Can Graham still be a contributor?

[silverhill27]

Over the past few years we've been given Good Joey and Bad Joey. What puzzles me is that he hasn't shown any improvement from a year to year bases. This guy has all the tools but just can't seem to put it together. Over the past few games I've noticed that he likes to take a pullup midrange jumper instead of taking it to the rim aggressively and if he does he oftens commits an offensive foul. I think Joey should take some time to watch video of a guy like Paul Pierce who doesn't have the best handles in the world, but still gets to the line using different fakes.

Good Joey Stats

April 2006 10games 11.7ppg 4.4 rpg 45%fg 28mpg

April 2007 8 games 12ppg 3.3 rpg 47%fg 25 mpg

[omeloon]

I doubt it. We'd have to make some pretty significant trades to open up playing time for him. There just isn't room for him on this roster, and he's not consistent enough for us to tak any more chances on him. If we traded for a significant upgrade at the SF position by giving up most of our depth, he could probably log some decent minutes as a PF for about 8-10 minute a game while we play small ball.

[Mack11]

I'm sorry but I don't see it.

[asif9t9]

Funny the talk in the other thread where some guy said Hump is underrated and how BC was great for giving Hump a cheap extension at the beginning of the year. BC did the same thing with Joey.

What it tells me, though, is BC isn't forcing Sam to play someone because he signed him. It's up to the coach.

[Trilogy]

Funny the talk in the other thread where some guy said Hump is underrated and how BC was great for giving Hump a cheap extension at the beginning of the year. BC did the same thing with Joey.

What it tells me, though, is BC isn't forcing Sam to play someone because he signed him. It's up to the coach.

He didn't sign him to an extension, rather just picked up his option for next year.

I don't know if I would have done it, but it's a pretty minor thing in the grand scheme of things.

[Spinmang]

Joey is done... in my books anyways.

He's had ample chances and shows zero signs of improvement.

It sucks to see a guy with that kind of raw athleticism and skill... just not deliver.

[burn1down]

Hump and Joey are so young, you cant give up on one or the other because you dont have room. I think BC did a great thing extending the kids at reasonable (maybe below reasonable) dollars, and let them develop. By the time these contracts are up, we know what we have or what we dont have.
Keep in mind, this team was not put together to contend this year or even next year. Its 2-3 years away from being where BC wants. . .right in time for these contracts to expire and give us either cap space, or the choice of either player.

[Mascot]

he cant "still" be a good contributor if he has never contributed anything before



sorry..

someone had to say it

[Mandrake]

I always find myself checking to see if the thread is locked first before I read it now haha But no, he may have "tools" but he ain't got no skills. He's best when he's throwing down jungle jams on dudes, but he doesn't do that enough. He has weak handles, a shaky midrange jumper which he usually never takes within the flow of the offense. And lately all he's been doing is throwing his body into guys, which is probably what Sam told him to do. He had potential (in Babcocks eyes) but it's all gone now. It's been 3 years and he hasn't shown much for improvement. But hey, he can still fly the Raps jet!

[bychai]

No.

[will]

Joey doesn't get resigned by the Raptors.

Quits basketball.

Gets signed by the Miami Dolphins as a defensive end.

Leads the Dolphins to the 09/10 NFL superbowl championship where he is named the games MVP.

Just watch.

[The Notic]

Hump and Joey are so young, you cant give up on one or the other because you dont have room.

Joey Graham turns 26 in June. Hump turns 23 in about a month.

Hump is, right now, as old as Joey was while a senior in college.

Joey had the benefit of 5 years in college plus 3 seasons with the Raptors. In that time, players like Charlie, Jalen Rose, Mike James, Matt Bonner etc have shown that they can play productively under Sam.

Joey has yet to show that kind of production.

Joey.sucks.balls.

[99 Problems]

Graham can be huge... he can come off the bench in the playoffs and instigate fights with the opposing star, causing them both to get ejected... if he takes a swing at Lebron or Caron, that game is ours...

[asif9t9]

Okay, just to give Joey the benefit of the doubt. Unlike how we're trying to turn Andrea into a C, even though he'd prefer SF, Joey is more suited to the PF than SF. He would make an awesome SF, but he can't hit a three (and I'm discounting his lapses on D for now).

So, he plays PF. But it's hard to get time at PF with all the guys ahead of him. CB obviously. But haven't you all noticed lately AB plays better when he's the PF. So, when Rasho comes in. Throw in Hump and it's hard for Joey to get into the game at PF.

He does have a skillset which we need once in a while. He's so strong. And I think this year more than previous years, he's shown a little more in his game. He's not taking offensive fouls as much, for pushing off with his leading arm (tho he got one last game). And he obviously needs more game time (something most other players get) if he's going to develop an under the basket game. Like Corliss Williamson.

For now, I think Joey is a piece worth keeping. He provides something no one else on the team does.

[J Dilla]

We should give Joey 2 more years. This is his 3rd year. I think Joey's option was picked up for insurance. If Fino leaves, then maybe these guys will start developing Joey. He def has the tools, but doesnt get the time. Also with his offensive fouls, I don't think he has the respect from the referees. If it was DWade or Bosh, they would get the call in their favour.

What I like is he has the poise to attack the basket. Smitch and the staff should work with this guy. Send him to a camp or something.

[99 Problems]

Okay, seriously, Joey is completely lost on both ends of the floor.. I think he needs some individual help even more than Bargs does, there's no way he's going to get much better on his own.. If we're going to send Bargs to big man camp, Joey needs to go to 'basketball for dummies' camp... or else send him to John Lucas...

[Mandrake]

Okay, just to give Joey the benefit of the doubt. Unlike how we're trying to turn Andrea into a C, even though he'd prefer SF, Joey is more suited to the PF than SF. He would make an awesome SF, but he can't hit a three (and I'm discounting his lapses on D for now).

So, he plays PF. But it's hard to get time at PF with all the guys ahead of him. CB obviously. But haven't you all noticed lately AB plays better when he's the PF. So, when Rasho comes in. Throw in Hump and it's hard for Joey to get into the game at PF.

He does have a skillset which we need once in a while. He's so strong. And I think this year more than previous years, he's shown a little more in his game. He's not taking offensive fouls as much, for pushing off with his leading arm (tho he got one last game). And he obviously needs more game time (something most other players get) if he's going to develop an under the basket game. Like Corliss Williamson.

For now, I think Joey is a piece worth keeping. He provides something no one else on the team does.

Well I don't think being strong is a skill. And if Joey's better at the PF then the SF then wow, he's really useless to us. He would then be a very undersized PF and we already let go an undersized PF last year in PJ Tucker. Who imo is WAY better then Joey Graham. The only time I like Joey is when he throws down some hi-lites. Other then that he's hard on the eyes.

Graham can be huge... he can come off the bench in the playoffs and instigate fights with the opposing star, causing them both to get ejected... if he takes a swing at Lebron or Caron, that game is ours...

YES Joey vs LeBron in a mixed martial arts match would be something I'd pay to see on PPV. But knowing Joey, he'd trip on his own feet and knock himself out.

[Andiamo]

im an eternal optimist....but i draw the line at joey....the charges,the arm hook,the goin up soft misses....joey 2 me represents sam throwin in the towel.

[saham]

Okay, just to give Joey the benefit of the doubt. Unlike how we're trying to turn Andrea into a C, even though he'd prefer SF, Joey is more suited to the PF than SF. He would make an awesome SF, but he can't hit a three (and I'm discounting his lapses on D for now).

He does have a skillset which we need once in a while. He's so strong. And I think this year more than previous years, he's shown a little more in his game.

For now, I think Joey is a piece worth keeping. He provides something no one else on the team does.

I completely agree !

[KRANG]

Can he be a contributor ?

Yes, he can get the players drinks and towels whenever they need it.