Somewhat OT: Suns Sign Matt Janning

mnWI · Post #1 » by **mnWI** » Wed Aug 4, 2010 10:35 pm

The Suns gave Matt Janning a multi-year deal, and I'm assuming the first year is guaranteed, though I haven't spoken to him yet. I feel this is somewhat relevant to the Wolves because they seem to always give Gopher players and Minnesota born players pre-draft workouts (and it's usually the only NBA workouts a lot of these players get), yet they didn't call Janning one time to try to schedule a workout.

Janning stood out in both summer leagues, first in Orlando for the Celtics, and then in Vegas playing with the Suns team. He showed potential at both guard spots, NBA range on his jumper, and above average athleticism. In fact, he set some type of athletic test record in a pre-draft workout after the Celtics.

I wish the Wolves would have given him a look, but I'm happy he'll get a chance to prove himself with the Suns. Here's a video of the offensive clips from his best game at the Orlando summer league:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpD8yeH0Pbw[/youtube]

prefuse73 · Post #2 » by **prefuse73** » Wed Aug 4, 2010 10:40 pm

we really have too many people to develop already... but I agree, it will be fun to follow what he does.

mnWI · Post #3 » by **mnWI** » Wed Aug 4, 2010 10:56 pm

Yeah, my point isn't necessarily that the Wolves should have signed him, but if you're going to work out Ryan Amoroso, who averaged like 7 and 4 at San Diego State, than you have no excuse not to give a guy like Matt a call.

Devilzsidewalk · Post #4 » by **Devilzsidewalk** » Wed Aug 4, 2010 11:02 pm

Kahn probably doesn't have the same local appreciation gene in him that McHale had

mnWI · Post #5 » by **mnWI** » Wed Aug 4, 2010 11:08 pm

Devilzsidewalk wrote:Kahn probably doesn't have the same local appreciation gene in him that McHale had

Amoroso's workout happened under Kahn, as did a few other workouts of lower level U of MN players or MN high school kids. I understand why they do it too for political reasons, but if you're going to do it make sure not to miss out on the one who can play.

john2jer · Post #6 » by **john2jer** » Thu Aug 5, 2010 1:06 am

Was just going to ask you about this. He was one of the best scorers in the state in high school, but every time I saw him play, I was left thinking, "Really, thats it?"

Now I haven't seen him play since the high school all star game, but really? Is he still scrawny and awkward looking?

mnWI · Post #7 » by **mnWI** » Thu Aug 5, 2010 1:32 am

john2jer wrote:Was just going to ask you about this. He was one of the best scorers in the state in high school, but every time I saw him play, I was left thinking, "Really, thats it?"

Now I haven't seen him play since the high school all star game, but really? Is he still scrawny and awkward looking?

Yeah, he's a far different player now days. Though he's still lanky by NBA standards, he's significantly stronger than his HS days and far more athletic. He measured out 6'4" without shoes in pre-draft workouts with a 35-36" vertical leap. His feel for the game really set him apart at summer league, but he also has a nice first step, surprisingly handles, and he can just score the ball from anywhere on the court it seems. Defense is where he will need work in the NBA.

I'll make another video mix on him at some point (when I get my laptop with the synergy software back from Best Buy) but you're going to be damn surprised at his athletic attributes and feel for the game. It's cool that someone else saw him play back then though.

john2jer · Post #8 » by **john2jer** » Thu Aug 5, 2010 2:53 am

Yeah, I made a point of watching him a few times in high school cause of his scoring. Awesome that he's gone this far.