Snidely FC wrote:Detroit received a massive contribution from second-year forward Ausar Thompson, who had repeatedly proved to be Detroit's best defender on Brunson but has often been too inconsistent on offense -- and too foul-prone on defense -- to play in late-game, high-leverage moments.
Thompson was far more composed Tuesday, scoring 22 points in 29 minutes -- on only 10 shots -- allowing Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff to use him in place of the smaller Dennis Schroder down the stretch against Brunson.
As such, Brunson had by far his worst game of the series, shooting just 6-for-16 for 16 points. He'd scored 30 points or more in each of the four previous games against Detroit. And, for the first time all series, there was no explosive fourth quarter from the All-NBA performer.
Said Brunson of Thompson: "He's a great defender, with the way he's been able to pick up and do all the things [he does]. Me, personally, and us as a team, we need to figure out how to combat that."
I put this quote about Thompson here because people keep saying we should take Edgecombe for his defensive prowess, which compensates for his average shooting and handles, and that it's okay to take an undersized wing like VJ since the team already has size with LaMelo at PG. Compare Ausur Thompson who is 6'7 w a 7' wingspan so his size is a weapon. I don't understand tabbing VJ who is 6'3 with a 6'5 wingspan (as measured at Nike Summit) as a defensive stopper when he will be undersized to guard many NBA wings. In the NBA size can be a weapon too.
this post had me rewatch Wilsons post about Penda and Fleming. They have the size and ability to defend 1-3/4ish.
Rasheer is also an efficient shooter who could be a Thompson type wing, just don't expect him to put it on the floor or create.
While Penda is very intriguing as a prospect. If we miss out on a top 3 star spot, I would definitely listen to offers to trade back to get Penda.
I love a smart player and with the defensive skills there is a lot of Daniels about him. He is the complete opposite of Salaun
https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/noah-pendas-plug-and-play-potential
;t=35s
Noah Penda has been rock-solid from deep this season. He’s hitting 35.4% of his threes on 2.8 attempts per game while playing 26.4 minutes per contest. A hefty majority of his triples come off of spot-ups. He’s not an ultra-dynamic, fly-off-of-screens shooter or a high-volume bomber. Still, he’s not a “totally stationary shots only” guy and can move into his jumper a little bit. Plus, he’s shown a willingness to take them from comfortably behind the line. He also does a good job of getting the ball out quickly off the catch, which allows him to maximize his openings and punish defenses for late rotations. The apex of his release and the consistency of his mechanics also allow his shot to hold up well in the face of tough contests.
;t=28s
A big part of Penda’s appeal is his ability to contribute offensively in low-maintenance ways. He can score effectively without monopolizing the ball. One way he does this is through his work on the offensive glass. Penda uses his strong frame, lift, and toughness to win battles for contested boards. His 8.6 ORB% is an impressive mark for a prospect, and when he collects a rebound, he has good touch and a light second jump, enabling him to convert efficiently. Per Synergy, he ranks in the 73rd percentile on putbacks among international players. He thrives as a cutter, too, ranking in the 89th percentile on those play types. Penda’s ability to read the floor (more on that shortly!) enables him to find holes in the defense. He acts immediately when he senses opportunity, and his powerful build and bounce help him to convert when he gets rewarded. If he can prove to be a consistent shooter, his knack for putbacks and cuts should make him one of the most well-rounded off-ball scorers in this class.
Penda is wise beyond his years as a ball-mover. He’s totally selfless and loves to spread the wealth. It’s evident on the stat sheet, as he averages 2.7 APG to 1.7 TOV. His 16.7 AST% grades out well for a forward. On the perimeter, Penda is able to effectively hot-potato the ball to keep defenses rotating. He’s also particularly adept at continuing advantages. He’ll take advantages of driving lanes that open up in tilted defenses, head downhill, and then punish the next rotation with a well-timed dish. He sees well on the go and utilizes his length to create advantageous passing angles. Beyond that, Penda operates with a level of flare, fluidity, and creativity that few players of his size can match. He’s able to mix in unique, unexpected passes that freeze defenses, but hee can also adjust and make on-the-fly decisions deep in the paint to get the best shot possible for his team. Penda has everything you could want from a role player when it comes to playmaking. He’s not going to dribble the air out of the ball or try to do too much—he’s going to reliably make the right decisions quickly. But inevitably, times arise throughout the course of games where players have to do more than the bare minimum. Not only can Penda stay above board in those circumstances—he can be downright devastating.
Noah Penda’s off-ball defense is a thing of beauty. He processes the game exceptionally quickly. At times, it almost feels like he’s moving in direct parallel with the flow of the opposing offense, stifling any potential advantages before they have the chance to arise. Penda does a great job of getting into position as the low man and preventing easy looks at the basket. He plays with great poise, consistently monitoring man and ball. Penda is often visibly communicating, talking and pointing things out to his teammates. When he closes out, he displays sublime balance. His timing allows him to make plays on the ball, whether it’s getting his hands on a poorly executed pass or rotating to nab a block. His 3.3 STL% and 5.6 BLK% are both outstanding numbers for a player his age.
He’s tough to deal with on the ball, too. His strength, agility, and timing enable him to play tight on the ball. He moves his hands quickly to mirror the movements of his opponents, and while he can be a bit heavy-footed at times, he’s also capable of playing light on his feet. A number of his blocks come from contested jumpers. He gets off the floor with the greatest of ease while using his ball-tracking skills to swat shots before they get anywhere near the basket. His combination of size and fluidity will make him a formidable NBA defender. Not only do his tools and instincts prevent him from being a hunting target, but they’ll make him a problematic opponent for a variety of player types. Add in his off-ball play, measurements, and feel, and Penda projects to be a valuable NBA defender.
every real scout has to include the warts:
Right now, Penda’s biggest offensive problem area is his finishing ability as a driver. Per Synergy, has a 28.6 eFG% on his scoring possessions as a driver this season. On tape, a few things stick out. The first is that Penda’s first step is a bit slow. Additionally, he can get choppy with his strides to the basket. He doesn’t get from Point A to Point B quickly, which allows rim protectors to get into proper position and gives his defender time to get back into the play. There’s a somewhat surprising lack of craft downhill too, given how creative he can be as a passer. He doesn’t look to counter or change pace much downhill, instead trudging along at one speed into a contested rim attempt. Penda also forces looks from distant takeoff points at times, too. Not all hope is lost, though—his strength enables him to hold his line downhill, and when assisted, he’s proven that he can get it done as an interior finisher. By developing his attacking handle and maximizing his athleticism from a burst standpoint, there’s an avenue for Penda to attain respectability here.
to sum it up, if we can't draft a star then he is the next best thing.
at 6’8” and 225 pounds with a well-rounded, high-value skill set, he has all the tools needed to make things easier for star-player teammates.
also has Bravor's stamp of approval and he knows him pretty well.
bravor wrote:
I really doubt Penda becomes a 2nd rounder. He's too good all around player (never gonna be a star though, but he's a 'clinic' facilitator, potentially an Ingles playing well on both ends - knowing defense and versatility are his strength right now, but he's improved for the shooting part)
Since he's in my home team, i will let you know how he develops (and Diawara from Cholet, who is another point forward very strong defensively even though he's only started to play agressively in offense - he has a decent 3 point though).
But i am with you with the idea of geting a defensive minded wing, esp. after leting Eason go. Penda being a great iq player being a major plus as even when the shot does not fall, he still contribute to winning games.
For me at their age he is better than Risacher (who is still a nice player, but his ceiling is probably a Bogdanovic type more than a - pre Charlotte - Batum clone)
he sounds perfect between Ball, Miller
) could be a nice 3D point forward pick for Charlotte, either as a draft and stash or even in the team to develop as a facilitator as well. He is a much more reliable 3 point shooter in offense, but his dribble is really not. He lacks agressivity in offense because of that (with a really limited skillset). But in defense he's really solid, does the dirty job and like Penda he has a really strong frame, with (i think) better wingspan. Could be a good second rounder
