The old question of "what is athleticism?" returns. Basically, Martell couldn't go around people, Travis could. Travis was also a higher leaper - not that Martell was a slouch, mind you.
He hasn't interacted with the new kids long enough for them to figure out he's a rabble rouser, so they're actually speaking to him with some semblance of respect. Don't worry, it'll wear off once he stabs them in the back, just like it always does...
I think the interesting thing about Harkless is that his athleticism isn't all about show. Many of his dunks are two hand drop ins. Only rarely does he really get a poster dunk. But, he has a very good combination of lateral quickness, float and hops. Watch his highlight videos and you see a lot of times where he gets directly under the basket and elevates in traffic for a dunk. Not too many small forwards can go strait up on a standing jump in traffic to dunk it. I think that is the biggest difference between Harkless and Batum. Batum was great with a head of steam off a handoff, but I don't remember seeing him go strait up from standing to dunk it.
Frazier will get cut then assigned to the D-league. That's my guess anyway. No reason to carry two undersized and limited point guards like pressey and Frazier over a higher ceiling player like montero.
Pretty clear now that the two who will be cut to trim the roster to 15 will be Alexander and Harkless. barfo
Crazy how young Harkless is. It feels like he's been in the league forever. Also his size/length is impressive: 6'9" | 7'0" wingspan | 22 y/o Same goes for Cliff: 6'8" | 7'4" wingspan | 9'2" reach | 19 y/o He's on the short side but Cliff's length is elite for a PF and is on par with centers.
The sentence should have been written, "Neil Olshey said that Harkless is the most athletic player to put on a Blazer uniform in the 3 years since he's been GM".
Ah, Quicky actually clarified that in the comments section. Said the sentence should have been more clear.
Harkless is listed at 6'8", 208 lbs on bbref. I wonder if he can play some SG, or guard SGs so Stotts can play a one guard lineup at times. Aminu got a pretty big contract, as if he is the guy Neil wants at SF. I could see him playing some PF in a small ball lineup.
Yeah I think I remember reading aminu was most affective in dallas when he played as a stretch four. I think well see harkless and aminu in the same lineup a lot.
