[Jackson Gatlin & Dr. Madison Moore] Reed can learn from JD Davison

This does seem to be the case, but I'm still hoping Reed makes a jump this year.

 

He isn't a great on man defender at the top of the key - never has even been good at it. He lacks the foot speed going backwards. He will never be good at that. However that doesn't mean he will be a horrible defender. He is a very good help defender, he has exceptional hands - he is capable of forcing a lot of turnovers and he is very good at playing angles. There are ways to handle someone like that defensively - and the Rockets will do that. I also expect him to get stronger, and that will help him as well as he learns to cheat better and cut guys off.

It isn't so much that he gravitates to the paint, he plays angles and passing lanes. At Kentucky often times the other team ended up in the post and that is why he would be there.

There have been a number of point guards that were good defenders with a similar profile - Chris Paul, John Stockton are the two biggest names of guys that had a similar issue..... it requires effort, intelligence and a disciplined defense around them - but it is doable.

I am more concerned about his inability to consistently hit shots - that is an absolute must.

 

He said his confidence was through the roof, then went out and looked as timid as last year.

 

This. His calling card is his shooting. But he’s yet to show us consistently that he’s this “elite shooter” many have claimed based on his lone college season.

 

just curious, what's the general opinion on gatlin??

 

Definitely on the spectrum but basically just another fan with a podcast with some access to the team.

 

The guy is a hustler with all the content that he puts out. Enjoyed listening to his podcast during Eurobasket.

 

He overreacts to some things, and then urges people not to overreact to other things. He's a superfan, and his LockedOn Rockets podcast is decent if you need something to listen to while killing time driving.

 

I think he is a talent, a pro. Leaving out our opinion of his takes, the guy is very good at carrying an engaging podcast without resorting to the lazy, hot-take engagement.

 

Talks too much and above all is the only Locked On host that tries to reel off words per nano seconds, I would recommend a side kick.....he does not let his guests such as Madison Moore speak a ton.

 

I don't know who JD Davison is. I do know he's the best #4 the Rockets have had for 5 or so years though.

 

Didn’t he SA someone or was that @DonKnock

 

Let's all just join in on hype train after few rec center preseason games. Pfff.

 

All stonks are up! Scored 140 on the j*zz lol

 

Don’t forget that they look like they could be partners in an accounting firm.

 

You need a new list. That crew is either unwantable as a member of TheGoodGuys; or flat out not available.

Bigger question IMO is how Stone and/or Ime want that position defined.

 

I agree with HP. Maybe my opinion is a little higher. He’s more knowledgeable than the other Locked On hosts. Definitely has the super fan energy so doesn’t have much cool factor. But that’s ok in my book. I’ve noticed over the last year or so his opinions are feeling more informed and substantive. I listen to every episode while I’m walking my dog and enjoy the hell out of it.

 

Didn't Madison love Jalen Green?

LOL

DD

 

Super, super early, but Reed seems like he's mostly doing what he needs to be doing in the preseason so far. Does he still need work on the defensive end? Yes. But the shooting has been, overall, acceptable (6 for 13 from the field, 3 for 8 from three), and going by the eye test, he's doing okay as a secondary playmaker as well despite some turnovers that weren't all his fault.

As @Nook said it's just a matter of the shooting being there. That's the main thing we need to have from him this season so he can stay on the court while he continues to work on other aspects of his game and gets better at them.

 

He is the opposite of Jalen in terms of speech, I try to listen every once in a while, I prefer someone with a deeper and calmer voice.