Team Canada Basketball Thread

[TheFutureMM]

Some updates on the class of 2018.

I recently saw some games with Barrett and Nembhard in a tournament that their high school, Montverde, won.

Here are my impressions from Barrett:

posting.php?mode=reply&f=32&t=1423160#preview

As for Nembhard: He had a pretty solid tournament, with a few very good games (at least one near-triple-double). He's a really good pass-first point guard. Had some beautiful passes, especially to bigs. Also plays very good defense and has a knack for steals. For me, the main issue remains his limited athleticism for an NBA prospect. He's not a bad athlete. Can finish breaks with a jam and has some hang-time. But doesn't have a great first step, so he really doesn't get to the basket all too often in the half court. He does pretty much everything well (shooting, finish around the basket), but except for passing, nothing is really elite. I think he'll have a very good college career, although might take some time. Not sure he can be better than Tyler Ennis though.

And a bit more about Jaelin Llewellyn: That's a guy that is not talked about much in this class, certainly not as much as guys like Barrett, Simi, Nembhard, Dort, and Brezdaikis. But I really liked what I saw from him lately, and he's been having a fantastic senior high school season (something like 35 points a game, with nearly 10 assists per game over his last 5). Very similar physical profile to Lindell Wigginton. 6'2 guard, with excellent scoring abilities and NBA-level athleticism. But from what I can see, Llewellyn is really more of a playmaker and a better decision maker. That's important, because considering his height, it should be his natural NBA position. I think he'll be really good next year in Princeton and has a real chance to be another NBA player from this class.

Very cool - love the write-up. How did you get a chance to see the game? Are you involved from a scouting perspective or coaching?

[mojo13]

Teki Gill Caesar's career seems about done with this.
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/sd-sp-sdsu-basketball-gill-caesar-20171230-story,amp.html?__twitter_impression=true

Once discuased as an NBA prospect, a leader on the junior/cadet teams and regularly touted as the next big Canadian prospect after Wiggins. Shows not to get hopes up too high on the young prospects as so much can happen. In this case his body couldn't hold up.
Cripes we were blathering about guys like Emmanuel Akot and Justin Jackson as lottery picks just a couple months ago. Still could happen, but not this year. I have more fun being suprised by guys coming out of the woodwork every few years like Olynyk. Trying to keep my eye on another Zag that I think will surprise people next year.


And Although Bill Bradley may disagree, NBA prospects don't go to Princeton. Would love to be proven wrong though.

[CaptainCanada]

Teki Gill Caesar's career seems about done with this.
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/sd-sp-sdsu-basketball-gill-caesar-20171230-story,amp.html?__twitter_impression=true

Once discuased as an NBA prospect, a leader on the junior/cadet teams and regularly touted as the next big Canadian prospect after Wiggins. Shows not to get hopes up too high on the young prospects as so much can happen. In this case his body couldn't hold up.
Cripes we were blathering about guys like Emmanuel Akot and Justin Jackson as lottery picks just a couple months ago. Still could happen, but not this year. I have more fun being suprised by guys coming out of the woodwork every few years like Olynyk. Trying to keep my eye on another Zag that I think will surprise people next year.


And Although Bill Bradley may disagree, NBA prospects don't go to Princeton. Would love to be proven wrong though.

Sad to hear. Hopefully he graduates and plays his senior season year.

[bozothepope]

Cripes we were blathering about guys like Emmanuel Akot and Justin Jackson as lottery picks just a couple months ago. Still could happen, but not this year.

What's up with Justin Jackson? I haven't been following.

[Hair Canada]

Some updates on the class of 2018.

I recently saw some games with Barrett and Nembhard in a tournament that their high school, Montverde, won.

Here are my impressions from Barrett:

posting.php?mode=reply&f=32&t=1423160#preview

As for Nembhard: He had a pretty solid tournament, with a few very good games (at least one near-triple-double). He's a really good pass-first point guard. Had some beautiful passes, especially to bigs. Also plays very good defense and has a knack for steals. For me, the main issue remains his limited athleticism for an NBA prospect. He's not a bad athlete. Can finish breaks with a jam and has some hang-time. But doesn't have a great first step, so he really doesn't get to the basket all too often in the half court. He does pretty much everything well (shooting, finish around the basket), but except for passing, nothing is really elite. I think he'll have a very good college career, although might take some time. Not sure he can be better than Tyler Ennis though.

And a bit more about Jaelin Llewellyn: That's a guy that is not talked about much in this class, certainly not as much as guys like Barrett, Simi, Nembhard, Dort, and Brezdaikis. But I really liked what I saw from him lately, and he's been having a fantastic senior high school season (something like 35 points a game, with nearly 10 assists per game over his last 5). Very similar physical profile to Lindell Wigginton. 6'2 guard, with excellent scoring abilities and NBA-level athleticism. But from what I can see, Llewellyn is really more of a playmaker and a better decision maker. That's important, because considering his height, it should be his natural NBA position. I think he'll be really good next year in Princeton and has a real chance to be another NBA player from this class.

Very cool - love the write-up. How did you get a chance to see the game? Are you involved from a scouting perspective or coaching?

Thanks. The games were actually streamed on the tournament website, so I was able to watch. I'm actually neither a scout nor a coach. Working in a whole different field. Just like to follow the young talents when I get a chance.

[CharlieTO]

Cripes we were blathering about guys like Emmanuel Akot and Justin Jackson as lottery picks just a couple months ago. Still could happen, but not this year.

What's up with Justin Jackson? I haven't been following.

He's out for the season with a torn labrum that he's going to have surgery on.

[Hair Canada]

Teki Gill Caesar's career seems about done with this.
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/sd-sp-sdsu-basketball-gill-caesar-20171230-story,amp.html?__twitter_impression=true

Once discuased as an NBA prospect, a leader on the junior/cadet teams and regularly touted as the next big Canadian prospect after Wiggins. Shows not to get hopes up too high on the young prospects as so much can happen. In this case his body couldn't hold up.
Cripes we were blathering about guys like Emmanuel Akot and Justin Jackson as lottery picks just a couple months ago. Still could happen, but not this year. I have more fun being suprised by guys coming out of the woodwork every few years like Olynyk. Trying to keep my eye on another Zag that I think will surprise people next year.


And Although Bill Bradley may disagree, NBA prospects don't go to Princeton. Would love to be proven wrong though.

Yes, MGC is a good reminder that injuries are just around the corner and can derail even the most promising career (Greg Oden).

I think that's why it's again important not to focus on a single prospect, but rather at the depth chart. Injuries aside, beyond Barrett and Simi, there's no one in the class of 2018 that I would say with any confidence is going to make it to the NBA. but there are at least 5 others who certainly have a chance to do it (Dort, Nembhard, Brezdaikis, Llewellyn, and Kirkwood). So even if only two of these five make it in the end, that's a really nice crop for a class. Llewellyn specifically seems to me to be right in the mix with the others, even if he is going to Princeton next year (could think of worse places to spend four years in case NBA dreams do not materialize .

Beyond that, it's important to always remind ourselves that it shouldn't be a do (making it to the NBA) or die. The talent depth chart for the classes of 2017-18 means that even those guys who do not end up in the NBA can become good pros and at some point valuable contributors to the national team. Nothing wrong with having a few more from the likes of Scrubb, Pangos, XRM, and Ejim.

[TooBad]

Teki Gill Caesar's career seems about done with this.
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/sd-sp-sdsu-basketball-gill-caesar-20171230-story,amp.html?__twitter_impression=true

Once discuased as an NBA prospect, a leader on the junior/cadet teams and regularly touted as the next big Canadian prospect after Wiggins. Shows not to get hopes up too high on the young prospects as so much can happen. In this case his body couldn't hold up.
Cripes we were blathering about guys like Emmanuel Akot and Justin Jackson as lottery picks just a couple months ago. Still could happen, but not this year. I have more fun being suprised by guys coming out of the woodwork every few years like Olynyk. Trying to keep my eye on another Zag that I think will surprise people next year.


And Although Bill Bradley may disagree, NBA prospects don't go to Princeton. Would love to be proven wrong though.

He was only an 83 on ESPN recruiting so I don't think he was that hyped up. He might have been the best Canadian at the time but he was no where near Wiggins potential.

[mojo13]

Teki Gill Caesar's career seems about done with this.
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/sd-sp-sdsu-basketball-gill-caesar-20171230-story,amp.html?__twitter_impression=true

Once discuased as an NBA prospect, a leader on the junior/cadet teams and regularly touted as the next big Canadian prospect after Wiggins. Shows not to get hopes up too high on the young prospects as so much can happen. In this case his body couldn't hold up.
Cripes we were blathering about guys like Emmanuel Akot and Justin Jackson as lottery picks just a couple months ago. Still could happen, but not this year. I have more fun being suprised by guys coming out of the woodwork every few years like Olynyk. Trying to keep my eye on another Zag that I think will surprise people next year.


And Although Bill Bradley may disagree, NBA prospects don't go to Princeton. Would love to be proven wrong though.

He was only an 83 on ESPN recruiting so I don't think he was that hyped up. He might have been the best Canadian at the time but he was no where near Wiggins potential.

He was 41 on ESPN, 35 on 24/7. He also reclassified and was even higher ranked in his original class.

Wasn't too long ago, but perhaps you were not around in 2012-2014 era. The hype was strong.

Puruse some of these headlines.
http://www.nbadraft.net/nba_player_news/58190
That's a long rap sheet.

Not saying it was anything near Wiggins level hype, but he was the clear #1 Canadian his year and clearly touted as an NBA prospect.

[TooBad]

Teki Gill Caesar's career seems about done with this.
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/sd-sp-sdsu-basketball-gill-caesar-20171230-story,amp.html?__twitter_impression=true

Once discuased as an NBA prospect, a leader on the junior/cadet teams and regularly touted as the next big Canadian prospect after Wiggins. Shows not to get hopes up too high on the young prospects as so much can happen. In this case his body couldn't hold up.
Cripes we were blathering about guys like Emmanuel Akot and Justin Jackson as lottery picks just a couple months ago. Still could happen, but not this year. I have more fun being suprised by guys coming out of the woodwork every few years like Olynyk. Trying to keep my eye on another Zag that I think will surprise people next year.


And Although Bill Bradley may disagree, NBA prospects don't go to Princeton. Would love to be proven wrong though.

He was only an 83 on ESPN recruiting so I don't think he was that hyped up. He might have been the best Canadian at the time but he was no where near Wiggins potential.

He was 41 on ESPN, 35 on 24/7. He also reclassified and was even higher ranked in his original class.

Wasn't too long ago, but perhaps you were not around in 2012-2014 era. The hype was strong.

Puruse some of these headlines.
http://www.nbadraft.net/nba_player_news/58190
That's a long rap sheet.

Not saying it was anything near Wiggins level hype, but he was the clear #1 Canadian his year and clearly touted as an NBA prospect.

That's what I mean though. If everything went right he was probably only a 2nd rnd pick or late first. I think Canadians hyped him up because our basketball history has been so poor up to that point but he would be nothing special if he were American. Its a shame to see but he probably would have struggled to make Team Canada even if he had panned out in a few years,

[TooBad]

Stats - January 4, 2018
Olynyk 25 pts 13 reb 3 asts 11/15 fg - He may be Miami's best player now (Every play seems to be run through him)
Powell 21 pts 8 reb 2 ast 7/9 fg - ties Career high - His highlights weren't just ally oops this time although there was 2
Wiggins 17 pts 2 reb 1 ast 2 stl 8/17 fg
Lyles 16 pts 11 reb 1 ast 5/11 fg
Murray 13 pts 2ast 2 stl 6/11 fg (did not play for the majority of the second half I hope he's not injured)
Thompson 10 pts 11reb 2 ast 3/5 fg
Joseph 10 pts 7 reb 6 ast 5/9 fg
Stauskas 5 pts 5 reb 2ast 2/5 fg - hoping to see more from him in 19 min
Birch 4 pts 3 reb 2/3 fg - This guy is still alive apparently
Ennis 4 pt 4 reb 6 asts 2/5 fg

Potential Records
125 pts - Record?
Rebs - 64 rebs - Record?
3 Double Doubles in a single night - Olynyk/Lyles/Thompson

Looks like a new point record but Its a shame Murray didn't play his normal minutes we could have destroyed it.

Highlights

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

[Hair Canada]

Stats - January 4, 2018
Olynyk 25 pts 13 reb 3 asts 11/15 fg - He may be Miami's best player now (Every play seems to be run through him)
Powell 21 pts 8 reb 2 ast 7/9 fg - ties Career high - His highlights weren't just ally oops this time although there was 2
Wiggins 17 pts 2 reb 1 ast 2 stl 8/17 fg
Lyles 16 pts 11 reb 1 ast 5/11 fg
Murray 13 pts 2ast 2 stl 6/11 fg (did not play for the majority of the second half I hope he's not injured)
Thompson 10 pts 11reb 2 ast 3/5 fg
Joseph 10 pts 7 reb 6 ast 5/9 fg
Stauskas 5 pts 5 reb 2ast 2/5 fg - hoping to see more from him in 19 min
Birch 4 pts 3 reb 2/3 fg - This guy is still alive apparently
Ennis 4 pt 4 reb 6 asts 2/5 fg

Potential Records
125 pts - Record?
Rebs - 64 rebs - Record?
3 Double Doubles in a single night - Olynyk/Lyles/Thompson

Looks like a new point record but Its a shame Murray didn't play his normal minutes we could have destroyed it.

Thanks for the nice summary TooBad. The videos also nice. Hope you'll continue putting these up whenever there's a night involving many of our guys.

For me, what really sticks out is how well we're doing in the frontcourt. Olynyk, Lyles, Powell, and Thompson are all bigs that are well adjusted to the modern NBA game and to the FIBA game (is it just me, or are the two converging a little in recent years?). They are all mobile and fluid athletes, decent to good defenders who can switch on guards, and all except for Thompson can also shoot the three. If we get even just three of these on the national team, that's perhaps better than what any team outside of the US can put up. Oh, and right now the first three are probably in the best shape of their careers so far.

[Hair Canada]

A video showing why Minnesota is struggling against the likes of the Nets. And yes, it has a lot to do with Wiggins (and Towns):

Watch on YouTube

[Hair Canada]

A video showing why Minnesota is struggling against the likes of the Nets. And yes, it has a lot to do with Wiggins (and Towns):

Watch on YouTube

And then this:

https://clutchpoints.com/timberwolves-news-karl-anthony-towns-andrew-wiggins-played-fortnite-indianapolis/

[TooBad]

A video showing why Minnesota is struggling against the likes of the Nets. And yes, it has a lot to do with Wiggins (and Towns):

Watch on YouTube

Wiggins is lazy, its as simple as that. He has no motor which explains why he has terrible intangible skills and defense. Even on Offense he is becoming lazier and lazier and settling for more threes and driving way less. This guys career could head into Bennett territory if something doesn't change soon because coaches aren't going to give him an unlimited leash forever especially when he is hurting his team.

[TooBad]

Stats - January 4, 2018
Olynyk 25 pts 13 reb 3 asts 11/15 fg - He may be Miami's best player now (Every play seems to be run through him)
Powell 21 pts 8 reb 2 ast 7/9 fg - ties Career high - His highlights weren't just ally oops this time although there was 2
Wiggins 17 pts 2 reb 1 ast 2 stl 8/17 fg
Lyles 16 pts 11 reb 1 ast 5/11 fg
Murray 13 pts 2ast 2 stl 6/11 fg (did not play for the majority of the second half I hope he's not injured)
Thompson 10 pts 11reb 2 ast 3/5 fg
Joseph 10 pts 7 reb 6 ast 5/9 fg
Stauskas 5 pts 5 reb 2ast 2/5 fg - hoping to see more from him in 19 min
Birch 4 pts 3 reb 2/3 fg - This guy is still alive apparently
Ennis 4 pt 4 reb 6 asts 2/5 fg

Potential Records
125 pts - Record?
Rebs - 64 rebs - Record?
3 Double Doubles in a single night - Olynyk/Lyles/Thompson

Looks like a new point record but Its a shame Murray didn't play his normal minutes we could have destroyed it.

Thanks for the nice summary TooBad. The videos also nice. Hope you'll continue putting these up whenever there's a night involving many of our guys.

For me, what really sticks out is how well we're doing in the frontcourt. Olynyk, Lyles, Powell, and Thompson are all bigs that are well adjusted to the modern NBA game and to the FIBA game (is it just me, or are the two converging a little in recent years?). They are all mobile and fluid athletes, decent to good defenders who can switch on guards, and all except for Thompson can also shoot the three. If we get even just three of these on the national team, that's perhaps better than what any team outside of the US can put up. Oh, and right now the first three are probably in the best shape of their careers so far.

Yeah I don't think we will have any problems finding a decent pg/sg/pf/C but the sf position I think is a weakness still.Brooks is the only guy we got here and he's undersized in terms of Height. Wiggins and Barrett are undersized in terms of Weight. Lyles could probably play the Sf if we need him too.

Pg Murray/Joseph/Ennis
Sg Wiggins/Barrett/Stauskas/ Naz Long>>> I'd probably give Barrett the chance to start
Sf Brooks
PF Lyles/Powell
C Olynyk/Thompson/Birch

[Hair Canada]

Yeah I don't think we will have any problems finding a decent pg/sg/pf/C but the sf position I think is a weakness still.Brooks is the only guy we got here and he's undersized in terms of Height. Wiggins and Barrett are undersized in terms of Weight. Lyles could probably play the Sf if we need him too.

Pg Murray/Joseph/Ennis
Sg Wiggins/Barrett/Stauskas/ Naz Long>>> I'd probably give Barrett the chance to start
Sf Brooks
PF Lyles/Powell
C Olynyk/Thompson/Birch

I would actually go with a bit of different lineup. For me, Murray is more of a shooting guard, not a PG. So I'd start Joseph and him. Then it could be Brooks/Wiggins/Barret in the small. I get that Wiggins and Barret are on the thinner side (still need to see how Barrett fills out), but both are strong enough to defend most SFs from any non-US team (that is, assuming Wiggins actually plays D), and it gives greater offensive flexibility with three ball handlers on the court. I like Trey as a four or five more than a three. With him and Olynyk in the frontcourt, you should get a really good offensive team, where anyone can take and make perimeter shots.

[TooBad]

Yeah I don't think we will have any problems finding a decent pg/sg/pf/C but the sf position I think is a weakness still.Brooks is the only guy we got here and he's undersized in terms of Height. Wiggins and Barrett are undersized in terms of Weight. Lyles could probably play the Sf if we need him too.

Pg Murray/Joseph/Ennis
Sg Wiggins/Barrett/Stauskas/ Naz Long>>> I'd probably give Barrett the chance to start
Sf Brooks
PF Lyles/Powell
C Olynyk/Thompson/Birch

I would actually go with a bit of different lineup. For me, Murray is more of a shooting guard, not a PG. So I'd start Joseph and him. Then it could be Brooks/Wiggins/Barret in the small. I get that Wiggins and Barret are on the thinner side (still need to see how Barrett fills out), but both are strong enough to defend most SFs from any non-US team (that is, assuming Wiggins actually plays D), and it gives greater offensive flexibility with three ball handlers on the court. I like Trey as a four or five more than a three. With him and Olynyk in the frontcourt, you should get a really good offensive team, where anyone can take and make perimeter shots.

By playing Murray at the PG you can get the more talent on the floor at once though. I know Joseph has probably been our best player with Olynyk but I have a hard time believing that Joseph will have the same impact going forward because there are more talented options now. There are multiple lineup that can be created obviously but I like the shooter line up below.

Probable Lineup
Pg Cojo
Sg Murray
SF Wiggins
PF Lyles
C Olynyk

Shooter/ball movement lineup (everyone can shoot/pass/dribble and its not that bad defensively)
PG Murray(35%)/Cojo -- Cory Joseph is actually a better shooter % wise at 40% but he rarely shoots so I gave it to Murray.
SG Stauskas(55%)/Barrett
SF Brooks(38%)/Wiggins
PF Lyles(46%)/Powell
C Olynyk(44%)/Thompson

This lineup would have a 44% average from the NBA three and the FIBA 3pt line is 1.5 ft shorter.

Defense Lineup
PG Murray - We are weak at the PG in terms of defense but I think Murray has the best shot
SG Barrett
SF Brooks
PF Olynyk
C Thompson

[mojo13]

Ahhh the irrational, emotional Wiggins hate once again....I wonder if there is "Wiggins Hype Letdown Disorder" counseling out there.

The Wolves are winning. 24-15 record, 4th in the competitive West and 7-3 in their last 10 (they are actually looking much better of late without Teague out there). The Jones, Wiggins, Butler, Gibson, KAT line up is the highest Net +/- rating in the league (more than 100 minutes played).

There are stats for everyone, but a positive case can clearly be made for Wiggins. I am not his hugest fan (and I know lots of individual advanced stats can be thrown at me to counter this argument), but the blanket comments like he is just lazy, or doesn't care, only wants to play video games, or doesn't try on defense just seem so silly, lazy, dismissive and laden with irrational emotion.

Wiggins 4th season improvement seems obvious to those watching. His offensive rating is up to 111.3 (Yr1: 100.2, Yr2: 105.7, Yr3: 109.9), D-rating a career best 105.6, and net rating a career best +5.6 (Yr1: -10.1, Yr2: -1.0, Yr3: -0.5). These are good trends and for fans of the Wolves why complain when the winning keeps improving?

Wiggins has the best on/off opponent FG% differential on the Wolves this year at 46.7% when he is on, 51.3% when he is off (-4.6%) - but not a great stat compare to the league.
More boards from Wiggins would be nice, but when Wiggins plays the Wolves rebound better than when he sits.

Yes his individual counting stats are down this year - are you surprised with the addition of Bulter? Truth is that most good coaches would heavily stagger Jimmy and Wiggins, and this would boost Wiggins individual stats and hurt his team "rating" ones. Thibs is playing a longer game, seeking something closer to perfection in his starting unit.

Team performance is paramount and it has steadily improved while Wiggins has been in Minnesota. "I'm trying to do things that help my team win" - Andrew Wiggins speaking language that some, but unfortunately not all, understand.

Once again to write him off at this point (22) is just silly...but go for it if it is some sort of therapy.



*Credit Punch Drunk Wolves for the stats/argument.

[Hair Canada]

Ahhh the irrational, emotional Wiggins hate once again....I wonder if there is "Wiggins Hype Letdown Disorder" counseling out there.

The Wolves are winning. 24-15 record, 4th in the competitive West and 7-3 in their last 10 (they are actually looking much better of late without Teague out there). The Jones, Wiggins, Butler, Gibson, KAT line up is the highest Net +/- rating in the league (more than 100 minutes played).

There are stats for everyone, but a positive case can clearly be made for Wiggins. I am not his hugest fan (and I know lots of individual advanced stats can be thrown at me to counter this argument), but the blanket comments like he is just lazy, or doesn't care, only wants to play video games, or doesn't try on defense just seem so silly, lazy, dismissive and laden with irrational emotion.

Wiggins 4th season improvement seems obvious to those watching. His offensive rating is up to 111.3 (Yr1: 100.2, Yr2: 105.7, Yr3: 109.9), D-rating a career best 105.6, and net rating a career best +5.6 (Yr1: -10.1, Yr2: -1.0, Yr3: -0.5). These are good trends and for fans of the Wolves why complain when the winning keeps improving?

Wiggins has the best on/off opponent FG% differential on the Wolves this year at 46.7% when he is on, 51.3% when he is off (-4.6%) - but not a great stat compare to the league.
More boards from Wiggins would be nice, but when Wiggins plays the Wolves rebound better than when he sits.

Yes his individual counting stats are down this year - are you surprised with the addition of Bulter? Truth is that most good coaches would heavily stagger Jimmy and Wiggins, and this would boost Wiggins individual stats and hurt his team "rating" ones. Thibs is playing a longer game, seeking something closer to perfection in his starting unit.

Team performance is paramount and it has steadily improved while Wiggins has been in Minnesota. "I'm trying to do things that help my team win" - Andrew Wiggins speaking language that some, but unfortunately not all, understand.

Once again to write him off at this point (22) is just silly...but go for it if it is some sort of therapy.

*Credit Punch Drunk Wolves for the stats/argument.

"Wiggins Hype Letdown Disorder" -- Ha! that's a good one.

Personally, I'm not a hater. I'm rooting for Wiggins to be better just as I do for other Canadians, although I also try to adopt a realistic perspective, rather than just that of a fan. And you are right, if the recent surge of Lyles should teach us anything, it is that we should not write off players this young, even if their NBA career seems to be going in the wrong direction (lesson also still true for Ennis and Stauskas. Probably no longer for Bennett).

I also agree that it's unlikely Wiggins is simply lazy or doesn't care. But I do think his on-court intelligence is not very high, and that has ramifications on things like defense, court vision, shot selection, and general decision making. The mediocre (at best) defense is especially hard for me to swallow, both because of the potential and because being a liability on that end of the court is really tough to see. And again, from what I've seen it's not so much a matter of effort, as it is a matter of reading the offense and making the right decisions on where to be and who to close on.

But as I said, I really hope this could still change. DeRozan was, as far as I can tell, no better than Wiggins on any of these things: pretty terrible defender; not much of a passer; and generally did not do much more than not very efficient scoring (and, like Wiggins, likes the isolations and long twos). But he turned things around in recent years and is now a franchise player. Hopefully, Wiggins can still do the same.