JohnWillow wrote:bwgood77 wrote:How do people feel about the team's play as of late? Happy to see the rookies playing well? Wish you would have lost more? Combination of both?
My take on this is that I was very surprised how the young guys stepped in and played after the trade, Georgios Papagiannis and especially Skal.
To answer your question, Obviously, I would take some more losses this season, because we end up 1 more loss away from the top 6 which would be a lot better than we are right now at the 8th spot, but I'm not gonna be sad about that. Biggest needs for this team coming into the draft is Point guard and small forward, we are stacked with shooting guards and big prospects.
And now the best thing, you know what makes me happy? That every young guy, month after month improved their numbers in almost every statistical category, I made this on excel, now I'm gonna go one by one.
Buddy Hield.
He is shooting last two months from the three point line over 40% and he is not making 1 just per game, he is making over 2 threes per game last two months, that stands out for me that he is getting comfortable with his shot at the end of the season, another thing that stands out for me is that he CAN create his own shot against NBA talent. He could easily average in this league 20 points or more per game in the season, I don't know why he could not be our Damian Lillard who came out of college as a senior at age of 22/23? This is a great situation for him here in Sacramento, if he would be in Sacramento a little bit earlier in the season, then easily he could have won a rookie of the year! If he would be running for the ROY, the comeback win versus Clippers, where he hit two clutch threes in a row, would be a statement for him to get that award.
Dammit.... people have to realize, that he averages almost 10 more points in 10 more minutes while shooting 13 % better from the 3 point line and 2% better from the field if we compare his February and April stats, that is impressive. We have something special in him.
Skal Labissiere.
The biggest surprise for me, that is 100%... Was like this

when he got a playing time and showcased himself, did really coach Joerger did not saw this at the practice to not give him more burn at the first half of the season? I really think we hit a home run with this guy.
I don't see Skal as a big rebounder, but his touch on the offensive end and his defensive potential because of his length is something special. Every single month he was improving, his Points/Rebounds/FG% and even his 3PT FG %, he was not shooting it in February, but he was getting comfortable with the range and hit few three-pointers this season. Very impressive is Skal, I'm really excited about his future. Just gotta get stronger and everything will be alright.
Georgios Papagiannis.
He played in only 3 games in February, but then he burst out with his performance in March and April, I love his toughness and especially I love that he can set some mean screens, this will be big summer for him, if he is a worker he can be a very useful player to this core going forward, because he has all the tools to be a successful NBA player, especially his touch in the post.
He was shooting this month 63% from the field

And was averaging 9.2 points. I'm very excited!!!
Of course there is Malachi Richardson and Langston Galloway who I would loooove to keep on this team, unfortunately Malachi got injury, but he showed his touch from the perimeter versus Cavaliers @ Cleveland, so I'm for sure he can crack the rotation next season and be part of the core, just like Langston Galloway.