AKFO wrote:I still think Jaylen makes it. It takes a lot of confidence from a guy like Pop to put him in the starting lineup over say Tatum or Kuz. He's going to have to refocus as we enter international competition.
I reckon part of the appeal in starting Jaylen would be a focus on defense and role playing; Brad sees these complimentary skills in Jaylen as well, but too often he is preoccupied with scoring to play his intended role well. Such is the conundrum with Jaylen, who doesn't want to be reduced to his role playing skills and thinks he can become a great scorer in this league. Perhaps tough to see guys like Tatum and Kuz (even Middleton and Mitchell) come in with a green light, but Jaylen has to recognize his strengths that give a guy like Pop the confidence to start him.
+1.
His last stint, when he was in foul trouble, was his best stint in the scrimmage IMO— he didnt look to score, spaces the floor and looked keep the ball moving on offense. Thats the role he needs to have on team USA and I am hopeful that he now realizes this.
His defensive versatility is needed on the roster. Being able to credibly defend 1-4 internationally allows us to play many different looks. I’m guessing he makes the team pretty easily.
) and watched the 1st three quarters so far and have the same sentiments that most of you are expressing. I thought Tatum was outstanding throughout, Kemba was better later than earlier, D'Aaron Fox is making this team and I was pleasantly surprised by Plumlee. I think either PJ Tucker or Marcus makes the team but probably not both and right now Tucker is leading by default. I too was disappointed by Jaylen's performance because I heard he was really showing out in the practices. My thought is he was trying to do too much in the a starter's role and thus was out of control a lot. I expect a better performance against Spain. BTW, anybody hear Bagley dropped out?? Weird, seeing he just got promoted from the Select team.
