SmiteaDwight wrote:No offense, but this just outright stupid.
He was playing well. It was obvious. Just because Jacque Vaughn is the coach doesnt mean he wasnt once a basketball fan like the rest of us. It's not like he has superhuman basketball knowledge. It was OBVIOUS. The kid wanted to contribute and he was.
You want him playing through entirely extrinsic motivation? "coach said I did well"? I dont want to hear that, I want to hear him go out hungry to play well. There's a reason why were paying himn millions to play basketball, and that's because he can do it better than anyone else. He needs to have confidence in himself to do what he thinks is right, because that's what has gotten him here in the first p[lace.
i don't want to hear a rookie talking like he has a place in judging whether he should, or shouldn't be on the court. and going by everything Hennigan and Vaughn have said, that's exactly where their heads are at too.
i'll admit, it's harsh and an exageration of this one quote from him, but my main point was that i wouldn't take that quote as a sign of greatness or him having a great attitude.
SmiteaDwight wrote:Oh and by the way, you're comparison of Harkless to Josh Smith, Tmac and Rudy Gay on the other thread is horribly off.
All those guys came into the league with much more advanced skillsets than Harkless currently has, and were really all destined to become all stars. I don't believe Harkless has all star potential, and if he does he will be different player than those you mentioned.
Right now he needs to model his game after being a taller Ronnie Brewer with his finishing ability around the rim and defensive ability, Be cause he cannot shoot and has a very raw offensive game.
Tmac's jumpshot didn't develop until a couple of seasons in. his efficiency as a shooter is what blew everyone away when he got his exposure with us. he was primarily an athletic wing before that.
Josh Smith isn't what i'd consider a good shooter, by any means. he's manageable, but he's far from good. if Harkless can't replicate that level of performance, then he's doing something wrong.
all those guys came in with length and raw ability. Harkless has the same, and his jumpshot isn't beyond correction. PLENTY of players have developed better shooting ability since joining the league. Kobe, LeBron have even made a transition from their early years as big slashers, to their later years as all round threats.