aminiaturebuddha wrote:I'm not sure who "T" is on Twitter here, but I would love to see some stats to back up his assertions.
The idea that "OG commanded double teams" seems to suggest that Pascal doesn't, or that OG does more frequently than Pascal (because he's talking about what the team is lacking with Pascal in the lineup and OG out). Again, I would love to see some stats, because that doesn't sound true to me at all.
Also, "T"'s belief that Pascal is more regularly guarded by 5s (which might be correct) should actually mean that Pascal is drawing more attention from the other team's best rim protector, which should open up more opportunities for Scottie in the paint. But as we've seen, Scottie's scoring percentages close to the basket have been dropping as well.
As one poster pointed out above (I think it was JN) rookies go through ups and downs all the time as things that were working for them earlier on no longer work once teams have some film to game plan against. Then the rookies will need to adjust, and opposing teams will counter once again. I think people have this misconception that player development is always linear. It isn't. Scottie will have stretches where he struggles, as all rookies do. But we know he's got a high BBIQ, he'll figure it out.
It really was pretty nonsensical. Too many pseudoexperts trying to diagnose what's wrong with the team.
Anyways, Barnes was good tonight. His finishing wasn't there but I liked his process attacking the rim. Felt like he was settling for the middy a bit too much in previous games.
Giddey looks really freaking good. 19 years old and looks totally comfortable being the lead ball handler in the NBA. Quicker than I expected. He's in the Luka/Melo mold of tall playmakers that can control the game. I think there's a chance he ends up better than Ball tbh.