There is plenty of players that get more assists playing next to way more talented playmakers than CJ.10% is terrible, the guy just doesn't pass
For a roster that wasn’t the problem defensively, we sure are bringing in some defensive guys, or at least better defenders
My one hope for this coming year is Stotts being on a telecast being asked about our improved defense and answering “ NO SHIT, look at the roster”
This is a worth while gamble cause if Dennis Smith get's his act together he could be a STEAL and if not then oh well .... next......
I think it's a great low risk with a potential for very high reward. I would be happy if he could impress enough to warrant a bench spot as a true PG.
the starting shooting guard? Not true btw. The two lineups he played in most last year were with Dame and as the lead guard of the second unit.
how long did he have the ball compared to CJ/Dame, though? im just saying the opportunities weren't there for Ant to get many assists in his role.
Smith had a similar usage rate as Ant last season and averaged nearly 3x as many assists. Almost like one guy is a point guard and the other is a shooting guard they’ve been trying to force into a different role. The less Ant has to run an offense, the better.
Another thing I like about smith is that he attacks the basket. Outside of Dame, Nurk, and Powell no one averaged more free throws/36. We know Billups values guys that can attack. I also wonder if Billups takes a liking to Smith, and vice versa, because their early journeys in the league aren’t that different; former lottery pick that hasn’t settled in anywhere yet. We’ll see who else gets a training camp invite, but I doubt it’ll be anyone with Smiths ceiling.
im in full agreement that Ant is not a PG, what I'm saying is that wasn't his role. It was always CJ as backup PG. this is semantics and i think we're aligned on this.
I am guessing the answer to that question from Brett Usher is...probably not. Against the Blazers where Kanter had 30 rebounds, it was a blowout. He did not shoot well but had a couple of steals and 3 assists. But I can't say I remember anything from that game other than Kanter. And I did not watch any other Detroit games. They are not high on my priority watch list.