I am not really too concerned about Terry adjusting. Did he not go through LMA in the past? And I am not too concerned with Dame and CJ giving up he ball. Did Plumlee not get plenty of assists? He got the ball from someone.
Remember my contact lens theory from about 3 years ago, which explains everything about Leonard. He wasn't any more effective than Plumlee, but his effectiveness is close to the basket like a real center, not far, like a natural power forward, which is what I keep advocating for Plumlee. The highlight reel shows that he loves to spin 360 when he receives the ball, ending the spin a couple steps closer to the basket.
The good thing is that Nurk is a better passer than LMA. I think Stotts/Dame will definitely get the ball to him in the post, and if we can throw in some weak-side screens for Harkless/Crabbe/Dame/CJ I have no doubt Nurk can hit them with a pass for an easy basket. The thing I worry (not worry, but...) about is that they aren't going to hit Nurk when he slips behind the defense and is open under the hoop. He seems to have a knack for getting to an open spot once his defender commits to stopping the ball, but neither Dame nor CJ seem to recognize those sorts of opportunities. I hope that it's an area of emphasis over the summer because it'll lead to easier opportunities for both Dame/CJ and for Nurk if it's utilized regularly.
Plumlee can be a PF on defense, but to be one on offense he would need to play with a center who can spread the floor. Plums can't drift too far from the basket on offense IMO.
Coming from you, I figured it had to be a good one, so I took the time to find it. Yup.... And actually, the whole thread is pretty damn funny. It should be linked in the current Meyers "fan" thread..... http://www.sportstwo.com/threads/the-curious-case-of-meyers-leonard.247941/#post-3120543
I think losing Aldridge made him have to adjust. He is clearly much more comfortable with a post player to run the offense through.
We ran some plays that we literally haven't run since Aldridge left. Dame, CJ, and Crabbe looked like they remembered those plays and I'm sure there will be more. Since Nurkic is also a good passer like Plumlee was, I think we won the trade.
The trade for Nurkic is one of the bright spots of a disappointing season. It'll be exciting watching him play if the first game is a good indicator of how he'll play during the rest of the second half!
That does it. Fire Stotts. If Stotts ruins this guy's inside game emphasis, I will post every day about firing Stotts.
He's going to be a great player....I love that he's working out the day after he could be on vacation....adding to his game..he doesn't need layup drills at this point. He's excellent under the rim.
It's allstar game break...he could be swilling vodka in Cabo today..instead....he's in the gym working on his jumper....
CJ was posting snaps drinking Henny from the airport on his way to Nola. Good for him. These guys deserve a break from bball, but still hella impressed to see Nurk get some shots up. He seems determined to make DEN pay.
I'm fine with him practicing, but I'm gonna be pissed if Stotts has him shooting more than one a game. With that said, Sabas is my favorite player of all time - so anything that makes Nurk more like Sabas is cool with me. Once he's established his post game, mid-range, passing, and defense I'm down with him adding the 3-pointer to round out his Sabas impersonation.