Ice Man wrote:FrodoBaggins wrote:Tough game against a generational defense. Still, Cooper was able to put up 16 points, continue his good 2PT scoring (5/8, 62.5%), and get to the free-throw line (6/6).
Counting FTs and the charge that he was whistled for, Cooper scored 16 points on 12 attempts in the paint against OKC, which equates to 133 points per 100 possessions, which is unbeatably good.
And he scored 0 points on 3 shots outside the paint, which equates to 0 points per 100 possessions, which is unwinanbly bad.
His jump shot is so bad right now -- most aren't even close, they're both drifting wide and either too long or too short -- and his drives so effective, even against OKC's interior defense, that I think he's reached the stage where he shouldn't shoot at all from outside the paint. I mean, not once, not even to "keep the defense honest." After all, the defense is already sagging on him rather than challenging any of his jump shots, yet he's still bricking those shots and is highly effective on his drives. So, don't bother. Work, work, work on that jump shot outside of the games, and when it starts to seem more reliable, begin testing it under battle conditions.
As you might guess, I'm a big believer in having rookies play to their strengths. The NBA is a damn tough league -- best to start by having success where you can have success, then add to the repertoire with experience.
Agreed. Obviously, you want a three-point shot in the arsenal, and it should come in time. But I don't think it'd be "make or break" even if it doesn't. The way that his drives, rim scoring, non-RA paint touch, and short mid-range are developing gives him a legitimate avenue to a high-end offensive outcome. Like LeBron or Giannis-lite at the rim, but with a far superior 3-16 ft game with short jumpers and hook shots.
But I'm sure the three-ball will come around in time.