guitarguy
We have "real" Potential
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Going to the Charge games, he really rarely misses during warmup, even when he's goofing around. Really supreme shooting talent.
Going to the Charge games, he really rarely misses during warmup, even when he's goofing around. Really supreme shooting talent.
When you watch him shoot, it’s hard to fathom how he shot so poorly in college. Even his free throw percentage was badGoing to the Charge games, he really rarely misses during warmup, even when he's goofing around. Really supreme shooting talent.
I think he is better since the cavs got him.. Maybe, just maybe, a competent coaching staff have fixed something.. I don't think he is as good as merril, but definitely in Reggie Miller range shooting wise.. I also think I am seeing him in better shape.. still needs to focus on leg day, but I think he is on the right path..When you watch him shoot, it’s hard to fathom how he shot so poorly in college. Even his free throw percentage was bad
Odd considering that Bates was considered as having TREX Arms in the pre draft reportsAlso, has a knack for blocking shots, despite not being quite as fast as most of the guys (from what I can tell), just reading their movements, etc.
No, he has a short wing span (arms extended side to side) because he's very narrow between the shoulders. I think he's fairly average for his height when it comes to standing reach (arms extended straight up), not great but not horrible either.Odd considering that Bates was considered as having TREX Arms in the pre draft reports
He will always make Mobley look like a prime Isaac Okoro.What does he offer outside of shooting ?
Can he post ?
Consistent off the dribble ?
Passing ability ?
Shot blocker ?
Elite rebounder ?
High level defender ?
Nothing. But he is a very good shooter and he can create a bit of space.What does he offer outside of shooting ?
Can he post ?
Consistent off the dribble ?
Passing ability ?
Shot blocker ?
Elite rebounder ?
High level defender ?
He needs to be able to do two fundamental essential things to have value as a rotation player down the roadWhat does he offer outside of shooting ?
Can he post ?
Consistent off the dribble ?
Passing ability ?
Shot blocker ?
Elite rebounder ?
High level defender ?
I agree with a lot of this.He needs to be able to do two fundamental essential things to have value as a rotation player down the road
1. Have one high value offensive skill - looks like a check, as long as when he comes up he takes smart threes in the flow of the offense
2. Needs to get his effort level and communication level to the point that he can play average to above average team defense, which being a great athlete or great individual defender is not a requirement for
So while this season is way too early for him and there is no one he should be playing over at the moment, I don’t see why it’s off or myopic or delusional to think that he can absolutely be a good rotation player by year three.
Which is phenomenal return on investment for a late second round pick.
I get you wanting to push back on people who are projecting him as some special player down the road but I think most people here are realistic that his best projection is rotational role player, not foundational starter/star
Strus is like. Role Player+ in the way he does so many little things that a lot of us didn’t expect until he got here.I agree with a lot of this.
I see the potential and a lot of that has to do with his height- but outside of the shot, I see someone who just stands around and offers little else.
Even to get him up to the Max Strus level or even a Lamar Stevens/Dean Wade in terms of effort (as you mentioned) and the ability to do a little bit of everything is essential.
Thus far everything seems to focus on his ability to shoot the ball— the intrigue and excitement for him as a prospect is improving these other aspects of his game and thus far I’ve not seen anything that suggests we are moving in the right direction there.
Now to his credit, he did come with some baggage, and some have questioned his attitude and desire and he does seem like he’s turned a good corner there— and I’m sure he has enough talent to really get to the next level — I would just be surprised if he did…
He has decent handles, assist, blocks shot and steals 1 or 2 tines a game.. I think defense has always been his weakness.What does he offer outside of shooting ?
Can he post ?
Consistent off the dribble ?
Passing ability ?
Shot blocker ?
Elite rebounder ?
High level defender ?
No, he has a short wing span (arms extended side to side) because he's very narrow between the shoulders. I think he's fairly average for his height when it comes to standing reach (arms extended straight up), not great but not horrible either.
Hence my rebuttal to the idea that he has "alligator arms", which is simply not true. He does have narrow shoulders for his size, which IMO shouldn't be a big deal. Vertical height does have it's advantages in the game of basketball.He has a 8'9 standing reach, which is about average for a 6'9 guy
But its not vs height, its vs his position and Bates is a SG/SF.
Other SG/SF are Okoro with a 8'4.5 standing reach or Mitchell is 8'4 (thus not short for sg, about average) Booker has a 8'6.5,
Now Durant who is 2 inches taller with long arms has a 9'2 standing reach, Tatum has a 8'10.5 standing reach and Jaylon Brown 8'6.5
What does this all mean? For one, Bates will never be Durant, I know, we are disappointed, but hopefully this means he never becomes that level bitch either. Bates is long for a SG, very long, but he is even a bit on the long side for a SF. If all joking aside, he is a great shooter that still needs to develop the rest of his game. Basically he is the anti Okoro, lol...but look at rookie Okoro compared to today, the Cavs are doing a great job of developing their young players under Koby and the current regime.