I agree with everything you say. Good post and repp'd (FUCK!!!!: You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Nikolokolus again.) I just wished we traded the pick and player for a vet of some kind. It's not the end of the world, but I just don't like seeing him as our second string center. I wish we had another vet center that could play back-up.
Every game I'm becoming more of a believer in T-Rob. I don't know if anyone remembers but McMillan saved Pryzbilla's career by making him lose weight and "dunk anything close to the rim." Take note, Meyers.
I find it amusing (in an odd way) that the cited play was on the offensive end - where Leonard actually has some decent skills, and not the defensive end, where he REALLY needs work. Whatever... The part I do like was Robinson getting on him for blowing that play. I REALLY want to see these two push each other in summer league, training camp and practice. Robinson seems to have a chip on his shoulder and is motivated to show he belongs in the league. I'd like to see some of that rub off on Leonard. These guys are both young and raw with some undeniable physical gifts. They are both lottery picks that are endanger of being labeled busts. I'd love to see them BOTH live up to their potential, but at this point, I'll be happy if one of them does. BNM
You are right. Perhaps we need to create a stat to illustrate his growth. Like the Player Efficiency Rating, or PER, the Severely Underachieving Center (SUC) stat would be based on how many times a player runs the wrong way during an offensive set, rotates to the incorrect side on defense, and commits fouls either by moving screens or using hands on defense.
If you add: runs to the wrong end of the court and passes the ball to no one, it could be renamed the JaVale McGee Award and presented to the young "prospect" that leads the league in SUC at the end of each season. BNM
He reminds me of my sister's Great Dane puppy (or at least he was a puppy about 4 years ago). That dog gets chased around by her cat and Australian Shepherd all the time. 160 pounds of pure (sweet natured) coward. Love that dog, but he'd help a burglar carry stuff out of the house if somebody broke in. I think Leonard must have hit a really late growth spurt and probably spent the first ten years of his basketball life as a small stature shooting guard. Who knows, maybe if Robinson beats him up enough in practice he'll find some inner spark of rage he can tap into and nurture.
I'm fine with slow and steady, season ended 3 months ago I guess we have the luxury now of not having to hate our starting center lol...yet
Not off limits. Just short sighted to determine his viability based on summer league; it has the ability to make bad players look really good, and for some positions make legit role players look really bad.
If we had a rotation player that could give us a good 5-10 minutes of solid defensive center minutes; I would be fine with the slow development of Leonard. Problem is Leonard is our only true back-up at center. Our entire defense should have at least a semi-decent defender anchoring the paint. This is my beef. I want us to have an Evans, Dalembert or others similar that can stop gap for the next 3 years.
You can see how the instincts of a player is at any level of competition. Leonard is completely lost on the defensive end. Watching him in a summer league game, pick-up games or the NBA is no different. You can see how a player reacts when the ball leaves the shooter's hand, or how he can scan the floor and find his man. PAy attention next game and watch how he is constantly looking around, confused on where his man is supposed to be. It really frustrates me.
I understand that's true for certain players, but that's not really what's happening in Leonard's case.
I'm with you the great Dane jab nik, spot on Seems like he is def thinking too much as well Maybe he needs a couple drinks before each game
If Lopez winds up averaging 26 MPG (his career high), we will be seeing plenty of Lynyrd. Maybe then it will become a valid topic.
