Help me explain something to my wife: Why is Nurk better than Hassan? She watches Hassan play, sees his gaudy stats, and I try to explain that even so, Nurk is a better fit for this team. But I can't exactly explain how. Help please.
To me, Nurk fits as key member of the team and the team flow is smoother, better. Hassan puts up great stats but doesn't seem to facilitate to flow of the game for the team as a whole.
Better playmaking, better shooter, better perimeter defender, better at team defense. Blocks and rebounds are the ultimate “empty stat.” You can pile those stats up to the detriment of the team if you pursue them out of the flow of the offense/defense. That said, Hassan is still very good. If there was a way to keep them both, it’d be awesome. Won’t happen though.
I don't really get this hate for Hassan's blocks. How are they "empty stats". With Lakers trying go back to the game that block on AD surely pulled some air out of Lakers. Please explain.
I get that there are things that Nurk is better at, and I get that there are things that frustrate fans that Whiteside does. But the man has so much length, and enough skill, that allows him to be a huge factor in the game. His stats are not empty, they are very much needed.
I love Hassan. I'm not hating on him at all. I'm just trying to explain the prevailing take and am having a hard time doing so. It's a compliment.
Hassan is a fantastic player. He can get a double/double any night. He can host block parties. But, Nurk moves with the offense. Hassan stands inside and waits. Nurk never takes a play off. Never gets lazy. Nurk can guard the perimeter, he is a pro at the pick and roll. He is the better passer. He facilitates and he dominates. There is only one beast.
They both got there strength and if both of those 2 guys keep there ego in check it could be big for this team and especially Zach coming soon. To me we have to be close for the 8th spot and believe we can over take Memphis.
I think it's because Nurk's more consistent. Hassan's efforts are just too up and down. But when he's engaged, damn, he's a lot better than I realized. Nurk's touch around the hoop has greatly improved since his first season here, but Hassan and that weird little line drive baby hook shot seems to go in a lot. I think they can play together, since Nurk can play in space. The trick is if Stotts can figure out exactly how to do it. I'm not holding my breath.
I'm just not seeing "Empty Stats" Whiteside is very good. Nurkic is very good Not sure Nurk is a better fit? The way Dame and Whiteside are starting to mesh is making me wonder. Your wife might be right.
If healthy I'd prefer Nurk at his peak. He's only played one playoff series. I think you could contend with either one or even both.
Unfortunately Nurk is never healthy. He’s already had 2 season ending injuries in his young career. I’m afraid that will be his doom. He’s a great when healthy and playing tho
Better pick n Roll player. Better passer. Better screen setter. Can score in more ways, is a much better team defender and the team is much better defensively when he is on the court. Much better at boxing out, has a presence at the rim that is more like Goberts where people don't want to drive while Whiteside is more like Camby where its not as big a deterrent since players know they can get whiteside to commit to blocking the shot easier. Is also only making 11 million a season for the next 3 where Whiteside is probably going to be making 20+ after next season. Edit- almost forgot, much better Nickname.
Many thumbs up! Actually a lot of great responses here. You guys captured what I see in the court and subconsciously think but couldn’t bring to the level of words. Love’em and I’d like to keep’em except there’s not enough minutes for two centers of their quality. What to do.
Whiteside leads NBA in blocks, 3rd in rebounds, 6th in fg%, 8th in PER... Nurkic will never have a season like this.