trast66 wrote:prime1time wrote:I don't really issue grades for summer league. We draft him, now we coach him up. I was a little caught off guard by his lack of explosiveness. I've seen highlights here and there of him dunking, but for whatever reason he doesn't seem to be explosive on the floor. As far as how I evaluate players I think Brown shows tremendous potential. People might play down versatility and being a jack of all trades but it's where the NBA is going. Troy projects to be able to shoot from 3, finish at the hoop, create for others, attack the hoop and play solid D. Do I ever see him being an elite scorer? No. But can he be good enough to attack mismatches? Most definitely. I look forward to his body filling out and maturing. I think he should watch some tape of Tatum and see how to rely on his length of improve his ability to finish.
In terms of comps I like a Livingston comp and he should focus on ground bound shooters who were successful like Manu. I don't ever see Brown being a primary or secondary scorer on championship team, but I think he definitely fits the mold of what you look for in terms of a championship caliber role player. Looking at the roster, he's probably going to struggle to get on the court much this year but 2 to 3 years I see him being a vital piece to the puzzle.
Another thing I loved about the game is no bad shots. There were a lot of bad turnovers, but no forcing shots. I can live with turnovers because it means he's trying to create. And much better to have young players try to create and fail, than not to try at all.
For some potential concerns. #1 would be his shooting. His form looks good, but until it goes in, and goes in consistently, It will be a concern. The current NBA demand shooting. Another concern would be his inability to finish above the rim. He was able to get by with it in summer league, but the NBA is a different issue. A 3rd concern would be his young age, and being in DC.
But I'm curious. What are other people's concerns regarding Troy? Is it just shooting and lack of explosiveness/athleticism?
Co sign on this analysis. If he can develop a jumshot with range it will open up his ability to create plays. He does not look as athletic as that high a draft pick should be (he’s only 18 so still may still be developing strength). He seemed mature beyond his years, not at all intimidated, and a hard worker. He looked better this SL than Josh Jackson, the 4th pick in last years draft.
I wanted Z. Smith, so I will always compare Brown and Smith during their careers. Neither is ready to contribute this year. I certainly feel better about the Brown pick than I did on draft night, mostly because he looked the part of a NBA player and appears to be the type to work on improving.
I co-sign all the above (including that I'll be comparing Brown & Smith over the years).
I didn't see him penetrate/score by going left -- anyone else? His being heavy-footed is certainly a concern, but there are a lot of ways to be an excellent NBA player. I'd rather a guy who understands the game, sees the floor, passes well & plays defense than someone who has run/jump ability but falls down in those other areas.
Of course if you have all that you can be a superstar: Kawhi Leonard went #15! & I guess that's the big reason to keep a comparative eye on Zhaire Smith.
