KJStark23 wrote:
Thanks for the video, KJ. Some good insights overall.
I disagree that we are in no-man's land or in the midst of an identity crisis. It's just that 1. we had to do an abrupt pivot while 2. continuing to develop young players. As to 2, that happens to be a deliberate process that has reaped rewards for decades, but seems so slow that it looks like we're not headed anywhere particular when in fact we're headed just where we are intending, even with some serious diversions and trials along the way. We've stayed the course, and now have a far more athletic group than the duo in the video give credit about. This is probably the most athletic team we've had in decades, and the young group is now far more ready for bigger roles because of said development.
I agree that we don't have a stand out star at the moment, and that this is a transformative period for us. Whether or not any of our current young guys will rise remains to be seen - this will really be the first opportunity for them to step into it.
I also agree that we won't be playing the same style as we did during the beautiful game period, but 1. we were closer to that more movement oriented style in the bubble even as it was blended with more up-tempo transition and 2. bubble play change of style - moving on from the half-court sets catering to LMA and DD - shows that we once again have successfully made alterations to how we play to maximize the strengths of our players.
Hopefully we can draft a player or two who can either grow into that standout or we make some moves for one that fits our current group. It's a higher, younger ceiling than, say, two years ago. That's an important transition already.
Not sure about the praise about Metu - are they going by what Metu offers in terms of tantalizing athleticism? They mentioned he showed some things, but I've watched every game, so not sure when that was. Flashes is the right word. I think he has more to show, but not sure it will be with us. Drew showed a lot more, but was hardly mentioned.
As to the players they suggest we draft, some interesting insights: Avdija, Hayes, Patrick Williams I'm very high on; less so on Okoro and Precious. They've watched a lot more of these prospects for far longer than I have and were very informative about the contexts. Williams, for example, has a tantalizing collection of skills that could be developed in the right situation, but they were less high on him than I am because Williams had his best games versus weak teams but struggled versus the best ones. He was also on a team where he had a lot of help and so was able to fulfill a role on the team rather than be overburdened with having to do too much. Playing a role really well can elevate a player's profile because he excels in doing what he's asked. So even with flaws or being raw, good role play looks like a solid baseline / high floor to teams.
Conversely, they mentioned that Precious was to have a complementary role to Wiseman but because of the latter's departure, Precious was not only thrust into a far more central role, it was an out of position one, too. Plus he didn't have as much help as Williams did.
These insights put each player in a new light. I still love PatWill for us, but I am slightly tempered on him and more open about Precious.
Still not thrilled about Okoro - short arms, wonky shot, 6'6" F - sort of feels like far too much overlap with who we already have. But it's mostly a gut feeling about him, just not taking to him for whatever reason. I'm willing to be convinced otherwise, but hope I don't have to be.
Avdija / Hayes - awesome fits for us, no doubt.
Bubble revealed where we're headed, and the team, while lacking a clear star right now, certainly does not lack identity. What has brought us to great heights has sustained us through challenging times and continues to sustain us as we make our way there again.
