Been obsessively re-watching the 'real training camp' footage
posted earlier and have come away actually more impressed with players I had question marks about.
Dial in on Trevor Booker and you see him doing all the little things on the periphery of the action. Fast on transition defense, makes the smart pass, refuses to allow bigs to back him into the post with the exception of Seraphin, who missed badly, well defended. Nobody scored on him inside because he wouldn't give position. Better yet he was re-directing his man with a subtle shove into the path of another attacking player, effectively defending two players at once.
On offense he doesn't yet have a comfort zone hitting the wide open shot he's gonna get every night out there, that should come with practice, but he knows the angles and has the ability to score off a one-two dribble move, even against larger players. And he's making the smart read on the pass almost every time. This is one of those hi-IQ players who will benefit the team in subtle ways whatever it looks like he is or isn't doing. He may not always get the board, but his man won't either.
Kevin Seraphin is another who caught hell on here for his missed jumpers, but again on careful re-consideration I'm still seeing what I thought I saw. Coming off the knee injury he's rusty, lacks timing will need to adjust to the NBA, but you can see where and how he will get his groove on once he gets a comfort level against NBA competition. Big, fast, nimble, long arms, good instincts especially on defense. Rookies need time to adjust, rookie bigs more so than most, but this kid is going to be a force once he feels like he knows what he's doing out there, and he doesn't look nervous about it.
Hamady N'Diaye may have only one NBA calibre quality, but he sure changed a ton of shots when he was on the floor. Runs fast to get in position. Then those long arms come up and he's a constant threat to knock your ball out the air.
I found myself really impressed with Kevin Palmer. Kid is subtly smooth, rangy, but seems under control, good defense against the drive, tenacious. He'll be a longshot to make the team but once he develops a reliable jumper in the D-League, he'd be a quality call-up. Kid has good body control and an oncourt timing/patience that reminds me a bit of Grant Hill or Penny Hardaway back in the day: doesn't seem hurried even when making a move. I won't be surprised when he's a roster player even starter in 3 years.
Still like Lester Hudson. Way he's playing, not only making threes but the correct pass I'd bet the team will keep him.
I'd love it if we could keep rosters deeper than 15and stow 'em on our minor league D-League squad. If the owners get good profit givebacks maybe they'll allow a 20 player roster. Of course then San Antonio would be truly dominant...
JaVale looks good. Nick. John Wall turned the ball over with a few lazy passes, he'll need to make it a focus once he learns his teammates. One way or the other this should be an interesting year.