I think his potential at this point is more defensively than offensively so PER and PPG is not what Id be looking for. I think he moves his feet very well, needs to trust himself and not reach, he commits fouls kind of like Zach does, he’s in position, why use his arms / reach when he doesnt need too. Offensively the shot looks good and he does have the athleticism to finish, but he’s a project on that end.
Seems like a great assessment. You see his defense being so good that he ends up being a starter in the league? 6th man? occasional role player?
Well the leagues changed a lot defensive specialists struggle to get minutes if they cant hit three’s. So a lot of it will depend on if he can make that shot translate to real game scenario’s. Upside at this point is probably Serge Ibaka (and he’s got a long ways to go there), but if he ever does like 13-14ppg to go along with his natural defensive abilities he’s probably a good role player or starter on the right situation. If I had to “guess”, he’s probably got like a 30-40% chance to not be in the league in a few years, but heck this seems like a good year to let him take his lumps and get his footing on an NBA court.
He's got to learn to space and then he has to make his threes. Defense is so very important but as we all have witnessed in the last 3 years you have to be consistent or have some form of offensive game so you are not a black hole. Gotta make the other team respect you. I watched a couple possessions in the last few games where i was sure we got Aminu back. He has no clue what to do with the ball in his hands YET. For me it's way to early to predict a PER,PPG,RPG type ceiling. If he can play it could be decent but if you can't put him on the floor against starting lineups his career will be short. As far as fouls go i was shocked by what Hurd and Calaboro said about him last game. I have never heard quite that kind of negative comment? Fouls are part of the game and those issues can be worked on. Takes time.
I like everything about him except his Weird name. I never remember it so I call him Waylon. Maybe he'll sing at the Wells Fargo game. He has a live body like Moses Brown, which makes him exciting. I hope he doesn't develop his shooting. That will ruin his style.
I forced myself to watch all his g league games and I saw things there that I think will transfer to the next level: Shooting, rebounding, defense. He also showed a decent handle and vision. The mistakes he’s made so far with Portland are all rather correctable and can be contributed to trying to do too much/inexperience. As for ceiling, I see him as a guy that can defend multiple positions but best fit as a three in portlands system. You’re not gonna ask him to create for himself, but he’ll play well off others, guard the other teams best wing, and knock down shots. I think he’ll be a better player than Aminu/Moe once it’s all said and done.
While I don't really share your optimism, I absolutely want him to get consistent minutes and a chance to play through his mistakes. Even though I doubt he can replicate what he did in the G league, I want him to have a fair chance to prove me wrong!
I wonder if anyone else is like this; I take the most enjoyment in the process part of development. Like I love Dame but I’d be lying if I said I enjoy watching him more now than I did when he was a rookie. Actually, he might not be a great example since he was good from day one, but you know what I’m getting at. It’s too easy to root for established players. I like the unknown a little more. And putting my thoughts on unknowns out there will inevitably lead to being wrong from time to time. But when you believe in someone who hasn’t established themselves, and then he eventually does, oh mannnn does it make it worth it.
Same here. Remember when I used to skip the Blazer game, to write play-by-play on this board for the concurrent D-League game with a couple of our players in it? I was choosing my priorities. Often, the predictable big league is more boring than the less perfect, more human minor league.
I kinda know what you’re talking about. Some of my favorite moments last season included Jake’s offensive outbursts and Game 82. We watch the stars so much, it can be fun watching something new.
Been a GTJ supporter from the jump. And while I've vocally supported Ant more on here, Gary is my guy (share a birthday and I love the Sr. Dynamic). Dame's amazing play this year has had me just sit back and say wooow quietly. Meanwhile GTJ has had me yelling Nice Work Gary! at my TV. Definitely a bright spot of the season especially since so many posters shat on him for a year and a half.
I never really understood why people shat on Trent before he even got a chance to play real minutes. I think Olshey deserves part of the blame tbh. I remember him saying how Trent was ready for the league after he drafted him. I trust Olsheys drafting but man needs to chill with the proclamations because it only adds unnecessary pressure. Just look at Ant. We’re talking about a late first that didn’t play college, but because of the shit Olshey said you’ve already got fans jumping down his throat as well.
Takes time.....for the refs to stop calling every single ticky tack thing he does that they would never call on any established vet. Question is whether he'll survive in the league long enough for that.
He’s up there, but Trent’s development has to be number one for me. I also like the improvements I’ve seen in Littles shot. I hate how he’s not in the rotation while guys that won’t/shouldn’t be here next year are.
