And you have to respect Jokic's 3-point shot. Can't sag off when he's on the perimeter. Even if Alpi hits one, the defense knows that statistically, he's not likely to even try another in that game.
That isn't the main thing. The main thing is defenses must closely guard Jokic from FT distance and closer, which opens up the lane for other players. Otherwise they know he'll bury them. Sometimes Alpi isn't even guarded closely 10-ft from the basket because he is a "non-shooter". Two strong opinions of mine: (1) Alpi must fix his broken jumper or he's very near his ceiling right now. He also needs to hit those 4-5 ft touch shots. (2) I don't think he needs a 3-point shot to go next level. Too many people here are fixated on the wrong thing.
I will say I've been really frustrated the past couple of months as Udoka has given me a taste of Sengun-centric offense with FVV, Amen, Brooks, and Tari or JSJ, but just a taste. Any time a defense tries to get tough on Sengun by helping off Tari or Amen, Tari or Amen head straight for the basket, and Sengun gets the ball to them before the help for the helper comes. Amen and Sengun are both really good at positioning themselves in a crowd to receive a pass from the other as the crowd has to stop the ball. Brooks and FVV are two of the best catch-and-shoot threats on the team. I'm not sure how these lineups work in the playoffs on offense. It seems so hard to get Sengun the ball in a position to do damage most of the time, but it seems so easy when the low man is on either Amen or Tari. Maybe in more regular season minutes, other teams adjust better. So far though, the ball isn't sticky with those guys.
Sometimes shooting 82% from FT stripe could be seen as going another level. Especially when the game is on the line.
From ESPN.com, he's 69.4% from the FT line this year. In his first 4 years, it's been 71.1, 71.5, 69.3, 69.4. His FG% has declined from last year, 53.7 to 49.7.
I think Sengun is having a down year in terms of percentages but I agree with the general points you made in your last few posts. Whether he develops a consistent mid-range shot or not will determine his future as a star player.
I won't argue. But the combination of NOT having a 3-point shot while simultaneously NOT hitting the closer touch shots is killing him.
I believe his shooting issues this year come from him spending a whole lot more energy on defense. He has tired legs. He is 22, he will adjust to this. He is 3-5 years away from his prime. I agree he does not need a 3 ball to be effective although I think by the time he hits his prime he will be much more reliable from deep.
The ft% is not a down year. It is just who he has been so far. Exactly same as last year and slightly lower than when he had a smaller role. his form was improved at the beginning of the season so was his ft%z. Then he lost it for some reason.
Another Senhater game, another Sengun almost triple-dub with a dub. Gotta be frustrating being a Senhater.
What are they saying about Sengun? Calvin Murphy: "Alfi can't jump over this pen (holds up pen) but he has 1,000 ways to kill you." Utah Broadcast: "2nd game Sengun has taken Kessler out of the game. He needs to study Sengun better. He just does everything so well fundamentally( as he wizards a behind the back pass to Jabari)." Adebayo and Hartenstein from Eugene,Oregon are the best at sneaky elbowing and unloading their weight, timing it perfectly as Sengun backs down concealing the foul committed. Everybody else, Sengun gets them in foul trouble. 5.4 fouls drawn per game. Only one better is Jokic at 5.9
Now that 6 games remain. From the entire 2021 class: 1st in Total rebounds. 4th in total assists (Giddey,Cade and Barnes), 4th in total points, No. 1 in the advanced metrics.
And all this happened even though Sengun got dealt a tougher hand as the 16th pick. Those top lottery guys didn’t have to deal with the same crap he did, so what he’s pulled off is seriously impressive, something you don’t see too often in NBA history.
Nah. Usually he's around 1/4 from the floor in the first 5 min.s of the 1st, with a new pair of legs under him.
How do Sengunatics manage to get Sengun included on a list published by the official NBA.com? That’s absolutely mind-blowing.
