quote="OKCfanSinceSGA"]
AdamTH21 wrote:I like SGA, but I wouldn't feel comfortable at all describing him as being proven as a #1 option until he's on a team that isn't actively trying to lose games. Look at some of the guys OKC had on the floor around him last year. I'm not a fan of the analogy in general, but someone needs the ball in their hands.
Poku needs a LOT more time to refine himself before it's even a discussion whether he's going to be a contributor. I haven't seen enough from Giddey. I like Dort but until he gets some scoring help, again, it's difficult to project how well he's going to fit amongst a team with aspirations higher than the #1 pick.
When I look at who can be a #1 or not the “bad team” argument is often the worst one, or lowest effort one at least. I don’t mean that to insult, just saying it’s the go to for when people aren’t 100% sure.
Thing is... when you’re the only 20 ppg scorer on a bad team with no shooters or real offensive threats to take some of the defensive attention off you, that’s much more difficult. Do you think teams have a harder time planning for the Nets when they know they have to slow 3 superstars, or the team with 1 threat? James Harden gets a lot better/easier shots than a guy like SGA because of the attention KD will attract.
Then besides that aspect you take a look at skill set. What does SGA do skill wise that separates him from his peers? Well despite that **** spacing... he led the NBA in drives by a mile (most drives per game in 15+ years in the NBA) in a league where everyone is jump shot happy. Then he was elite in isolation. Elite at creating his own offense without relying on teammates. When you add in the insane efficiency from everywhere on the floor (at rim, mid, 3), it’s pretty clear he’s a legit #1.
Now is that number #1 a top 5 player, which is usually required to win a title? Not yet. I do think he can have a year or two where he’s an MVP candidate if he continues improving and working this hard.[/quote]
Club Shai Shai GA