Minnesota Sports Forum

I guess that Flip in this SL is trying to figure out if it is possible to play PEK and Dieng together, i guess that is why Dieng is rotating to guard perimeter a lot.. so far i would say NO to PEK+Dieng playing together project

Muhammad, LaVine and Shved played well. Dieng got put in bad situations by some of the guards, also got called for some really weak fouls. Clearly started to piss him off/annoy him a bit. Robinson didn't blow me away, but I didn't think he did anything bad either. Average performance. I like Fesenko. Guy's a load under the basket. Likely won't be on the big league team, but he's useful for SL right now at least.

Our roster doesn't seem strong at all after the starting lineup. We couldn't get anyone better here? Yeesh.

PS: It also seemed like LaVine and Muhammad have good chemistry. LaVine was looking for him a lot. Would like to see those to contribute off the bench this year. LaVine's point guard abilites are clearly there, in my opinion.

LaVine's game highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=30nhcgtvNeU

Thoughts on just him: He needs to work on his left hand. Would make him so much more dangerous. He did have a strong floater go in for him. Took the contact to the chest and banked it home. Also would like to see him get lower in his defensive stance. Even without it he keeps guys in front of him well, but staying lower would help him from getting muscled. Keep his leverage. He also had a nice steal in this game. Used those long arms to poke it out from the opposing player's dribble. I know this doesn't mean anything since it's a SL game, but I can see some leadership qualities in LaVine. Just how he communicates during dead balls, being the first to pick up teammates, pats on the back. Little shit like that can go a long way for a team. LaVine's a ridiculous athlete, but he also looked in control 100% of the time last night, whereas Westbrook has that out of control athleticism.

Thanks for recaps.

Camden wrote:LaVine's game highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=30nhcgtvNeU

Thoughts on just him: He needs to work on his left hand. Would make him so much more dangerous. He did have a strong floater go in for him. Took the contact to the chest and banked it home. Also would like to see him get lower in his defensive stance. Even without it he keeps guys in front of him well, but staying lower would help him from getting muscled. Keep his leverage. He also had a nice steal in this game. Used those long arms to poke it out from the opposing player's dribble. I know this doesn't mean anything since it's a SL game, but I can see some leadership qualities in LaVine. Just how he communicates during dead balls, being the first to pick up teammates, pats on the back. Little shit like that can go a long way for a team. LaVine's a ridiculous athlete, but he also looked in control 100% of the time last night, whereas Westbrook has that out of control athleticism.

Thanks for the video and the insights, Cam. I noticed some of the same things in the scrimmage - leadership and playing under control.

lipoli390 wrote:

Camden wrote:LaVine's game highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=30nhcgtvNeU

Thoughts on just him: He needs to work on his left hand. Would make him so much more dangerous. He did have a strong floater go in for him. Took the contact to the chest and banked it home. Also would like to see him get lower in his defensive stance. Even without it he keeps guys in front of him well, but staying lower would help him from getting muscled. Keep his leverage. He also had a nice steal in this game. Used those long arms to poke it out from the opposing player's dribble. I know this doesn't mean anything since it's a SL game, but I can see some leadership qualities in LaVine. Just how he communicates during dead balls, being the first to pick up teammates, pats on the back. Little shit like that can go a long way for a team. LaVine's a ridiculous athlete, but he also looked in control 100% of the time last night, whereas Westbrook has that out of control athleticism.

Thanks for the video and the insights, Cam. I noticed some of the same things in the scrimmage - leadership and playing under control.

Flip says he wants a vocal PG and someone that is gonna get people where they need to be etc. I read that was a problem with Shved he isn't vocal enough I believe Flip said something like he needs to improve on that. LaVine took the ball was clearly talking especially early directing guys. Shved looked like he was communicating too but LaVine was taking control. Very interesting.

I'll admit my expectations for LaVine were raised with the hype he has been getting. I thought he met those expectations in this game. My biggest issue with him was shot selection but offensively in this game it was mostly him and Bazz that did anything really worthwhile.