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**KillerLeft** · 12-30-2020, 01:19 AM

(12-30-2020, 01:07 AM)pompelmo Wrote: Willie understands where the game is headed. There is no longer a "center" as a high minute allocation role. All rim-running, shot-blocking but nothing else centers are situational now. The new five is a rim protecting wing.

This was my take on what he meant, too, although he didn’t articulate it very clearly.

**StepBackJay** · 12-30-2020, 09:08 AM

(12-30-2020, 01:07 AM)pompelmo Wrote: Willie understands where the game is headed. There is no longer a "center" as a high minute allocation role. All rim-running, shot-blocking but nothing else centers are situational now. The new five is a rim protecting wing.

Some teams do have this type of center still but they are getting phased out. Willie had his chance to prove he was a starting caliber center but his low motor has been a detriment. He could probably increase his value getting more minutes in a bad team if there was one that wanted him. At any rate he does good things when he's out there so I'd love to see more.

**KillerLeft** · (This post was last modified: 12-30-2020, 12:52 PM by KillerLeft.)

I have no problem with WCS wanting to add more elements to his offensive game in an effort to increase his value and effectiveness by becoming as versatile as possible. I just hope he realizes that:

A) the screen/roll game is his way onto the floor to begin with, as it’s still valuable much of the time, whether he’s excited about it or not, and...

B) versatility on DEFENSE is ultimately what’s going to keep him on the floor more consistently.

**fifteenth** · 12-30-2020, 01:04 PM

Willie is a fun listen. He's a likeable guy. I don't think his comments about positions are a big deal. I think he's just expressing what he thinks about his skill set. He believes he can dribble shoot and pass as well as rebound and defend the rim.

My favorite take always are that he's so appreciative of Rick encouraging him to shoot, and that he's putting in work before and after practice. Very cool.

**fifteenth** · 12-30-2020, 01:28 PM

(12-30-2020, 12:51 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: I have no problem with WCS wanting to add more elements to his offensive game in an effort to increase his value and effectiveness by becoming as versatile as possible. I just hope he realizes that:

A) the screen/roll game is his way onto the floor to begin with, as it’s still valuable much of the time, whether he’s excited about it or not, and...

B) versatility on DEFENSE is ultimately what’s going to keep him on the floor more consistently.

His comments about playing his role as defined by the coaches were encouraging to me as well. When the media complimented his play he said he just did what was on the list that the coaches put on his locker and seemed happy about it.

The whole interview taken together, it seems like Willie is happy that Rick wants him to shoot (like Willie hasn't experienced that before), and that allows Willie to approach his role (defined by the coaches) with more joy and energy.

Seems like Rick's trust and the fun and joy that Luka plays with are combining to create an environment where Willie can have his head and heart in the right place for him to prosper.