Sophomore Impressions 2016-17

Brapman · Post #21 » by **Brapman** » Thu Jul 7, 2016 9:09 pm

I'll add Hilliard to the list - Pistons really like him, but he might be behind Bullock in the rotation, who, of course, is behind Stanley Johnson. It hurt him that he had the stress fracture in the back, probably setting him firmly behind Jackson this year.

Now the Pistons add Bobo - but he'll be the third C on the roster, and the backup next year as Baynes can opt out.

MrBigShot · Post #22 » by **MrBigShot** » Thu Jul 7, 2016 10:23 pm

I think KAT is already an all star caliber player, Minny really fortunate to have him.

Aside from him, I am really high on Hezonja, Devin Booker and Porzingis, love their potential.

Post #23 » by **codydaze** » Thu Jul 7, 2016 10:37 pm

No mention of WCS? I think with consistent minutes and a starting role he's going to have a hell of a year.

Post #24 » by **MoneyTalks41890** » Thu Jul 7, 2016 10:39 pm

Payne killing summer league. Expect him to play a lot more and to really stunt on some ppl

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Gus McCrae · Post #25 » by **Gus McCrae** » Thu Jul 7, 2016 11:06 pm

Honest question, where would you guys rank Russell among the sophomores as far as potential going forward?

rpa · Post #26 » by **rpa** » Thu Jul 7, 2016 11:16 pm

codydaze wrote:No mention of WCS? I think with consistent minutes and a starting role he's going to have a hell of a year.

More interesting thing about WCS is the Kings going from a coach who can't spell defense to a coach where it's (almost) his calling card.

Chuck Everett · Post #27 » by **Chuck Everett** » Thu Jul 7, 2016 11:29 pm

Cauley-Stein is a garbage man though. It's not like he's all of a sudden going to become an offensive threat. His game is defense, rebounding, shot blocking and mostly things that probably won't show up in the stat-sheet. He's not going to suddenly become all-star caliber (unless he's Ben Wallace at the aforementioned things).

wablty · Post #28 » by **wablty** » Thu Jul 7, 2016 11:44 pm

Gus McCrae wrote:Honest question, where would you guys rank Russell among the sophomores as far as potential going forward?

Probably 6 or 7ish. Obviously there's a lot of development that has to happen, but I have a hard time envisioning him being much more than a modern Nick Van Exel (which is still pretty good). I think there are others with significantly higher ceilings.

Clearly behind KAT, Jokic and Porzingis. Probably also behind Booker, Winslow and Okafor. And probably Turner. It gets a bit muddy in there. I think he can be a fringe All Star, quality starter type but I don't think you guys hit the jackpot on Russell.

Black Jack · Post #29 » by **Black Jack** » Thu Jul 7, 2016 11:49 pm

I thought the Russell draft was a bad one but he seems to have the skills to produce at an all-star (ish) type level on offense once he's a vet.

Patsfan1081 · Post #30 » by **Patsfan1081** » Fri Jul 8, 2016 12:12 am

Two picks I hated on draft night were Lyles and Rozier, who I know admit I might have been wrong about. Lyles looks a lot better now that he's not playing out of position. Rozier looked good during the playoffs last season and both are looking good in the summer league. The only question is how many minutes will both of them see.

Post #31 » by **codydaze** » Fri Jul 8, 2016 1:59 am

Chuck Everett wrote:Cauley-Stein is a garbage man though. It's not like he's all of a sudden going to become an offensive threat. His game is defense, rebounding, shot blocking and mostly things that probably won't show up in the stat-sheet. He's not going to suddenly become all-star caliber (unless he's Ben Wallace at the aforementioned things).

So that means he can't have a great year? You kinda just described Deandre Jordan's game... He's not All NBA? You act like because he isn't an offensive creator he can't be in the same company as the other sophomores.

RRFB · Post #32 » by **RRFB** » Fri Jul 8, 2016 2:54 am

Last years' rookie class was so fun to watch, especially all the big guys. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how their games have improved in the offseason.

As for the Nuggets' two returning sophomores, Mudiay will play for the summer league team. Apparently he has spent a lot of time this summer with Chauncey Billups in a mentor/mentee role. He's said Chauncey has really helped him slow the game down mentally and dictate the pace.

Jokic is busy playing for the Serbian national team in the olympic qualifying games, but he's said a main focus of this summer is to improve his footspeed and quickness on defense. The Nuggets want to give him more time at the 4 so he and Nurkic can play together. Jokic wants to be able to chase stretch 4's around the perimeter.

Winglish · Post #33 » by **Winglish** » Fri Jul 8, 2016 3:00 am

Patsfan1081 wrote:Two picks I hated on draft night were Lyles and Rozier, who I know admit I might have been wrong about. Lyles looks a lot better now that he's not playing out of position. Rozier looked good during the playoffs last season and both are looking good in the summer league. The only question is how many minutes will both of them see.

I was mad at the Jazz for taking Lyles over Booker. The Jazz desperately needed more shooting. Trey puts in the work, though! I have a source at the Zions Basketball Center (the Jazz practice facility) who says Lyles is a gym rat who is constantly there working to improve. His 38.6% three point shooting as a rookie was not a fluke. Trey is just getting better and better.

islanders11040 · Post #34 » by **islanders11040** » Fri Jul 8, 2016 3:06 am

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAP5MwYrKnE[/youtube]

KP offseason interview from last week. I like what i hear.

Post #35 » by **Young_Star11** » Fri Jul 8, 2016 3:12 am

Justise Winslow
Josh Richardson

Key contributors in their rookie seasons and with Wade/JJ/Deng and possibly Tyler Johnson they will get plenty of burn

Post #36 » by **Domejandro** » Fri Jul 8, 2016 4:08 am

Boring answer, but Karl-Anthony Towns has become money from almost thirty feet out (probably around twenty-eight feet out); I am so excited to watch him go to work, haha.

Kobblehead · Post #37 » by **Kobblehead** » Fri Jul 8, 2016 4:18 am

Towns vs. Jokic on who becomes a Top 15 player first.

Jpeeezy · Post #38 » by **Jpeeezy** » Fri Jul 8, 2016 5:11 am

Raps fans are pretty high on Norman Powell. Don't think he will be a superstar but was a steal in the second round. Athletic, solid defender and has a decent shot that he is working hard on this summer. Also has a really great attitude and is a student of the game. Filled in well last year when Demarre Carroll was injured. Hoping he will be a solid rotation player for years to come. Really looking forward to seeing his development this year.

Zukkoyaki · Post #39 » by **Zukkoyaki** » Fri Jul 8, 2016 5:19 am

First draft class I've seen where every single lottery pick seems to be a legit NBA player. I could just say all of them but that's too easy.

Real answer is KP. I love his game and his attitude. Hopefully he continues to improve and becomes the face of the Knicks franchise.

SCHeat · Post #40 » by **SCHeat** » Fri Jul 8, 2016 12:59 pm

Gus McCrae wrote:Honest question, where would you guys rank Russell among the sophomores as far as potential going forward?

Probably third behind KAT and KP