OT: Sioux Falls Skyforce

[whglll]

What ever happened to Deandre Liggins? He was the best player on
the Skyforce last year. And he's a lock down defender.

[dancing2thabeet]

I believe he's playing in Russia.

[gom]

Sending Dawkins to Sioux Falls was spot on the right thing to do. He's playing well and getting lots of time on the court.

I think it would help Ennis too. He seems to have lost his way and he needs to play more.

So, is January 10 another deadline for Dawkins and Hamilton? We could potentially have two more slots. I like Dawkins but I don't see him as a good fit at the moment. We need a more versatile guard that can slash, play defense, and shoot 3s (doesn't have to be as well as Dawkins).

[DefenseWins]

Sending Dawkins to Sioux Falls was spot on the right thing to do. He's playing well and getting lots of time on the court.

I think it would help Ennis too. He seems to have lost his way and he needs to play more.

So, is January 10 another deadline for Dawkins and Hamilton? We could potentially have two more slots. I like Dawkins but I don't see him as a good fit at the moment. We need a more versatile guard that can slash, play defense, and shoot 3s (doesn't have to be as well as Dawkins).

Ennis already went to Australia and got his experience. Playing him over and over again amongst lower tier players just won't do anything.

Ennis isn't put in a position to make him better. I like that he gets minutes every night, and people seem to forget he is a pretty good defender and rebounds well. He is very active for us. He is just hesitant offensively. You'd be hesitant offensively too if you made a mistake and it meant you'd get benched.

Dawkins can be a good back up guy to shoot 3's, like the Ray Allen role. Thing is, I mean we have TJ too, who apparently we have ties too. I don't know which one of them would be our back up SGs next year. OR they will just be apart of our 3rd string. Cole will be a goner some point in time. Having Rio, Napier, TJ, Dawkins, Wade (need 1 more) be our guards looks fine to me. Maybe get another vet.

[gom]

Dawkins can be a good back up guy to shoot 3's, like the Ray Allen role. Thing is, I mean we have TJ too, who apparently we have ties too. I don't know which one of them would be our back up SGs next year. OR they will just be apart of our 3rd string. Cole will be a goner some point in time. Having Rio, Napier, TJ, Dawkins, Wade (need 1 more) be our guards looks fine to me. Maybe get another vet.

I guess what I'm saying is that we don't have the luxury of a guy for the Ray Allen role. Our players must be more complete and that's the problem with Dawkins. Unless he can play defense and learn to slash (which I think is asking a lot) I don't see him working out.

As for Ennis, I like him & I see your point, but I think the kid needs more time on the court. Even playing against lower level players is better than riding the bench. I don't see the great defense you speak of and I no longer am getting the exciting cuts and dunks. I think he's losing his confidence (for the very reasons you point out in your excellent post).

We need guards who can defend better. From your list, I only see Rio as a strong defender. Even prone to mistakes he is still our best guy in the back court to stop the other team.

Am I right about Justin and Andre's money and spot not guaranteed after Jan 10?

[gom]

We don't need much:

1. We need guards who can defend better. Plus, another scoring option from the guards.
2. We need a center.
3. We need an upgrade in the SF backup position and good rebounding.

WTF, we are only about five pieces away from being a contender. We still might make the playoffs. I don't know what that means, but it's weird.

[DefenseWins]

Dawkins can be a good back up guy to shoot 3's, like the Ray Allen role. Thing is, I mean we have TJ too, who apparently we have ties too. I don't know which one of them would be our back up SGs next year. OR they will just be apart of our 3rd string. Cole will be a goner some point in time. Having Rio, Napier, TJ, Dawkins, Wade (need 1 more) be our guards looks fine to me. Maybe get another vet.

I guess what I'm saying is that we don't have the luxury of a guy for the Ray Allen role. Our players must be more complete and that's the problem with Dawkins. Unless he can play defense and learn to slash (which I think is asking a lot) I don't see him working out.

As for Ennis, I like him & I see your point, but I think the kid needs more time on the court. Even playing against lower level players is better than riding the bench. I don't see the great defense you speak of and I no longer am getting the exciting cuts and dunks. I think he's losing his confidence (for the very reasons you point out in your excellent post).

We need guards who can defend better. From your list, I only see Rio as a strong defender. Even prone to mistakes he is still our best guy in the back court to stop the other team.

Am I right about Justin and Andre's money and spot not guaranteed after Jan 10?

No I think Hamilton is guaranteed, we can't just waive him. Andre is the only one of the roster not guaranteed of anything.

If Heat find an opportunity they'll cut Dawkins I believe, if someone useful and better comes along.

[gom]

Hamilton guaranteed. Ok. Thanks.

[DefenseWins]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebUgsjCHqy4[/youtube]

Dawkins dropping big numbers, last game 28 points

[RJM]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebUgsjCHqy4[/youtube]

Dawkins dropping big numbers, last game 28 points

Nice to see him carving out a D-League niche, but anyone can drop numbers in the D-League. It's the D-League.

Earl Barron is a GOD to these people.

[dolphinatik]

what im looking at most and drooling at is how the bigs are drifting in and out the paint. Even if there was to be a miss they are in position for a rebound. Would love the Heat to get positioning like this.

[RexBoyWonder]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebUgsjCHqy4[/youtube]

Dawkins dropping big numbers, last game 28 points

Honestly im more optimistic about Birch.

D-league is full with inefficient scorers that cant defend or do anything else.

Meanwhile Birch is averaging 16.5 points (68FG%), 10.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks in 31 minutes per game.

The major difference is Birch is very good defender already, he can learn and improve on the Job and not hurt us.

Dawkins is a pure negative unless his shot is falling and he's feeling hot form outside.

[DefenseWins]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebUgsjCHqy4[/youtube]

Dawkins dropping big numbers, last game 28 points

Honestly im more optimistic about Birch.

D-league is full with inefficient scorers that cant defend or do anything else.

Meanwhile Birch is averaging 16.5 points (68FG%), 10.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks in 31 minutes per game.

The major difference is Birch is very good defender already, he can learn and improve on the Job and not hurt us.

Dawkins is a pure negative unless his shot is falling and he's feeling hot form outside.

I hope this team trades Williams in a package and we can bring up Birch or somethin. I've never been more pissed of not having a d leaguer on the team lmao

[RJM]

Hassan Whiteside and Khem Birch are easily the best front line in the D-League.

[UD4MVP]

Just looked at Birch's recent highlights, he looks good. I know he had a lot of Joel comparisons but he looks like he can catch much much much better.

[DefenseWins]

Just looked at Birch's recent highlights, he looks good. I know he had a lot of Joel comparisons but he looks like he can catch much much much better.

well his background is the same exact thing as Joel

but he looks like a young UD and Joel combined

I would look into developing him man... I dont know what is up with this team. Maybe its too many young projects. But they rather have Williams out there cause he can shoot the 3, yet he cant do anything else.

We need an energy big who eats up rebounds and Birch at PF is our best bet. Lol Whiteside and Birch is a good front court... in DLeague but aye who knows if they get some grooming. I actually like the sound of it. Not much offense tho.

[UD4MVP]

Just looked at Birch's recent highlights, he looks good. I know he had a lot of Joel comparisons but he looks like he can catch much much much better.

well his background is the same exact thing as Joel

but he looks like a young UD and Joel combined

I would look into developing him man... I dont know what is up with this team. Maybe its too many young projects. But they rather have Williams out there cause he can shoot the 3, yet he cant do anything else.

We need an energy big who eats up rebounds and Birch at PF is our best bet. Lol Whiteside and Birch is a good front court... in DLeague but aye who knows if they get some grooming. I actually like the sound of it. Not much offense tho.

We're struggling to score even with JHam and Shawne spacing the floor, but the other end of the floor is just terrible. Like spacing doesn't seem like a big issue for us cause Deng is shooting it well this year from deep, and Bosh and McRob can space it. Why need the 5 spot to space the floor as well? I hope we end up rotating Bird, Birch, Whiteside in the 5 at some point in the season. There's really like 6 or 7 guys on the actual roster I like going forward.

[RJM]

So Hassan Whiteside and Shabazz Napier have been sent down to Sioux Falls. Should be interesting. Good way for both guys to improve their rhythm as the season goes on.

[RJM]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/status/543844757064400896[/tweet]

[Heat_Fan_87]

napier should put up some big numbers on that team.

napier
dawkins
?
birch
whiteside

sounds like a good dleague team.