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We have our own Johnson to turn to, I wonder what Eddie thinks? And don't forget the number six dance later on.
Steve
Summer League 2014
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We have our own Johnson to turn to, I wonder what Eddie thinks? And don't forget the number six dance later on.
Steve
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I was wondering if anyone was going to get that. Kudos Steve!
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IMO, it breaks down like this. If you believe that his late season collapse was due to exhaustion as he adjusted to coming back from a year and a half layoff, you have to re-sign him at that price. If you think it's just one more example of a soft player that always disappears when the going gets tough, you have to part ways no matter what he's asking.
Steve
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As I read it I actually heard it with the grizzled voice and all. Maybe we've watched it a few too many times? Like that's possible.
Steve
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slinslin
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Len looking chiseled in the photo. I hope this translates to his game.
elindholm
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There's a lot more to basketball than being tall and in good shape, unfortunately.
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slinslin
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Considering that working on his body was one of the most important things for Len I'd say it is a promising start.
Chaplin
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True, but a simple iphone picture isn't exactly going to tell you any of that, right?
elindholm
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I think you mean "and" rather than "but." In other words, right, that's my point.
FutureSuperstar
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As a huge Len fan (so I'm not hating), that picture is actually discouraging I think. Len got pushed around a little too much because of a lack of strength in his back, core, and legs. That picture shows he really hasn't gotten bigger at all since the season ended in those areas. Len has always looked big from the chest-up, but when he's at his side, it was obvious he needed to bulk up.
I'm not sure he has enough time to bulk up for Summer League; I think most of his "getting stronger" will happen in August. It's hard to bulk up and play basketball at the same time though, so it's disappointing to me at least that he didn't transform his body in May / Early June - so then he could focus on basketball in late June to get ready for summer league ...
I can say this because I noticed he posted "back to the grind" or something of that nature a few weeks ago, indicating that he took a month or month & a half off - I think that time was critical to get stronger, but he opted to rest instead (Which is questionable considering he didn't play much the last month+ of the season, so that was kind of rest) - oh Well, I still have high hopes for Len once he bulks up - I just hope the "bulking up" happens sooner (this offseason) rather than later (next offseason)
I'm not sure he has enough time to bulk up for Summer League; I think most of his "getting stronger" will happen in August. It's hard to bulk up and play basketball at the same time though, so it's disappointing to me at least that he didn't transform his body in May / Early June - so then he could focus on basketball in late June to get ready for summer league ...
I can say this because I noticed he posted "back to the grind" or something of that nature a few weeks ago, indicating that he took a month or month & a half off - I think that time was critical to get stronger, but he opted to rest instead (Which is questionable considering he didn't play much the last month+ of the season, so that was kind of rest) - oh Well, I still have high hopes for Len once he bulks up - I just hope the "bulking up" happens sooner (this offseason) rather than later (next offseason)
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Maybe you mean something else but I always hate the idea of "bulking up" when it comes to basketball players. Beyond that, I look at that picture and I don't see the negative. It's tough to tell what he's done for his legs and his core. I'd be surprised if he's established his own guidelines for his workout so he's probably doing just what they want him to (hopefully). Not to mention that genetics plays a huge role in how much muscle he can add to his foundation.
Steve
Chaplin
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No, I think you're lecturing tone was my issue. We are in agreement of course, but it sounded like you were annoyed that he posted the photo.
FutureSuperstar
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You're right that it’s hard to tell from the picture if he’s gotten stronger. I guess my main disappointment was that it seems Len took a month and a half break from the “grind” as he called it, when I think that time was critical to putting on mass. When I said “bulking up”, that’s kind of what I meant – maybe “stronger” is better wording. I agree that Len shouldn’t desire to be too big of course. It’s critical to do that early in the offseason I think, so he could “cut” and work on his basketball skills after. You’re right in that Len’s genetics play a role in his small core/lower-body, but on the basketball court his lack of strength (not just size which is genetics) in those areas showed. For example, he had a tough time backing down defenders and didn’t box out that well against bigger players.
The offseason is shorter than assumed for guys playing in summer league … The only time they are not forced to play basketball is basically Mid April – Mid-June (Late June / July is preparing for summer league and/or playing) and August … Then training camp starts in September – So basically there’s only 3 months of time to work on your body in a time you don’t have to be playing basketball. It seems Len wasted half of that time, which is really odd to me. Len could have lived in the weight room in May (after 2 weeks off in April) without picking up a basketball – Instead, it appears he didn’t.
Maybe I have too high expectations and Len just desires to be like any other player, but if he wants to achieve greatness and truly reach his potential, in his 1st healthy offseason in 2 years, I would have thought he wouldn’t have taken as much time off he has appeared too. Not trying to be negative – I’m a huge fan of Len, but to much is given much is required.
Errntknght
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Adding on to what Steve said...
Given the concern about Len's ankles, adding weight at this point mightn't be a good idea. You'd certainly hope the training staff has had him strengthening the muscles that reduce the stress on those ankle bones - which probably isn't detectable from that picture. I'm glad to see he isn't carrying much body fat.
Given the concern about Len's ankles, adding weight at this point mightn't be a good idea. You'd certainly hope the training staff has had him strengthening the muscles that reduce the stress on those ankle bones - which probably isn't detectable from that picture. I'm glad to see he isn't carrying much body fat.
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Even after looking at that picture, it looks like Len needs more mass.
More time in the cafeteria than the weight room...at least for now.
More time in the cafeteria than the weight room...at least for now.
3rdside
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What a body. Len does not need more mass - the guy is 7'1" and looks like he's 6'6". I picked dragic as a potential all star and I'll say the same about Len; this guy is going to be a beast, just needs to heal up and learn how to play the game.
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slinslin
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I thought Len was 7'2
And I agree his body looks very defined and strong in that picture. Don't think he needs to add more mass either. He is massive.
And I agree his body looks very defined and strong in that picture. Don't think he needs to add more mass either. He is massive.
JCSunsfan
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True, but speed, agility, and decent moves were his strong suit already. Strength was the thing he had to work on.
Mass is the last thing this kid needs. Core strength and conditioning is what he needs. He didn't play much at all last year. He just needs time to stop growing and fill out, he's still a young man with a lot of ball to be played.
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I've never seen anything, college or pro that indicated this kid has much speed.
3rdside
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7'1" it looks like
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/alex-len
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Len
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http://www.nbadraft.net/players/alex-len
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Len
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JCSunsfan
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The reports were always that he gets up and down the court easily. So, speed in relationship to size.
If we trade him, we will regret it.
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It's amazing that we all watched the same games and came away with such opposing opinions on Len. I'm with you. I wasn't at all disappointed in his rookie performance. He struggled this season for a variety of (understandable) reasons but I saw glimpses of what he can become and I'd be very disappointed if he were a throw-in for any deal (unless injuries concern the F.O.). He has star potential.
Steve
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I think it comes down to having realistic expectations. To me, it was clear that Len is a long-term project. It will likely take another 2-3 years for him to be a contributor, and it will take 5-6 years for him to reach his potential. If anyone expected him to contribute his rookie year, they were very disappointed, and they will probably be disappointed again his sophomore year.
