stuporman wrote:ibraheim718 wrote:stuporman wrote:
When the team's primary option is Randle he doesn't do much for team chemistry, his assists don't translate into great team offense. With no PG to run the offense a young guy like RJ as a second option often is generating his own opportunities so it will result as inconsistent production and the team suffers because they need him to produce effectively and efficiently.
With a PG like Brunson who will be getting the team into sets, breaking down the defense and spraying the ball around when he isn't converting at the high rate he's known for RJ will benefit from the stability and consistency he brings as a PG. So it's possible he will improve his efficiency and consistency even if his counting stats and shots go down a little bit because he's now the third option.
Of course if Mitchell comes along that forces RJ even further down the food chain on offense but this is the long run could be an incredible opportunity for him to work on his game and improve without the pressure of the team's fortunes falling on him and his development. Which means in 4 years when he's coming into his own prime we will see a more finished product without lamenting the growing pains.
It comes down to two things.. 1 not really committing to your 3rd pick as any kind of franchise player and 2 not really knowing how to build a team properly.
I think labels like 'franchise player' get thrown around casually but we have to take those labels and throw them away completely. RJ was one of the youngest players in his draft class and was coming in having quite a few things to improve on since he was so young relying on natural talent so much.
A team getting the number 3 pick is going to be a pretty bad one and the previous regime didn't have a real clear vision for the team. Then a change in FO with them spinning the player carousel trying to level up the talent didn't do him any favors but he still improved every season.
Let's see if the vision this FO has for the team can stabilize the franchise and allow RJ to flourish so possibly reach his potential. He may not ever become a number 1 option but a player who is a super productive well rounded 2nd or 3 option is very valuable to winning teams.
Time will tell obviously.
I disagree. A franchise player is a player you build around if you don't have one you're not winning anything.
Tim Duncan was a franchise player, Steph Curry is a franchise player. Do you really think Golden State plays the same style of basketball of which they revolutionized without Steph Curry?
Lebron James is a franchise player. Kevin Garnett was a franchise player. These are guys that are so good you build around them.
If you don't have one or don't know what one looks like then WTF are we doing here?
Is RJ a franchise player? I don't know they haven't treated him like one.