Def Swami wrote:I, for one, have not noticed in any glaring defensive issues with Anthony other than he can only guard one position. He competes, he generally is in the right spots, he doesn't give up on plays, and is fighting through screens. And yes, I like that he attacks the glass. Even when switched on to a bigger defender, he's at least trying to make it tough. If there's one thing Clifford will do for Anthony it's making sure he learns to play defense in the NBA.
Luckily, his efficiency is coming around. He's accurate in catch and shoot situations where he has time. He's a good shooter. He's cutting out those ill-advised shots off the dribble. His game has become shots at the rim or open C&S 3's. And that's perfect for a guy in his role.
He's not going to be a guy that becomes a lead playmaker. That was never in his game. And with Vucevic, Fournier, and Gordon, Clifford won't task him with that. I think that's the next step for him. He'll never be a Doncic-level visionary, but he'll have to get to a place where he knows how to play out of a pick n' roll and make good decisions. He has been a pretty selfless passer. I know there was this fear that he'd come in and be a chucker (see Anthony Edwards). But, I think the veterans and Clifford have held him accountable. Which is good in his case.
You just want to see growth and improvement over the course of a rookie year. Especially this one as chaotic as it is. Anthony is coachable and a guy who wants to buy in to win games. He's got a great attitude. The fact that he's cutting out some of those terrible shot attempts, trying his best on defense, not chucking every chance he gets tells me he's paying attention to the film sessions and listening to his coaches. Hopefully he maintains a steady course of improvement.
I think his next step is learning to finish at the rim. The encouraging thing is that he's able to get to the rim. He's so quick and athletic. I'm optimistic that he'll get better. But, like passing and becoming a playmaker, I think those are things he'll have to work on extensively in the off-season. He'll need to go to the Kyrie Irving School of Lay-Ups.
Going from game to game... you can see him maturing... and that is all that matters to me. Actually this last stretch of games he's shifted it down a gear or two and not trying to prove himself to anyone... which was shooting himself in the foot. I personally love the trajectory i'm seeing... and come end of year... i think this discussion might be put to rest.