Layman today: 23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks. 9-17 shooting. Look at some of the passes. Neither Aminu or Harkless can make those. I love this guy.
Even against a low level of competition, his lack of hesitation is impressive. His shots, passes and moves are very fluid and immediate. Would love to see this translate to the Blazers.
Based on what we have seen so far the only reason I can't see him being a potential starting SF for us is if it turns out he can't guard anyone. And he just looks too athletic to believe that will be the case. The guy is long, runs well, jumps quick and high, passes well, dribbles well, looks to have a high BBIQ, attacks the basket and has a great 3 pt shot. What am I missing? What do you guys think his biggest weakness is? I know we often over hype rookies, but damn he looks like he could be good.
Lateral quickness? Reaction timing? Defensive instincts? Not saying we know anything about any of these, but they're at least question marks.
Layman has a full set of skills that'll make him a good NBA player. He has instincts and a pretty good IQ for the game...doesn't seem to hesitate or get lost like other projects we've been patient with. I think he's a keeper.
It would be nice if he could actually make an occasional wide open shot against NBA third stringers. He's made exactly 3 shots (3-24) since Thanksgiving - and two of those were in the same game. He may shoot without hesitation, but it would be nice if they actually went in once in a while. BNM
Layman has the potential to be good at every aspect of the game. Kind of like a Houston Chandler Parsons with better defense, or a Nic Batum who never settles for bad shots.
Lateral quickness is there. I've seen him stick with high caliber NBA wings laterally. I have noticed he tends to get a little froggy defensively (bites a lot on pump fakes), but that should improve with more experience and once he settles down. He also needs to keep adding weight. He's already added some since college but he still needs to get stronger. Another thing that'll come with time. Take Gordon Hayward for example (the guy layman compares himself to), he was a stick when he came into the league and now he's built as shit. Lastly, his shot will need to get more consistent, but that's another thing that only comes with playing time. I've seen him in warmups. He never misses. Doesn't mean anything though. You don't improve consistency in practice. All the tools are there. It's just about development now, which comes with playing time. Honestly, I'd much rather focus on developing guys like Layman and Vonleh than fighting for that 8th seed.
You can't use that sample size when the dudes playing 1 out of 5 games. If he built a rythym over the season and got fully comfortable, he'd be good, and would never go 3-24.
Almost all our rookies go through this...playing 2 minutes in garbage time..I didn't think Will Barton could shoot that well as a rookie either. He's got a good looking stroke and shoots with his legs..my prediction is he'll be a good two way player. I'm glad he's in the D league getting to play now.
That sample size is while being guarded by the opponent's 14th and 15th best players. While I don't expect he would actually shoot worse against better competition, I'm also not convinced he deserves actual playing time against real NBA players. BNM
Stotts played Jake against legit bench rotations after his miracle endgame debut...albeit sporadically, but Layman has played against better than just end of the bench guys...it's not overrating to value him as a guy to develop...I like his game way better than most end of the bench guys out there
