Q12543 wrote:We have literally managed to find one effective 3 & D player in the last decade and that's the brief tenure of Robert Covington. That's it! So when a prospect comes along that might actually be able to defend multiple positions and hit open 3s, it's like discovering a rare diamond for this franchise. Given our track record, I have a hard time believing that this type of role is easily replaced, even if the current incumbent is still far from a finished product.
Thats what I was going to say as well. We simply haven't had any potential elite defenders on this team with his upside. His length, footwork and quickness are very special. His ability to contest and block shots looks to be potentially elite as well, I was amazed at times last season.
While I wouldn't completely ignore practicing his handle etc. Where he's going to make waves and be a solid long term player is if he can defend at a high level and hit the open three at a decent clip as well.
He doesn't look to me that he'll ever be a great offensive player, meaning a guy who initiates offense, drives by guys and finishes at the rim, etc. Though he looks more competent then Okogie, he's not fluid or as in control as I'd like to see.
If I were in his ear I'd tell him to focus primarily on those two things. 3P and defense. You can play 12-15 years in the league simply because every single team needs guys like him. Not to mention, we don't need him to really do those things either. We got guys who can handle, pass, drive and finish.
I don't want him included in a trade for Simmons. Let them have Bease and DLO instead, both of which would probably help them more right away anyways. We can afford to wait, if not gamble a bit on his upside in a few years.