Jake has become what I'd hoped Victor Claver would have become...shoutout to the young man...people all across the league now know his name...whenever they mention the Blazers he's starting to be part of that conversation...
Here's a look at how Jake Layman compares to the other top MIP candidates this year - This chart primarily looks at scoring. Granted other criteria is considered, but points carries the most weight. Jake Layman compares favorably. He by far has the biggest jump in Per36 pts, True Shooting Percentage, and PER. Zach LaVine is scoring the most points out of this group. Derrick Rose has the biggest year-over-year points change. He won't win the MIP award, but it certainly is nice to even have this discussion.
I used Basketball-Reference. I went here http://bkref.com/tiny/xoBna I sorted the Description column, then manually counted the Layman lines by assister. There are 7 pages of it. Then I cross-checked results against this. http://bkref.com/pi/shareit/uzNr7 I got exactly the same results you did on NBA.com. I wasted a half-hour.
He's a great off ball finisher / advantage scorer. But very little of what he's doing inside the 3pt line is self created. I don't think that's purely due to his role either, but speaks more to his strengths and weaknesses that have been the same since his early years in college. And just because I don't think Jake is a future all star in hiding, doesn't mean I don't like him or haven't enjoyed his development this year. He's definitely been one of the highlights of the season.
I am not concerned about Layman as a scorer or facilitator. His level of performance has increased exponentially with what we have been asking him to do. I want him to eventually be able to be an average defender at his position. But I believe he has the instincts and athleticism to do that with proper coaching. If we re-sign him and keep increasing his minutes, I believe he can be a longtime starter for us.
Thank you kind sir. Basically, CJ doesn't pass. Zach Lowe had an article where he talked about CJ and how he drives to the basket like a fullback. My first thought was, 'fullbacks don't pass either.'
His handles...lack of hesitation...athleticism...nose for the rim..shooting stroke....I'm talkin' pre injury Pistons Grant, not rehabbed Suns Grant...he's not the defender Grant was though but with regular minutes that might change
It seems like just the last few games teams have started to have him in their gameplan (this is a good thing), but I also wonder if his production starts to take a hit, it might not! Im super hesitant to predict where a players career is going on a small sample size. I love watching Layman, but the hard part for him will be showing he can continue to do it.
Im loving Jake but pre Injury Grant Hill is close to a HoF player. Not sure Jake is that, at least yet.
The play at 2:56 is ridiculous. Blocks it with his right and and while still in the air, tries to save it inbounds with his left hand. He typically....dare I say, 'Glides' to the basic but there are time he very effectively quick jumps when needed. That highlight couldn't have ended any better than when he completely enveloped Grayson Allen's drive. Maryland over Duke!
It will help when he actually plays a season....baby steps...it's the style of play I compare...not the end of a career status
I dont really think their styles or talent levels are that similar, but who knows. Still love watching Jake play this year.
Big deal. Riverman touts everybody. I have a much harder job. When a player sucks, does anyone praise me for being right? I am unappreciated.
The secret is out about Layman. They talked about him on The Ringer NBA Show. The question is, if Brooklyn offers him a 4/70 contract, do we match?
I've already seen Layman affecting other team's defense. Several times, he has cut to the basket off a screen and both defenders have gone with him. Other times, he comes around a curl and both defenders go 'under' leaving him wide open for a pop out '3'. The more they pay attention to the lob, the more it opens him up for open outside shots. Then when they have to recover and run at him, he can go by. Multiple options...
