Game Thread Blazers vs Suns Summer League Game Thread

Layman, Vonleh and Connaughton were really banging in the post...actually impressive defense for guys who aren't that big. Connaughton was forcing his jumper all night, Layman too. No ball movement to speak of though...reminded me of a D league game. Everybody but Booker looked out of game shape too. Vonleh put on some upper body muscle

 

Does the fact that Portland hasn't had a big man coach for a year now factor into this?

 

They have one, we just can't remember his name

 

While agree he is not a 3 point shooter and needs to stop trying to be one.....I have to wonder who is telling him to keep shooting it. My guess is the coaches don't give a shit about winning summer league games and want him to keep trying. But I don't really think he is soft. He likes to mix it up and does not shy away from contact. And he shoots with both hands very well down low.

He does however need to watch some Karl Malone tape on how to secure a rebound. (Elbows)

 

He's a strong guy physically, just as Lamarcus was reportedly, but just haven't seen much inside or finishing ability from him, he seems to like to take those jumpers and he's not good at them at all. Guys with huge hands like shaq can have a hard time shooting.

 

I agree he took too many jumpers. But he did attack the basket a few times as well. He did make that beautiful left handed shot on the drive and I think there were a couple other plays where the calls could have gone either way when he drove to the basket.

I would like him to stay away from the 3 point line and work his ass off on the mid range shot first. That will keep the defense honest so he can attack the basket. That one monster dunk in traffic would have changed everyone's opinion if he would have made it. Although, as I recall, the whistle had already been blown.

 

Vonleh didn't play that well and he still put up a double double. He looked much better than Chriss, who was the 8th pick in the draft, and Vonleh is only a year older than him.

 

Our guys looked like shit yesterday and then Neil comes out and signs Meyers, matches Crabbe...... was I right?

No.... seriously though.... was I right?

 

That's a lame excuse used by guys with poor shooting form that refuse to work on their shot in the off season.

Ever see Sabonis' hands? They are HUGE. A basketball looks like a grapefruit in his hands. Did he have trouble shooting?

What about Kawhi "The Claw" Leonard? He was third in the entire league in 3FG% at .443, behind only J.J. Redick and Steph Curry. His shooting ability does not seem to be impaired by his hand size. His hands are almost the same size as Noah Vonleh's.

If Vonleh never develops a reliable jump shot, it won't be his hands that are at fault. They will just be a convenient excuse.

BNM

 

...game 2 starting soon!