Amen is a PG and can play 1-4, Tari can play both forward spots. I don't think overlap is an issue at all with those two. If anything they compliment each other as devastating wing defenders which will very much be needed in the playoffs. Thier impact stats are amazing as well.
I'll repeat my 2 cents on Alpi's shooting again: A very good 3-point shot would be great, but all he really needs to go next level is become deadeye from mid-range and become clutch shooting FTs when the game is on the line. When opposing Cs go out to 12-14 feet to defend him, Alpi cooks them.
I'm going to make this case again: 16.5pts / 8reb / 3ast / 1.9 stl / 2.8 blk on 44% FG% / 33% 3pt%(on low volume) / 79% FT% The 3pt shooting is NOT just about Alpi's game - it's about stretching defenses to take advantage of matchups that allow other players on the roster to score too. Sometimes you need to be enough of a threat away from the rim that let's say a generational big man in San Antonio can't just camp out under the rim while guarding you....and please don't resort to the Alpi scored 40+ on Wemby this year argument - it was a great game from Alpi but title contending teams often have roster flexibility to play a number of ways and Sengun limits that flexibility if he doesn't continue to improve on defense and continue to work on his range.
I see your point but, IMO, to take another big step, Alpi should never do another pump fake from mid-range nobody ever jumps for. He needs to bury the shot and run back to the other end. That would open the lane up for more driving and cuts. This is more important right now than him being on the 3-point line. To clarify: I have little doubt Alpi will become a serviceable 3-point shooter eventually, but he can make a huge stride on offense just being very good from mid-range. Defense is another subject entirely. We'll see.
Love Amen. I just think one aspect people overlook when talking about his potential ceiling is that he was a somewhat older rookie. Only half a year younger than Alpi, and 1 1/2 years older than Cam.
Excited to see Amen this season. He's already an elite rebounder, hopefully the shot has improved. He kinda reminds me of Ron Artest physically and I think he has the potential to be an all-NBA defender.
This is an imaginary thing, developing a midrange shot is not easier than developing a 3PT shot. Doesn't take fewer years or less practice. Sengun is much closer to being a 33% 3PT shooter than he is to being the equivalent 50% mid range shooter (I.e. Durant territory). Finally, we're not going anywhere with Sengun alone. Whoever ends up his sidekick will most likely need room to penetrate. The last thing this team needs is bodies staying in the paint longer. Screwed everyone last season. Amen, Cam and Jalen all struggled to meet expectations with their drives. FVV has always sucked at it. Sengun has to do SOMETHING well off ball or he has to carry this team like a Jokic. The 3PT shot is the easiest and best path.
I give up. You guys that compare Alpi to Jokic must not actually pay attention to what makes Jokic effective. I'll give you a hint: Him being on the 3-point line has little to do with it. That is a very small part of what makes him great. I'm sorry, but Alpi adding 5% to his 3-point efficiency just won't do what you think it will.
It's just a coincidence Embiid/Jokic perennial MVP candidates can make 3's and the Celtics/Nuggets/Bucks/Lakers recently won titles with a stretch 5. Even Draymond/Warriors don't crowd the paint. Derrick Lively and Bam Adebayo are wrong for working on it this summer. The top seed in the west started Holmgren at the 5. Udoka is wrong for wanting it. Come on dude. Your 90's idea has been thoroughly defeated in the NBA in front of our eyes. The shot does exactly what we're saying. It stretches the floor and makes Alpi a far more dynamic scorer. It's also great for avoiding exhaustion without being useless on the court. Moreover, just the idea that adding a midrange jumper is easier or faster is a myth. It's something a soccer fan might think but it has no evidence in the basketball world. Mechanics don't discriminate by distance. That's why the league is littered with 3PT shooters better than 33% but only a handful of midrange players in the 50% FG% range.
Serious question that I'm not sure has been asked yet - Is Amen Thompson a better NBA prospect than Cooper Flagg, despite their three-year age difference? While Flagg is younger at 18, his calling card is supposed to be his defense. Aside from Wemby, I cannot imagine how any prospect can even come close to what Amen has been on the defensive end this year. For context, AI says: Amen Thompson: Strengths: Exceptional athleticism, playmaking ability, and defensive potential. Concerns: Shooting consistency. Cooper Flagg: Strengths: High basketball IQ, excellent passing and defensive skills, and a more polished overall game. Concerns: Athleticism may not be as explosive as some top prospects.
Cooper Flagg is getting all this hype based on defense? Is he a rim protector? I thought he was a forward.
Whatever you think of Sam Veccine, he called Flagg the best 17 yo defender he had ever scouted last year. He's often comped to Andrei Kirilenko fwiw
Once again, these guys are kids 20-23 years old and are already this good. Please stop wanting to trade, fire, or make any changes. We can contend for the top seed in the west very soon and potentially become championship contenders for a decade if guys truly maximize thier talent. Imagine these guys at 25+
