Yeah, we're looking at a kid who's potentially going to be one of the best defenders in the League for the next 8+ years. He's got very high bball IQ, plus what seems like a terrific work ethic and attitude. He does pretty much everything...but put the ball in the hoop. The main thing I'll be tracking is his FT shooting, which is generally a pretty good early indicator of a guy working on his stroke. His footwork is good, his handle and finishing with both hands is decent for his age, as is his core strength to play through contact. But his usual comparisons (Paul George, Kawhi, Butler) were all better free throw shooters in college, so the offense is a legit concern. Here's his FT% at quarter/half-poles of his seasons. Did this after we drafted him as well. Duke first 20 games: 44/76, 57.8% Duke last 19 games: 56/80, 70% Heat first 20 games: 19/34, 55.8% Heat last 11 games: 14/16, 87.5% Small sample sizes with Miami given the usage, obviously, but it's just a key thing to keep an eye on through this season and next, imo. Especially after an offseason which he'll likely spend with an NBA shot doctor. If his FT% picks up over his first couple years, the other stuff will follow.
Well, Bosh threw one down on the Zingers head, and then Whiteside got him good..but I like his activity. He is not afraid to get dunked on. He will challenge shots. Once he figures out how to play P&R defense, he can be a + defender.
He's already a plus defender. Haven't watched the game yet but Bosh is an all star caliber guy and there's no shame in getting dunked on. God knows he's already gotten half the eastern conference, even if it is mostly on putbacks from offensive board crashing. Monroe, Horford, Aldridge, and a ton of others have all fallen victim to the Zinger and there will be more casualties
Well I can't confirm what happened before or after the game with the Heat's legs or Kristaps ***, but you lost
Everything I said came to fruition. We did have dead legs...and we did cram them up Kristaps ***. Melo was excellent. Efficient.
Here ya go Boik: The Two Dunks: http://www.si.com/nba/2016/01/06/knicks-heat-video-kristaps-porzingis-dunked-on-chris-bosh
I wonder if we're interested in a guy like Gallinari... maybe offer some expirings to Denver..or is Riley really going all in for a chance at Durant?
If Miami could do the things they can currently do with the current set of players, PLUS hit three pointers...they're a championship level. They can't. They're not.
Good lord, what a bunch of terrible games for TNT standards.. Boston vs Chicago Sacramento vs Lakers Sheesh
So reports are the DeMar DeRozan is going to opt out after the season. THAT is who I think should be the target for Miami. I think it's more realistic than Durant.
Yup, that's how Riles made his name. Settling for the mediocre realistic option and not going for the home run.
they are currently skinning the cat by defending the three at a great rate. They currently outscore opponents from the 3 pt. line by 2.8 ppg. If they can get some shooting, you are talking about a team that instead of having a Top 5 Defense and Top 12 Offense...a Team that can have both a top 5 Def. and Off to go along with their good Reb. rate, and awesome Def. metrics....and Thus...a REAL threat to the Cavs. Riley has to think long and hard about putting together a deal for a shooter.
DeRozan is far from mediocre. He's probably on his way to his 2nd straight All-Star game at the age of 26. How much better than DeRozan is Dragic? He can't play the 3?
Derozan can play the 3 in spurts but lord help you if he has to defend say Melo or Paul George or Bron. I like Derozan but he is not a riley type imo...he's a high volume shooter who loves the long 2 point shot. Biggest offensive plus is that he gets to the stripe a decent amount.
How many more years can we count on Wade to look this rejuvenated? He's clearly having a good health year. That's why I'd feel some urgency about adding a shooter. Also we may not be able to keep Hassan.
The Heat could definitely use help at sniper but the right route isn't a big name star. Riley can do a good job finding value talent and undercover stars, that's what he needs to do here. Find a role player who can snipe. That and, maybe even more importantly, find another solid two-way winger.
remember we get a bonanza of cap space next year. This year is about setting the foundation for our next champion. IMO...you do have an opportunity to "fast track" the new era of contention however, so maybe add a piece now.
Section...anything juicy as far nba rumors go? How'd you like my boy KP6 lighting up the Spurs tonight...almost snapped their 30 game home win streak but 28 and 11 from Kristaps. No one could guard him tonight...any other team he would have had 40 but spurs cut him off late in the game...
Am I crazy to really want to see more of Gerald Green? Kid can be dynamite and I'm impressed as hell the way his defense has come on under the Heat's coaching.
The great thing about Gerald Green is that he can absolutely win you a game by himself. He can also lose one for you if he is off. He's a barometer player.
[video]https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/1016E7BF3E1297468993153708032_4dc6e0387f2.5.1.1348 8218666170246436.mp4?versionId=tnSSx2akVihPk2jgVev Km4DX5RgwPXaw[/video]
Dragic and Green were all sauced up last night, that was awesome. Playing with pace and confidence. They really feasted on how sloppy Phoenix can play, and they were hitting down the stretch too to ice the game. Looked like it felt real good for them. Wade was just amazing. Devin Booker's going to be a good offensive player down the road, but damn did he get taken to school by Wade and Green on the other end when he drew them. Just totally overmatched. It was a beautiful thing.
Anyone got any strings to pull to get tickets to the heat/warriors game monday. I want to go, but i aint paying those prices!
Kind of an interesting piece on how the NBA is marketing itself and changing the fan/consumption experience. Talks about its future possibly being brighter than the NFL's (without mentioning the ethical health/safety issues). It's mostly about social media, arguing that the NBA is and will be the most popular League online, in terms of interaction/posts/reax, etc. Some other interesting stuff here as well, bits about this hotshot new class and fresh talent, etc. From The New Republic, of all places.
Simple realization hit me as I was casually browsing through this...I've been part of this site since the beginning. I was at FH just like most of you folks...yet...over last 3-4 years (WITH me having Club more than half of that time) I have viewed the NBA thread more times than the rest of the website combined. Video Game subforum being a distant second. Go figure. God I hate the Dolphins.