Mark K wrote:Something to consider.
I read in the GT & PG thread that Niko has just got to make shots regardless of what position he is playing. I disagree. Here is why.
As a shooter, you establish a rhythm within your game. That rhythm is established by continuity, being setup well from teammates whilst also adjusting to pace and the speed of the game.
We're currently throwing a rookie PF who is learning the NBA game from the inside to the perimeter by having him switch from 4 to 3, 3 to 4 etc. It's a lot of information to process.
Shooting an open shot when being guarded by a PF is different to shooting an open shot when being guarded by a SF or SG. The closing speed differs. The quick perimeter guys will closeout to shots much better than a lumbering PF would.
If you were in the NBA, playing against Memphis, would you be more confident in taking an open 3 with Zach Randolph chasing you around at PF or having Jeff Green going after you?
It's a different mindset.
If you Niko playing 3 and he is use to shooting his shots against PFs, as he would have become accustomed to in March when he was playing as the 3rd big with Taj missing games, when you shift him to SF now, he has to adjust again. That is not easy, especially for a rookie.
I will like to add the and one after I make this post.
I never like the idea of having Niko playing at the three than it is at the four. For short stretches sure but keep him out there at the three for a long period of time is not a ideal. He is better off at the four which can have advantage with lot of fours with his skill sets compare of facing the threes if he was playing at the three, and have a three guard him his skill set will be useless.
The one thing that Nikola have advantage playing as a three is when a three guarding him, or even when there is a switch that guard him like a smaller guard on him which saw in the Orlando game that he needs to post up, and the point guard, or whoever have the ball needs to recognize, and throw the ball to him. Not even once didn't take the advantage to it not even posting up. He make lot of mistakes, playing stupid. Hopefully he'll learn of using that as an advantage down the road.
