11-20-2024, 10:02 PM
(11-20-2024, 09:35 PM)ballsrchr Wrote: I have concerns about Marshall as a "second creator. I see them trying to shoe horn him into that position. Not really working yet. Maybe later. Exum can do it, but injury concerns loom large. And he needs to "...shoot the damn ball!"
I'm anticipating lots of pushback regarding Exum. Lots of folks who think we should pencil him in as the backup PG. Here's what I think about that.
Marshall is already playing that role far better than Exum did at any point last year, and he just got here. He's much more aggressive as a driver and scorer, and just as good of a reader/passer, if not better. I think you could argue that Exum has the better, tighter handle, but what good is that if he won't look to use it to penetrate or create offense? In other words, regardless of whose handle is superior, the effect of Marshall's is superior, in reality, I think.
The only thing that could possibly prevent Marshall from doing what they're clearly hoping he can do here is a lack of willingness to shoot. Just 14-15 games in, I'm already incredibly frustrated when he elects to drive into the defense, which isn't closing out, because he's scared to shoot a wide open three. As we all know, this grinds the offense to a halt come playoff time, and can get his ass benched. The problem with Exum is that he has that very same issue, honestly even worse, and without all the other cool stuff on offense - the floaters, mid-range pull-ups, etc. So, if Marshall can't do it, I doubt Exum is the answer.