JT2006 wrote:BigSlam wrote:Bomber wrote:Liking the hard work that Smack is putting on the boards. I think he can still improve those rebounding numbers, but his past few games has really shown him putting in the effort on the boards.
I think he has a very poor approach to rebounding. I agree that I think he can improve and if he figures out how to use his full extension then he could be an elite rebounding big in the NBA - but he is a long way off that.
Well he's learning, man. And even with his poor fundamentals he's producing in game situations against good players.
Sometimes you see him and he doesn't use that 7'7 wingspan, and sometimes he fumbles the ball. It's all experience, teaching, and development. He's been in the league for the 2nd year, hasn't played much PRO ball at all, and is managing to grab decent numbers against tough big men, normally without much help (he mainly seems to play with small ball). He is some time away off being an elite rebounder, but he won't put up massive numbers since we'll be relying on him for help side D and to block + contest shots. Anyway, I'm happy to bide my time and watch him continue to develop for the next 2-3 years. Already in 1 year, I've seen more development than I did with Ajinca for 3-4 years.
I watched most, if not all of the Bobcats games this year and last year. I noted a lot of things, especially with Smack since I wanted to see where he was at, and if he would show anything that would make me say 'Yep, he's improved.' The main talking point was offense. I looked carefully at his post game, seeing how he was going. You'll see him and he's better at sealing out the man, better at establishing deep position in the post. Then his footwork is slightly better, not as mechanical. He's added a drop step, something he didn't have last year. He added a turnaround fadeaway jumper, something he didn't have previously (although it's rarely seen). He's finishing slightly better around the rim (although he REALLY needs to get up there and dunk it on offensive rebounds).
Too many people are too impatient with him. Big men take time to develop. I'm thrilled already with the signs that I see from him. He has the work ethic, the attitude and most importantly, he wants to be the best. He acknowledged he wasn't good enough when he was getting limited minutes, so he practiced harder so he could get these minutes.