KiwiMatt wrote:I have no doubt that KAT will develop into a plus defender. His biggest problem at the moment on that end of the court is his decision making. That will get better with age, experience and coaching. If I was Thibs I would get him to focus purely on positioning - boxing out and getting defensive rebounds. Keeping his arms straight and no biting on pump fakes. Another issue I see is a lack of lower body strength. Once again this will get better with age and a few off seasons in the gym (and on the yoga mat).
I agree, Matt. The young players I worry about are those who seem to lack intensity or competitive zeal. That's always been the concern about Wiggins dating way back to college. But that's never been a concern with KAT. He simply makes a lot of boneheaded mistakes defensively. I guess that's not too surprising given the AAU world today's young stars group up in. At age 22, he's definitely going to get stronger. And if he's held accountable and taught by the coaching staff, he'll play much smarter over time.
The one thing KAT will have a hard time overcoming defensively is the fact that he's not very nimble or quick on his feet. Jeff VanGundy mentioned that in a recent radio interview when talking about KAT's defensive struggles. That's why it's particularly important for KAT to get physically stronger and play smart. But the drive and competitiveness are there, so I'm not worried.
KiwiMatt wrote:I have no doubt that KAT will develop into a plus defender. His biggest problem at the moment on that end of the court is his decision making. That will get better with age, experience and coaching. If I was Thibs I would get him to focus purely on positioning - boxing out and getting defensive rebounds. Keeping his arms straight and no biting on pump fakes. Another issue I see is a lack of lower body strength. Once again this will get better with age and a few off seasons in the gym (and on the yoga mat).
I agree, Matt. The young players I worry about are those who seem to lack intensity or competitive zeal. That's always been the concern about Wiggins dating way back to college. But that's never been a concern with KAT. He simply makes a lot of boneheaded mistakes defensively. I guess that's not too surprising given the AAU world today's young stars group up in. At age 22, he's definitely going to get stronger. And if he's held accountable and taught by the coaching staff, he'll play much smarter over time.
The one thing KAT will have a hard time overcoming defensively is the fact that he's not very nimble or quick on his feet. Jeff VanGundy mentioned that in a recent radio interview when talking about KAT's defensive struggles. That's why it's particularly important for KAT to get physically stronger and play smart. But the drive and competitiveness are there, so I'm not worried.
I think it was Jim Peterson that said early this season Towns worked on being lighter this offseason. He certainly doesn't look bigger.
