it's one of the main factors that separated Dame from CJ. Dame has averaged 5.8 points from the line in his career; and has averaged close to 8 in the last few years. CJ has averaged is 2.2 points from the line. That's 3,6 points/game more for Dame from the FT line and over the last two seasons, it's been close to 6 more points just different styles that make a huge difference in scoring efficiency. Dame attacks the rim while CJ dances around in the paint. Dame accepts contact while CJ avoids it Scoot doesn't dance around in the paint, he attacks the basket.
Yes, similar comparison with Ant who is closer to CJ than Dame in that respect. If Ant can ever learn to get to the line he'd be so much deadlier but I'm not sure he'll ever get there with that frame.
Ant has bumped his attempts up to 4 per game this season, so there has been progress. Looks like he will likely fall squarely betwixt CJ and Dame in terms of ability to draw fouls.
I doubt Ant will be as weak as CJ in drawing fouls and getting to the line. He started off the season averaging 4.7 FTA/game over the first 11 games. But has dropped down to 3.5 over the last 16 games. Per 100-possessions Ant is averaging 5 more FGA than Scoot, but Scoot is averaging 0.2 more FTA's. Ant needs 5 more shots/100-possesions than Scoot to score 0.7 more points from the FT line but unlike CJ, Ant seems to have developed a really good running-jump-hook shot that veers a little off the direct line to the rim and is fairly effective at drawing whistles
What’s encouraging to me is 4 per game is right where Dame was his rookie season; given this is Ant’s first real season as The Guy at guard, I’m pleased with the results.
I wonder about his listed weight. Ant is listed at 6'3" 193 (Dame is 6'2" 195) If this is true then Ant's frame is not too far from being solid. Maybe another 3-4 lbs of muscle this summer? By comparison, the Blazers list Scoot at 6'3" 202. Ant does not need to be that big.
Why try to do something you aren’t good at. CJ acknowledged his strengths and for years was one of the best mid range J guys in the league. He wasn’t dancing around anything, he was killing dudes from 15 feet.
He talked about getting to the line more and acknowledged it's usefulness, but he couldn't quite pull it off with his lack of athleticism and size.
Ant is just so much slimmer than Scoot regardless of listed weight. It's why Harden has ate at the line his whole career. He's so much beefier than his counterparts that his opponents bounce off of him.
Interesting stat ... when Dame was 24, he averaged 4.9 FTs/36. Ant at 24 averages 4.3. Dame really started to draw fouls/start to get the benefit of the officials/find more ways to create offense for himself in his 25-year-old season.
Also tied Simons for a game-high 6 free-throw attempts. Jokic only took 5. I don't know if that's bad or good.
almost a triple double is pretty good and also getting to the free throw line that much in the rookie year is awesome, but bruh 3/16 FG is disgusting
But he did find other ways to contribute. Those are things that can keep him on the floor even on a bad shooting night. The ability to to drive and dish or get to the line are gonna keep him in games.
My Problem with Scoot is he has a lot of these bad shooting nights, yes he improved, i still dont trust him though.
He's a 19-year-old rookie. Last season's #1 pick then-19-year-old rookie. He took 33 three-point shots in the month of February. Guess how many 3-pointers Banchero made in February of 2023. The answer: One. He shot 3%.
Why would you. I love the kid’s game and what he’s doing out there….. but I still don’t “TRUST HIM”. He just turned 20 and is still learning the pro game.
