contending window, you have to prioritize better players over developing talents.

Perhaps if there is a major consolidation trade, Cunningham can be the third-string SF/PF.

 

I think dc will replace outlaw next year if we don't resign him. I like outlaw but he needs to get a clue on defense sometimes

 

Yeah especially backup PFs that are 6'7" to 6'9". Dante most likely wont get much, if any at all, PT this year but in the future i do not forsee him having many problems guarding other backup PFs.

 

Replacing Travis Outlaw.....Hopefully

 

I haven't really noticed that the NBA is getting shorter. It's true that a lot of backup PF's tend to be in that 6'7-6'9 range, though. I just think it's always been that way.

Anyway, on paper he seems like (at best) a lateral move to Frye. Less range, but more likely to make the shots he takes. Less height, but more likely to be active in doing something with the body he has. Less talent, but more effort.

I think I'd rather know for sure that Juwan Howard's tank is empty before I got on the Cunningham bandwagon. Assuming, of course, we trade Outlaw. I'm not his biggest fan, but I'd rather see Travis out there than Cunningham.

 

The thing I noticed about Cunningham right away is he has basketball IQ. That is where this team will make its biggest steps this year, is with more guys with a high basketball IQ it will make an impact to take advantage of situations they would not have in the past.

Cunningham knows how to play. In about a year, we may not have Outlaw or Howard on the roster. If a situation comes up where Outlaw is getting thrown around like a rag doll, and Howard is in foul trouble, he may get some minutes.

 

This year? His role will be to see if he can accumulate more DNPs than Jerryd. If Travis gets traded by the deadline or they neglect to resign him, then I guess I could see him soaking up some backup minutes behind LaMarcus, but he's going to need to add some more brawn (if possible?) since he's unlikely to ever be quick enough to guard 3s.

 

Sorry, but I just don't see him having a role on this team.

He can hit the open 15 ft shot, but he has neither the range of Travis, nor the ability to elevate and get his shot off against taller players. His BBIQ may be good, but in that department, he is no match for Howard. When Pendergraph returns, his greater length will give him an advantage as a defender/rebounder.

I understand why people like the kid and are rooting for him, but we need to be realistic.

 

The 2 nice things about Dante are:

1. He always seems to be at the right place at the right time (BBIQ)
2. His jumper is money.

He seems like a Carl Landry kind of player with maybe less of a post skill and more of a jumper.

He probably has a place on the team - especially when the team goes small.

Anyway, The way I look at him - he will find playing time in the NBA somewhere, be it here or elsewhere. He is a NBA caliber basketball player.

 

Back of the bus, D League, injured list, filler in trade talks.

All these fantastic positions will be there for him, if he works hard and keeps his mouth shut.

 

barring injuries, his role will be to clap and stay focused and ready for when fouls become an issue in a particular game. With their talent/depth and the way they closed out the 2008-9 season I bet DC gets some decent burn in extended garbage time.

STOMP

 

I hope he makes it, he will be one of the casualties of too much talent on this team. He could be Blaze's side kick.

 

Ambassador to Boise Idaho