Post by DERRENMATTS on Jul 14, 2016 4:25:03 GMT -5
Though we fell short of competing for the Las Vegas summer league championship, I've learned a lot about some of our players.
Terry Rozier. This kid took this summer league squad by the horns and showed he was the best player. This game especially (against the Cavs) you could see his confidence soar to new heights, as he scored bucket after bucket in a really tight game. He was fierce and relentless, and displayed the kind of moxie that team leaders show. What he showed me this summer is the improvement in attacking the basket and being a shot creator.
Jaylen Brown. I had low expectations for this young man, which is why I was excited to see him take big steps in his development from his first summer league game to this one. Many things stood out tonight. One that caught my attention is how he made his throws under pressure. I am also impressed how often he gets to the line. His slashes and cuts with the dribble drive were also much sharper and decisive. And I do believe his shooting is not as bad as made out to believe pre-draft. His rapid improvements, and how he seemed to gain confidence and look comfortable with each game is really great to see. He was clearly the second best player on this team (and that gap between him and Rozier was quickly closing).
Abdel Nader. I'm rooting for this guy. Plays hard and does lots of things right. Can hit three's, attack the basket on close outs, finish at the rim, defend some, rebound some, come up with some steals. James Young, meet your replacement (and RJ, you better listen to the footsteps behind you; Nader is closing in on you too).
Now for the bad:
Marcus Thornton. Aside from his long dreads on his head, nothing stands out about Thornton. He can't utilize his speed, he can't get his shot off in isolation, and he contributes nothing else. Do we need to hold onto his rights? Maybe he can make some money overseas playing in the same league as Stephon Marbury (who is a living legend in China).
James Young. I don't think he'll ever get it. Just doesn't have the court awareness to do anything else but stand in a corner and wait for someone to pass the ball to him. Can't dribble, gets into trouble when he drives, can't defend, can't rebound, doesn't pass, etc. Oh well, we gave him a shot (more like 3 chances, and he still hasn't shone in summer league yet).
Ben Bentil. For a big man, he can't seem to win the battle for rebounds. Always seems to be pried loose from his hands. And boy, is he a poor help defender. Yabusele clearly outplayed him. Is there a way we keep Dancing Bear with the team and send Bentil over to France?
Terry Rozier. This kid took this summer league squad by the horns and showed he was the best player. This game especially (against the Cavs) you could see his confidence soar to new heights, as he scored bucket after bucket in a really tight game. He was fierce and relentless, and displayed the kind of moxie that team leaders show. What he showed me this summer is the improvement in attacking the basket and being a shot creator.
Jaylen Brown. I had low expectations for this young man, which is why I was excited to see him take big steps in his development from his first summer league game to this one. Many things stood out tonight. One that caught my attention is how he made his throws under pressure. I am also impressed how often he gets to the line. His slashes and cuts with the dribble drive were also much sharper and decisive. And I do believe his shooting is not as bad as made out to believe pre-draft. His rapid improvements, and how he seemed to gain confidence and look comfortable with each game is really great to see. He was clearly the second best player on this team (and that gap between him and Rozier was quickly closing).
Abdel Nader. I'm rooting for this guy. Plays hard and does lots of things right. Can hit three's, attack the basket on close outs, finish at the rim, defend some, rebound some, come up with some steals. James Young, meet your replacement (and RJ, you better listen to the footsteps behind you; Nader is closing in on you too).
Now for the bad:
Marcus Thornton. Aside from his long dreads on his head, nothing stands out about Thornton. He can't utilize his speed, he can't get his shot off in isolation, and he contributes nothing else. Do we need to hold onto his rights? Maybe he can make some money overseas playing in the same league as Stephon Marbury (who is a living legend in China).
James Young. I don't think he'll ever get it. Just doesn't have the court awareness to do anything else but stand in a corner and wait for someone to pass the ball to him. Can't dribble, gets into trouble when he drives, can't defend, can't rebound, doesn't pass, etc. Oh well, we gave him a shot (more like 3 chances, and he still hasn't shone in summer league yet).
Ben Bentil. For a big man, he can't seem to win the battle for rebounds. Always seems to be pried loose from his hands. And boy, is he a poor help defender. Yabusele clearly outplayed him. Is there a way we keep Dancing Bear with the team and send Bentil over to France?
