Initial impressions of KAT, Bridges, offense and defense

[3toheadmelo]

it's way too early to have any impressions right now. we looked terrible against the hornets but looked like a different team last night. need more games to evaluate. and better competition as well.

[Juco24]

The perimeter defense gave me strong a four hour erection.

[JayTWill]

It's 2 games into the preseason where we just finished playing one of the worst teams from last year that no longer has Jones, Deni or Gafford and replaced them with Jonas, a bunch of rookies and Brogdan in street clothes. We can make predictions but how much information can you really take from a game against a bunch of kids led by Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma?

[Juco24]

It's WAY TOO EARLY but I honestly didn't know Brunson could work the pnr like he's shown (and him & KAT aren't even on the same wavelength yet - let that sink in). JB is the full package plus mentally strong! Defense? I swear Bridges is a better defender than OG and I didn't think that was possible. (We're ready for you, TJ). Their covering for each other on defense is astounding and again... THEY DON'T KNOW EACH OTHERS TENDENCIES YET. If and/or when they gel....

BTW, like how Thibs is using MB in the 2nd unit as lead scorer. Kolek is legit (my apologies sir). He made Hulk look good and I can't help but think about what he could do for Mitch. Payne is who he is... I'll never like him but hopefully he keeps playing well. Lastly, I like Precious better @ the 4 or small increments of stretch 5.

[Iron Mantis]

We have 2 all-NBA offensive talents and 2 all-NBA defensive talents in the starting lineup and a well-respected coach to tie it all together.

Whether we win or lose games in the preseason I think we can be fairly confident that this team's potential will translate in the regular season once the team gels and develops chemistry.

It's reasonable to believe that they will sharpen the bright spots we are currently seeing, and tighten up areas that need improvement.

Any optimism from what you're seeing in the preseason is well founded.

[KnixinSix]

The most immediately noticeable thing about the offense is how much quicker everything happens. There's no point where the ball stagnates so we're going to get better first opportunities. KAT missed some shots but they were quick and in rhythm. Shots he should take and shots he'll eventually make. When he didn't have a quick opportunity the ball moved immediately. With that, KAT actually got 4 OREBs last night and his career best in that cat was under Thibs so we may not be going away from that strategy completely. Very optimistic look at him.

Our wing defense is incredible. That will allow KAT to stick to on-ball situations, which is his strength. It's a different look from last year but one that shows promising initial fruit.

Soooo agreed!

There might be a couple ISOs here and there but it seems it will be more an occasional thing to switch it up vs ball heavy ISO sets repeatedly.

[KnixinSix]

It's 2 games into the preseason where we just finished playing one of the worst teams from last year that no longer has Jones, Deni or Gafford and replaced them with Jonas, a bunch of rookies and Brogdan in street clothes. We can make predictions but how much information can you really take from a game against a bunch of kids led by Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma?

Sometimes its jist an impression based on seeing just how smart/fitting the initial Xs and Os look and then just knowing the immense PROVEN talent that already is on this team.

So while its just two games you can already see that Thibs plan looks like it will absolutely put this high level talent assembled in prime opportunities to succeed

[KnixinSix]

We have 2 all-NBA offensive talents and 2 all-NBA defensive talents in the starting lineup and a well-respected coach to tie it all together.

Whether we win or lose games in the preseason I think we can be fairly confident that this team's potential will translate in the regular season once the team gels and develops chemistry.

It's reasonable to believe that they will sharpen the bright spots we are currently seeing, and tighten up areas that need improvement.

Any optimism from what you're seeing in the preseason is well founded.

Perspective.

[RHODEY]

Yes just two games in but we are starting to see the X's and O's of what Thibs is trying to do with this team.


Just a few of my observations but would love to hear everyone else's:

-The pick and pop and pick and roll with KAT and Brunson has the potential to be lethal.

-KAT isn't just going to shoot the 3 but he will also drive to the basket. He has a ridiculous like what 20 FTs already in two games?

-Not worried about KATs 3 ball not going down yet, it's way early and sometimes players take a few games to get in rhythm with the deep shot especially on a new team. The quality of the looks was more impressive at this point.

-Spacing of the team looks amazing.

-The way both Bridges and OG disrupt the flow of opposing offenses is going to be a sight to behold this year. You could already see evidence of it last night. We had 16 steals and Washington had 30 turnovers. Thirty!

- We did look a bit softer in the middle and team's will drive a little more against us. Hopefully that changes when Mitch comes back and/or Hukporti quickly gets up to speed.

Good post. What I'll add this....its way way early, but I think Kolek will be a special player...he just knows how to play, how to run a team , and when to shoot. As far as our lineup, I want OG at the 3 and Bridges at the 2 and Hart coming off the bench.

Regarding Tows, he's a much better or quicker and/or willing passer than I expected, Ill be interested to see what his assist stats will look like .


PS free TJ Warren , dude is still a walking bucket.

Kolek is a natural 1 who may be an even better passer than Brunson. Super high BBIQ. I cant believe we found another post-lottery gem.

Its no knock on Brunson, but yes the eye test says he's a better passer. Best in the draft and he displays all the traits of an elite play maker.

[3toheadmelo]

Im honestly holding off giving my impressions until like game 15 of the regular season. Never forget we went undefeated in the preseason with Kemba and Fournier and we saw how that season went.

[NY2k1]

Im honestly holding off giving my impressions until like game 15 of the regular season. Never forget we went undefeated in the preseason with Kemba and Fournier and we saw how that season went.

Yeah. I learned a longgg time ago for any sport that preseason means nothing for the most part.

[Jalen Bluntson]

[KnixinSix]

Im honestly holding off giving my impressions until like game 15 of the regular season. Never forget we went undefeated in the preseason with Kemba and Fournier and we saw how that season went.

Yeah. I learned a longgg time ago for any sport that preseason means nothing for the most part.

I get it. But those teams had fatal flaws in terms of being able to play Thibs defensive system.

When you have Bridges, OG, Hart and McBride. Not 1 or 2 or 3 but 4 elite defensive talents and then two all star scorers at the 1 and 5, that usually is a very good sign.

[Moose]

I think the team is better with Hart off the bench. He doesn't seem aggressive enough right now with the starting unit.

I rather see him run with the second unit and close ouT games when necessary.

I think Precious next to KAT can work, especially if Precious can hit the corner three. But we would need an other useful big off the bench and Sims ain't it. Maybe Hukporti can give some minutes at center, but this is going to be a problem until Mitch comes back or we find a way to improve that part of the roster.

Brunson, McBride, Bridges, OG, Towns?

For certain matchups, perhaps.

Some things remain to be seen still, but for Hart, I think for what he's best at, it makes more sense for him to come off the bench. He can push the pace and be more aggressive on offensive. Right now, it feels like his impact is a little lost?

One problem is we don't have a reliable big after Towns and Precious so rotations can become tricky if you start Precious next to Towns right now.

[Capn'O]

Results may vary but I think you can comment on style of play. Especially in a game that gave heavy minutes to starters from both squads. We definitely saw differences that I don't think are a function of sample.

[2010]

Yes just two games in but we are starting to see the X's and O's of what Thibs is trying to do with this team.


Just a few of my observations but would love to hear everyone else's:

-The pick and pop and pick and roll with KAT and Brunson has the potential to be lethal.

-KAT isn't just going to shoot the 3 but he will also drive to the basket. He has a ridiculous like what 20 FTs already in two games?

-Not worried about KATs 3 ball not going down yet, it's way early and sometimes players take a few games to get in rhythm with the deep shot especially on a new team. The quality of the looks was more impressive at this point.

-Spacing of the team looks amazing.

-The way both Bridges and OG disrupt the flow of opposing offenses is going to be a sight to behold this year. You could already see evidence of it last night. We had 16 steals and Washington had 30 turnovers. Thirty!

- We did look a bit softer in the middle and team's will drive a little more against us. Hopefully that changes when Mitch comes back and/or Hukporti quickly gets up to speed.

Good post. What I'll add this....its way way early, but I think Kolek will be a special player...he just knows how to play, how to run a team , and when to shoot. As far as our lineup, I want OG at the 3 and Bridges at the 2 and Hart coming off the bench.

Regarding Tows, he's a much better or quicker and/or willing passer than I expected, Ill be interested to see what his assist stats will look like .


PS free TJ Warren , dude is still a walking bucket.

Kolek is a natural 1 who may be an even better passer than Brunson. Super high BBIQ. I cant believe we found another post-lottery gem.

Kolek is without a doubt a better passer than Brunson. Not even up for debate.

[Kampuchea]

Would love adding a center to hold things down when Mitch is out.

[KnixinSix]

Would love adding a center to hold things down when Mitch is out.

Maybe the incredible Huk will surprise!!!

[Clyde_Style]

The most immediately noticeable thing about the offense is how much quicker everything happens. There's no point where the ball stagnates so we're going to get better first opportunities. KAT missed some shots but they were quick and in rhythm. Shots he should take and shots he'll eventually make. When he didn't have a quick opportunity the ball moved immediately. With that, KAT actually got 4 OREBs last night and his career best in that cat was under Thibs so we may not be going away from that strategy completely. Very optimistic look at him.

Our wing defense is incredible. That will allow KAT to stick to on-ball situations, which is his strength. It's a different look from last year but one that shows promising initial fruit.

I continue to believe they built this team to dethrone the Celtics. KAT can defend KP. Our wings take on Brown and Tatum. Matches made in heaven.

[Parraknick]

Brunson becoming a 20/10 guy looks possible with KAT here. Now no one needs to fear the ball sticking