Suns @ Celtics 11-17-14

[Errntknght]

I think you're talking about me . Like I said before the season, big men can improve a ton from Year 1 to Year 2, especially considering what Len went through his first year. And he has, in terms of court production. For a 21 year old w/ not much NBA experience, Len's BBall IQ / Feel for the game has been solid also. Of course he was "raw" somewhat last year, but I knew a lot of his mistakes would clear up just w/ more experience, playing time, and strength. And that's what we're seeing now. He still makes mistakes, but he's been playing like a veteran more often than not.

Like I said before the season, his IQ for the game has always been solid and underrated. His sophomore year at Maryland his stats weren't amazing, but Maryland was a great rebounding/defensive team because of him and he was never given enough credit for that leading up to the draft and since.

I wasn't thinking of you... though you probably did so predict. But you are a Len fan, not a Suns fan so I take what you say rather lightly. It's good to have someone with your perspective on him, since you followed him closely in college.

I really was speaking tounge in cheek since its true in general that young players are likely to improve with increased playing time. More of a barb for those who thought it was unlikely in his case than recognizing an astute prediction.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I wasn't thinking of you... though you probably did so predict. But you are a Len fan, not a Suns fan so I take what you say rather lightly. It's good to have someone with your perspective on him, since you followed him closely in college.

I really was speaking tounge in cheek since its true in general that young players are likely to improve with increased playing time. More of a barb for those who thought it was unlikely in his case than recognizing an astute prediction.

He improved in practice. All reports out of camp said he'd worked really hard and was going to be a big surprise. And his reward is playing time so he can continue that improvement. I'm just not in favor of giving players time on the court just for the sake of giving them time. I really doubt that his increased playing time would have done him much good if he hadn't worked and improved during practice too.

Steve

 

[ProdigalSun]

What do you think Len's ceiling is at this point? Prior to this season I would have been ecstatic if he turned into a 15 and 10 kind of guy. With the flashes he's shown the past few games could he turn into the kind of cornerstone guy you could build a team around?

 

[AzStevenCal]

What do you think Len's ceiling is at this point? Prior to this season I would have been ecstatic if he turned into a 15 and 10 kind of guy. With the flashes he's shown the past few games could he turn into the kind of cornerstone guy you could build a team around?

I have no idea what his ceiling is. I guess I'll still be happy with 15/10 if he becomes a solid defender too. I feel good about his potential though.

Steve

 

[sunsfan88]

What do you think Len's ceiling is at this point? Prior to this season I would have been ecstatic if he turned into a 15 and 10 kind of guy. With the flashes he's shown the past few games could he turn into the kind of cornerstone guy you could build a team around?

I'd be happy with 10 & 10 if he can provide good rim protection with it.

 

[BC867]

I'd be happy with 10 & 10 if he can provide good rim protection with it.

Judging by the game vs. the Celtics, the difference between Len averaging 10 and 15 ppg is how often the rest of the guys feed him at the rim.

 

[JCSunsfan]

What do you think Len's ceiling is at this point? Prior to this season I would have been ecstatic if he turned into a 15 and 10 kind of guy. With the flashes he's shown the past few games could he turn into the kind of cornerstone guy you could build a team around?

Ilgauskus type maybe?

 

[Sci Fi]

What do you think Len's ceiling is at this point? Prior to this season I would have been ecstatic if he turned into a 15 and 10 kind of guy. With the flashes he's shown the past few games could he turn into the kind of cornerstone guy you could build a team around?

I've always thought of Len as having the potential of a mobile Hibbert. So, I think his ceiling is really high. I don't think it does much though to try to define numbers. I'd rather look at impact and that's where he can really shine.
I think he's the missing link to the Suns being a contender.

 

[Sci Fi]

Ilgauskus type maybe?

Much, much higher.

 

[sunsfan88]

Judging by the game vs. the Celtics, the difference between Len averaging 10 and 15 ppg is how often the rest of the guys feed him at the rim.

I hate that they never give him the ball in the post.

 

[SirStefan32]

I hate that they never give him the ball in the post.

He was a scrub five games ago. Give them a little time.

 

[AzStevenCal]

He was a scrub five games ago. Give them a little time.

5 games ago Bledsoe and Dragic were racking up the turnovers trying to get the ball into him. Anything but a picture perfect pass and he'd fumble it out of bounds. Taped fingers will do that for some players.

Steve

 

[Phrazbit]

Len has come a long way but he needs to get a lot more comfortable putting the ball on the court for him to be a realistic option in the post. He had some a catch and shoot play and some nice finishes. But even in open space, the rare times he has dribbled he slaps at the ball more than dribbles it. Some of that might be the fingers and some of it might be that he is still rushing things.