It's never boring is it? Every time Aminu puts the ball on the floor, it's an adventure. It reminds me of this, but Aminu only make it out of the cave half the time: You just KNOW something is going to happen, but you never know if it will be a good something, or a bad something, and the potential outcome can change with each successive dribble. BNM
If Layman had Meyers NBA Body he would get this long of a chance. Meyers body is very hard to give up on, as he will likly eventualy become a very servicable player - eventualy and we have a hard time getting any very good replacement for him with that kind of body. Aminu has been of late going to the basket a lot better and more effectively. He is under control and finishing much better with the left hand and better at getting fouled. He is also giving the ball up guicker when he rebounds and is filling the lanes better on the push.
[ This is true for many players and the key IMO is who they are driving against. If Aminu dribbles in traffic.....it's a turnover. But when he takes his man (another PF) off the dribble.....he usually goes right around them when they are guarding him on the perimeter. This is when I like him to do it. Late in the Charlotte game was a great example.
Yeah but often there is no difference between a solid bench player and a starter on a decent team. What is important is how that player fits with the other 4 starters. Jake might be a better starter than a bench player if he is surrounded by good players who need a SF who can spread the floor and guard the perimeter. He is long and athletic enough to guard the perimeter and when his 3 ball becomes more consistent....and it will, I can see him being a good 3 and D guy who can also pass, drive, and rebound. Remember it takes time for most players to adjust to the the extra 2-3 feet for the NBA 3 pt line. A shooter like Jake (with his form) will get better.
I can hardly wait 'til Jake has three full seasons of stats in the bank, so the advanced stat nerds can finally tell us if Jake is any good. Can't wait to know!
I hope some of this actually comes true, but I don't get the comments about his length. His standing reach of 8'6" is VERY short for a player of his height, and his wingspan of 9'6.25" is also well below average for an NBA small forward. Although his length is below average, it's comparable to Gordon Hayward, and not that far behind Chandler Parsons. Just saying, I wouldn't list it as a "strength". He was also a very weak rebounder in college, even when playing PF as a junior. Again, not a "strength" On the positive side, and I noted this back on draft day, his 3FG% improved every year in college. So, there is good a good precedent for improvement there. BNM
Yeah that is a good point. I guess maybe his max vertical makes him look longer to me. (Close to 40") That could help him blocking a few 3's though. I disagree with his rebounding stats in college. 5 per game in college may not be fantastic, but those are solid numbers for a wing player. Is there even a PF position in college anymore? It seems like most spread the floor. In comparison oregon's leading rebounder this year comes in at 7 per game. And that is their center. You may be right though, but to me he looks like a quick leaper. He will not dominate on the boards but I bet he is a solid rebounder in the NBA for a SF.
I never saw him play in college but what I've seen from the kid is that he's really not shy about banging in the paint or dribbling into traffic...uses his body well for his size.
You left out mental skills. Until last season, Leonard was one of the most discombobulated players I've ever seen in the NBA. A contract year finally focused his mind and motivated him to learn where to be on the court. Layman is fluid not because of his body, but because his mind thinks quickly.
not a bad game but it once again it highlights a big issue with him - his very poor 3 pt shooting, he was 0/7 on 3's and is under 20% in his 4 games f0r WCB's
Layman has looked more smooth in each game outside of his 3-pt shooting. He looks like an actual SF that can handle a little bit, make a good pass and is fluid. Despite his 3-pt percentage, I think that comes around. He had good form, great rotation and most every shot looks good, it's just not going in. It will come.
I like that he wants to drive the lane and keeps moving forward with his play...what I don't like is to see guys hang out waiting for a shot...he goes and gets the ball.
Same 2 teams, same score for Layman, but different game, honest! (You can tell, because Denzel Valentine didn't play this time.) Tim Quarterman also played in both and seems to be a good rebounder if nothing else.
Not going to read this thread.....flat out refuse. Stats from the D-League are MEANINGLESS good or bad! I won't waste your time with links to past players who have gone down there and lit it up.
He does some really good things on the floor. His movement is really good on his handles. Yes he need put down the 3 ball but he looks good inside the arc.