Rookie Discussion [19/20] [part I]

[drosereturn]

I’ll just say this... Zion’s finishing ability, body control, and touch around the rim is the best I have ever seen in my lifetime.

If you think this is hyperbole we’ll talk later. The lebron and Giannis straight line drivers are different. What’s I’m saying... the athleticsism/size combo that allows those guys to get to the rim and finish is different from Zion. Zion can go up and adjust and double clutch and put touch on balls wherever he gets it within 5 feet and it goes in. It doesn’t matter what you do because of his body control and finishing ability he’ll adjust and go up and under and put English and it will soon in... and if he misses he’ll o second jump you and put it in.

If you haven’t noticed what I’ve said...watch it...watch his duke highlights...watch his nba games... it’s hard to describe why Zion is different and why his efficiency is so high despite his limitations and that’s why. I’ve noticed it since Duke.

Generational finishing ability and body control combined with that athleticism.

The secondary sneaky skill is the willingness to play withIn flow.

Yeah, considering NBA defense is easier than college, his performance was to be expected although return game was shocking.
But the reason why he has godlike finishing ability is mostly because of his 300pound weight where the opponent cannot match his body. Which is kind of cheating because he is fighting as a heavy weight boxer against a lightweight.
Theres a high chance he ends up Oden 2.0, at best BG if he doesnt fundamentally change his playstyle/lifestyle.
Again, not knocking down on his talent level but he relies more on athleticism/strength rather than skill.
Its time he trims to 250 to relieve pressure on his knees for a 20 yr career even if it means losing 20% performance.

[MemphisX]

Zion is an impossible cover. He can post. He can iso. He doesn’t need plays. He can run pick and roll as the finisher and handler. Way too strong for smalls. Way to quick for bigs. Great offensive rebounder. So even if you do make him miss, he is likely going to get the miss and finish it.

Not sure his ball handling/passing can handle getting blitzed but if you are blitzing him, the Pelicans have other high quality weapons.

PSA: Lonzo Ball is going to get paid.

[oldshoolballer]

Zion is an impossible cover. He can post. He can iso. He doesn’t need plays. He can run pick and roll as the finisher and handler. Way too strong for smalls. Way to quick for bigs. Great offensive rebounder. So even if you do make him miss, he is likely going to get the miss and finish it.

Not sure his ball handling/passing can handle getting blitzed but if you are blitzing him, the Pelicans have other high quality weapons.

PSA: Lonzo Ball is going to get paid.

I agree he's pretty much unguardable one on one nobody can match the combination of quickness,size and hang time jumping ability.The fact that he can adapt in mid air and change how he finishes is extraordinary.If he can stay healthy he will be an all time great no question.

[sfernald]

Zion is an impossible cover. He can post. He can iso. He doesn’t need plays. He can run pick and roll as the finisher and handler. Way too strong for smalls. Way to quick for bigs. Great offensive rebounder. So even if you do make him miss, he is likely going to get the miss and finish it.

Not sure his ball handling/passing can handle getting blitzed but if you are blitzing him, the Pelicans have other high quality weapons.

PSA: Lonzo Ball is going to get paid.

I agree he's pretty much unguardable one on one nobody can match the combination of quickness,size and hang time jumping ability.The fact that he can adapt in mid air and change how he finishes is extraordinary.If he can stay healthy he will be an all time great no question.

Once they start running the game through him Lebron style it’s all over. Kid could have the most dominant stat line ever. His efficiency is crazy.

[DayofMourning]

Zion is just a different dude. He isn't even in good shape and he is doing this stuff. Just looking at him, he's clearly not as quick or explosive as he was at Duke and the dude is putting up 20+ in his sleep right now.

There is a reason why this dude completely dominated college last year, he is just on a different level. Can't wait till next year if he gets back into his Duke shape. The explosive defense and off the dribble explosion should be there.

Health and weight is the only thing that can keep him from being special, I think that's pretty clear already.

Crossing my fingers that he clears the injury hurdle and doesn't look back. He's so entertaining. I don't have as much time anymore to watch games in which the Heat aren't playing, but I've tuned in for a couple Zion games already.

[clyde21]

Is not only his opinion...
No way Rj better of MPJ... advanced and eye test says so

cool story...except his argument wasn't that MPJ should be higher than Barrett, his argument was that Barrett shouldn't be top10.

My argument is he is the weakest link in the top 10. Your argument is he is top five all day. I heartily disagree with that at this point considering his returns. His rebounds in January are staying steady at 5.1 while his assist have dropped to 1.3. His TS% is better at .523 though. Those counting stats are not great, key word is great, for a rookie who is getting the most minutes per game of anyone.

This is more like it and if anyone gets hot in the 2nd half, he could drop out my top 10. If he flips the script, he could move up.

1 Morant
2 Zion
3 Nunn
4 Porter Jr
5 Clarke
6 Herro
7 Washington
8 Paschal
9 Hachimura
10 Barrett

and, like I said before, you're wrong. nothing has changed since the last post I prove you were wrong.

[Buzzard]

cool story...except his argument wasn't that MPJ should be higher than Barrett, his argument was that Barrett shouldn't be top10.

My argument is he is the weakest link in the top 10. Your argument is he is top five all day. I heartily disagree with that at this point considering his returns. His rebounds in January are staying steady at 5.1 while his assist have dropped to 1.3. His TS% is better at .523 though. Those counting stats are not great, key word is great, for a rookie who is getting the most minutes per game of anyone.

This is more like it and if anyone gets hot in the 2nd half, he could drop out my top 10. If he flips the script, he could move up.

1 Morant
2 Zion
3 Nunn
4 Porter Jr
5 Clarke
6 Herro
7 Washington
8 Paschal
9 Hachimura
10 Barrett

and, like I said before, you're wrong. nothing has changed since the last post I prove you were wrong.

You have not proved anything He is near the bottom in efficiency among all rookies and he is suppose to be a scorer. How is that for proving something? Quit hyping the kid New Yorkers; just enjoy his play as he develops. Here is a interesting take on development.

Cam Reddish and DeAndre Hunter past 14 days ( 7 Games )
Reddish .429 FG%, .800 FT%, .405 3PT %, 13.3 PTS, 4.7 TRB, 1.0 AST, 0.7 STL, 0.3 BLK
Hunter .460 FG%, .765 FT%, .333 3PT%, 15.0 PTS, 4.0 TRB, 2.6 AST, 0.7 STL, 0.6 BLK

Cam Reddish and DeAndre Hunter past 30 days ( 14 and 15 games )
Reddish .411 FG%, .828 FT%, .403 3PT %, 11.9 PTS, 3.9 TRB, 1.4 AST, 1.1 STL, 0.6 BLK
Hunter .439 FG%, .767 FT%, .308 3PT %, 11.5 PTS, 3.4 TRB, .1.9 AST, 0.6 STL, 0.3 BLK

Now notice that even though they are both showing signs of improvement in January and I am a Hawks fan, they are not in my top 10. But I have enjoyed watching them play. You need to learn how to be more honest in your appraisals. Last season when Trae Young's efficiency was below .500 in October and November, he was all but kicked out of the league on this board. But now its ok for Barrett to go from Oct. through January shooting under a .500 TS%.

Be objective man, scorers have to score at a decent clip (efficiency) otherwise they are just chuckers. Its been that way since the first peach basket was put up in a YMCA.

[WestGOAT]

Wow, had my doubts about Zion, but he's convinced me that he's going to be a top top player in this league, at least on the offesnive end.

Defensively he should be able to do better, if he figures that out and puts his mind to it he should be able to have Draymond Green-like level impact. Big if though.

[Buzzard]

Wow, had my doubts about Zion, but he's convinced me that he's going to be a top top player in this league, at least on the offesnive end.

Defensively he should be able to do better, if he figures that out and puts his mind to it he should be able to have Draymond Green-like level impact. Big if though.

He is probably going to be close to unstoppable on the offensive end. Like you, I am curious to see how they work him in defensively.

[WestGOAT]

Wow, had my doubts about Zion, but he's convinced me that he's going to be a top top player in this league, at least on the offesnive end.

Defensively he should be able to do better, if he figures that out and puts his mind to it he should be able to have Draymond Green-like level impact. Big if though.

He is probably going to be close to unstoppable on the offensive end. Like you, I am curious to see how they work him in defensively.

I know he did well defensively in college bball aswell, but so did KAT (who was touted to be a top defensive prospect) and we all know how that turned out.

Zion has all the physical tools to be a beast on defense. It'll be a matter of defensive IQ and effort now. He has looked a bit lost so far, but so do most rookies on the defensive end.

[clyde21]

My argument is he is the weakest link in the top 10. Your argument is he is top five all day. I heartily disagree with that at this point considering his returns. His rebounds in January are staying steady at 5.1 while his assist have dropped to 1.3. His TS% is better at .523 though. Those counting stats are not great, key word is great, for a rookie who is getting the most minutes per game of anyone.

This is more like it and if anyone gets hot in the 2nd half, he could drop out my top 10. If he flips the script, he could move up.

1 Morant
2 Zion
3 Nunn
4 Porter Jr
5 Clarke
6 Herro
7 Washington
8 Paschal
9 Hachimura
10 Barrett

and, like I said before, you're wrong. nothing has changed since the last post I prove you were wrong.

You have not proved anything He is near the bottom in efficiency among all rookies and he is suppose to be a scorer. How is that for proving something? Quit hyping the kid New Yorkers; just enjoy his play as he develops. Here is a interesting take on development.

Cam Reddish and DeAndre Hunter past 14 days ( 7 Games )


Now notice that even though they are both showing signs of improvement in January and I am a Hawks fan, they are not in my top 10. But I have enjoyed watching them play. You need to learn how to be more honest in your appraisals. Last season when Trae Young's efficiency was below .500 in October and November, he was all but kicked out of the league on this board. But now its ok for Barrett to go from Oct. through January shooting under a .500 TS%.

Be objective man, scorers have to score at a decent clip (efficiency) otherwise they are just chuckers. Its been that way since the first peach basket was put up in a YMCA.

yeah, Hunter and Reddish are playing well -- what does that have to do with anything? i've been tracking their numbers all year long posting about it here in this very thread, you're not adding anything new.

what does that have to do, again, with you saying Barrett should be 10th? maybe we should take it one at a time since you're having trouble actually putting together a coherent argument, why Rui be ranked ahead of Barrett, despite Barrett averaging more points/assists than Rui? is it strictly because of efficiency?

[Duke4life831]

Wow, had my doubts about Zion, but he's convinced me that he's going to be a top top player in this league, at least on the offesnive end.

Defensively he should be able to do better, if he figures that out and puts his mind to it he should be able to have Draymond Green-like level impact. Big if though.

He is probably going to be close to unstoppable on the offensive end. Like you, I am curious to see how they work him in defensively.

I know he did well defensively in college bball aswell, but so did KAT (who was touted to be a top defensive prospect) and we all know how that turned out.

Zion has all the physical tools to be a beast on defense. It'll be a matter of defensive IQ and effort now. He has looked a bit lost so far, but so do most rookies on the defensive end.

KAT had the benefit of playing alongside WCS in college. WCS was a flat out beast on the defensive end which allowed KAT to just roam and hunt for weak side blocks, WCS was the stand out defensive player on that team and really covered up a lot of holes for KAT.

I think with Zion its 2 simple things, he has only played 5 games and he isn't in the same shape he was last year. There are no plays where we see him flying from one side of the court to the other to block a 3pt shot. His close outs are pretty minimal effort at the moment. Everything is pretty minimal effort on that end of the ball for him. I just don't think he has the stamina to play that end of the court right now, I also don't think its just a game shape thing either, I don't think he can play both ends at a high level carrying this much weight. So I don't personally expect to see much good defense from him this year. Zion was a motor machine last year on defense, he was closing out shots with all the time with the thought of trying to block the shot, he was shooting in passing lanes, he was constantly moving. Now its clear he is kind of using the defensive end just to catch his breath, plus also trying to learn NBA offenses.

I think Zion can be a great offensive player even at this weight, but for him to become that 2 way beast like he was in college and many expect him to be in the NBA, he needs to lose that extra weight he put on and come back in his Duke shape or even better next year.

[Buzzard]

and, like I said before, you're wrong. nothing has changed since the last post I prove you were wrong.

You have not proved anything He is near the bottom in efficiency among all rookies and he is suppose to be a scorer. How is that for proving something? Quit hyping the kid New Yorkers; just enjoy his play as he develops. Here is a interesting take on development.

Cam Reddish and DeAndre Hunter past 14 days ( 7 Games )


Now notice that even though they are both showing signs of improvement in January and I am a Hawks fan, they are not in my top 10. But I have enjoyed watching them play. You need to learn how to be more honest in your appraisals. Last season when Trae Young's efficiency was below .500 in October and November, he was all but kicked out of the league on this board. But now its ok for Barrett to go from Oct. through January shooting under a .500 TS%.

Be objective man, scorers have to score at a decent clip (efficiency) otherwise they are just chuckers. Its been that way since the first peach basket was put up in a YMCA.

yeah, Hunter and Reddish are playing well -- what does that have to do with anything? i've been tracking their numbers all year long posting about it here in this very thread, you're not adding anything new.

what does that have to do, again, with you saying Barrett should be 10th? maybe we should take it one at a time since you're having trouble actually putting together a coherent argument, why Rui be ranked ahead of Barrett, despite Barrett averaging more points/assists than Rui? is it strictly because of efficiency?

Because he is a chucker right now and is only putting up numbers because he is getting the minutes. The Knicks and the Hawks ( due to injuries to Huerter and Collins suspension ) were put in bad spots. They did not have much choice but to throw them to the wolves. It has not worked out so well in my opinion. In a nutshell, just because a rookie is getting starter minutes does not mean he is having a good to great season.

You seem to think it does. Enjoy the good games when they happen. Enjoy the continued development as it happens. But there is nothing about Barrett's game right now that makes him better than players who have been way more consistent, game in and game out.

[clyde21]

You have not proved anything He is near the bottom in efficiency among all rookies and he is suppose to be a scorer. How is that for proving something? Quit hyping the kid New Yorkers; just enjoy his play as he develops. Here is a interesting take on development.

Cam Reddish and DeAndre Hunter past 14 days ( 7 Games )


Now notice that even though they are both showing signs of improvement in January and I am a Hawks fan, they are not in my top 10. But I have enjoyed watching them play. You need to learn how to be more honest in your appraisals. Last season when Trae Young's efficiency was below .500 in October and November, he was all but kicked out of the league on this board. But now its ok for Barrett to go from Oct. through January shooting under a .500 TS%.

Be objective man, scorers have to score at a decent clip (efficiency) otherwise they are just chuckers. Its been that way since the first peach basket was put up in a YMCA.

yeah, Hunter and Reddish are playing well -- what does that have to do with anything? i've been tracking their numbers all year long posting about it here in this very thread, you're not adding anything new.

what does that have to do, again, with you saying Barrett should be 10th? maybe we should take it one at a time since you're having trouble actually putting together a coherent argument, why Rui be ranked ahead of Barrett, despite Barrett averaging more points/assists than Rui? is it strictly because of efficiency?

Because he is a chucker right now and is only putting up numbers because he is getting the minutes. The Knicks and the Hawks ( due to injuries to Huerter and Collins suspension ) were put in bad spots. They did not have much choice but to throw them to the wolves. It has not worked out so well in my opinion. In a nutshell, just because a rookie is getting starter minutes does not mean he is having a good to great season.

You seem to think it does. Enjoy the good games when they happen. Enjoy the continued development as it happens. But there is nothing about Barrett's game right now that makes him better than players who have been way more consistent, game in and game out.

lol, he's not a chucker, he's playing on a team with no functional PG, zero spacing, and a litany of useless PFs that clog the lane for him which literally takes away his bread and butter...he's still #3 in points, #5 in rebounds and #3 in assists among all 2019 guys despite being in probably THE worst situation out of any of the rookies that get any minutes at this point.

maybe you have trouble applying context to your analysis but don't pretend other people should ignore it too.

[Buzzard]

yeah, Hunter and Reddish are playing well -- what does that have to do with anything? i've been tracking their numbers all year long posting about it here in this very thread, you're not adding anything new.

what does that have to do, again, with you saying Barrett should be 10th? maybe we should take it one at a time since you're having trouble actually putting together a coherent argument, why Rui be ranked ahead of Barrett, despite Barrett averaging more points/assists than Rui? is it strictly because of efficiency?

Because he is a chucker right now and is only putting up numbers because he is getting the minutes. The Knicks and the Hawks ( due to injuries to Huerter and Collins suspension ) were put in bad spots. They did not have much choice but to throw them to the wolves. It has not worked out so well in my opinion. In a nutshell, just because a rookie is getting starter minutes does not mean he is having a good to great season.

You seem to think it does. Enjoy the good games when they happen. Enjoy the continued development as it happens. But there is nothing about Barrett's game right now that makes him better than players who have been way more consistent, game in and game out.

lol, he's not a chucker, he's playing on a team with no functional PG, zero spacing, and a litany of useless PFs that clog the lane for him which literally takes away his bread and butter...he's still #3 in points, #5 in rebounds and #3 in assists among all 2019 guys despite being in probably THE worst situation out of any of the rookies that get any minutes at this point.

maybe you have trouble applying context to your analysis but don't pretend other people should ignore it too.

Shooters shoot, I get that. But some also take time to get their feet under them to when it comes to a lot of rookies. I call it the way I see it. If someone is not shooting well, its not something else. Its them not shooting well.

I am also not one of these knee jerk style posters who wants to call 50% of the rookies his team did not draft a bust in just their first season. We are several years away from knowing how good this class will be. I like all of Barrett's physical attributes, but he needs to work on that shot this off season.

[clyde21]

Because he is a chucker right now and is only putting up numbers because he is getting the minutes. The Knicks and the Hawks ( due to injuries to Huerter and Collins suspension ) were put in bad spots. They did not have much choice but to throw them to the wolves. It has not worked out so well in my opinion. In a nutshell, just because a rookie is getting starter minutes does not mean he is having a good to great season.

You seem to think it does. Enjoy the good games when they happen. Enjoy the continued development as it happens. But there is nothing about Barrett's game right now that makes him better than players who have been way more consistent, game in and game out.

lol, he's not a chucker, he's playing on a team with no functional PG, zero spacing, and a litany of useless PFs that clog the lane for him which literally takes away his bread and butter...he's still #3 in points, #5 in rebounds and #3 in assists among all 2019 guys despite being in probably THE worst situation out of any of the rookies that get any minutes at this point.

maybe you have trouble applying context to your analysis but don't pretend other people should ignore it too.

Shooters shoot, I get that. But some also take time to get their feet under them to when it comes to a lot of rookies. I call it the way I see it. If someone is not shooting well, its not something else. Its them not shooting well.

I am also not one of these knee jerk style posters who wants to call 50% of the rookies his team did not draft a bust in just their first season. We are several years away from knowing how good this class will be. I like all of Barrett's physical attributes, but he needs to work on that shot this off season.

no, has nothing with shooters shoot...not sure why you're having such a hard time here. 3rd in points, 5th in rebounds and 3 in assits...that's outstanding production for a guy on a team with NO functional PG, NO functional spacing and a litany of forwards in front of them that literally take what he does best away...that's the context that you're not applying and that's why i and many don't put too much emphasis on TS% at this point

so, if u wanna put him 10th or leave him out altogether go for it, but don't pretend that everyone else should follow suit with that nonsense.

[Buzzard]

lol, he's not a chucker, he's playing on a team with no functional PG, zero spacing, and a litany of useless PFs that clog the lane for him which literally takes away his bread and butter...he's still #3 in points, #5 in rebounds and #3 in assists among all 2019 guys despite being in probably THE worst situation out of any of the rookies that get any minutes at this point.

maybe you have trouble applying context to your analysis but don't pretend other people should ignore it too.

Shooters shoot, I get that. But some also take time to get their feet under them to when it comes to a lot of rookies. I call it the way I see it. If someone is not shooting well, its not something else. Its them not shooting well.

I am also not one of these knee jerk style posters who wants to call 50% of the rookies his team did not draft a bust in just their first season. We are several years away from knowing how good this class will be. I like all of Barrett's physical attributes, but he needs to work on that shot this off season.

no, has nothing with shooters shoot...not sure why you're having such a hard time here. 3rd in points, 5th in rebounds and 3 in assits...that's outstanding production for a guy on a team with NO functional PG, NO functional spacing and a litany of forwards in front of them that literally take what he does best away...that's the context that you're not applying and that's why i and many don't put too much emphasis on TS% at this point

so, if u wanna put him 10th or leave him out altogether go for it, but don't pretend that everyone else should follow suit with that nonsense.

Of the top 15 rookies in points per game he is:
6th in points scored
5th in shots taken
10th in 3PT%
12th in FG%
13th in FT%

The only good shooting stat he has that ranks in the top five is number of shots taken and points per game. Compared to this rookie class he is a scorer who is not scoring/shooting very well. Enough said about context. He needs his shot to start dropping if I am going to put him in the top five of anything.

Come on man, he is shooting .393 from the field after playing 41 games. WTH kind of great stat is that?

https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2020_rookies.html

[clyde21]

Shooters shoot, I get that. But some also take time to get their feet under them to when it comes to a lot of rookies. I call it the way I see it. If someone is not shooting well, its not something else. Its them not shooting well.

I am also not one of these knee jerk style posters who wants to call 50% of the rookies his team did not draft a bust in just their first season. We are several years away from knowing how good this class will be. I like all of Barrett's physical attributes, but he needs to work on that shot this off season.

no, has nothing with shooters shoot...not sure why you're having such a hard time here. 3rd in points, 5th in rebounds and 3 in assits...that's outstanding production for a guy on a team with NO functional PG, NO functional spacing and a litany of forwards in front of them that literally take what he does best away...that's the context that you're not applying and that's why i and many don't put too much emphasis on TS% at this point

so, if u wanna put him 10th or leave him out altogether go for it, but don't pretend that everyone else should follow suit with that nonsense.

Of the top 15 rookies in points per game he is:
6th in points scored
5th in shots taken
10th in 3PT%
12th in FG%
13th in FT%

The only good shooting stat he has that ranks in the top five is number of shots taken and points per game. Compared to this rookie class he is a scorer who is not scoring/shooting very well. Enough said about context. He needs his shot to start dropping if I am going to put him in the top five of anything.

Come on man, he is shooting .393 from the field after playing 41 games. WTH kind of great stat is that?

https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2020_rookies.html

you're repeating the same stuff over and over again. we know what his efficiency numbers are. I know them. everyone here knows them. you're adding literally nothing to the conversation.

I'm giving you the context why his efficiency numbers are bad, and telling that I, and a lot of people, don't give a **** about them because we can actually contextualize basketball.

[Buzzard]

no, has nothing with shooters shoot...not sure why you're having such a hard time here. 3rd in points, 5th in rebounds and 3 in assits...that's outstanding production for a guy on a team with NO functional PG, NO functional spacing and a litany of forwards in front of them that literally take what he does best away...that's the context that you're not applying and that's why i and many don't put too much emphasis on TS% at this point

so, if u wanna put him 10th or leave him out altogether go for it, but don't pretend that everyone else should follow suit with that nonsense.

Of the top 15 rookies in points per game he is:
6th in points scored
5th in shots taken
10th in 3PT%
12th in FG%
13th in FT%

The only good shooting stat he has that ranks in the top five is number of shots taken and points per game. Compared to this rookie class he is a scorer who is not scoring/shooting very well. Enough said about context. He needs his shot to start dropping if I am going to put him in the top five of anything.

Come on man, he is shooting .393 from the field after playing 41 games. WTH kind of great stat is that?

https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2020_rookies.html

you're repeating the same stuff over and over again. we know what his efficiency numbers are. I know them. everyone here knows them. you're adding literally nothing to the conversation.

I'm giving you the context why his efficiency numbers are bad, and telling that I, and a lot of people, don't give a **** about them because we can actually contextualize basketball.

You are not providing any context other than to say he is on a bad team. Here is a clue, 75% of all lottery picks are on some form of a bad team but they have been more consistent than Barrett. So yes, those players deserve to be ranked higher.

[clyde21]

Of the top 15 rookies in points per game he is:
6th in points scored
5th in shots taken
10th in 3PT%
12th in FG%
13th in FT%

The only good shooting stat he has that ranks in the top five is number of shots taken and points per game. Compared to this rookie class he is a scorer who is not scoring/shooting very well. Enough said about context. He needs his shot to start dropping if I am going to put him in the top five of anything.

Come on man, he is shooting .393 from the field after playing 41 games. WTH kind of great stat is that?

https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2020_rookies.html

you're repeating the same stuff over and over again. we know what his efficiency numbers are. I know them. everyone here knows them. you're adding literally nothing to the conversation.

I'm giving you the context why his efficiency numbers are bad, and telling that I, and a lot of people, don't give a **** about them because we can actually contextualize basketball.

You are not providing any context other than to say he is on a bad team. Here is a clue, 75% of all lottery picks are on some form of a bad team but they have been more consistent than Barrett. So yes, those players deserve to be ranked higher.

no, I'm providing context to let you know his role is completely different than a guy like PJ or Hunter or Rui -- he has wayyyy more responsibilities with the rock and is on a team that takes away his best skill set to boot...and DESPITE THAT he's still averaging more points, rebounds and assists than both of your boys Hunter and Cam.