Tracking the development of Alex Len

[Catlover]

The Suns want all their bigs on the perimeter canning 3s to clear the lane for the two headed slashing PG.

I don't think they want all their bigs on the perimeter, just one of them (at a time). They want their power forwards to be able to stretch the floor. I think it's a nice weapon to have but you can't turn a rock into a potato. Forcing Markieff to the perimeter last year made him far less effective, they should have allowed him to bang down low instead. With Len, he's our longterm plan at center. Shooting 3's is never going to be his day job and it shouldn't be.

 

[devilalum]

I don't think they want all their bigs on the perimeter, just one of them (at a time). They want their power forwards to be able to stretch the floor. I think it's a nice weapon to have but you can't turn a rock into a potato. Forcing Markieff to the perimeter last year made him far less effective, they should have allowed him to bang down low instead. With Len, he's our longterm plan at center. Shooting 3's is never going to be his day job and it shouldn't be.

Yeah, I was exagerating but the lack of 3 point shooting did crowd the middle last year. I think they'll take 3s from anybody that can produce. A center that can shoot the 3 can be a really useful weapon.

 

[Catlover]

I have no problem with Len shooting the corner three once in a while if he makes a good percentage but typically a guy has to spend several minutes there for every shot he gets, which I think we should avoid. Now if Jeff thinks enough of his corner 3 to put in a set play or two that gets him a shot there, seconds after he arrives, I wouldn't mind. Not holding my breath for that though.

I'd be fine if he never took a 3 point shot but I'm not too fond of using him at the 4 anyway. I still believe he has a chance to become a very good center and I'd rather he work towards beating out Tyson for that starting role than earning his time playing next to him. But with the Markieff situation who knows?

 

[Catlover]

Yeah, I was exagerating but the lack of 3 point shooting did crowd the middle last year. I think they'll take 3s from anybody that can produce. A center that can shoot the 3 can be a really useful weapon.

I agree but I think you'd need him playing next to someone like a Favors or a Cousins. Given his skill set and size, I'd much rather see him learn Tim Duncan's shot than Channing Frye's. Knight, Bledsoe, Tucker, Teletovic and Booker will need to be solid from the 3 or we're going to have difficulty scoring.