The Gradey Dick Thread Part 2

[Duffman100]

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I like it. I feel like that guy is overly optimistic in certain ways as Dick has looked pretty bad on defense in the G league and NBA this season.

But I do see some optimism that he could be a meh to average defender which would be a really win.

[Ell Curry]

I like it. I feel like that guy is overly optimistic in certain ways as Dick has looked pretty bad on defense in the G league and NBA this season.

But I do see some optimism that he could be a meh to average defender which would be a really win.

It's survivor-bias uh, biased, because the truly bad defenders probably wash out of the league, but are there really any truly terrible 6'8 defenders in the NBA? Feels like it's mostly shorter guards (and used to be some big men who were offensively skilled like Kanter or Jahlil Okafor, but they don't stay in the league anymore). He's 6'8 and gives a crap, which probably means he's going to settle in as a bit below average on the ball and average off the ball.

[Brinbe]

He's gonna be tested/bullied whenever he's out there, especially as a rook, we'e seen it. But during his recent upward stretch I do like that he's already found ways to counter that by having good anticipation/beating guys to spots/absorbing that contact and he looks like he could be a good charge taker. Already much better compared to Scottie at least lol

Looking forward to him getting way more PT once Gary's hopefully out of the picture.

[Dalek]

He's gonna be tested/bullied whenever he's out there, especially as a rook, we'e seen it. But during his recent upward stretch I do like that he's already found ways to counter that by having good anticipation/beating guys to spots/absorbing that contact and he looks like he could be a good charge taker. Already much better compared to Scottie at least lol

Looking forward to him getting way more PT once Gary's hopefully out of the picture.

I agree that Gradey is going to be targeted on defense, but I see your points about his kind of heady opportunistic play. He has been taking a couple charges and willing to stick his nose in for boards or steals that show him making an impact. I know I prefer stronger defenders, but he has some game smarts to him.

I really just want him to work on the close-outs. He is quick enough to be there on time but he needs to avoid contact on shooters. Those moments need to be cut out.

[Brinbe]

He's gonna be tested/bullied whenever he's out there, especially as a rook, we'e seen it. But during his recent upward stretch I do like that he's already found ways to counter that by having good anticipation/beating guys to spots/absorbing that contact and he looks like he could be a good charge taker. Already much better compared to Scottie at least lol

Looking forward to him getting way more PT once Gary's hopefully out of the picture.

I agree that Gradey is going to be targeted on defense, but I see your points about his kind of heady opportunistic play. He has been taking a couple charges and willing to stick his nose in for boards or steals that show him making an impact. I know I prefer stronger defenders, but he has some game smarts to him.

I really just want him to work on the close-outs. He is quick enough to be there on time but he needs to avoid contact on shooters. Those moments need to be cut out.

that's definitely an aspect of things that he's still behind on, especially screen navigation/staying with his man and the general speed of things flow. he can get turned around pretty easily, but he's not the only one.

people talk about how defense doesn't exist anymore but actually playing defense has never been as hard mentally/physically, considering how spaced teams are and the speed/complexity of these modern offenses. Not exactly just throwing it into the post or letting players iso for an entire shot clock anymore.

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[alpngso]

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Be at least below average on D to stick in the league. You can’t be hunted like Austin Reaves

Reps and strength hopefully will help him

[mrdressup]

He showing more than enough right now to think that he' ll be a very solid player for us.

[Vampirate]

He's gonna be tested/bullied whenever he's out there, especially as a rook, we'e seen it. But during his recent upward stretch I do like that he's already found ways to counter that by having good anticipation/beating guys to spots/absorbing that contact and he looks like he could be a good charge taker. Already much better compared to Scottie at least lol

Looking forward to him getting way more PT once Gary's hopefully out of the picture.

I basically said.

Gradey is basically a taller, longer, smarter version on Gary himself.

[wherescomegys]

Tonight nobody found Gradey. When they did look his way, I counted 5 deflected balls on passes, of which 3 were turnovers. He was parked on the weak side for his second half minutes. Nothing run his way or for him.

To his credit, he finds other ways to contribute. Tonight it was play making and rebounding. D wasn’t bad - he got hunted but not abused.

[ForeverTFC]

1 shot in 20 minutes for Gradey is not acceptable. Overall, I think Darko needs to do a better job dictating who's hands some of our shots end up in.

[Appostis]

Tonight nobody found Gradey. When they did look his way, I counted 5 deflected balls on passes, of which 3 were turnovers. He was parked on the weak side for his second half minutes. Nothing run his way or for him.

To his credit, he finds other ways to contribute. Tonight it was play making and rebounding. D wasn’t bad - he got hunted but not abused.

It was a solid game for him to be honest, just no opportunities.

[ForeverTFC]

He's gonna be tested/bullied whenever he's out there, especially as a rook, we'e seen it. But during his recent upward stretch I do like that he's already found ways to counter that by having good anticipation/beating guys to spots/absorbing that contact and he looks like he could be a good charge taker. Already much better compared to Scottie at least lol

Looking forward to him getting way more PT once Gary's hopefully out of the picture.

I basically said.

Gradey is basically a taller, longer, smarter version on Gary himself.

Gradey passes the ball...

[Thaddy]

Gary is a gunner and Dick needs to become a gunner too.

[ash_k]

1 shot in 20 minutes for Gradey is not acceptable. Overall, I think Darko needs to do a better job dictating who's hands some of our shots end up in.

4 assists and 3 rebounds.
I certainly have my doubts about Darko's coaching(lackthereof), however with Gradey we will have to expect much more than just scoring/FGA&FGM

Just like his NCAA Tournament first round game
19pts 11 rebounds 5 assists 3 steals 3-for-5 from 3: Just to show how he is much more than just shooting.

[Yallbecrazy]

RJ Barrett has been the guy to drive the basket and kick the ball out to Dick when the help comes. No one else has really been able to consistently create enough to get him open and then find him when he is.

[Indeed]

He's gonna be tested/bullied whenever he's out there, especially as a rook, we'e seen it. But during his recent upward stretch I do like that he's already found ways to counter that by having good anticipation/beating guys to spots/absorbing that contact and he looks like he could be a good charge taker. Already much better compared to Scottie at least lol

Looking forward to him getting way more PT once Gary's hopefully out of the picture.

I basically said.

Gradey is basically a taller, longer, smarter version on Gary himself.

Gradey passes the ball...

Better defensive aweness, but hard to see him being a starter on a contender due to his defense (same role as Trent), unless he becomes an elite lights out shooter with pull up 3s, which I dont expect.

[MiamiSPX]

I thought he was fine last night. He was targeted on D a bit but that is to be expected.

[OakleyDokely]

CHI was playing him tight. Just having the reputation as a shooter helps to space the floor.

[hyper316]

CHI was playing him tight. Just having the reputation as a shooter helps to space the floor.

I get he was played tight, but no tighter than Trent who was able to get his shot off contested

[ArthurVandelay]

Gary is a gunner and Dick needs to become a gunner too.

Within the flow of the game, absolutely.

Shot hunting? No thanks. Looking forward to watching lots of good team ball in the coming years.