Claver & Barton are both a decent jumpshot away from being solid rotation players, maybe even starting level talents. Thats a pretty hard thing to add to one's repertoire in your 20's but it can be done... Kidd springs to mind as one of the few guys who was able to significantly improve as perimeter threat after reaching the league. I'm sure both Victor & Will are well aware of the glaring hole in their games. great moment for Victor at the end when he stroked that 3 and broke into a big smile. I'm definitely rooting for him STOMP
I was pretty shocked when the Mikes said Claver was the best shooter in Blazer practices. I mean, that's with Lillard and Matthews out there in practice with him--if he's even close to their caliber he's a quality role player. The Mikes are always overhyping people, but it was startling none the less. Claver seemingly has absolutely no confidence in his shot in real game situations. Maybe he just needs some time in Idaho?
Claver has good form on his shot, he likely just needs the reps in in game situations. I think it's going in every time he shoots.
I like that after missing that 3-pointer he took (and made) that jumper from the top of the key. Of course there's absolutely no pressure on that shot, but still good to see him not pass up an open shot after just having missed one.
So, do you think we're going to swoon on those two road trips? And in the age of private planes, nutritionists, top flight facilities and good hotels, why does the road take such a toll?
Claver really stands out on defense. The second unit has looked the best on defense that it's looked all season when Claver has been on the court recently.
Here's a guarantee: If we get rid of him, the Spurs pick him up. He has Popovich stretch four written all over him. I like the hombre.
Good question. I have no idea, but it really does. We play the Hawks at home the 5th and then leave for Texas probably around noon the 6th........don't get back til the 15th from NOLA around 2AM. We are non stop on the go that whole time. You know how people are always wiped out after a vacation, maybe it's the same concept. Just never really sitting back and relaxing......always on the go. Now add 5 different cities, hotels and 6 different flights. Wish I could explain it, but I'm not even playing and it wipes me out!
Not using it as an excuse, just people need to remember the toll it takes. I think it puts a different spin on games we SHOULD handle like the NOLA game at the end of that trip. Of course we SHOULD win that game, but the last game of an 8 day trip....who knows. Look what a garbage Minny team did to us earlier this season on the end of a trip.
I assume there are nights when these guys just show up, especially in the dog days of the season. At least, that's what I attributed the Minny game to. That being said, do the players look at standings as the season winds down? What I mean is, might they have more focus against a team like the Pelicans if they know a loss drops them a seed? I would assume players put more stock in games at the end of the season, especially when fighting for home court. Am I wrong?
It's interesting. I won't say any names, but over the seasons there were/are some guys that are REALLY aware of whats going on around them on Twitter or standings and stats of other teams and players.....and there are some who were blown away that I actually watched other NBA games, they told me they NEVER watched hoops on TV or followed the standings.
That is interesting. Focus this last stretch of the season I think will be important. How you play in March and April is how you play in May. Man, what a change. At the beginning of the season, I didn't think we'd be talking playoff seeding. Rather I thought we'd be talking about how many lottery balls we could get.
