Forgive me for making a new thread about Damian and Nurk. Sly says I can since I have mod powers. Anyway, not counting the first game vs Utah (because Nurkic hadn't been with the team very long), Damian has been on a tear since Nurk joined the team. Barring the stuff that Quicks article is about, I think he has benefited the most from Nurk. For example, in the 13 games since the All Star Break, Damian has averaged: 31 points 4.6 rebounds 5.5 assists shot 93% from the free throws 49% from floor 44% from 3. He's improved his scoring from 25.7 to 26.8, his overall FG% from 43.2 to 44.6% and 3pt % from 34.6 to 36.7%. Further more, he's had 7 games shooting above 50% (and 2 games below 43%). At least from last nights game (Miami) he looked to be working on his defensive awareness too.
Jusuf is successful at the roll part of the pick and roll, in ways other centers for us haven't been. His screens are huge, his roll is scary to stand in front of, and he has a spin move if he sees opposing centers. Not saying he's our best player or anything, but guards who work with him a lot in the first 3 quarters will benefit a lot in the 4th quarter! How are CJ's numbers after the break? Better too?
Dame is putting effort on the D side of the ball. Nurk been big for Dame on offense due to the picks he give Dame really good looks at the basket. Plus with the pick and roll now have to honor going down the lane. Dame don't see the double like he use too.
That's not what I said. I said you should take an existing thread, delete their text and replace it with yours.
I won't be able to check CJ's #'s until tomorrow (I work until about 9 tonight). So if someone wants to do his #'s, feel free. But you're right, his PnR play has been a thing of beauty. He's huge, he's smart, and he's fundamentally sound. I hope this isn't a case of Theo Ratliffism. I want Nurk fever to be full blown...like 9 more years of it.
Post all-star break, CJ's averaging 22.4 ppg on 47.6% FG (17.8 FGA), 48.1% 3P%, 93.8% FT (3.7 FTA), with 3.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Basically right on par with his season stats, with the improved 3-point percentage being the only significant difference. Now, in just the 10 games in March (in which we're 8.5 - 1.5), CJ's averaged just 1 turnover per game and is shooting 49% from the field and from 3, as well as 97% from the line. Deadeye McCollum is basically playing like a high-volume Kyle Korver.
Thank you! It makes sense because CJ doesn't pass much. But Jusuf being on the floor maybe forces opponents to respect him, leaving CJ more open.
Man they've been talking er... having free throw contests in practice... Stop tryna dampen this Nurkić created forum positivity! It's even got @Mediocre Man making positive posts.
I think its twofold; one reason is Nurk and the other is that Dame was pretty banged uo going into the all star break and he just plain rested. His ankle looks a LOT better as we can tell by how much better he is driving to the basket
Last year it was plantar fasciitis, this year it's an ankle. Maybe next year it's nothing because we have more than two good players!
I think CJ passes more than he gets credit for. He still has averaged 3.8 assists in the last 10 games. 5 assists 3 times and 1 game with 6. (The zero assists against OKC hurt his average) In all those games he has been playing primarily at SG with Napier getting minutes (and now ET) with the 2nd team. He does seem to be developing a good chemistry with him as well. The assist late in the game last night leading to a Nurk dunk was sweet. But no doubt CJ's main role is to score.
Yeah I didn't mean he's a ball hog! He does his job well, especially hitting those 3s! I like CJ almost as much as Jusuf... almost!
Not to derail, but I think there is another Nurk effect as well. How about the fun side of the guy. How many times is he grabbing his teammates with a big smile with a big bear hug at the end of plays. I know we still have a small sample size, but he sure seems like the opposite of the "cancer" we were concerned about. He seems to be having fun out there and lightening up things for others too. I can't help but think this helps the team on some level as well as his huge body changing things in the lane. I would have put this in new thread, but Sly or julius would have deleted my text and replaced it with their own. Or so I've heard.
Crabbe has really benefited from Nurk.....they can't double team Dame, CJ and Nurk and Crabbe is all alone to shoot now...Nurk is also developing a nice give and go set with Crabbe and CJ....Crabbe has an open freeway to the rim while defenders are on Dame and CJ...Nurk sees this often and gets Crabbe the ball. It's working.
a team filled with guys who actually like each other is a big bonus...once guys get here they love it..great locker room
so hes lying.. shame on you, julius, shame on you! my guess would be: moral support, although I wouldnt ruled out that hes afraid of Bosnian Beast
