Saw this on ESPN: http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14773032/jimmer-fredette-named-mvp-d-league-all-star-game Thought it might be notable since it's a good reminder that college wunderkinds don't lose their ability or skill when they come to the NBA, they just lack the tools to use them effectively enough to justify their usage requirements. I've noticed Doug's play has gone up a tick during our tailspin. I'd like to be excited about it, but I think it's cleverly disguised Jimmer-syndrome. The blowouts have created lots of empty minutes and summer league has taught us that Doug's perfectly capable of doing his 1-man band act against the scruff of the NBA. There's probably not much difference between that and some of the minutes he's been playing recently. Luckily for Doug he plays a position that doesn't require the ball being in his hands as much so he'll probably be able to get by as a specialist. However, he's looking like a 9-10 guy on most teams to me. Useful enough to get minutes because of his shooting, but just too limited to play a much larger role. It's illustrating that the team still hasn't started him yet. At first I thought it was because they were grooming him for his best role when everyone was healthy, but now I think it's clear that they're afraid his defensive shortcomings are too disruptive and there's no way to get around it. On the right team he might be this multi-faceted scorer that can tip the scales as a highly efficient 3rd option, but on most teams (including this one) he's probably just a specialist.
Jimmer's a magnificent bastard, but his NBA deficiencies were just a little too much to overcome. McDermott couldn't be guarded in college, but that's not the case in the NBA. He's going to need to evolve further if he's going to make it. The good news is that he's 6-8 and not a total stiff athletically.
both are accurate. Freddette reminds me or Damon Baily from IU years ago, A hell of a college player, but never made it in the NBA.
