01-05-2021, 10:52 AM
(This post was last modified: 01-05-2021, 10:53 AM by KillerLeft.)
(01-05-2021, 10:33 AM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: WCS had games where he looks like a rookie and played with zero energy.
Even last night, when he was a HUGE positive overall, there where multiple possessions during which others were having to tell him where to go and what to do. And, I can remember one defensive possession when he purposefully moved out of the way so Cousins could take a straight line to the basket with nothing but Brunson on his hip (this was the play that got Cousins ejected).
I'm starting to believe that WCS simply has more trouble understanding the details of his role in the offense/defense than other players, and that this is why he wasn't kept in SAC or GSW. This is probably why he wasn't played much last season when he got here, too. Kudos to Carlisle for being patient and trying to work him in.
When he's playing well, one thing he does REALLY WELL is run the floor. Nothing in the game is more potent, offensively, than a fast big who can beat his defender up the court. As you mentioned, that's an effort-based skill, so I hope he can do this consistently. Obviously, he's also a good roll guy, too, but I've noticed that he isn't such a great screener. That has to improve, as does his chemistry with Luka in those situations. Maybe "chemistry" isn't the right word - maybe it's just an improved understanding of all the different ways to react in different situations after setting screens.
Overall, I think starting him was the right move, and I hope he continues to get a chance. I just think I can see the warts already. Maybe with the help of Luka/Carlisle, he can overcome them finally.
EDIT: Just realized I put this in the THJ thread, sorry.