sco wrote:I can't tell if PWill is slow laterally or it is just rookie lack of anticipation. I agree that it probably makes sense to have PWill play PF next season and try to nab a 2-way SF.
He looks laterally slow to me. Sorta like Deng - a very good, but not great athlete who is too stiff/rigid, and missing the fluidity you see from top-level NBA athletes. I think his athleticism has been overrated by the board at large, and that certainly limits his upside. A number of posters called out the slow lateral movement early, so it's not a complete surprise. I think hope just clouded that reality for most (inc. me).
I think he can make huge improvements during off seasons (skills & body), but he has a long way to go in a lot of departments. That stuff can come with time, and mistakes are going to happen, and that's also fine. What's most concerning is what feels like a lack of competitiveness.
You don't have to yell, or make angry/incredulous/disgusted faces (looking at you Coby...ugh). I just see one, even keel speed. After a negative play, I'd like to see an urgency and determination that he wants to make amends in a subsequent play - but nothing ever changes. Being calm, and steady is a positive, but for Pat - it's so extreme it's to the level of fault right now. Even Tim Duncan got PO'd from time to time. I've literally never seen a reaction from Pat, and that doesn't seem like it can possibly be a good thing.
Can anyone think of similar players in terms of on court demeanor? I guess Kawhi is very stoic, but we should all know the perils of that comparison. Outside of the unique freak that is Leonard - who else?
