penbeast0 wrote:12 and 5 in the D league isn't exactly overwhelming, hopefully he's a defensive stopper at least. I have this feeling sometimes that we just sign guys who have been on San Antonio figuring they had to have a reason for liking the guy whether we actually know much about him or not.
http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2011/4/ ... washingtonWith the majority of Tulsa's regular season contributors in the NBA, Owens was able to lead the 66ers to the D-League finals by averaging 18.5 points on 50% field goal shooting (and 46% three-point shooting), 7.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks over the course of eight games.
In talking to an NBA scout during the D-League Showcase -- where Owens impressed enough to earn a call-up to the San Antonio Spurs shortly after -- he was impressed with nearly ever facet of Owens' game.
"Last season Larry really blossomed offensively, especially in the playoffs," the scout said. "He can score in every way -- He's good on the one-dribble pull up, he can go to the rim and finishes and he's really shooting well from the 3 point line."
This season, it seems like he's focusing more on his defense," the scout continued. "He's long, wiry and really gets his hands on a lot of balls. His foot speed is good enough to stay in front of quick wings, too, so I'm surprised he's not on more teams radars. He's definitely on ours."
He was apparently on the Wizards' as well and will hopefully get a decent opportunity to show them what he's capable of during the remaining week of the season.
People remember Bruce Bowen for good reason. Qualitatively he contributed great defense and good three point shooting. He was an excellent role player. Larry Owens got called up by the Spurs and they tend to go after good players.
I am HAPPY with a real change from the way Ernie did business in the past, when he rarely called up players. Owens has played in France, Belgium, and the D-League. He's probably much more prepared to contribute positively as an NBA role player. I see no reason to think about an offensive-minded Joe Alexander right now. Nick's a great offensive player, but Washington's winning without him right now. Why is that? I think it is because they have added many capable players who have been good but needed an opportunity to show their skills. Singleton and Livingston were mentioned as guys that helped last season. This call up is the same kind of guy as Othyus Jeffers and Mustafa Shakur.
If this guy stood out for his defense and overall basketball IQ despite him not putting up big numbers, that tells me all I need to know. Larry Owens seems to have the requisite skills to be a glue guy at SF. Seems like he's got more going on right now than potential lottery SF coming from the NCAAs will have for a couple or three years. (Xavier Henry's struggles come to mind).
Tre Johnson is the future of the Wizards.
