Since my thread on Anfernee clearly caused him to vault to stardom (when so many of the board had written him off), I thought it was worth a shot to see if we could do the same for CJ Mk. II. Clearly the coaching staff see something in him - he was getting minutes even before we started tanking in earnest. His main failing is that he just can't shoot at all. But he also can't make layups. So is he good at anything? Well... rebounding. He actually averages over 9 rbs/48, just a tiny bit less than Nas or Watford. And he can dribble better than our other wings, even though he doesn't usually dribble anywhere useful. But I've written off players of ours before and had them suddenly blossom. Trent Jr and Anfernee, for example, but also Pat Connaughton, who is perhaps a fairer comparison, as somebody with glaring flaws in his game who nonetheless made himself a useful rotation player on a good team.
Elleby hustles and gives max effort, but he can't shoot from three, and I don't think the Blazers can afford to have more than one or two wings who can't shoot from three. Winslow sure can't, and both Johnson and Louzada are questionable perimeter shooters
Is he an UFA this year? He was one of the few 2nd rounders we didn't go 3 years on, so am assuming so? I like him. And still feel I'm probably the only one. I have super low expectations. If his shot ever came around, he'd be a great scrappy role player to have. As is, as like a 12th man, we could do a lot worse. I think things will slow down a little for him n3xt year as well, in his 3rd year. And while he'll still look like he's out of control, I think he'll be able to reign it in a bit and play within himself . Hopeful we keep him, but won't lose sleep if we dont.
Energy guy that would be great to have at the end of the bench and in practice. Certain he would wave a towel with the best of them. Thinking a haircut might improve his jumpshot?
He needs to have his current shooting style erased from memory and pay for a good shooting coach. We've seen players throw the ball in the direction of the basket (like Justise Winslow) but Elleby is on a whole different level. He'll be 8 feet from the hoop and throw the ball straight up into the air.
What are the requirements for signing two way players? If it's possible with Elleby, I would be happy with that.
