They sure do nail him on defense. I didn't seem him as that bad. He might be a bit slow at closing out on a shooter, but id rather have another defender slide over and have him dive to the hole for a rebound. With that said, I thought he was better than this review. This makes me think Vonleh will be starting for the need of his perimeter D alone.
He won't look like that if Nurk is anchoring the paint though....and they picked blown coverages to highlight the article....it's not like he got schooled everytime by a guard
He has a nose for the ball which is also true to his defense. His lateral quickness isn't the best, he isn't light on his feet but I think if he plays alongside a Center and wouldn't have to guard the rim as much he could be a decent defender
I still think Vonleh is our starter begining the season, but based on finances, Portland might give big minutes and put him in the starting role come mid season. They need to assess him quickly to determine whether he will work or not, so we can make a decision on Vonleh. Personally its tough because both seem like really good likeable guys, but I still think Vonleh has more upside and kind of want him to break out big and become part of our big four.
Got to say that that is kind of an obnoxious voice. Swanigan will not start this year unless we have injuries or trades. As things stand, he will be 3rd string - he's a rookie. Everybody likes to compare him with Z-Bo, and go back and check Randolph's rookie stats. He is a steal where he was picked because he will get meaningful NBA minutes, and most players taken there never do. He's a poor defender now, but so was Randolph, and Swanigan clearly has incredible drive, given how he was able to transform himself when somebody took him under his wing.
The worst case scenario for Caleb is probably Ike Diogu (who was the oldest player in SL this year). When we had Diogu he could put up AMAZING per minute numbers but we never played him, in part because of his god-awful defense. However, Swanigan is a much better passer than Diogu, which helps.
This scouting report said he can improve his D in time. I agree, but only at the center position. The video just confirmed what I have been saying since day one, he will help coming off the bench at center. He can not guard the perimeter and he never will. He is not alone in that regard, most big guys can't.
3rd String? Behind Noah and Moe? Will he play ahead of Meyers? Or will Meyers play all if any at the 5? Will Swanigan see time at the 5? Or just the 4?
IMHO, davis is likely the backup PF, he is much more effective there than center and if injury free, has shown he could function well in that roll.
Sullinger with more length and work ethic, but worse defensive instincts. Like the pick now more than I did initially. Easy guy to root for too.
