GT: Charlotte vs Nets 11/30 7.30PM ET

[fatlever]

Our defense was so laughably bad last night that I'm having a hard time getting super excited about the win. I mean we have a random Outburst of shooting like that we should have won that game by 30 points.

I am starting to wonder if Mark is actually a good post defender. I know he does alter a few shots here and there and prevent some people from coming into the lane. But last night they went at him the entire game. He ended up with three blocks but I don't remember any of them honestly. I think in today's NBA it's much more important to have lockdown perimeter Defenders than it is to have an anchor defensive center. Until we get some actual players on the perimeter who can stay in front of their player and make life a little bit difficult for the other team, it's going to be a layup line and open threes. I don't really think Mark has great shot blocking instincts he's just tall and long. Ihis value to me is much more noticeable on the offensive side of the ball where he does set some great screens and has incredible hands around the rim. And obviously the defensive rebounding. When he's out of the game right now we just literally can't get a rebound. We can barely get a rebound sometimes when he's in the game. Hopefully he gets a lot stronger over the next few seasons. That would certainly help.

In other news, if Smith Jr has legit found NBA range, that certainly changes his short-term trajectory. He certainly looks much better off ball playing with some options in front of him. Very intriguing piece.

Probably Terry's best game of his career wouldn't you agree? Some pretty outrageous shooting that isn't really repeatable on a high volume, but fun to watch when he gets it going.

Even though we ended up winning the game it was a little bit frustrating to watch the 4th quarter when everyone started just playing hero isolation ball and going one on Three versus their defender. There was about seven or eight possessions in a row where we came down and just one of our guys decided they were going to get a shot up. Lucky for us Terry was on fire.

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[Bassman]

Response to Fatlever:

Mark is a work in progress, which we knew. Agree he is not a natural “quick cat bounce” swatter or leaper, so his game is likely less vertically dominant. His defensive success will rely on improved strength, positioning and experience. All of that is developing and will come in time. Love him as our C…so many passed on him.

NSJ is going to be a legit player for us. Good enough for major minutes/starter next to LaMelo? Impossible to predict, but I believe in this kid’s drive and determination to perform. He works his butt off.

This was an eye candy win for sure. Felt like an advanced scrimmage pre-season…lots of highlights and hero ball. Terry is scary when he’s on fire!

[Braggins]

I do think Mark isn't actually as good on defense yet as he should be given his tools, but I also think that the teams perimeter defense constantly putting him in compromised positions makes him look worse than he is.

Perimeter and PoA defense is really important right now and the Hornets arguably have the worst PoA defense in the league and one of the worst general perimeter defenses.

Sengun isn't a world beater on defense or anything, but last season he looked absolutely atrocious. A big part of it was that Silas was starting KPJ, Jalen Green, and Eric Gordon, at the 1-3, and was also running a scheme that didn't fit his players, and so Sengun was hung out to dry like every other play and he looked awful trying to deal with the situation. This season they hired a competent coach and replaced KPJ + Eric Gordon (still can't get over Silas starting him at SF lol) with FVV + Dillon Brooks and now Sengun looks more than adequate.

[KingCat]

I do think Mark isn't actually as good on defense yet as he should be given his tools, but I also think that the teams perimeter defense constantly putting him in compromised positions makes him look worse than he is.

Perimeter and PoA defense is really important right now and the Hornets arguably have the worst PoA defense in the league and one of the worst general perimeter defenses.

Sengun isn't a world beater on defense or anything, but last season he looked absolutely atrocious. A big part of it was that Silas was starting KPJ, Jalen Green, and Eric Gordon, at the 1-3, and was also running a scheme that didn't fit his players, and so Sengun was hung out to dry like every other play and he looked awful trying to deal with the situation. This season they hired a competent coach and replaced KPJ + Eric Gordon (still can't get over Silas starting him at SF lol) with FVV + Dillon Brooks and now Sengun looks more than adequate.

It reminds me of when Gobert got "exposed" on defense when playing with the Jazz in the playoffs.

Any defensive anchor will look like swiss cheese if they don't have a single POA defender out there atleast trying to make their job less difficult.