I believed Amen would be the future point guard. What’s great about him is his versatility; he can fit into almost any position, except maybe center.
I envisioned a more skilled shooter Melo combined with greater defensive impact. I also believe that Jalen and Cam can thrive together, especially with an increased intensity on defense.
I'd hold back on the "more skilled shooter" if I'm honest. Young Melo was the best scorer in the league for a good minute, people need to dial back the constantly saying people are better than x when x is literally HOF level, best in the league at their position level talent.
If you look at it from a coach's perspective of trying to win games now, I think you want him ahead of the play as much as possible as well as moving along the baseline to the corners & wings for 3's. So on offense he'll probably be positioned as a 3/4 by most NBA coaches in a R&R system. Especially one where you are really pushing pace. It also puts him in position to minimize some of the mistakes he makes as a young player who can make some errant passes. However if he was the #1 pick in the draft this past Summer with the Hawks (which I think he would have been if he stayed in college) I think ownership and the GM mandate that the coach put the ball in his hands to create more rather than be an early recipient of the system getting him open looks. So for the Rockets I think he'll have to first earn that starting spot at the 3/4 mostly by being an elite defender, and hitting open looks to really spread the floor out. Right now though it'll be tough to jump ahead of Amen to earn that 3 spot (assuming Brooks is destined to get sent to the bench at some point) which then puts him in a position to be a starter first, then start to get more and more plays called for him to create, and become a star playmaker. Gotta crawl before you can walk, and walk before you can run on this team. On another team though that has nobody else of that ceiling potential I think there's reason to believe they start him now at the 2, and allow him the chance at being an all-star now. Long way of saying on this team he's a 3/4 for at least a couple more seasons. If he was on Atlanta or Brooklyn, he's likely their lead guard to start this season because they have less to lose.
He is a SG/SF - and positions don't matter so much at that spot. He is pushing Jalen - and that is good for both. DD
I know what I’m saying might seem too ambitious right now, but Cam has the tools to get there, especially if his mental game keeps up with his skills. He’s got the perfect build for a 20-year-old, with incredible athleticism and solid shooting mechanics. All of this points to huge potential. I expect his defensive intensity to improve under Ime; if it doesn’t, it might mean he’s not quite ready to step into that superstar role mentally. He also needs to work on his shot creation. I'm really curious to see if he can break through those mental barriers. If he does, we could be looking at a future superstar.
Is this is ceiling on this team? Can he become a Starter? Would that mean he'd have to surpass Amen? What is his expectations for next years? Better Defense 15~20 minutes a game? 10~14 pts? Rocket River
How long before Durant gets into an argument with Cam? If that day comes, Udoka will send him packing the next day.
You guys are manufacturing stuff, Cam isn't a bad teamate, he is just frustrated with a lack of playing time. Now we have moved 2 guys that were ahead of him on Ime's depth chart and replaced one with Durant, giving a great opportunity for Cam. Just enjoy the ride, the guy is about to break loose! DD
What does CAM need to do to improve and don't say . . just get on the court what does he have to do to get on the court? Where is he lacking? Rocket River
I hope so! I just hope he learns how to play team-ball. I don't think I've seen him ever get an assist.
He’s just another in the long line of DD failed love affairs. I hope I’m wrong and he does progress this year. If he does will it be enough for his fragile ego? He will have to make a huge jump in team effectiveness to earn a permanent role in our rotation, especially if Reed makes a jump who will get the first chance. Is he playing in summer league? He needs to and to play well there and in pre-season to even have a role to open the season. Without any more trades our rotation at the start of the season will be mostly: FVV, Amen, Durant, Jabari, Sengun with Reed, Tari, and Adams off the bench. If we add another combo guard or specialist shooter, Cam will fall further down the rotation totem pole. Pouting is not a trait that Ime enjoys.
