Dennis Reynolds wrote:I've been hard on Dipo for playing hero ball but I understand him now. When he sees Fournier getting away with ignoring everyone but Vuc he must think he can do the same,especially considering he's a way better defender.
We have seen Dipo share the ball more the past few games. It seems like playing team ball as a unit has a positive effect on him. We also defend and run the breaks so much better with him on the court.
Reading the game thread tonight it looks like Fournier was again the one responsible for stopping the ball movement. He is widely inconsistent,ruins our whole offense and offers nothing when his shot isn't falling. If we have to choose between him and Dipo,we need to get rid of Fournier. His selfish play has a negative effect on the whole team.
I had the same feeling. Oladipo is known to do hero ball, especially later in games when plays break down, but in the last few games I felt he shared the ball well, he did not ignore open guys or pass only to his favorites (not sure if he even has a favorite). To me it looks like he "got it" and understood the game plan.
Fournier is still freezing out Hezonja, and almost anyone else. Only player who consistently gets the ball from Fournier is his buddy Vucevic. This kind of play really hurts the team as players feel this. If you know that by passing to Fournier, you can go back and defend as the ball is not coming back, people start to pass the ball less, dribble more and play worse basketball. It's contagious. Everyone needs to buy into the "share the ball" plan in order for it to work. If you pass and know that the ball will come back if you become open, that's a great thing for a player to know, it makes it easier for him and better for the team.
I hope Fournier starts to get this as well. He's a solid player, I'd say he would be that much better if he passed the ball more.