Anfernee Simons was a good pick. Jalen Brunson would have not been as good (although I still think Brunson is likely to contribute more this season). ALSO: Wade Baldwin CAN play PG. (He BETTER be signed now.) That is all for now. Anyone else?
He has the PERFECT role model in Damian Lillard. He mentioned in his interview that he's learning from Lillard how to get his teammates involved early and when to look for his own shot based on what the defense is giving him. Beyond his natural physical gifts, he's proving to be a good student. That's what separates a good player from a good athlete. BNM
The question is how good is Baldwin in the 2nd Unit with Evan turnover? Both are similar players, both needs the Ball in their hands to be effectiv
Man, we REALLY need to move Turner - even if it's only to the end of the bench. We need to surround Baldwin with shooters, like Curry, Stauskas, Trent Jr, and (gasp) Layman on the second unit. Neil saw the need for this and went out and stocked the back end of the roster with guys who can shoot the ball. Turner was a poor fit with this team from day 1. Time to turn that page and move on. BNM
Yeah I was thinking about this yesterday. Not a good combination unless they are surrounded by 3 good outside shooters.
Thats the point. If you surround Turner with many shooters he's MAYBE a good fit, but together with Baldwin? I doubt it works. But i'll take Baldwin over Turner all day
Agreed. Too much iso ball with Turner. The offense seems to flow better through Baldwin. Plus, he's much younger and still has time to improve his shot. Turner still has the same ugly, rim denting, line drive shot he had when he came into the league. Makes me wonder how many times a year they need to replace the rims at the practice facility. BNM
Baldwin was a great find by Neil. I have said it many times before but these type of "discarded" players are out there to be had. Right time right place. Very excited about Baldwin's potential as he fits well next to Dame or Cj as well.
I was googling around trying to find out why the Grizzlies got rid of Baldwin. Did you know he was the #17 pick and they waived him after his rookie year? THAT'S a red flag. I thought of when we got Bonzi because the Pistons realized he was a headcase. BUT: it looks like it was because the Grizz thought they were going to contend and they wanted Mario Chalmers (who had some kind of connection with someone on their coaching staff) over him. Or maybe he was a knucklehead (he's certainly ready to get into it with players on the other team) and that made him grow up fast (like Zach Randolph). Whatever it was, we better keep him now because he looks like a real rotation player.
I think I read somewhere where he had a bit of an attitude and was not happy with his lack of playing time. Too his credit he has acknowledged his immaturity and said the humbling experience has been good for him. These are the type of young players you take a chance on.
I'm going to paraphrase... The story I heard was that Baldwin was super cocky and Gasol and Conley didn't like that at all. Baldwin refused to get any rookie hazing and thought he deserved playing time. The vets basically wanted him off the team.
He was arrogant and a bad teammate. He took everything for granted, so the Griz dumped him, perhaps rightfully so. He has completely transformed his attitude. We get all of the good and none of the bad, and it didn't even cost us a conditional 2nd.
Never mind... you were right. I swear I thought he was a draft night trade. Edit - ohhhhhhhhhhh it was because it was the year of the lockout. So we traded for him before the season actually started.
My fear (and I think reality) is that Turner is going to be defacto backup PG. Baldwin is going to only be 3rd string (and that isn't used much). Maybe he will impress so much that we move Turner (ya, right, but one can dream!).
I just have a feeling that Neil is getting ready to make a significant trade. Maybe for someone like Love. I simply don't see us signing and drafting so many guards without making a trade.
While you might be right, I think Leonard is much more likely to be on the move and Turner will stay. But I could just be jaded now.
My dream scenario would be Turner/Harkless/pick for Love/Korver. CJ/MyLe for Kawhi/Gasol. Dame/Wade Korver/Curry/Simons Kawhi/Aminu/Layman Love/Collins Nurk/Gasol That's a damn good 10 man rotation right there.
