Royce White....has got to go unfortunately............

I like Royce a lot but I think he needs to lose some weight for the NBA. He looks a little slow when running and jumping.

 

First thing I'd ask the OP is whether he is old enough to remember watching Anthony Mason play for the Knicks. Intuitively, I still have trouble understanding how his skills were able to translate to NBA production, but the fact that he did produce is beyond question. White has some combinations of skills that are nearly unique. He also has.some skillsets where he would be consideted remedialby NBA standards.

The nice thing about having 4 high talent rookies is that one of them can sit and work on their game and the other three reduce the fan pressure for #4 to produce right away. Obviously not entirely, as this thread indicates but for the most part. Anybody remember the 86 Cavs? Not 100% comprable as he was a 2nd round pick, but Mark Price got a lot of cover in learning to play the point from first round picks Hot Rod Williams, Brad Daugherty, and Ron Harper. I'm not sure he would have had as much space to learn if he had been the only rookie.

I think they knew that White didn't have a complete skillset when they drafted him. He looks to me like the kind of guy who doesn't play much for a year or two anf, if he puts in the work, suddently explodes. I think you are making a mistake to expect too much short term production.

 

Royce should focus on one thing, rebounding. The Heat had a similar incentive last year when they played good defense and got a steal/block/turnover, they could do whatever they wanted. That same principle should apply to Royce: if he gets the rebound, steal, block then he can be the primary decision maker for that play

 

anthony mason was automatic from midrange.

he was also a bull defender down on the block - witness him taking up the defensive duties against hakeem during the finals when patrick went to the bench.

 

When he first entered the league, he had the offensive game of Andre Drummond - if it wasn't a dunk, it was a brick or an airball. The jumper that Mason developed with the Knicks is a point in White's favor.

I agree about the defense, and as far as I know, the intensity was always there. That javing been said, I didn't mean to imply that White was a clone of Mason, only that they both have wierd skillsets, and I personally never understood how productive Mason could be with some of the holes in his game.

I also think it is entirely possible that White is unwilling/unable to do what it takes to learn the skills he needs, which would result in him flaming out and going the way of former Rockets great, John Turner. I just think it is a mistake to write off White before the coaches have had a year or two to work with him.

 

It took Mason years to develop what you speak of. He was not ready straight out of the gate.

 

i actually think that white's ballhandling and court vision are superior to what mason had at any point in his career. the problem is, in order for white to get playing time and showcase these skills he's first going to have to be effective at the traditional PF duties in the paint. mason was an all-defensive team player and double-digit rebounder during his career, and as you mentioned, developed his offensive game over the years. he was a no-excuses relentless competitor who, as you mentioned, somehow finished plays despite giving up a lot of inches and having holes in his game.

frankly speaking, white is still out of shape now just a few days before opening night and so far has not shown any glimpse of the dedication that will be necessary in order for him to develop into an nba rotation player...

 

The only red flag for me about White is his intensity. He just doesn't hustle that much.

 

So does the "1" in your user name stand for "I" or "L"?

 

I like your post. If White can learn to do all the little things that make a solid four, his passing and playmaking could make him a complete STUD down the road.

7.4 rebounds per 36 minutes... Patrick Patterson
8.6 rebounds per 36 minutes... Anthony Mason
9.2 rebounds per 36 minutes... Luis Scola
10.1 rebounds per 36 minutes... Chuck Hayes

Anthony Mason was an average to decent rebounder at his position, but far from great.

 

i just remember him averaging 10-11 rebs/gm when he was starting for charlotte.......there probably weren't many rebs for the taking when he played alongside ewing and oakley (mason is actually a little smaller than white, and was able to play the 3 at times w/ the knicks)

i don't think white will ever be able to guard 3's, so he really will need to learn how to defend the post

 

I don't think Lin intentionally uses his success as a platform to speak on Asian American issues.　When he speaks on the issues it's usually in response to interviewers' questions.As a devout christian, I think he always answers questions honestly and Asian American issues are questions people like to ask him.That's prolly people got the impression. If anything, he didn't seem comfortable when spoke on the issues at least initially. I remember he actually reiterated a few times he's first and foremost a basketball player.

 

A lot of rookies start slow so thats not much against him there. Honestly Id have no problem with him if he didnt have the catching a plane issue. Its the missing games part that annoys me.

 

Royce White will appear in less than 25 NBA regular season games in his career.

 

I wish I could confidently say you were wrong.

That I can't about the #18 pick is a testament to the sad state of affairs we are witnessing.

 

Grim outlook for a fan.
One can only hope.

 

You came to this realization based off of what exactly? The few minutes of pre-season play or summer league?

 

No, Lin just intentionally uses his success as a platform to speak on Christian/God/Jesus issues.

 

Do you mean Marcus Morris?

 

What issues has he spoken of besides "Thank you God for the opportunity"? Maybe I missed Lin's rant about gay marriage and abortion...