I think there is definitely some truth to this, but I think it's really more of a "next man up" issue. We have Vonleh, Davis, Harkless, and Aminu who can all play PF*. Two or even three of those would have to go out with injury/whatever before Cliff sniffs the floor. That's not going to change next season, probably, but you never know. Regardless, I don't think this is a reflection on Cliff's ability, just the pecking order. *some would include Biebs, too.
Given Stotts' willingness to give multiple chances to Vonleh/Leonard/Harkless, I think we have to assume that Alexander is really stinking it up in practice. This is not a coaching staff that just blindly buries youngsters.
? Does NO re-sign Leonard this summer, and for how much? This seasons UFA PF class does not have many players that fit into NO’s and Dame’s age requirements. Most of the FA PFs are too old. However, there is at least one player that may be worth considering, and he should sign for way less than Leonard is dreaming about. Jon Leuer, 26, with 4 years experience has developed a nice well rounded game, both on O & D. He plays with hustle and a big heart, and is ready to be a good BUPF now. If Vonley is our starting PF of the future, Leuer is worth considering as his backup, instead of overpaying Leonard.
If NO let Leonard walk for nothing, does it improves our pedicted win for the next season ? My bet is on yes.
Alexander recently turned 20, and had almost no experience in college. It's almost like having a high schooler. Everyone in front of him had more experience, even Vonleh. His chance will come. And I agree that Alexander is a center. Everything about his size and game says center. Don't worry about height. Look at his wingspan. And there will be very few players that will be able to body him. He's stronger than both davis and plumlee.
It's high school, but you can see him beating jahlil okafor and Karl Anthony Towns on the boards and both those guys are centers.
Everything you say is true. But what is really exciting about that....Vonleh has an even wider wingspan. But Alexander does edge him out for standing reach. none-the-less that is two 20 year olds with potential in the post. Makes up for not having a lottery pick this year.
True. It'll be fun to watch both develop. They could even theoretically play together since Vonleh can stretch the court (I know his percentages are bad but Vonleh can shoot)
Yep, agreed. I brought him up in another thread as well. Seems like a total Stotts guy. My only concern is that now that Morris has been shipped out, he might get more minutes and earn himself a big FA contract. Hopefully he'll remain in obscurity for the rest of the season, and he'll be available for an Aminu-like deal.
Have I told any of you how happy I am that Meyers isn't playing? If he ain't hittin shots, he's a liability.
Unfortunately he still gets some minutes. When the number drop to 0, that's when we know we have won the war.
18 games left in the season. So far; Damian Lillard 18 blocks CJ McCollum 17 blocks Meyers Leonard 16 blocks It'll be quite a race!
His assists have gone down too. I think he's focusing too much on scoring and getting to that 30 point mark.
Hard to rack up assists when teams are not only doubling him at every turn, but his teammates aren't hitting. Last night was the first time in a while that AFA was hitting from downtown. Hendo's been off the mark over these past four games. Crabbe's been in a slump since the All-Star Break. And Plume is still hit or miss whether he'll convert off of the pick and roll, likely ends up at the line which doesn't equate to assists.
I think just the opposite was on display yesterday. I thought he forced some passes, particularly in the 1st half, to try to get some assists. They resulted in costly turnovers. I'd be astounded if Dame wasn't aware of his needing to boost his assists a bit in order to get into the 25 and 7 club. I'm all for it, but not at the expense of ill-advised passes turning into layups at the other end.
In fairness: Lillard: 2,049 minutes played McCollum: 2,170 minutes played Leonard: 1,240 minutes played Still, Harkless at 1,063 minutes has 23 blocks & Ed Davis at 1,325 minutes has 54 blocks. You'd think a guy with the height and reach of Leonard could do a bit better. Gramps...
