DCZards wrote:I get the concerns about Dillingham’s size and defense. But from what I’ve seen his ability to bend defenses and get to the rim are among his strengths.
I agree with what they say about him on NBA draft net:
Excellent body control when driving through the paint – is able to slip between defenders and get into position to get shots up despite traffic and congestion in the paint. Is extremely creative at creating shots at all three levels …
Okay there is a bizarre way that perhaps it could work. But it is totally counterintuitive. Let me work this out.
To me it would seem this team would be the absolute worst place for Dillingham in terms of roster chemistry. According to Cal Dillingham was complaining about his role. By contrast Coach Cal intimated that he gave Dillingham a long leash, compared to former players who were asking him why he got away with freelancing so much. John Wall among them even.
We already see Jordan Poole with the same free run. Seems to me he would be the worst role model of how to play in the league. Showboat. Look off your teammates, go one-on-five, only kick out late in the clock when you have used up all your options and force teammates to heave up a prayer. Play no defense. Play small. Have no accountability.
HOWEVER. DIllingham is quicker than Poole. Craftier. Quicker decision making. His moves actually lead to open shots. Dillingham's razzle dazzle does not betray an irrational confidence in his abilities, but in fact, shows a confidence backed up by accomplishment. As for role model, Poole is noted by all teammates on both squads (with the notable exception of Draymond) to be a good teammate and among the hardest working guys in the gym. A guy who clawed his way out of the G League and into a star contract by emulating Curry's work ethic and focus.
If we had the Jordan Poole that he thinks he is. The Jordan Poole of his imagination. The Jordan Poole of the championship run, even. We would have had an entertaining year. What we were expecting: high scoring uptempo shootouts, fun to watch and still earning us defensive losses and high lotto tickets.
Dillingham has looked like that guy for the past couple years. That was what earned him one of the biggest NIL deals in college this year when he was recruited to Kentucky from the Overtime Elite league. He brings all the razzle dazzle. Yes he looks like a 6th man of the year type at his peak. But that is a real role. Useful still even in a league that may be tilting back towards defense. We have no go-to scorers this year and have had to rely on Kyle Kuzma for the role. We need a guy who is creative at getting his points and bends the defense towards him in a useful way. I personally think both Jamaal Crawford and Lou WIlliams should be in the Hall of Fame. If we get that guy, it lets us trade off Poole and Dills from night to night, depending on whoever is hot. And if we get a string of high scoring games from Poole, maybe it looks reasonable to trade him since we already have a rookie coming up in that role.
If there are lessons that the 25 year old Poole can pass on, in any positive way, from his GSW years, and from working out of G League purgatory. Or wrinkles that he can add to his game. Then Dillingham is the exact sort of player who can emulate them. Maybe they spark each other in practice team shootouts. Maybe that translates into on court firepower, And on defense: it still earns us lotto tickets.
Granted. It surely drives Deni mad. Our defense would be awful. But you know, maybe it is just crazy enough to work. Or maybe it is just crazy.