Crives wrote:Frank Lee wrote:I’m going to bank on Ayton improving enough to where he won’t need compensatory rim protection /rebounding help. The dude has the tools, the desire, and quicklearnability. Why restrict our talent search with this need for D. I’d rather get a solid floor spacing rebounding high IQ passing big. Rim protection is the lowest ranking quality on my PF report card.
Has anyone seen a breakdown of why hunter had such a low rebound rate for playing the 4? Maybe caused by system he was playing in? If Hunter improves his rebounding he could be really nice at the 4. (still prefer Clarke for now)
https://www.thestepien.com/2019/02/15/deandre-hunter-scarcity/ .
Overall, it's his defensive awareness, lack of willingness to gamble in the passing lanes, gets caught ball watching at times. Doesn't really commit to weak side defense and rim protection despite his size and overall wingspan. He has career averages of: 4 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game, which is really disappointing given his wingspan and fair athleticism.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/deandre-hunter-1.html.
I'd definitely prefer Clarke over him, Unless they would plan to go back to a free flowing run and gun system. And even then, I'm not sure that Clarke wouldn't be a better option rim running alongside Ayton. But IF we had both Ayton and Hunter running the fast break, that could also be something exciting. As long as we have proficient 3 point shooters on the wings too.