TeamRicky wrote:Why do those who defend AB just quote his points and rebounds? There are so many more aspects to a player's game than those stats and AB is really poor on the other stats. So if a player sucks at defense, passing and dribbling, he isn't all that valuable in my opinion unless he's super efficient as a scorer. But when you look at AB in 109 NBA games, he's terribly inefficient as a scorer. I still hope AB plays well so that some team trades something of value for him, but I can't ever see AB as a rotational player on a championship caliber team.
Only 10 PF's in the entire league averaged 2 or more APG's. PF's are typically not ball handling creators so why the hell should we be critical of that part of his game if Blake Griffin is the only 4 in the league who fits that description. So that leaves defense, scoring and rebounding and defense takes the longest time to learn in the NBA and it's not like our coaching staff is doing anybody any favors by coaching guys up on that end. Everyone was bad on defense last year with the exception of Wiggins who was just ok. Your expectations are ridiculous. You basically want a 5 tool guy out of a PF when there isn't a single one of those in the league (AD is close, but he's still half the playmaker/ball handler Griffin is). Traditionally you get 2 out of 3 of scoring, rebounding and defense from bench bigs in the league and AB does two of those things.
I'm not saying he has to be a five tool guy, but he's more like a zero or one tool guy. He's not an efficient scorer, he is dreadful as a passer and he is known for his lackadaisical defense. His best skill is rebounding, and even at that, he's nowhere near elite.
My curiousity is if AB is showing feel forbthis game and some fire or pep or just looks like a baller. Last year in summer league there were some moments but nothing that really sold me. Last year he would play hard at times and had a couple other nice plays over a few games but he came I to the league as a supposed Dynamo at the offensive end and an athletic freak. Neither of those things have shined through. To me if he can just learn to set good screens and move to a spoto finish that would be somethin worth while. I would like to see how he is carrying himself in these games.
Heslip has tore up 2 leagues that were lesser than NBA and now playing really well in this setting. Maybe he is one of those guys that's a volume dude. I don't think anyone is reading much into AB's performance on this board even the posters that like him.
AB off to a strong start in his third game against Mexico. He's only taken 3 shots in 18 minutes, but he has 10 points and 8 rebounds. The most impressive thing is that he has drawn 5 fouls and is 7 for 8 from the line. Many of us were frustrated with Flip positioning AB out near (but inside) the 3-point line rather than designing plays to get him looks inside. It looks like Canada is stressing the inside play, although AB is also 1 for 2 on three pointers so far tonight.
Sounds like another solid game. LST I think it's time for your overall impressions of Bennett after 3 games. Also what about anyone else on team Canada or other guys they have played? It seems Murrey is doing well for himself and what is the deal with Heslip? I know you aren't a fan but I am interested in what you have to say.
AB played 22:14 minutes and got 10 points going 1 for 3, hitting one three pointer and going 7 for 10 at the line, he got 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block. Meanwhile Brady Heslip scored 20 points on 8 for 13 shooting in 20:33 minutes. 4 threes, 1 assist, 1 rebound. The game was taped and so I watched AB play and while he does look thinner, and he had his moments, he still looks pretty lethargic.
I had written Brady Heslip off after a terrible summer league showing, but he's doing well for Team Canada. Does he get a roster spot on our preseason team?
TeamRicky wrote:I had written Brady Heslip off after a terrible summer league showing, but he's doing well for Team Canada. Does he get a roster spot on our preseason team?
If he didn't get minutes on the SL team I don't see how they are going to decide to sign him on the actual team. I was surprised he didn't get more of a shot at minutes.
TeamRicky wrote:AB played 22:14 minutes and got 10 points going 1 for 3, hitting one three pointer and going 7 for 10 at the line, he got 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block. Meanwhile Brady Heslip scored 20 points on 8 for 13 shooting in 20:33 minutes. 4 threes, 1 assist, 1 rebound. The game was taped and so I watched AB play and while he does look thinner, and he had his moments, he still looks pretty lethargic.
Thanks for your thoughts can you explain more what you mean by lethargic? I think I know but I'd like to hear you break it down more.
TeamRicky wrote:AB played 22:14 minutes and got 10 points going 1 for 3, hitting one three pointer and going 7 for 10 at the line, he got 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block. Meanwhile Brady Heslip scored 20 points on 8 for 13 shooting in 20:33 minutes. 4 threes, 1 assist, 1 rebound. The game was taped and so I watched AB play and while he does look thinner, and he had his moments, he still looks pretty lethargic.
Thanks for your thoughts can you explain more what you mean by lethargic? I think I know but I'd like to hear you break it down more.
He looks like he's trying to conserve energy. Moves and reacts slowly, more so on defense. The most energy I see out of him is when he leaps up over shorter or less athletic guys for a rebound that is in his vicinity or when he gets an opportunity for his tomahawk jam. Payne may be equally as bad, but that guy is frenetic. Wish we could blend the motors of the two of them.
