D'angelo Russell

[yoyoboy]

Bradley Beal. With way better passing and scoring/shooting, similar defense and rebounding.

Fixed. Imo Bradley Beal wasn't even close to the prospect that Russell is. Russell is carrying OSU. He can do it all. Insane passing, great rebounding, exceptional shooting, underrated handles and quickness, etc. He just needs to bulk up. Once that happens, his defense should also improve.

His game is very similar to Manu Ginobli IMO.

[Bucks2585]

Bradley Beal. With way better passing and scoring/shooting, similar defense and rebounding.

Fixed. Imo Bradley Beal wasn't even close to the prospect that Russell is. Russell is carrying OSU. He can do it all. Insane passing, great rebounding, exceptional shooting, underrated handles and quickness, etc. He just needs to bulk up. Once that happens, his defense should also improve.

His game is very similar to Manu Ginobli IMO.

Does it matter what Bradley Beals game "was?" What matters is what his game is. I remember this board hating on Bradley Beal as a top prospect because his college 3 point shooting numbers were terrible. A circumstance which scouts saw and realized it was simply a bad season. Something that happens to shooters often. So the exceptional shooting, lets be honest. Every scout saw that Beal was a great shooter despite his numbers. Thats why he was compared to Ray Allen and why he went #3 overall. So exceptional shooting, the comparison matches. Because scouts saw what Beal was despite his numbers.

Beal also put up better numbers rebounding in college. So expecting Russell to put up his high rebounding numbers with his lean frame and inability to push people out of the post simply because he lacks the bulk to do so, him putting up less numbers in RPG compared to college, close to Beals 3.8 RPG this year, is actually something id see as likely to happen.

He is quicker and more athletic. So that translated to the next level. I say slightly better passing because the fact is, hes not going to dominate the ball like he does in college. With the level of PG play in the NBA now, there are better people than him that handle the ball. He wont have the ball as much as he does in college. So the assist numbers will likely drop honestly. Closer towards that 3-5 assist range. Slightly better than Beal.

I simply see him as a Bradley Beal type player who actually plays to his talent level in college. Beal is clearly an amazing 3 point shooter, his numbers dont do him justice from his college days in comparing him as a prospect. However, I dont see the defense translating. I dont see the dominant defender that distinguishes him as a prospect defensively. I see the passing, but I dont see him as a dominant ball handler in the NBA because I dont see the driving ability, at least in comparison to other PGs. I dont see the rebounding being as great at it is in college because of his lack of bulk and top tier athleticism.

Bradley Beal has a very perimeter oriented game. So does Russell. I feel Beal is underrated as he plays with a great, ball dominant PG, but I feel Russell with be the same type of player. Perimeter oriented in the NBA because of his lack of elite athleticism, which limits his overall game. He simply doesnt have the Derrick Rose/John Wall type athleticism to finish at the the rim at a high level. I mean, Stephan Curry makes it work, but it took a decent amount of time for him to do that and he even wasnt close to that in college and he had years of experience of being a dominant ball handler, moreso than Russell since he basically took every shot. It took him years to reach that level of play. Coming into the NBA, I see him as a Bradey Beal type player. Not bad. But limited because he is perimeter oriented.

I expect a lot of people to disagree with me. To those that do, look at past threads on draft busts and see how every top prospect who is based is responded too. Just because I dont compared every top prospect to an elite player doesnt mean that I simply "dont see his talent." I just dont see the same talent translating to the NBA in every way. Russell to me is an elite spot up shooter, average defender, decent creator, but his lack of elite athleticism will prevent him from being a great scorer when he meets the increased athleticism of the NBA. So I say Bradley Beal. An essential contributor on a higher ranked playoff team, a great perimeter player, but not a superstar.

[yoyoboy]

Does it matter what Bradley Beals game "was?" What matters is what his game is. I remember this board hating on Bradley Beal as a top prospect because his college 3 point shooting numbers were terrible. A circumstance which scouts saw and realized it was simply a bad season. Something that happens to shooters often. So the exceptional shooting, lets be honest. Every scout saw that Beal was a great shooter despite his numbers. Thats why he was compared to Ray Allen and why he went #3 overall. So exceptional shooting, the comparison matches. Because scouts saw what Beal was despite his numbers.

Beal also put up better numbers rebounding in college. So expecting Russell to put up his high rebounding numbers with his lean frame and inability to push people out of the post simply because he lacks the bulk to do so, him putting up less numbers in RPG compared to college, close to Beals 3.8 RPG this year, is actually something id see as likely to happen.

He is quicker and more athletic. So that translated to the next level. I say slightly better passing because the fact is, hes not going to dominate the ball like he does in college. With the level of PG play in the NBA now, there are better people than him that handle the ball. He wont have the ball as much as he does in college. So the assist numbers will likely drop honestly. Closer towards that 3-5 assist range. Slightly better than Beal.

I simply see him as a Bradley Beal type player who actually plays to his talent level in college. Beal is clearly an amazing 3 point shooter, his numbers dont do him justice from his college days in comparing him as a prospect. However, I dont see the defense translating. I dont see the dominant defender that distinguishes him as a prospect defensively. I see the passing, but I dont see him as a dominant ball handler in the NBA because I dont see the driving ability, at least in comparison to other PGs. I dont see the rebounding being as great at it is in college because of his lack of bulk and top tier athleticism.

Bradley Beal has a very perimeter oriented game. So does Russell. I feel Beal is underrated as he plays with a great, ball dominant PG, but I feel Russell with be the same type of player. Perimeter oriented in the NBA because of his lack of elite athleticism, which limits his overall game. He simply doesnt have the Derrick Rose/John Wall type athleticism to finish at the the rim at a high level. I mean, Stephan Curry makes it work, but it took a decent amount of time for him to do that and he even wasnt close to that in college and he had years of experience of being a dominant ball handler, moreso than Russell since he basically took every shot. It took him years to reach that level of play. Coming into the NBA, I see him as a Bradey Beal type player. Not bad. But limited because he is perimeter oriented.

I expect a lot of people to disagree with me. To those that do, look at past threads on draft busts and see how every top prospect who is based is responded too. Just because I dont compared every top prospect to an elite player doesnt mean that I simply "dont see his talent." I just dont see the same talent translating to the NBA in every way. Russell to me is an elite spot up shooter, average defender, decent creator, but his lack of elite athleticism will prevent him from being a great scorer when he meets the increased athleticism of the NBA. So I say Bradley Beal. An essential contributor on a higher ranked playoff team, a great perimeter player, but not a superstar.

First off, Beal has been underwhelming compared to the expectations and in talking about his attributes, I was keeping in mind his skills at the time and skills now. I feel like you haven't watched Russell play ever. You seem to know a lot about Beal but have you even seen one of D'Angelo's games? I'm no Ohio State fan (quite the opposite) but I've watched all their games and the kid is legit. His stroke is smooth and while Beal is a great 3 point shooter, I feel that Russell is at least equally good but he's a better midrange shooter for sure (where Beal is pitiful).

And you don't need to be uber athletic to be able to finish. Kyrie Irving, Goran Dragic, Manu Ginobli, James Harden, Stephen Curry...all players of similar/lesser height and athleticism who are great finishers.

And you're definitely underrating his passing ability. Say what you want about Beal having to play off John Wall, but even the "horrific passer" Kyrie can manage to average 5.3 assists per game next to one of the most ball dominant players and one of the best facilitators in Lebron James while Beal is managing a mediocre 3.0 assists per game. Even in college Beal wasn't projected to be a good passer whereas Russell is elite. 5.5 assists per game and 6.6 assists per 40 as a freshman with subpar teammates is no joke.

And if you're talking about the present Beal, then he's not that good of a rebounder averaging less than 4 a game. In fact, I think Russell could be better in this area especially once he bulks up simply because he's taller and longer.

Russell may not be a great defender right now but he has all the tools to become at least average. He has great length and his quickness is very underrated (he just has that smoothness to his game that often hides it) and you can see that in games with the way he can get past defenders. His problem is that he's light as hell right now. I have no doubt he'll be able to put on the weight.

Beal is pretty overrated on this board IMO. He's a "great shooter" but he's never posted a TS% above 53%. And since he came in he's never had a PER above league average. Russell is a better scorer and playmaker than Beal and at the very least as good of a rebounder and defender. Don't believe me, just wait. He could turn out to be the player we all expected of Brandon Roy.

[ALL HAIL]

I usually love players like D'Angelo Russell, but something about him I just don't trust.

Maybe I'm just having Evan Turner/Jimmy Jackson withdrawal--two players I really believed in with "similiar" passing, rebounding, ball-handling and scoring skills.

I think he'll disappoint if your expectations are high.

He reminds me of a more savvy, less quicker version of Jamal Crawford. Crawford was highly touted as well, with potential to be a franchise type of player, but eventually found value as a fantastic, ball-handling, scoring, combo guard.

Call me crazy (I've really only seen him play three times), but depending on the needs of my team (yeah, I'm one of those guys), I'd take all four bigmen ahead of him.

[LloydFree]

I usually love players like D'Angelo Russell, but something about him I just don't trust.

Maybe I'm just having Evan Turner/Jimmy Jackson withdrawal--two players I really believed in with "similiar" passing, rebounding, ball-handling and scoring skills.

I think he'll disappoint if your expectations are high.

He reminds me of a more savvy, less quicker version of Jamal Crawford. Crawford was highly touted as well, with potential to be a franchise type of player, but eventually found value as a fantastic, ball-handling, scoring, combo guard.

Call me crazy (I've really only seen him play three times), but depending on the needs of my team (yeah, I'm one of those guys), I'd take all four bigmen ahead of him.

He has some similarities to Jimmy Jackson, but he is nothing like Evan Turner. He is superior to Turner in every aspect of the game. Jimmy Jackson would have been a great player, except he couldn't shoot. If D'angelo Russell is nothing more than a 'Jimmy Jackson with a 3 point shot' thats a great player.

[reanimator]

And you don't need to be uber athletic to be able to finish. Kyrie Irving, Goran Dragic, Manu Ginobli, James Harden, Stephen Curry...all players of similar/lesser height and athleticism who are great finishers.

He could turn out to be the player we all expected of Brandon Roy.

Russell is not the athlete that Harden, Ginobili, Dragic are.

I'm also pretty sure Roy was more than anyone expected him ever to be and that is a bit different than Russell. Really think the Curry comparison is the closest people will get.

[yoyoboy]

And you don't need to be uber athletic to be able to finish. Kyrie Irving, Goran Dragic, Manu Ginobli, James Harden, Stephen Curry...all players of similar/lesser height and athleticism who are great finishers.

He could turn out to be the player we all expected of Brandon Roy.

Russell is not the athlete that Harden, Ginobili, Dragic are.

I'm also pretty sure Roy was more than anyone expected him ever to be and that is a bit different than Russell. Really think the Curry comparison is the closest people will get.

You're missing the point. All I'm saying is that there's plenty of great finishers who don't rely on their athleticism to do it. Even though some of those guys may be more athletic than Russell, many of them don't actually use it very often to finish at the rim.

[reanimator]

Russell is not the athlete that Harden, Ginobili, Dragic are.

I'm also pretty sure Roy was more than anyone expected him ever to be and that is a bit different than Russell. Really think the Curry comparison is the closest people will get.

You're missing the point. All I'm saying is that there's plenty of great finishers who don't rely on their athleticism to do it. Even though some of those guys may be more athletic than Russell, many of them don't actually use it very often to finish at the rim.

The guys you listed either use strength or have great N-S speed. Can Russell be a good finisher? Sure but I don't think those are the guys you want to cite. After being below average for his career at the rim, Curry has been solid there this year so I could see a similar progression for Russell.

[yoyoboy]

Russell is not the athlete that Harden, Ginobili, Dragic are.

I'm also pretty sure Roy was more than anyone expected him ever to be and that is a bit different than Russell. Really think the Curry comparison is the closest people will get.

You're missing the point. All I'm saying is that there's plenty of great finishers who don't rely on their athleticism to do it. Even though some of those guys may be more athletic than Russell, many of them don't actually use it very often to finish at the rim.

The guys you listed either use strength or have great N-S speed. Can Russell be a good finisher? Sure but I don't think those are the guys you want to cite. After being below average for his career at the rim, Curry has been solid there this year so I could see a similar progression for Russell.

Ok but Kyrie used to be a toothpick (high school-Duke-rookie year) and he's always been a tremendous finisher. Those were just guys at the top of my head. I'm not trying to compare him to them. Just making the point that there's more to finishing than elite athleticism and strength (which he can gain anyways).

[reanimator]

You're missing the point. All I'm saying is that there's plenty of great finishers who don't rely on their athleticism to do it. Even though some of those guys may be more athletic than Russell, many of them don't actually use it very often to finish at the rim.

The guys you listed either use strength or have great N-S speed. Can Russell be a good finisher? Sure but I don't think those are the guys you want to cite. After being below average for his career at the rim, Curry has been solid there this year so I could see a similar progression for Russell.

Ok but Kyrie used to be a toothpick (high school-Duke-rookie year) and he's always been a tremendous finisher. Those were just guys at the top of my head. I'm not trying to compare him to them. Just making the point that there's more to finishing than elite athleticism and strength (which he can gain anyways).

I don't think bull strength can be gained. Russell will have to use the threat of his shot and great footwork to compensate for his deficiencies imo.

[ALL HAIL]

I usually love players like D'Angelo Russell, but something about him I just don't trust.

Maybe I'm just having Evan Turner/Jimmy Jackson withdrawal--two players I really believed in with "similiar" passing, rebounding, ball-handling and scoring skills.

I think he'll disappoint if your expectations are high.

He reminds me of a more savvy, less quicker version of Jamal Crawford. Crawford was highly touted as well, with potential to be a franchise type of player, but eventually found value as a fantastic, ball-handling, scoring, combo guard.

Call me crazy (I've really only seen him play three times), but depending on the needs of my team (yeah, I'm one of those guys), I'd take all four bigmen ahead of him.

He has some similarities to Jimmy Jackson, but he is nothing like Evan Turner. He is superior to Turner in every aspect of the game. Jimmy Jackson would have been a great player, except he couldn't shoot. If D'angelo Russell is nothing more than a 'Jimmy Jackson with a 3 point shot' thats a great player.

That was an extremely rough comparison based on extreme generalities.

I know he doesn't play like JJ. Jimmy Jackson was super physical and gave opponents much work on the block.

The savvy Jamal Crawford comp is much more fitting to me.

[76ciology]

Doesn't have enough ballhandling to create off the dribble for a PG. Isn't elite quick or explosive. Is short for SG.

Maybe a klay thompson (if plays off ball)/JJ reddick (ball handler with the magic) mold?

[Marcus]

Doesn't have enough ballhandling to create off the dribble for a PG. Isn't elite quick or explosive. Is short for SG.

Maybe a klay thompson (if plays off ball)/JJ reddick (ball handler with the magic) mold?

How much Russell have you seen?

[76ciology]

Doesn't have enough ballhandling to create off the dribble for a PG. Isn't elite quick or explosive. Is short for SG.

Maybe a klay thompson (if plays off ball)/JJ reddick (ball handler with the magic) mold?

How much Russell have you seen?

a lot. been following him since most Sixers fan and media have been eyeing him.

Seems like D Angelo either shoots over his man due to his height (i don't know if that would translate well in the NBA) or off screens. I don't this he has the quickness of elite PGs in the league nor the length of elite SGs.

[MinneOOPalis]

Doesn't have enough ballhandling to create off the dribble for a PG. Isn't elite quick or explosive. Is short for SG.

Maybe a klay thompson (if plays off ball)/JJ reddick (ball handler with the magic) mold?

How much Russell have you seen?

a lot. been following him since most Sixers fan and media have been eyeing him.

Seems like D Angelo either shoots over his man due to his height (i don't know if that would translate well in the NBA) or off screens. I don't this he has the quickness of elite PGs in the league nor the length of elite SGs.

Whats wrong with shooting off screens? Would you rather have him shoot contested jumpers? And His jumper is one of his better qualities. He has a super quick release.


Russell is a pretty elite shooter, that is something that will translate. His passing skills is something we haven't seen in the NCAA for a long long time. I've said he is the most talented combo guard to come out since Harden, and I stand by that.

[76ciology]

How much Russell have you seen?

a lot. been following him since most Sixers fan and media have been eyeing him.

Seems like D Angelo either shoots over his man due to his height (i don't know if that would translate well in the NBA) or off screens. I don't this he has the quickness of elite PGs in the league nor the length of elite SGs.

Whats wrong with shooting off screens? Would you rather have him shoot contested jumpers? And His jumper is one of his better qualities. He has a super quick release.


Russell is a pretty elite shooter, that is something that will translate. His passing skills is something we haven't seen in the NCAA for a long long time. I've said he is the most talented combo guard to come out since Harden, and I stand by that.

Nothing wrong with shooting off screens. I just value guards ability to create off the dribble. It's probably the most common attribute of superstar guards and swingman.

[Marcus]

Doesn't have enough ballhandling to create off the dribble for a PG. Isn't elite quick or explosive. Is short for SG.

Maybe a klay thompson (if plays off ball)/JJ reddick (ball handler with the magic) mold?

How much Russell have you seen?

a lot. been following him since most Sixers fan and media have been eyeing him.

Seems like D Angelo either shoots over his man due to his height (i don't know if that would translate well in the NBA) or off screens. I don't this he has the quickness of elite PGs in the league nor the length of elite SGs.

Touched on this in this thread or another one about Russ. He struggled early in the year finishing through contact and as the year has gone on he's made the adjustment to that with floaters flippers and scoops.

Let's not confuse taking a midrange pull-up that you have proven you can hit at a high percentage for a bad shot or flat out inability to get closer to the cup.

He's the focal point on the floor. Defenses are built to stop him he's gonna take his looks when he gets them. If the d packs the lane knowing he's coming to the rim he won't always get the foul call or the finish and what was gained? Said it before. His pull-up game is frank medrano mean and at times can be the better shot. Nothing wrong with coming into the league with a weapon not a lot of the league even uses anymore.

[Negrodamus]

More of the same from Thad Matta and his garbage coaching. Couldn't beat a down (in talent and injuries) Michigan team with one of the best players in the country.

[Mr.Raptorsingh]

How about Rod Strickland as a comp for Russell?

[Marcus]

How about Rod Strickland as a comp for Russell?

Strick had no jumper.