lol, he’s always been a pure shooter from midrange. His “struggle” was just weird running toss ups/“prayer” looking layups when a better shot wasn’t available or when he just wasn’t sure what he was doing as you mentioned. But they were never really “normal” shots. Whenever I see him shoot a normal midrange it goes in more often than not. He’s easily one of the better shooters in this league, from anywhere.
Its some similar elements of "Linsanity" situation with Sheppard now. Yes Lin is a name people hate to see, but it's not comparing Sheppard's superior talent, just the situation. The point is after Lin was complete a** his rookie year, getting support from coaching instilled confidence in Lin to shine. Confidence in ability is obviously showing in Reed's game too. Ex players have said if you lose your confidence in this league, you won't be in the league. So it is vital
Might be best to start him just during the injuries. Even though I was happy to see Udoka experimenting with offensive lineups, I feel like it's better to pair Okogie with Holiday in the second unit. Reed next to Amen. Reed is continuing to develop PG skills fast and he's a better spacer than Okogie, can give Amen more room to drive. I think we can survive defensively: Sengun (guards the big) Jabari (guards the 2nd best) Durant (basically guards the worst forward) Amen (guards the best perimeter player) Sheppard (disrupts the POA)
I think it's better to start Okogie and then bring Reed in with Adams and (now) Holiday. Either way he's going to play ~6 mins in the first quarter and on into the 2nd. He'll actually get more opportunities to shoot the ball with bench players than with starters. That said, if the starting unit ever becomes consistently stale (which is doubtful considering KD and Alpi), starting Reed in place of Okogie becomes an option.
It is so rare to see anyone on this site (or anywhere on the internet) admit being wrong on something they were so adamant about. Kudos.
Sengun and LD already high usage guys, and then Amen and Jabari need touches too. Okogie is the perfect starter because I would rather Reed be the main engine on the 2nd unit than just rely on Aaron Holiday.
Small hands by NBA standards is the only reason why Reed Sheppard had to go for the layup. He's got the vertical, but not the hand size for one handed dunks.
And the Only one that admits openly he used a trick to get to 42 Vertical not saying he is no leaper at all.
The really big part of his game I like, I never had to worry he's going to make a stupid TO when he dribbles the ball running the offense. Under pressure hes always in control and knows how to get out of situations where they could double him or push him into a corner. Just feels good after some of the shenanigans Green would do in same circumstances. Last night him tripping Bane was the icing on the cake. Dude is fuming out of his mouth with confidence
Of course he used a trick, he even admitted to it basically right after the combine - it is shocking to me that other players don´t do this more or it is not regulated better. That being seid, Reed could have dunked that - he just took the safer shot. That kinda is who he is - take the safe shots, no need to be too flashy if it doesnt help you make the shot.
I'm sorry but with the current starting lineup there isn't any room for Jabari to operate. He can't create any looks for himself on the perimeter and with Amen leading the point there is an extra help defender to rotate for close outs.
He jumped too far away from the basket to dunk safely with his short arm. So he chose to just lay it up. Smart move. No need to showboat.
That should've been a damn foul(x2) on Bane anyways. It's bullsht...and they didnt say anything after a damn review?
