2021-22 NBA Rookie Thread (part 2)

[MotownMadness]

Wow Barnes numbers are dropping quick (scoring wise), he needs to add that 3 ball to his game down the road.

[yoyoboy]

Mobley ranks 4th in the league in defensive EPM and 10th in defensive RAPTOR. The metrics are backing up the eye test. Pretty crazy for a rookie to come in and already have that level of impact.

[7r5ur]

I can totally see Cade becoming a Middleton-type player. He’s been better on defense than expected and his decision making is improving as he gets more acclimated. You knew the shot would come around eventually, too, because that was clearly his biggest strength in college. Imo he doesn’t have the size or the first step to be a true number one offensive creator (at least ideally) and superstar but I think he can be a secondary playmaker and 20+ point scorer in time, which would most likely be All-Star level. People who labeled him a bust after a rough start are gonna look dumb.

He has plenty of size for his position and his repertoire of moves and handle is already good enough to where he has no problem getting to his spots. In this regard especially, I think he has looked way better than he did in college and summer league, where this looked to be a real concern. I think the floor being more spaced has really helped him out... Just wait until he gets shooters.

[yoyoboy]

I can totally see Cade becoming a Middleton-type player. He’s been better on defense than expected and his decision making is improving as he gets more acclimated. You knew the shot would come around eventually, too, because that was clearly his biggest strength in college. Imo he doesn’t have the size or the first step to be a true number one offensive creator (at least ideally) and superstar but I think he can be a secondary playmaker and 20+ point scorer in time, which would most likely be All-Star level. People who labeled him a bust after a rough start are gonna look dumb.

He has plenty of size for his position and his repertoire of moves and handle is already good enough to where he has no problem getting to his spots. In this regard especially, I think he has looked way better than he did in college and summer league, where this looked to be a real concern. I think the floor being more spaced has really helped him out... Just wait until he gets shooters.

Is Middleton an insult though? He was just a great second option for a championship team and he’s a perennial 20/5/5 guy who can also defend. If Cade reaches that level or slightly above it, I’d think that’s a fantastic outcome for any prospect.

And sure Cade is crafty enough and big enough to get his spots to score but I’m thinking more in terms of being able to force the defense to collapse with size and strength (LeBron, Giannis, Jokic, and even Luka) or quickness and elite handles (like Harden, Steph, and Trae). I don’t think Cade has that overwhelming ability in either of those areas that can consistently create offensive advantages for the team and I also still don’t think he necessarily has “point” passing ability, so he would function best as the secondary playmaker instead of the primary one. Maybe he proves me wrong, and I’d be happy to see him become a total superstar in order to resurrect Detroit. But I also don’t think it’d be a bad thing if he “only” becomes Middleton.

[LoveMyRaps]

Wow Barnes numbers are dropping quick (scoring wise), he needs to add that 3 ball to his game down the road.

Was expected with Siakam returning. We have 4 other guys averaging 17+ppg (Trent, OG, Siakam, FVV).
Barnes does everything else well. Last night was only his second single digit scoring game, but he still has 7 rebounds, 6 assists (should've had way more if his teammates made their wide open shots), 1 block & 1 steal.
You can tell when you watch him that he just cares about winning and contributing in every way possible. When he has the ball, good things happen. Unfortunately, we have a couple selfish dudes like FVV and Trent that kind of ignore Barnes on the offensive end which is a tad bit annoying.

I do agree with the 3 ball comment though. For whatever reason he stopped attempting 3s... In the early goings of the season he was attempting more 3s and actually made a couple. Would be nice to see him attempt at least 1 per game.

[LoveMyRaps]

Clean

That's what you call a no-look Kuz

[MotownMadness]

Wow Barnes numbers are dropping quick (scoring wise), he needs to add that 3 ball to his game down the road.

Was expected with Siakam returning. We have 4 other guys averaging 17+ppg (Trent, OG, Siakam, FVV).
Barnes does everything else well. Last night was only his second single digit scoring game, but he still has 7 rebounds, 6 assists (should've had way more if his teammates made their wide open shots), 1 block & 1 steal.
You can tell when you watch him that he just cares about winning and contributing in every way possible. When he has the ball, good things happen. Unfortunately, we have a couple selfish dudes like FVV and Trent that kind of ignore Barnes on the offensive end which is a tad bit annoying.

I do agree with the 3 ball comment though. For whatever reason he stopped attempting 3s... In the early goings of the season he was attempting more 3s and actually made a couple. Would be nice to see him attempt at least 1 per game.

Hes still a stud, I was expecting some sort of drop eventually anyways as he was averaging damn near 20 for a good span as a rookie.

[basketballRob]

David Thorpe was on Chad Ford's podcast a couple of weeks ago saying Franz could be a Middleton-type player.

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[RookieStar]

With Mobley reportedly injured for 2 weeks, AND that OG is supposedly injured as well, time for SB to balls out and get his numbers to try to catch up on Mobley's lead.

Question is.. how would this affect Mobley after his hiatus though? Would he still play and post the same numbers after the injury? With OG scoring presence gone, would defenders be able to lock in more on SB as well? Time to find out..

[basketballRob]

Suggs starting at PG against Jrue tonight.

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[7r5ur]

I can totally see Cade becoming a Middleton-type player. He’s been better on defense than expected and his decision making is improving as he gets more acclimated. You knew the shot would come around eventually, too, because that was clearly his biggest strength in college. Imo he doesn’t have the size or the first step to be a true number one offensive creator (at least ideally) and superstar but I think he can be a secondary playmaker and 20+ point scorer in time, which would most likely be All-Star level. People who labeled him a bust after a rough start are gonna look dumb.

He has plenty of size for his position and his repertoire of moves and handle is already good enough to where he has no problem getting to his spots. In this regard especially, I think he has looked way better than he did in college and summer league, where this looked to be a real concern. I think the floor being more spaced has really helped him out... Just wait until he gets shooters.

Is Middleton an insult though? He was just a great second option for a championship team and he’s a perennial 20/5/5 guy who can also defend. If Cade reaches that level or slightly above it, I’d think that’s a fantastic outcome for any prospect.

And sure Cade is crafty enough and big enough to get his spots to score but I’m thinking more in terms of being able to force the defense to collapse with size and strength (LeBron, Giannis, Jokic, and even Luka) or quickness and elite handles (like Harden, Steph, and Trae). I don’t think Cade has that overwhelming ability in either of those areas that can consistently create offensive advantages for the team and I also still don’t think he necessarily has “point” passing ability, so he would function best as the secondary playmaker instead of the primary one. Maybe he proves me wrong, and I’d be happy to see him become a total superstar in order to resurrect Detroit. But I also don’t think it’d be a bad thing if he “only” becomes Middleton.

It's not an insult, Middleton is a great player. However, to kind of cap a guy in a certain range (saying he can't be a primary creator) when Cade is so much further along than Middleton was at the same age seems premature. Cade's handles, vision, and BBIQ are on a totally different level. Midds was a catch and shoot, 1-or-2 dribbles guy almost entirely until his mid-20's. Cade has a lot more in his bag off-the-dribble already, which gives him a different trajectory IMO.

Obviously, anything can happen. We've seen guys come into the league and just plateau immediately. But Cade's history doesn't really follow that path as he's added a lot to his game since high school. We'll have to wait and see.

[Tripod]

With Mobley reportedly injured for 2 weeks, AND that OG is supposedly injured as well, time for SB to balls out and get his numbers to try to catch up on Mobley's lead.

Question is.. how would this affect Mobley after his hiatus though? Would he still play and post the same numbers after the injury? With OG scoring presence gone, would defenders be able to lock in more on SB as well? Time to find out..

OG is out, but Siakam came back.

Scottie has had 2 good games and 3 lower scoring games since Siakam comeback....mind you it also could be his thumb injury that he is playing thru. He is missing more shots than before, bobbling the ball more, and not dunking.

[DroseReturnChi]

Wow Barnes numbers are dropping quick (scoring wise), he needs to add that 3 ball to his game down the road.

you think he was going to be 20 ppg while having no outside shot at all?
this guys dray green raps need to thankful his ft is 80%. he is giannis level raw in offense.
i warned this weeks ago when raps fans were comparing him to mobley with his inflated stats on a bad team.
barnes will only struggle for multiple yrs unless siakam is disposed and he is the franchise guy. raptors is in a mess similar to last yr too many 3rd options they need to blow up masai is scratching his head.

[BoatsNZones]

Donovan Mitchell SHOOTS the tough 3/4th quart heave to end the half. All Curry no 'Bron in this one. Love it.

[DroseReturnChi]

I can totally see Cade becoming a Middleton-type player. He’s been better on defense than expected and his decision making is improving as he gets more acclimated. You knew the shot would come around eventually, too, because that was clearly his biggest strength in college. Imo he doesn’t have the size or the first step to be a true number one offensive creator (at least ideally) and superstar but I think he can be a secondary playmaker and 20+ point scorer in time, which would most likely be All-Star level. People who labeled him a bust after a rough start are gonna look dumb.

this is the correct call. i thought cade was kd esque but hes more of a midget and falls in love with jumpers hes a middleton type.
hes not a superstar nor all nba level i dont think you can include him in the core should be dealt for giannis archetype.
irony is detroit let go of number 1 pick worth for free not sure how much cade is better.

[bkseven]

I can totally see Cade becoming a Middleton-type player. He’s been better on defense than expected and his decision making is improving as he gets more acclimated. You knew the shot would come around eventually, too, because that was clearly his biggest strength in college. Imo he doesn’t have the size or the first step to be a true number one offensive creator (at least ideally) and superstar but I think he can be a secondary playmaker and 20+ point scorer in time, which would most likely be All-Star level. People who labeled him a bust after a rough start are gonna look dumb.

this is the correct call. i thought cade was kd esque but hes more of a midget and falls in love with jumpers hes a middleton type.
hes not a superstar nor all nba level i dont think you can include him in the core should be dealt for giannis archetype.
irony is detroit let go of number 1 pick worth for free not sure how much cade is better.

Midget? Your ass better be 7 feet tall

[7r5ur]

I can totally see Cade becoming a Middleton-type player. He’s been better on defense than expected and his decision making is improving as he gets more acclimated. You knew the shot would come around eventually, too, because that was clearly his biggest strength in college. Imo he doesn’t have the size or the first step to be a true number one offensive creator (at least ideally) and superstar but I think he can be a secondary playmaker and 20+ point scorer in time, which would most likely be All-Star level. People who labeled him a bust after a rough start are gonna look dumb.

this is the correct call. i thought cade was kd esque but hes more of a midget and falls in love with jumpers hes a middleton type.
hes not a superstar nor all nba level i dont think you can include him in the core should be dealt for giannis archetype.
irony is detroit let go of number 1 pick worth for free not sure how much cade is better.

Yeah, earlier in this thread you called him "the worst pick of all time", now he's up near the top of the ROY race and climbing.

omg cade. that statline bust. i think he might be the worst pick of all time.

Meanwhile, back in reality...

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But keep doubling down on your bad takes.

[canada_dry]

What's up with Barnes lately? Seem like he hasn't been as aggressive since Siakam came back. Is he having to defer?

Yes, he is deferring and not being agressive enough, but siakams return also coincides with scotties finger injury...so its hard to say which is playing a bigger part. His effeciency has certainly dropped since the finger injury.

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[buzzkilloton]

Cades is great with the ball in his hands. Just really high IQ. All the scouts who said hes going to be better at the next level with spacing were very correct.

Triple double watch in the 3rd 13 10ast 7 reb for the young star.

[QingJames]

Cade's legit. The rebounding is a pleasant surprise, given he was actually shorter than listed (6'6 instead of 6'8).