Post#140 » by chpmntsptx » Tue Jul 20, 2010 2:27 pm
Clemson fan here. Living in DC, I was excited to see the Wiz get Booker. I've been keeping a close eye on him and reading news, comments, etc. My thoughts (sorry for the dissertation):
- First, there's a misconception that Booker is a motor guy. His is not and was not in college at any time. He is a coast and explode guy, if that makes sense. Reading some of the comments from Wiz officials makes me think they didn't do their homework. Booker was really frustrating in college b/c he would take plays off, be the last one down the court, etc., yet also make super athletic, momentum turning plays.
- Booker has lost mass since his JR season. He came into his SR year noticeably toned down, and it was obviously to help him away from the basket in trying to up his draft stock. And he actually looked even thinner in the SL than in his SR season.
- Everyone was surprised when he dropped in the 1st round, even Clemson fans.
- I watched every SL game, keeping an eye on Booker the whole time. I came away largely disappointed, as well as confused. I'm disappointed because he inexplicably isn't hustling like he should be. I don't know if he's lacking confidence or his head is spinning, but even so, those things shouldn't affect grit and hustle. He got away with it in college; if the Wiz staff are smart, they'll be all over his ass. I am confused because I have no idea what the Wiz want to do with him.
- I didn't like his effort and positioning on offensive or defensive rebounding. On defense, he was setting his position too close to the basket, allowing himself to be pinned, and with his height, an easy target for over-the-back rebounds and deflections. It also made it difficult for him to handle some rebounds. However, I noticed that often when he was the main guy in position for a rebound, the basket was made, and others times McGee would simply take a rebound from him (not really excuses, but these things occurred). On the offensive end, I think his lack of rebounding is due to an unfamiliar role/positioning. He's used to battling underneath, but in the SL he was often the last man back (i.e., when screening for Wall and Wall drives) or simply wasn't fighting hard enough for rebounds. Not sure you can have him pick and pop so often and expect him to chase offensive rebounds, too.
- I also didn't like his activity and footwork on defense. He simply needs to have a lower stance and readiness at all times. He's playing too high. He's also loosing his man too easily. He's going to get his ass chewed when his man is standing free under the basket one of these days. I do think he can guard a fair amount of 3's, but his effort and technique in the SL was awful. Again, playing too high. And he apparently has fallen into the bad habit of letting his man go by and trying to get the follow up block. That was his approach nearly every time. Please tell me the Wiz staff are on to these things.
- As I said, I think he can guard 3s... if he becomes engaged and plays with better technique. He did it in college on occasion. He absolutely has to play lower and move his damn feet. Basic stuff that that he's able to do. He also has an advantage in that, with his vertical, he can give himself a bit more space away from the ball handler. He is one of the better jump shot blockers you will see (that is, if he isn't letting his man go by).
- So, reading the media outlook on him ahead of the SL, the take was that he'd be there to defend and rebound and will not offer much, if not struggle, of the offensive end. I think the opposite is true actually. He wasn't very assertive on offense in the SL; I wonder if it's nerves, being in a new role, or b/c he's been told to focus on D and let Wall and others handle the O. Big mistake imo. In fact, I think he can offer more on offense than defense right now. Unfortunately, it seemed the SL was used solely as an opportunity to work on pick and pop. I think you'll be surprised at his post game if he gets the looks (he had maybe a couple the whole SL). No, he's not going to overtake anyone much larger than him, but he can take certain guys with more size. No, he doesn't have a treasure chest full of moves, but his post game is clean and effective. Some said he takes too many fadeaways. The thing is, he's actually a very accurate shooter around the rim. And, I wouldn't say he was excessive with them in college. He's undersized, for one -- and since when are post-players barred from fadeaways? Further, he's an excellent passer from the post. At the 4, he'll be able to post up some guys, but a lot of 4's will be too tall or thick. If he can pull them away from the basket, he can easily go around them. What I'm looking for in the season, though, is if he's at 3, with say Yi at 4 but playing away from the basket. If Booker gets matched up on the 3, that's a serious mismatch in a lot of cases. I'm dead serious -- the Wiz need to look for this. Let him post up that 3 and score or distribute. Don't completely abandon his college game.
- To a previous point, I have no idea what the Wiz' plans are for him. If he's going to be a 3 or 4 or hybrid, whatever, he's got to get back some of that mass. He's simply too thin right now. Don't keep him in pick and pop situations so often if you want him to get offensive rebounds. Don't be afraid to feed him in the post. I'm not sure any other Wiz big men have more efficient post moves, actually. Lastly, get in his damn ear and let him know he's got to bust his ass every possession if he wants to stick around the league.
- This is a tricky situation for Booker, imo. As I suspected in college, looks like he's a guy that needs someone in his ear. Selfishly, I wanted him to go to a more established team, with a veteran presence. Not sure how strong the Wiz staff are in terms of getting him on the right path, and the team obviously lacks key veterans (sorry, don't see Heinrich commanding attention). Wall has the right mindset and will be a good leader, but it's not the same as having key vets around. If it's a situation where players are given too much leeway, too much respect (e.g., prematurely throwing out monikers like "Grown-Ass Man"), then there's a good chance he won't get on the right track.
