Trevor Booker

[Induveca]

I hope booker becomes something, but he seems to be a Renaldo Balkman from my POV. Nothing to get excited about other than his energy.

[hands11]

I was jonesing for some Wizards play so I started watching the SL games again.

Booker definitely didn't look like a high energy guy in the sense that he was going hard all the time.

He seems to glide and then explode here and there.

From reading the resident Booker follower review, I think he was dead on. If we are going to use him
as a defensive player, he really needed to give a lot more consistent energy.

We can only hope he was playing it relatively safe knowing he would get a chance to show his stuff in mini camp thinking he wanted to get out injury free.

Wall on the other hand was going 100% but I expect that. He has a lot more to live up to and he needs to get his game to NBA level ASAP since he will be starting. Booker on the other hand likely has a little bit more time to progress. I don't know. Just hoping that was the case because he didn't look that great. He did a few good things but over all, I wasn't that impressed.

[closg00]

^^^^ Hands referred to this post below.

Clemson fan here. Living in DC, I was excited to see the Wiz get Booker. I've been keeping a close eye on him and reading news, comments, etc. My thoughts (sorry for the dissertation):

- First, there's a misconception that Booker is a motor guy. His is not and was not in college at any time. He is a coast and explode guy, if that makes sense. Reading some of the comments from Wiz officials makes me think they didn't do their homework. Booker was really frustrating in college b/c he would take plays off, be the last one down the court, etc., yet also make super athletic, momentum turning plays.

- Booker has lost mass since his JR season. He came into his SR year noticeably toned down, and it was obviously to help him away from the basket in trying to up his draft stock. And he actually looked even thinner in the SL than in his SR season.

- Everyone was surprised when he dropped in the 1st round, even Clemson fans.

- I watched every SL game, keeping an eye on Booker the whole time. I came away largely disappointed, as well as confused. I'm disappointed because he inexplicably isn't hustling like he should be. I don't know if he's lacking confidence or his head is spinning, but even so, those things shouldn't affect grit and hustle. He got away with it in college; if the Wiz staff are smart, they'll be all over his ass. I am confused because I have no idea what the Wiz want to do with him.

- I didn't like his effort and positioning on offensive or defensive rebounding. On defense, he was setting his position too close to the basket, allowing himself to be pinned, and with his height, an easy target for over-the-back rebounds and deflections. It also made it difficult for him to handle some rebounds. However, I noticed that often when he was the main guy in position for a rebound, the basket was made, and others times McGee would simply take a rebound from him (not really excuses, but these things occurred). On the offensive end, I think his lack of rebounding is due to an unfamiliar role/positioning. He's used to battling underneath, but in the SL he was often the last man back (i.e., when screening for Wall and Wall drives) or simply wasn't fighting hard enough for rebounds. Not sure you can have him pick and pop so often and expect him to chase offensive rebounds, too.

- I also didn't like his activity and footwork on defense. He simply needs to have a lower stance and readiness at all times. He's playing too high. He's also loosing his man too easily. He's going to get his ass chewed when his man is standing free under the basket one of these days. I do think he can guard a fair amount of 3's, but his effort and technique in the SL was awful. Again, playing too high. And he apparently has fallen into the bad habit of letting his man go by and trying to get the follow up block. That was his approach nearly every time. Please tell me the Wiz staff are on to these things.

- As I said, I think he can guard 3s... if he becomes engaged and plays with better technique. He did it in college on occasion. He absolutely has to play lower and move his damn feet. Basic stuff that that he's able to do. He also has an advantage in that, with his vertical, he can give himself a bit more space away from the ball handler. He is one of the better jump shot blockers you will see (that is, if he isn't letting his man go by).

- So, reading the media outlook on him ahead of the SL, the take was that he'd be there to defend and rebound and will not offer much, if not struggle, of the offensive end. I think the opposite is true actually. He wasn't very assertive on offense in the SL; I wonder if it's nerves, being in a new role, or b/c he's been told to focus on D and let Wall and others handle the O. Big mistake imo. In fact, I think he can offer more on offense than defense right now. Unfortunately, it seemed the SL was used solely as an opportunity to work on pick and pop. I think you'll be surprised at his post game if he gets the looks (he had maybe a couple the whole SL). No, he's not going to overtake anyone much larger than him, but he can take certain guys with more size. No, he doesn't have a treasure chest full of moves, but his post game is clean and effective. Some said he takes too many fadeaways. The thing is, he's actually a very accurate shooter around the rim. And, I wouldn't say he was excessive with them in college. He's undersized, for one -- and since when are post-players barred from fadeaways? Further, he's an excellent passer from the post. At the 4, he'll be able to post up some guys, but a lot of 4's will be too tall or thick. If he can pull them away from the basket, he can easily go around them. What I'm looking for in the season, though, is if he's at 3, with say Yi at 4 but playing away from the basket. If Booker gets matched up on the 3, that's a serious mismatch in a lot of cases. I'm dead serious -- the Wiz need to look for this. Let him post up that 3 and score or distribute. Don't completely abandon his college game.

- To a previous point, I have no idea what the Wiz' plans are for him. If he's going to be a 3 or 4 or hybrid, whatever, he's got to get back some of that mass. He's simply too thin right now. Don't keep him in pick and pop situations so often if you want him to get offensive rebounds. Don't be afraid to feed him in the post. I'm not sure any other Wiz big men have more efficient post moves, actually. Lastly, get in his damn ear and let him know he's got to bust his ass every possession if he wants to stick around the league.

- This is a tricky situation for Booker, imo. As I suspected in college, looks like he's a guy that needs someone in his ear. Selfishly, I wanted him to go to a more established team, with a veteran presence. Not sure how strong the Wiz staff are in terms of getting him on the right path, and the team obviously lacks key veterans (sorry, don't see Heinrich commanding attention). Wall has the right mindset and will be a good leader, but it's not the same as having key vets around. If it's a situation where players are given too much leeway, too much respect (e.g., prematurely throwing out monikers like "Grown-Ass Man"), then there's a good chance he won't get on the right track.

[hands11]

^^^^ Hands referred to this post below.

Clemson fan here. Living in DC, I was excited to see the Wiz get Booker. I've been keeping a close eye on him and reading news, comments, etc. My thoughts (sorry for the dissertation):

- First, there's a misconception that Booker is a motor guy. His is not and was not in college at any time. He is a coast and explode guy, if that makes sense. Reading some of the comments from Wiz officials makes me think they didn't do their homework. Booker was really frustrating in college b/c he would take plays off, be the last one down the court, etc., yet also make super athletic, momentum turning plays.

- Booker has lost mass since his JR season. He came into his SR year noticeably toned down, and it was obviously to help him away from the basket in trying to up his draft stock. And he actually looked even thinner in the SL than in his SR season.

- Everyone was surprised when he dropped in the 1st round, even Clemson fans.

- I watched every SL game, keeping an eye on Booker the whole time. I came away largely disappointed, as well as confused. I'm disappointed because he inexplicably isn't hustling like he should be. I don't know if he's lacking confidence or his head is spinning, but even so, those things shouldn't affect grit and hustle. He got away with it in college; if the Wiz staff are smart, they'll be all over his ass. I am confused because I have no idea what the Wiz want to do with him.

- I didn't like his effort and positioning on offensive or defensive rebounding. On defense, he was setting his position too close to the basket, allowing himself to be pinned, and with his height, an easy target for over-the-back rebounds and deflections. It also made it difficult for him to handle some rebounds. However, I noticed that often when he was the main guy in position for a rebound, the basket was made, and others times McGee would simply take a rebound from him (not really excuses, but these things occurred). On the offensive end, I think his lack of rebounding is due to an unfamiliar role/positioning. He's used to battling underneath, but in the SL he was often the last man back (i.e., when screening for Wall and Wall drives) or simply wasn't fighting hard enough for rebounds. Not sure you can have him pick and pop so often and expect him to chase offensive rebounds, too.

- I also didn't like his activity and footwork on defense. He simply needs to have a lower stance and readiness at all times. He's playing too high. He's also loosing his man too easily. He's going to get his ass chewed when his man is standing free under the basket one of these days. I do think he can guard a fair amount of 3's, but his effort and technique in the SL was awful. Again, playing too high. And he apparently has fallen into the bad habit of letting his man go by and trying to get the follow up block. That was his approach nearly every time. Please tell me the Wiz staff are on to these things.

- As I said, I think he can guard 3s... if he becomes engaged and plays with better technique. He did it in college on occasion. He absolutely has to play lower and move his damn feet. Basic stuff that that he's able to do. He also has an advantage in that, with his vertical, he can give himself a bit more space away from the ball handler. He is one of the better jump shot blockers you will see (that is, if he isn't letting his man go by).

- So, reading the media outlook on him ahead of the SL, the take was that he'd be there to defend and rebound and will not offer much, if not struggle, of the offensive end. I think the opposite is true actually. He wasn't very assertive on offense in the SL; I wonder if it's nerves, being in a new role, or b/c he's been told to focus on D and let Wall and others handle the O. Big mistake imo. In fact, I think he can offer more on offense than defense right now. Unfortunately, it seemed the SL was used solely as an opportunity to work on pick and pop. I think you'll be surprised at his post game if he gets the looks (he had maybe a couple the whole SL). No, he's not going to overtake anyone much larger than him, but he can take certain guys with more size. No, he doesn't have a treasure chest full of moves, but his post game is clean and effective. Some said he takes too many fadeaways. The thing is, he's actually a very accurate shooter around the rim. And, I wouldn't say he was excessive with them in college. He's undersized, for one -- and since when are post-players barred from fadeaways? Further, he's an excellent passer from the post. At the 4, he'll be able to post up some guys, but a lot of 4's will be too tall or thick. If he can pull them away from the basket, he can easily go around them. What I'm looking for in the season, though, is if he's at 3, with say Yi at 4 but playing away from the basket. If Booker gets matched up on the 3, that's a serious mismatch in a lot of cases. I'm dead serious -- the Wiz need to look for this. Let him post up that 3 and score or distribute. Don't completely abandon his college game.

- To a previous point, I have no idea what the Wiz' plans are for him. If he's going to be a 3 or 4 or hybrid, whatever, he's got to get back some of that mass. He's simply too thin right now. Don't keep him in pick and pop situations so often if you want him to get offensive rebounds. Don't be afraid to feed him in the post. I'm not sure any other Wiz big men have more efficient post moves, actually. Lastly, get in his damn ear and let him know he's got to bust his ass every possession if he wants to stick around the league.

- This is a tricky situation for Booker, imo. As I suspected in college, looks like he's a guy that needs someone in his ear. Selfishly, I wanted him to go to a more established team, with a veteran presence. Not sure how strong the Wiz staff are in terms of getting him on the right path, and the team obviously lacks key veterans (sorry, don't see Heinrich commanding attention). Wall has the right mindset and will be a good leader, but it's not the same as having key vets around. If it's a situation where players are given too much leeway, too much respect (e.g., prematurely throwing out monikers like "Grown-Ass Man"), then there's a good chance he won't get on the right track.

Thanks for clearing that up. I guess I could have included his name or something. Man I can't wait for camp to get here so we can start to see what we have instead of speculating so much.

[closg00]

[Comment From Joe (Arlington, VA)]
Who will be playing most of the SF minutes while Josh Howard is out? Will Yi be seeing any time there?
2:43

Ernie Grunfeld: Usually the players will tell us what to do as far as that is concerned. We are going to try a lot of different combinations. Al Thornton obviously has the most experience at the 3. Nick Young will get some minutes there as well as Yi, Adam Morrison and Cartier Martin.

The production of the players will determine who will get the bulk of the minutes.

As far as Josh is concerned he's making good progress.

Wow! No-mention of Booker at SF by Ernie during his chat, is this an oversight or is Booker really going to play the under-sized PF role depending on match-ups?

[Dat2U]

I've always viewed him as an undersized 4. The whole SF thing seemed like a bad idea IMO. Yes, he's got 'some' SF skills & athletically might not be totally over-matched there but its definitely not playing to his strengths. He can occasionally pick & pop but its counter-effective because its pulling him away from the basket.

The energy/activity level is probably my biggest concern. It's just not satisfactory, especially for a guy that's undersized and not brimming with potential. I was hoping Booker would mimic his game after Carl Landry. Maybe not be the strongest guy on the boards but able to use his strength & athleticism to create space around the basket and be able to face up & blow by slower bigs.

At this stage, I'm not sure what Booker's role WILL be. Something has to change though. He's going to rot on the bench unless he really starts to pick it up.

[closg00]

For now, Coach Flip Saunders is expected to lean on Al Thornton and possibly natural shooting guard Nick Young, 7-foot Yi Jianlian and training camp invitee/reclamation project Adam Morrison.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 06080.html
^^^
Article on Howard today in the Post. I really expected Booker to play some at SF, otherwise I don't see why we drafted him.

[WizarDynasty]

i can see why we drafted him. He is actually the only player with the body to actually guard the wizard killer himself "lebron James". You need a player with tremendous toughness lateral speed and strength to guard lebron. If Booker helps us to get out the 2nd round in a future match up against lebron james then he was worth it. I have criticized /EG many of years because he didn't have one person on roster to who can match up defensively with him..even though lebron single handled knocked us out he playoffs 3 times straight.
From that perspective booker is worth it if he can show that he can be a shutdown defensive small forward int he ron artest mold.

[KiNgSbOi]

If Booker can resemble anything close to Carl Landry, I would call this pick a success. Carl is very efficient, lacks rebounding skills but that's understandable he is undersized, you can't deny he hustles his heart out. Every team needs a player in the Carl Landry/Leon Powe/Dejuan Blair mold to come off the bench or even start if that's what helps the player preform at his best. I love Booker's athleticism, hustle and grit. He needs to improve his mid-range jumpshot and eventually be able to have a respectable 3 point shot, I don't think it's out of the question. He has a nice form and can easily shoot from out there, he needs to arc it a little less I think.

[closg00]

Feature in yesterday's Post on Booker. Interesting factoid, Jordan Hill is Booker's cousin.

Booker helped Saunders figure out how to best use him when Booker instinctively started trapping players in the back court during summer league games. Since then, Saunders made the full-court press an essential component of his defense when Booker is on the floor. It actually helped Booker get his first field goal in the preseason, as the left-hander stole the ball, dribbled into the lane and spun around to make a short hook.

"He's going to be an energy guy for us," Saunders said. "He plays with great energy and gets after it and does all the little things, the dirty things. That's what he is right now. The rest of his game will develop in time, but right now he has to be a guy that I feel I can put in and he change the tempo of the game with his defense, either pressing up the floor and shadowing or be a lockdown, half-court defender type guy."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 05529.html

[fishercob]

Feature in yesterday's Post on Booker. Interesting factoid, Jordan Hill is Booker's cousin.

So NBA mediocrity is in his genes? I kid, I kid...

[Ruzious]

I've always viewed him as an undersized 4. The whole SF thing seemed like a bad idea IMO. Yes, he's got 'some' SF skills & athletically might not be totally over-matched there but its definitely not playing to his strengths. He can occasionally pick & pop but its counter-effective because its pulling him away from the basket.

The energy/activity level is probably my biggest concern. It's just not satisfactory, especially for a guy that's undersized and not brimming with potential. I was hoping Booker would mimic his game after Carl Landry. Maybe not be the strongest guy on the boards but able to use his strength & athleticism to create space around the basket and be able to face up & blow by slower bigs.

At this stage, I'm not sure what Booker's role WILL be. Something has to change though. He's going to rot on the bench unless he really starts to pick it up.

I don't... think he's an NBA 4. He doesn't have PF size, and he doesn't make up for that by being a great rebounder - he was just a good college rebounder - nothing special. He's not an easy player to project in the NBA. Again, he got a ton of his inside shots blocked in college by ordinary athletes against Maryland - so he basically has no chance to be successful scoring inside against NBA bigs. His role eventually (if he makes it) is going to be defending the Lebrons and Melo's of the NBA and running with Wall to get transition baskets. He was great in college in a pressing defense sortof playing centerfield and causing havoc, but that's college - presses don't work so well except in small doses - in the NBA. Ultimately, he's going to have to add range to his shot and show he can knock down open 3's - if he's ever going to be a rotation player.

[dobrojim]

seems to me the main thing is he needs to improve his
ability to actually put the ball in the basket, by whatever
means necessary. The other aspects of his game seem
reasonable. He's just gotta hit shots whether they be
in the paint or in the 15-18 ft range. Or preferably (duh)
from 3 pt range (not holding my breath).

[WizarDynasty]

his biggest problem is that he doesn't have any fluid movements when dribbling the ball. For instance, you can see that his handles are so poor that he can barely change directions while dribbling the ball. if he was going full speed, he probably can't even switch it to his right hand without fumbling it. Coaches have alot of work but he has ron artest lock down lebron type defense ability. We will seriously need him against miami for years to come.

[closg00]

his biggest problem is that he doesn't have any fluid movements when dribbling the ball. For instance, you can see that his handles are so poor that he can barely change directions while dribbling the ball. if he was going full speed, he probably can't even switch it to his right hand without fumbling it. Coaches have alot of work but he has ron artest lock down lebron type defense ability. We will seriously need him against miami for years to come.

You nailed it exactly, Booker is going to have to become some kind of lockdown defender for us or garbage clean-up guy, his handles are shockingly bad.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Guys of similar build who have lasted a while in the league, and who Booker might try and emulate are Jerome Kersey, Grant Long, Tyrone Corbin, Vincent Askew, and our very own Bobby Simmons.

From what I've seen Booker is nowhere near as fluid an athlete as Kersey was, nowhere near the rebounder Long was, he can't handle anything like Simmons, has no outside shot or scoring ability like Corbin or Simmons. The player Booker is a lot like is Vincent Askew. No offense but great defensive player.

Don't know what that says long term but the way I see it the Wizards shouldn't have traded up into round one to get Trevor. Booker at least needs to develop a reliable face up shot to keep defenses honest, and so that his good first step with the ball can lead to dunks--provided he doesn't have to dribble far. As others have said Trevor's handle is bad. Real bad.

[Zonkerbl]

Kersey was a three and he had a fairly decent jumper, iirc.

[Induveca]

Disappointing pick IMO, Grunfeld dropped the ball on this guy. If we wanted an energy guy, just should have kept Singleton and drafted someone with more potential.

A lot of times declaring a guy a "lockdown defender to-be" just means he has no offensive game, and likely never will...........

From what I saw of him in preseason, he is nothing special. Ruffin-esque at some point at best.

[The Fax]

This guy reminds me more and more of Dominic McGuire...I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.

[KiNgSbOi]

Booker can be brutal to watch sometime. He can't dribble, shoot, post up. He hustles and defends, but at 23 we could of gotten Jordan Crawford and waved adios to whoever wanted to pick him. I'm not saying he won't be a good player and all, it just seems his ceiling isn't all that high. I don't know if he will benefit on our team or not, that will be interesting to watch. I hope he gets some playing time this year, to showcase what he's got and that he will bring it every night, maybe just to pick up a couple of fouls and frustrate the opposing teams post player.