The OFFICIAL Rookie impressions thread

[Hendrix]

I think one of the problems with Val is he never touches the ball. He's pretty great at setting picks and rolling, but in the last 2 games (which I've watched 1.5 of those games) he's never been passed the ball in those situations. I'm pretty sure I've only seen him being passed the ball a few times in the last could games total. Also, it seems like they don't really run P+R plays with him, but rather just want him to add lib high screens into the offence, which doesn't always work well if the spacing on the floor isn't good or the PG+Val arn't on the same wavelength. I think it's understandable that they arn't going to run plays for a rook though, and it could take some time for the teams offence to mesh.

His defence hasn't been as good the last few games either. Most of the defensive problems seem correctable though. He's been good in terms of positioning, and guarding the P+R. It's more to do with putting on some size, and getting some 1vs. 1 experience against skilled bigs under his belt.

[Johnlac1]

I almost like Meyers Leonard as much as Lillard. I love his motor, he's a great athlete for a big and he plays smart.

I'd wait about two years on Leonard. Leonard is one of those players who would have benefited greatly from another year or two in college. But I wouldn't have turned down the money either. He's raw but has a big upside.

[TB]

Really liking what I see from Barnes and Ezeli. Stats don't jump out, but they have played like veteran glue guys for the Warriors.

Barnes has already hit some clutch jumpers and did what I didn't think he could do, which is take his man off the dribble and get into the lane with ease.

While Ezeli is just an absolute rock in the middle. Going to be a great rotation big behind Bogut.

[Hero]

I like Ezeli. Barnes seems small out there. Saw him get pushed around a fair bit but haven't watched too much of GS yet.

I thought Val was going well?

He's going all right. Centre isn't the easiest position to play at right out of the league with how big and strong some of these guys are. He needs to learn from his mistakes and still looks raw to me.

[theycallmeZZ]

First 3 matchups were Hibbert, Lopez and Pek. Now everyone is turning on Val?

[Kabookalu]

First 3 matchups were Hibbert, Lopez and Pek. Now everyone is turning on Val?

I haven't turned on him at all.

[BoomFizzle]

I really can't believe the amount of love for Meyers Leonard. First of all, yes he could be good one day and he definitely has potential. However as of right now he should not even be in the rotation for an NBA team. He doesn't do a single thing well and that is not blind hating.

Poor rebounder
Horrendously slow rotations, which pretty much nullifies his shot-blocking capabilities
Insanely slow feet and complete lack of awareness on man-to-man defense
Offensive game devoid of any particular move or shooting ability

Basically, he can run the floor reasonably well for a big guy and finish the odd highlight alley-oop. By all means - just like Stotts - continue to overrate him purely based on his age and height... yes I'm mad, FREE JOEL

[JohnnyKILLroy]

I got Barnes on my fantasy team. For people who watch more GS Basketball than I do - How do you see his production from here on out now that Rush is out. Jack and RJ getting more minutes has me worried. Do you guys think he'll get to 30 minutes a game?

[Left Side Drive]

I got Barnes on my fantasy team. For people who watch more GS Basketball than I do - How do you see his production from here on out now that Rush is out. Jack and RJ getting more minutes has me worried. Do you guys think he'll get to 30 minutes a game?

I only watched one full GS game this season and from what I saw Mark Jackson is more comfortable with Jefferson on the floor even using him for extended minutes. Barnes still a rookie with a lack of experience and also gets abused by bigger veterans. The only way I think he can get consistent minutes would be if he starts going on a hot streak like a 3 games straight shooting 50% and scoring over 15 points per game.

[JWiLL02]

You can tell Val is playing with a lot of nervous energy. He's second guessing a lot of his offensive moves instead of just reacting naturally. I think his mid range jumper will end up being a valuable weapon, but he's rushing it right now or hesitating when he does have an opening.

That said, he still had a double double in the opener. He's further along than most expected from the start and will only improve as his nerves settle and he finds a better rhythm with the guards.

[whocurrz]

Just want to thank all Portland/ Damian Lillard fans for hyping him up since summer league. Read those threads and decided to take a chance on him and drafted him in like the 13th round of my fantasy draft. Steal of the draft so far

[PToastMan]

Just want to thank all Portland/ Damian Lillard fans for hyping him up since summer league. Read those threads and decided to take a chance on him and drafted him in like the 13th round of my fantasy draft. Steal of the draft so far

And people like to say that nothing good comes of us over-hyping our rookies

[Shem]

Just want to thank all Portland/ Damian Lillard fans for hyping him up since summer league. Read those threads and decided to take a chance on him and drafted him in like the 13th round of my fantasy draft. Steal of the draft so far

You should see all the hate Lillard got before, during, and after the draft. Oh, and all the hate after Summer League and even till this day from some Blazer fans.

[The Sebastian Express]

To be fair this time it wasn't even really us. I think we've been tempered after the Roy/Oden injury fiasco of 2007-2011.

[The Sebastian Express]

Just want to thank all Portland/ Damian Lillard fans for hyping him up since summer league. Read those threads and decided to take a chance on him and drafted him in like the 13th round of my fantasy draft. Steal of the draft so far

You should see all the hate Lillard got before, during, and after the draft. Oh, and all the hate after Summer League and even till this day from some Blazer fans.

Listen, just because I made the frontpage of the RG draft coverage with my comment about being furious at the pick..

[EvanZ]

I got Barnes on my fantasy team. For people who watch more GS Basketball than I do - How do you see his production from here on out now that Rush is out. Jack and RJ getting more minutes has me worried. Do you guys think he'll get to 30 minutes a game?

I only watched one full GS game this season and from what I saw Mark Jackson is more comfortable with Jefferson on the floor even using him for extended minutes. Barnes still a rookie with a lack of experience and also gets abused by bigger veterans. The only way I think he can get consistent minutes would be if he starts going on a hot streak like a 3 games straight shooting 50% and scoring over 15 points per game.

In the game against the Clippers, Jackson stayed with Barnes in the fourth quarter and he made two clutch shots down the stretch. Barnes has game. What's really interesting is that the thing that people were most concerned about (shot selection/volume shooting) has so far not been a concern at all. He's been very judicious with his shot selection.

[Hero]

First 3 matchups were Hibbert, Lopez and Pek. Now everyone is turning on Val?

I haven't turned on him at all.

I like him and have high hopes too but I don't think he's gonna be close to Lillard and Davis for rookie of the year. I just want to see some solid improvements from him as he learns throughout the season.

[samueldestroyer]

Festus Ezeli is the second best big in the draft

what a steal

[myconsumerclub]

Jae Crowder is looking fantastic every time he gets on the court and for a guy drafted at 33 he's the steal of the draft. Marion tweaked something so Jae could start next game be sure and check him out he can flat out hit the 3 very accurately and is quick enough to take on SG's and strong enough to play against power forwards. Reminds many of Ron Artest in his prime.

[SmoothKobra]

Waiters with 20 points through 3 quarters. Not bad