Meyers sounding...mature. I think his voice finally changed. http://www.csnnw.com/blazers/meyers-leonards-added-routine-paying
Have we witnessed the transition from Leonard being a "project" to becoming a serviceable NBA player? Look, at 7'1", for him to have that kind of shooting range and athletic ability is just freakish. Even his biggest detractors saw the potential of this kid, and IMO, he's only still scratching the surface. If during this upcoming offseason he can bulk up about 15 pounds of muscle and work on a lowpost game, I think that he could become an above-average NBA Center.
He still has a long way to go, but is making steady progress. When we drafted him, I said it would be 3 - 4 years until he was a solid rotation player. He may get there, yet. I have never been disappointed in Meyers, because my expectations have always been realistic and remain so. Personally, I don't care if he is a center, or a stretch 4, as long as he is productive and contributing, Stotts will figure out how to use him. With Rolo, Kaman and Freeland on the roster, we don't need Leonard to be a center right now. Ideally, he can get some minutes as a back up stretch 4 for the next two years and eventually, after Kaman leaves, develop more of an inside presence on both ends. If he could play both positions, it will eventually help the team and help his career. For now, I'll just be happy if he can play one position and do it fairly well. BNM
Exactly this! All I ask is for his head to be in the game. When that time comes, he could play SG for all I care, just as long as he's giving us positive results!
Why don't you all think of it this way. Before last season everyone thought he was a total bust. Before this season most still thought he was a total bust. Now he has a thread here saying a number of positive things about him. This is way more progress than most all expected. The kid will be just fine and because they picked up his option he will most certainly have another year to prove what he can do in a Blazer uniform.
He's not a center and he won't ever be able to become one. Could he become a rotational deep shooting big man? Sure, maybe a Matt Bonner type of player. That could add value to a team and his shooting was very helpful against the Lakers.
That was my thought reading that piece: "I hope he's spending most of his weight room time on strengthening that base."
Meyers has had performances like this before and has shown no ability to string together games of good play. I'll believe it when I see it.
I don't know...he's only had 19 or more minutes in 4 games since his rookie year... 12/12 last night on 4-5 shooting (3-4 from 3) 13/4 against HOU (5-11 shooting, 3-7 from 3) 7/12 against BKN (3-7 shooting, 1-3 from 3) 8/10 last year v. CHA (4-7 shooting, 0-2 from 3) When he's earned more than 19 minutes in a game since his rookie year, he averages 10/9 on 54% shooting (7-16 from 3). Now, chicken or egg? He gets more minutes b/c he's playing well that day? Or if he got more minutes he'd do better?
I believe that he got those minutes because he was playing well on that particular day. I think there's a reason he has only played more than 19 minutes 4 times in 3 years. But we'll see. It's not like I'm rooting against the guy, I just haven't seen an extended period of good play from him.
Really doesn't capture his lack of defense and rim protection. I can't understand how a guy that tall and long completely fails on blocking shots. But he is young I suppose and everyone says big men take a while to develop. I was in the camp that was willing to waive him last year -- now, I'm okay with him sticking along on the roster for another year. I'm also totally okay with Stotts' handling of his PT.
He fails on blocking shots because he lacks any instinct for it and he's still hesitant in making contact. He's improving but I doubt he'll ever be a viable center. Stretch 4 sure
I think part of his problem is that he doesn't know how to "own" the space. He's reacting to the player and trying to use his athleticism instead of making the player react to him. You don't need to try to block every shot, just dictate the direction the player is going and make it a tougher shot, and the blocks will come organically.
