22 points, 12 rebounds, 64% field goal percentage for first game of the 06-07 season. Gasol right? No. Rudy Gay? No. Mike Miller? No. Its 2nd year foward Hakim Warrick. Yes, the late 1st rnd grizzlies pick that was "too skinny,had no shot, just a athlete" guy from out of Syracuse.Projected as a top 12 pick, dropped to 19th pick in the draft. Came into the league as a rookie under All-Star Pau Gasol. Only averaged 4ppg and had a few seconds of fame during All-Star weekend when he participated in the Rising Young Stars Dunk Contest. And thats just what he is, a rising young star. In his first 3 games of the 06-07 season, he has gotten 22 points, 15 points and against the Detriot Pistons got 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assist. Extremely close to the injured Gasol stats, Warrick seems to be that player to step up. We all knew somebody would, and it seems to be the young athletic foward. Has been reported that he worked out with sharpshooter Cuttino Mobley, Dejaun Wagner, teammate Mike Miller and best friend superstar Carmelo Anthony. With working with these type of players, its hard NOT to learn a good jumpshot. And thats what Warrick has improved most on, his jumpshot. Able to take it out 18 feet, Warrick has become a terrible matchup for many power forwards. Also, with his length and athleticsm, he creates matchup problems for small fowards. He has taken it all into grace, ?Definitely feel I can get a chance to get consistent minutes and make an impact, and that?s why I really worked hard this summer to be prepared and be ready to go out there and do that.? Warrick said after a training camp workout earlier this month. This was supposed to be Rudy Gays season, but it seems theres another potential star in the future. Will Hakim consistantly be that 21 point player? Only time will tell. As and early candidate for most improved player, he is catching the eyes of many fans. Its only three games, but for those three games, he has been that player who gets doubled team and creates open shots for our other players. Sounds remininscent? Sounds alot like our World Championship MVP Pau Gasol. Will the kid from Phillydelphia who was "too skinny for the NBA" prove all doubters wrong this season, and bring the ultimate piece to the Grizzlies franchise? I think so, we have Hakim Warrick.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BALLAHOLLIC? @ Nov 4 2006, 11:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Throw some spaces in there :winkglasses:</div>good thinking :happy0144:
I agree, he's been looking very promising thus far. He had another nice night today vs. the Pistons with 21 points, but Sheed dominated him on the offensive end, can't blame him for that with the size differential though.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (LightsOut @ Nov 5 2006, 01:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I agree, he's been looking very promising thus far. He had another nice night today vs. the Pistons with 21 points, but Sheed dominated him on the offensive end, can't blame him for that with the size differential though.</div>Rasheed is a very tough guy to guard, he can go inside and out, and he's just bigger than Warrick. I think in the next few years, Rasheed will be guardable for Hakim. He just needs to put on some weight, and add to his frame. Because he has the athletiscm, he just needs to add more to his size..Last year, I honestly thought Hakim Warrick would be a bust, he relyed on his athelticsim 24/7, and he literlly had no post game, and mid range game. He's obviously worked hard this off-season, and it's payed off, if I were a Grizzlie fan/coach I'd be comfortable with him taking 15-18 foot jumpers..He's also using his good fake to his advantage, by faking out the defender then driving strong to the hoop..I like the kid alot
Oh yeah, he has defiently always relied on his athleticism, and still does but he uses it to his advantage. Meaning he uses his quickness and such. He had one nice post move where he would take a quick turn to his left and dunk it. Thats about it, but like I said earlier, hes been working with the leagues best shooters. Its really payed off.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (austingriz76 @ Nov 5 2006, 12:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Oh yeah, he has defiently always relied on his athleticism, and still does but he uses it to his advantage. Meaning he uses his quickness and such. He had one nice post move where he would take a quick turn to his left and dunk it. Thats about it, but like I sia earlier, been working with the leagues best shooters. Its really payed off.</div>Well, when your blessed with the athletiscm he has..you have to use it to your advantage. But he is also adding post moves to his game, which is great, I love the fact that he's working hard, and he's only going to get better.. :winkglasses:
Yeah offensively on Sheed he was causing some havoc, not as much as Sheed was on him of course, but his athletiscm/quickness showed as a huge advantage. Still, to develop into a true consistant PF, he has some work to do defensively. I'm really not sure if he's a SF or PF yet, but either way he'll always be a mismatch problem.
He has been very impressive so far this season. He will be very useful until Gasol's return, but I dont know what he will be like afterwards. His minutes will obviously drop. Perhaps, they are finally going to move Gasol to the center spot and have him start at the PF spot when Gasol comes back.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ballerman2112 @ Nov 5 2006, 03:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>He has been very impressive so far this season. He will be very useful until Gasol's return, but I dont know what he will be like afterwards. His minutes will obviously drop. Perhaps, they are finally going to move Gasol to the center spot and have him start at the PF spot when Gasol comes back.</div>I would bet my money on that. Also, Gasol after the allstar break was getting 7assist a night and he was setting up Big Jake(which he got about 15 a night). If Gasol can get Jake get 15ppg, he can get Warrick to get 20ppg. Our Lineupg-Stoudamiresg-Jonessf-Miller/Gay(not decided on who will start)pf-Warrickc-Gasol
I believe Kyle Korver is averaging 20ppg right now after three games. Let's give him some time, I have yet to watch him play but from what I've heard his jumper has improved.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BrewCityBuck @ Nov 5 2006, 06:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I believe Kyle Korver is averaging 20ppg right now after three games. Let's give him some time, I have yet to watch him play but from what I've heard his jumper has improved.</div>But you have to compare what they did last season, Korver got atleast 10ppg, as for Warrick he got 4ppg.
