Yeah, and i don't think it's a big surprise at this point, the guy is just very smart, you can see this in various situations on the court, good feel for the game too...you can't teach/learn these things.
Same here, but i think there's something wrong with Nene, Codman also said something about him having some issues off the court right now...he was just bad in the last games, can't catch some easy balls, some dumb fouls and turnovers, no presence in the paint whatsoever...
He's playing the same way he played with the Wizards last year. He's spent. Has moments where he looks really good, but especially on defense he is just washed up.
I didn't really follow him last season so i can't say anything about this but i trust what you're saying, i just hope you're at least partially wrong though, and that what Codman said is actually hurting his game because we may need him later in the season if someone goes down for an injury and if D.Mo is not going to be here.
silly rabbits !...coach was saving Nene for the Denver.....anyway no complaints in roxs land 2 day ! Screw the Golden Haired Worriers !
He's a cheap signing so I'm not bashing it, but if you go read my posts in that thread you will see my comments. Nene's defense has regressed significantly.
well, you can but i think it's something that usually comes through years of training. that's why it's so impressive to see now. very, very good instincts for the game. that botched layup between him and PBev....ugh. PBev had no idea what he was doing or what to do in that situation and that's disappointing. Dekker made that steal, led the break and set himself up for an alleyoop if Bev just had a clue it would've been a rim-rocker. Bev gave him a bounce pass, made him stop and try a funky layup.....blehhhh The guy deserves minutes. Speaking of that and To the Nene comments in here, I think his presence does a lot and for this beginning of the season has helped immensely....but I agree that Harrell is making it hard to be denied. I don't think he's right for every situation...but when teams go small ball and Harrell can fit in as the 5, he's a guy who can make teams pay for their lineups. Very excited to see BOTH young players develop.
So I was wrong with Dekker. I didnt really watch too much of his game at Wisconsin save for their run in the tournament. From that I saw a guy who was a great college PF but probably a bit undersized to play in the NBA from a strength perspective. He was athletic and hard nosed though which was the areas I did appreciate. My belief about him was jaded because of the overall frustration from last season and him not being able to play because of injuries. I felt we may have had another Terrence Jones type situation where we he had the talent but probably could never put it together consistently to be a rotational NBA player. But I am glad he has proven me and others wrong. The guy just flat out hustles out there. He has improved his shot and more importantly he doesnt care about the flashy highlights or plays he just makes the smart plays. Decision making and awareness is such a huge and vastly underrated aspect of the game. Dekker knows where to be and what to do in situations that he probably has no business in knowing given his experience in the NBA (essentially a rookie). His defense on KD was probably the best someone could play KD late in the game last night. To me the most impressive thing was that despite not getting any calls (he was fouled a lot/called for rookie ticky tacs) he didnt let that frustration stay with him after the play ended. He got upset for a second or so and then moved on. That to me was maturity beyond his years and mental toughness, something this team was sorely lacking last year. Battier's mental toughness is what made him so special as a role player and eventual leader. Dekker if he keeps on this trajectory can be a guy like Battier which would be a huge steal for the Rockets. D'Antoni trusting him down the stretch not just payed huge dividends last night but will help his confidence as the season progresses as he can cut into the minutes that Brewer plays (IMO as much as I hate Corey he can be effective in short bursts but isnt good when it comes to extended bench minutes) Been impressed all season with his play but last night he earned himself a whole new found respect and admiration from me
No but i trust your opinion, and i mean, he's like what? 34? So yeah, shouldn't be shocking but, i don't know, it's like i had the impression that his performances have really fallen too much in few days to be just some discontinuity...but maybe i'm just playing with my mind since i read that Codman post lol
I like him. Scores well, moves the ball around reasonably well. Defense needs work but it's not too bad. Could shoot better at the rim but has been a very good 3 point shooter. For a guy who is basically a rookie he's doing great.
Agree, Nene is a decent backup but his defense is much worse this year. Part is age, part is the system, but he's no longer a plus defender.