On Robbins takes:
I do think Bilal doesn't break out until his next contract. Gives hope that we lock him in cheap-ish and then benefit from a late surge.
I'm not really fussing if he has a roller coaster year again. I too am not worried about his Euro play since a) he was injured and b) they used him wrong. I'm still betting on his upside once he is under the radar.
I would agree with Robbins that Sarr's development this year is key, and I like the signs I saw at Eurobasket. Getting more comfort down low, his continued growth on defense. I actually think he may have passed Bilal as our best defensive player.
I like his excitement on Kyshawn, that he may have the highest ceiling of the guys drafted last year. I don't think so due to Sarr's unmatched athleticism at that size. But his toolsy-ness does suggest he earns the most PT or is featured in the most line-ups this year.
Cam Whitmore. Various scouts and pundits talk about his defensive ability and potential, usually with a 'but' attached having to do with consistent effort and focus. This to me is his stealth swing talent. If he fully committed to defense first, and developed better habits, I think he can be a game changer. I just think he's be trying to earn notice for his offense, gunning to be recognized, if not by coaching staff then by fans and peers and public opinion. Coach BK does seem to be able to reach and teach young players to improve their effort, even if it hasn't translated into the best offense in the league. Certainly a player like Kyshawn George was not known for his consistent energy on defense and that proved a revelation this year. I think surrounding Cam with bulldog defenders like Key, Champagnie, maybe Watkins, Bilal when healthy, will provide an example and competition. A winnable competition, he wasn't going to out-effort or out-athlete Amen Thompson. Here he is the most athletic guy on the team, I'd say even edging Bilal in terms of the combination of strength and quicks.
On CJ and Middleton. I hope both lean into the mentorship role while they are on this team, that the energy and attitude of this young core inspires these two to take ownership in helping them develop. I know MIddleton is quiet to the point of seeming sullen. But his game is exactly what I'd like to see our players develop. If you look at his shot charts he is
efficient from every level. You can plug him into any roster as a perfect 2nd or 3rd scorer, he doesn't demand touches just finishes plays when he has the ball. Given that most of our players don't figure to be 1A scorers, you'd love to see them learn how to fill in the spaces to be players who make you pay when they're overlooked. In a ball movement offense that should be everybody. Particularly I'd bet high BBIQ players like George, Champagnie, even Watkins, could benefit from studying his game. Bub and Riley too, though I think they have the playmaking and set up talents to grow into primary initiators. I wouldn't expect Cam to mimic Middleton since I think his game is louder. That is I don't think he has the inclination to lay back and sink a stealth dagger in his opponents, I get the sense if he is not involved he tends to lose focus at both ends..
As for CJ he's got so many tricks in his bag that could translate for players like Tre, Bub, even Riley. Crafty with the ball, capable off the ball. Outside shooter but even at 6'3" but he can get his shot loose on bigger players, added a mid-range/floater game for when his penetration is stopped. Bub already has that middie game on lock, needs some kind of offense in the 3'-10' range. Tre has shown it too. Riley has the handle but not the quick steps to blow by opponents unless he can use those long strides to get separation. He meeds misdirection in his game to throw opponents off balance. CJ is not the quickest player, he's more shifty than speedy. Those are the exact traits a player like Bub and Riley need. Tre already is halfway there. But all three could benefit from figuring out how to get to the middle and score against bigger faster defenders.
). Riley is obviously a work in progress, but I definitely like him where we picked. & Jamir Watkins looks to me like a waaay better prospect than you'd expect to get at 43. 
