The 2017-2018 Around the NBA thread

[SirStefan32]

What exactly has Bender done that Randle couldn’t?

Defend, for one thing. While Bender makes some mistakes, you can see that he is already a good defender. Doesn't quite have the strength to bang with the bigs in the low post, but his defensive technique is flawless. He does an excellent job leveraging his height, foot speed, and length to stay in front of players and still challenge shots. He keeps his arms straight up and most of the time, doesn't fall for pump-fakes.

He is a much better shooter, and a better passer, even though his assist numbers probably don't reflect that just yet. He is just a much smarter basketball player.

I have nothing against Randle. As the matter of fact, I rather like him, but his size is just OK for a power forward and not enough for a Center. Bender is incredibly quick and fluid for someone his size, and he is over seven feet tall. You can't teach of develop that. If he can be a consistent 35%-40% three-point shooter, he WILL be a better player than Randle. He is a kid who just turned 20. Randle is a grown man. I am not saying it is impossible for Randle to improve significantly, but I am saying that Bender is more likely to improve significantly and that Randle doesn't have the physical tools that Bender has. Again, that's not a knock on Randle- I like him.

 

[Raze]

Defend, for one thing. While Bender makes some mistakes, you can see that he is already a good defender. Doesn't quite have the strength to bang with the bigs in the low post, but his defensive technique is flawless. He does an excellent job leveraging his height, foot speed, and length to stay in front of players and still challenge shots. He keeps his arms straight up and most of the time, doesn't fall for pump-fakes.

He is a much better shooter, and a better passer, even though his assist numbers probably don't reflect that just yet. He is just a much smarter basketball player.

I have nothing against Randle. As the matter of fact, I rather like him, but his size is just OK for a power forward and not enough for a Center. Bender is incredibly quick and fluid for someone his size, and he is over seven feet tall. You can't teach of develop that. If he can be a consistent 35%-40% three-point shooter, he WILL be a better player than Randle. He is a kid who just turned 20. Randle is a grown man. I am not saying it is impossible for Randle to improve significantly, but I am saying that Bender is more likely to improve significantly and that Randle doesn't have the physical tools that Bender has. Again, that's not a knock on Randle- I like him.

One thing to add about Bender: the dude has heart. One of the hardest things to measure in a prospect is heart. Bender shows it on the court, constantly. Whether it's after he hits a three or when he tries to lock down a G on D, the dude goes all out. Anybody watch Ball or Fultz play and wonder if they even want to be out there?

That's what I love about Booker, Bender, and Jackson: I don't question their desire to be great. I love how they put it all on the line for their team. In 5 years, if they are still together, they should be a team that garners a ton of respect.

 

[95pro]

Bender’s technique on defense is solid. But does he ever block or alter shots? He does all the right things but it seems he still gets taken to the hoop.

For all his height, length and foot speed that everyone here praises him on, it would seem he would have more of an impact on the overall game.

He is shooting better and with more confidence though.

And what’s with the mask? Hearing it’s precautionary? That’s weird to me, they all get banged around during the game. Seems like a mental thing to me.

 

[SirStefan32]

Bender’s technique on defense is solid. But does he ever block or alter shots? He does all the right things but it seems he still gets taken to the hoop.

For all his height, length and foot speed that everyone here praises him on, it would seem he would have more of an impact on the overall game.

He is shooting better and with more confidence though.

And what’s with the mask? Hearing it’s precautionary? That’s weird to me, they all get banged around during the game. Seems like a mental thing to me.

I heard EJ/ K-Ray say that he broke his nose against the Rockets.

As to his shot-blocking/ altering, a quick YouTube search yielded some results.

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[Mainstreet]

So. All this discussion about Tatum or Jackson. Here is the issue. How do we learn from that and apply it to next summer's draft. How do you determine who will succeed and who will buts.

There is just something that tends to grab scouts and fans about raw athleticism--and length too.

I think athleticism and length are fine but the player drafted needs to have a concrete skill as well. Markkanen is an excellent shooter which should have given him a boost in the draft. The same with Tatum. He had solid offensive skills.

Fultz missed part of his freshmen season because of a supposed injury. Ball and Jackson are still working on their shooting.

IMO, too much banking on the upside of a player early in the draft instead of tangible skills. Teams are afraid of missing on the next potential star so they let good players slide.

 

[elindholm]

I'd say that poor shooting is a huge warning sign. It's very difficult for a player to succeed in today's NBA if he can't shoot. They don't all have to be able to shoot three-pointers, but they at least have to have a good enough technique to be able to shoot decently from the line. You'll see the occasional big man who gets away with not being able to shoot free throws, but the list of NBA wings who survive with a FT% of 60% or lower -- which is where Jackson hangs out -- is very short. It's not so much the points they give up at the line, but the fact that a very low FT% indicates a serious mechanical flaw in the general shooting stroke.

 

[Raze]

I'd say that poor shooting is a huge warning sign. It's very difficult for a player to succeed in today's NBA if he can't shoot. They don't all have to be able to shoot three-pointers, but they at least have to have a good enough technique to be able to shoot decently from the line. You'll see the occasional big man who gets away with not being able to shoot free throws, but the list of NBA wings who survive with a FT% of 60% or lower -- which is where Jackson hangs out -- is very short. It's not so much the points they give up at the line, but the fact that a very low FT% indicates a serious mechanical flaw in the general shooting stroke.

This is true. That's mostly because some prospects are so arrogant they think can just show up and it'll all work out. Ball is one such. The Lakers actually said they won't alter his shot. I sure hope they don't. He needs to keep shooting that horrendous shot of his.

LeBron is one exception to the rule. He came in with an awful shot. I didn't think it was correctable, but heart always wins out. He's a shining example of what building confidence and working hard on form will net you.

Karl Malone came into the league with an awful shot as well. The Mailman put in some hard work and became a dominant force on both the mid range jumpers and the free throw line.

Josh has already proven that he's trying to correct his shot. His form is vastly different than 7 months ago. It's still mechanical, but it's a huge step in the right direction. It'll take time. I'm just glad to see he isn't an arrogant fool who thinks he doesn't need to work on his craft.

 

[Ronin]

RIP Steve "Snapper" Jones

 

[Ronin]

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[ColdPickleNachos]

https://deadspin.com/giannis-antetokounmpo-shouts-ill-fudge-you-up-at-bucks-1820748989

Probably not a big deal, but I would not be upset if he took a cue from his new teammate. A Giannis trade would only mean good things for our Bucks draft pick!

 

[Mainstreet]

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Obviously the Bucks need to trade Giannis to the Suns.

 

[Ronin]

Obviously the Bucks need to trade Giannis to the Suns.

 

[Ronin]

nvm double post.

 

[SirStefan32]

Obviously the Bucks need to trade Giannis to the Suns.

While at it, Karl Anthony Towns should request a trade from the Wolves too. Booker, KAT, and Giannis in Phoenix would be wonderful.

 

[Mainstreet]

While at it, Karl Anthony Towns should request a trade from the Wolves too. Booker, KAT, and Giannis in Phoenix would be wonderful.

Dream on!

 

[Ronin]

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[JCSunsfan]

https://deadspin.com/giannis-antetokounmpo-shouts-ill-****-you-up-at-bucks-1820748989

Probably not a big deal, but I would not be upset if he took a cue from his new teammate. A Giannis trade would only mean good things for our Bucks draft pick!

I don't care what he said or did. If I am the Bucks and he demands a trade, I just say, "no" and move on. Just like the Lakers did with Kobe.

 

[JCSunsfan]

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I can understand this from his perspective. He will be a free agent. Lack of playing time costs him money. If he wants a buyout, he has to give up a lot of dough to get Philly to do it.

 

[Mainstreet]

If the Suns had room on their roster a 2nd round draft pick would be a small price. They have a bunch of 2nd round picks.

 

[Ronin]

and then there is this from Booker....

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[Ronin]

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[Krangodnzr]

I'd take him.

It could work out three ways:

1. He sucks and we get an extended audition and he helps with lottery balls
2. He's meh and he doesn't push the needle at all and we lose a 2nd rounder
3. Solid player and we hopefully get a better chance at keeping him.

 

[Ronin]

CBS Sports NBA‏Verified account@CBSSportsNBA 4m4 minutes ago
NBA teams are reportedly unwilling to trade for Jahlil Okafor ... they'd rather sign him as a free agent https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/report-nba-teams-unwilling-to-trade-for-jahlil-okafor-prefer-to-wait-for-free-agency/…

 

[Hoop Head]

Philly is crazy thinking they could get 2 1st round picks for a rental whose bird rights don't transfer, even if they did transfer that's really high for someone who hasn't shown much at the NBA level that they don't want, and will be a free agent at year's end. I think the 76'ers might get a 2nd rounder from someone who isn't the Celtics or Boston though. The reason a team moves a 2nd rounder is so they don't have to compete with Boston or Cleveland to sign him.

 

[Carolinacacti]

Another player that clogs the lane. Old style NBA player but way better then Chriss.