Reignman wrote:dagger wrote:Salted Meat wrote:I'm not denying that there are flaws in Barnes' game... he's a freshman, and it's to be expected... but the kid has been playing well. He struggled early, but he's really started to turn it on. He'll definitely have to expand his game, and I think his draft position will largely be based on whether those evaluating such things think he can do that, but I think even just based on how much he's grown since the start of the season, you can see the potential is there.
The thing for me is, I don't need Barnes to be great... not right away. I need him to be coachable, play solid defense, and play within our style of game. I don't expect him to be a huge contributor next season except to stay in front of his man, rebound, and hit the open J. I'm looking at next season as another rebuild, and hope we can get our franchise-changer in the 2012 draft.
That sounds like a great concept for a pick outside the top 8 but for a higher pick, I would expect better. There is a difference between a flaw and hole in one's game. A flaw is a weak handle that a player displays, but which can be worked on. Or a weak jump shot. But a hole is an potential indicator of an unwillingness to do something. Like Bargnani with rebounding. That's a hole in his game, and I find it odd that people who have spent five years criticizing him for a hole like that are ready to draft a player with big holes in his game. Flaws I can live with. Flaws are correctable. Holes can last forever.
I don't think you can claim someone has a "hole" in their game so early in this stage. Barnes has flaws right now. If those same flaws exist in 5 years then they can be considered holes.
And here's the thing, it's not like he hasn't done it before, he played inside out in HS and dominated his competition. In college he hasn't shown it off but it's coming along slowly. There's no doubt he'll need time but there's nothing in his game that looks like a fatal flaw right now.
Put it this way, I can find major flaws in every player in this draft so it's not like he's being hyped up without reason.
Yet, people said the same thing to Bargnani. Bargnani is a bad defender? Synergy Sport ranks him average in man defense. And yet, Barnes might be a good defender, but he has yet to go against NBA player, nor show excellent help defense.
Both Barnes and Perry Jones are Bargnani 2.0. I don't mind Bargnani, but can some of those people accept their problems? Perry Jones being soft on the perimeter and not good at rebounding (6' 11", freaking 7 footer). And Barnes staying on the perimeter and take jump shots (not gonna drive?).
I am happy with either one if we are picking between 5th - 10th. Walker would address our needs, but he is too high at 6th. Kanter and T. Jones are more likely, but will have much less effect on our team.
