K-DOT wrote:Clyde_Style wrote:K-DOT wrote:Which I think isn't that bad
I can't quantify it, but I'm pretty sure I saw plenty of times him making good decisions, stuff like making the right pass, or more importantly passing without needing to get an assist (the big separator between him and Mudiay), just running plays and stuff
If his shot is for real, that just completely opens up his game, and he has great potential. If RJ gets his shot down too (as well as plays defense), we could have an incredible backcourt
I think so. They really should be the starting backcourt AFAIK tell from here.
RJ's shot will be fine. I'm fairly certain of that. He's driven and talented and will work it out. Multi-dimensional guys like him who come into the league needing to refine their jumper usually improve during their career.
I don't think DSJr is selfish. He can be faulted as high usage and that is a good way to deconstruct him and find his flaws, but the rebuilt shooting mechanics will probably amend a lot of those criticisms, because I see him as a willing dump passer and lobber and those two aspects of his game are going to another level because he's going to have a fair amount of open lane due to guys having to defend his three.
Smith may soon be close to the ideal modern PG provided he remains unselfish. But it is important to remember that while we are not currently configured to be a league leader in threes, we are set up to be close to # 1 in dunks and scores at the rim. We have multiple guys who can trail and back door successfully and if Smith is going to do what I think he will do then he does have an opportunity to be among the assist leaders due to those passes off his penetration.
If that all transpires, we also have an able backup PG in Payton so it will only take a couple of things to click for the Knicks to be much better than most expect.
I believe RJ is going to have a good season though. Without that I would be less optimistic. I'm not sure he'll be consistent in the first quarter of the season, but he'll find his groove.
That's the key here
There's a big gap between being a high usage, score first guy, and being a score only guy. Like I said, I can't prove this statistically (or if I can, I don't know how), but I'm pretty sure I saw DSJ multiple times a game passing the ball to set up a play, not just to get an assist.
That and the fact that he can actually finish around the rim is why despite having many similarities to Mudiay, I like him so much more. Which I can prove statistically. Fun fact, in 246 games Mudiay has dunked 43 times. DSJ had 31 just last year (only 53 games), and 40 his rookie year (69 games). Plus, DSJ shoots 60% for his career at the rim compared to 51% from Mudiay
Really, the only thing holding him back is his shooting so far. If his shot is legit, I don't think he has any really glaring flaws. But it may be rough next year, cause it's still a work in progress, and RJ's tbd, but likely not gonna be a good shooter right off the bat. One more year, maybe two, of jank and then we should be good to go.
I think it is pretty simple from a coaching perspective. If Smith has a clear path to the rim, then finish the drive. If he draws coverage, dump pass or lob it.
But Smith should never be considered a ball hog if he gets clean, high percentage looks at the rim. That's a gift you need to cash in on.
Mudiay was stopped at the rim way too often. He did not dump pass when heavily contested often enough.
Smith seems to be able to calculate on the drive or in the air which was a great weakness for Mudiay. And since Mudiay bulled his way inside with his head down often, it was not really a high percentage style of play. I think DSJr should be way better in that aspect.
I don't really think of development in exactly the way some do. As a big believer in roster construction being the difference maker as much as any one talent on the team, I see development as a product of playing together, gaining familiarity and each guy facilitating the other guys' strengths.
All of the really fine clubs I've enjoyed watching do this. It is the hallmark of the SA system really. It takes years of playing together. GS clicked when the core guys matured after playing together for several years.
Perhaps the Knicks can become one of those organizations. I think Perry fits that description. I worry that Fiz lacks vision and is too impatient with player combos to let certain units build that synchronicity.
Long story short, I see a player like DSJr breaking out due to (a) improved shot opening the floor and (b) franchise investing its confidence in him long enough for him to sync with his teammates.
It may be a small thing, but I think several former Dallas teammates have spoken well of DSJr and that they liked playing with him.
