Wiltside wrote:76ciology wrote:Wiltside wrote:
Number differential is mainly due to role change. In the early part of the season he was being showcased, as he was ironically part of the Jimmy Butler discussions with Minnesota.
I think his numbers dipped as teams scouted him heavier and made his life tougher defensively. Part of it was role change as we catered for Wade’s farewell tour, Winslow’s progression and Waiters return. Fatigue may have played a part, as it was his first year with that much burden on his shoulders.
I’ve watched just about every game of his career to date. He can play. I just don’t think he has another level above where he is now in him. That doesn’t mean he isn’t super valuable as is, particularly on a team like Philly with 3 x established stars. He’s a terrific 4th option, something like a prime, Portland version pre-Achilles Wes Matthews - with a little more shot creation and ball handling ability.
Having not watched him closely, I am curious on your opinion of him guarding PGs, which will probably be the most important job he would have as member of our starting lineup. We talk about offense all we want, but if he can't guard the opposition's PG then are are in the same spot we were in before he got here.
Did the Heat ever match him up on elite PGs, how did he look? Was it just on switches? Can he use his length against them and are his feet quick enough to keep up with a guy like Kemba?
This is wayyyy more important than anything else, if JRich can't guard point guards he should be replaced (if BB is smart) by Zhaire if Zhaire is playing well. We can't go through another season of every PG in the league lighting us up, so does he have the ability to at least stay in front of them?