Interesting comparison. I wonder if I would feel different about Damon if the circumstances had been different. The feeling was (when he came here from Toronto) that we got our Isaiah Thomas. A 20/10 guy. A Stud. Now I didn't see a whole lot of his games in Toronto, but he did everything better there statistically. And I remember that a certain #23 for Chicago predicted Damon would be one of the better players for years to come (we didn't know MJ couldn't scout back then like we do now) Damon Scored more, more assists, shot a higher % by leaps in bounds in Toronto. The only thing the did more of here was make money - As in 84 million in 7 years - clogging up cap space. But what if he just been a 2nd round pick? A b/u that came in as a spark plug. He was terrible at running the offense, and he couldn't finish at the basket. But he could get hot and stretch a defense. I guess what I'm saying is if Patti Mills is Damon 2, under the current circumstances that would be a good thing - right?
Thanks for playing that all out for me. I had forgotten about those Toronto years. To answer your question, though, if Mills can stretch defenses like Damon did, then, yes, that would be a very good thing.
Just got back from the game (I live in Reno) and a few things that stuck out: *He is freakishly quick with the ball. His ability to drive around Bighorn guards was crazy and he has a soft touch on his floater to the hoop. *He has great court presense. He is always dribbling with his head up and he made some nifty passes to big men who, if they had hands, could have cleanly caught the pass and dunked. *He has an incredibly smooth jump shot. Probably one of the nicest jumpers I've seen in a long time. He had absolutely no trouble elevating and creating his own shot both off the screen and off the dribble. *His turnovers were a factor of not having any cohesion with this team. The refs were letting both teams play and the one turnover that bounced off the big center's foot that led to a fast break was a hard foul that wasn't called. Mills was beaten off the dribble only once and that was when he gambled on a steal and missed. *All in all, he had a solid game considering it was his second game back from a broken foot. If he continues to work hard and bulk up, I can definitely see some Chris Paul traits in his future. He's a point guard personified and can hit the three with the best of them. Yes this was the D-league, but you don't just come back from having missed 6 months and play at this level and conditioning without being something special. I can see why PA likes him so much.
Speaking of Damon, saw him today out at the airport. Memphis landed as we were taking off and talked to him for a sec. Told me to tell you guys hi!
The question is, with Miller not sure about his PT or roll, Bayless struggling to find his shot, and Steve Blake Pneumoniaized, how will Patty fit in? Will he actually get some run from the coaches? How will that make Miller and especially Bayless feel? Bayless has been in the Martell camp for me the last few games. I love his hustle and heart, but if he can't shoot consistently, he's no use to us. Not saying he can't. He's young and learning, but if that's the case and he'll always be stringing together a few 2-12 games in a row between his good performances, maybe Patty can be a better option. It will be interesting to see. It's just the D-League, but still, if you can hit open jumpers and get the ball to your teammates and stay in front of your man in the NBA, your a good PG in this league.
Thanks for the welcome all! I forgot mention that for his second game he was a pretty good lock down defender around the perimeter. He was rubbed off on a couple screens but quickly regained his position and got in front of his man again. The Bighorn guards aren't great, but Mills by far was the best athlete on the court. He looks so natural as a PG. I have many memories of him killing my Nevada Wolf Pack when he was at St. Mary's as I'm sure many of you have when he played against the Pilots. Oh, forgot to mention Tolliver looked pretty dominant tonight. Nice to see the Blazers are keeping tabs on him and traded to get him on their d-league team. BTW - did I mention what a nice jumper Mills has? ;-)
It's not a problem. When Blake comes back we'll start Blake, Bayless, Mills, Miller, plus Roy at center. barfo
