I really dont understand why we dont see any Jabari or Amen as the screen setters. I think Amen would be excellent as a rolle man. Hed have so much gravity going down hill towards the rim as a roller. And he's easily the best lob threat on the team. And Jabari would provide a lot of versatility as a roll man or popping out to the three. It just baffled me why we try so much isolation when there are clear tools in our tool belt that would at least provide some variation if not be completely better options.
Bari in middle running PNR with JG used to be clutch … layup or Bari FT line jumper or 3 from top … and we hardly used it
I think if he cant excel in this role he just isnt good enough to be a max player. What makes him elite is his ability to blanket guards while being 6'7, if he can learn to shoot and handle in the perimeter he's gonna be one of the best guards in the league cuz his height and length makes him unstoppable at the perimeter. OTH if we move him to PF or SF strictly as a dunker his lack of shooting makes him pedestrian. He doesnt really have any post moves either so he gonna be like Josh Okogie all defense no offense. Like what is supposed to be his role as a 6'7 dunker with limited range? Thats not good enough to be a franchise guy imo. Thats like Aaron Gordon but without the jumpshot.
I agree with a lot of what you’ve said, and I still think they should start Reed at PG and let Amen move back to doing what he does best. He’ll still get to play PG I’m sure, but his confidence in his shot is clearly deteriorating and other teams are exploiting it. Right now it’s like the Peter Principle at point guard. Your Aaron Gordon comp is a good one. Not a max player. But I don’t think Aaron Gordon was ever as good defensively as Amen is. Josh Okogie is a + defender for sure. One of the real surprises of this season, but he’s no Amen. When Amen was doing Amen things on defense last season he was often able to erase the other teams best player. This is not a small thing. All-NBA level defense. Right now I dont see that guy. He’s looking more like Aaron Gordon, but without the jumper.
I don't see Amen in the mold of Aaron Gordon at all. They are very different. Amen is a much better athlete, ball handler and defender. The only thing Gordon is much better is shooting. Amen even without shooting is a better overall player already. If Amen can't develop a jump shot, he is more like a wing version of Gobert. A guy who is in the annual DPOY conversation and scores 15 ppg by dunks and put backs. If you are an elite defender and rebounder and can score 15 points a game, you are not a franchise player but can easily get a max contract in this league.
It’s absolutely a crime not to get Reed going and to ice him for whatever the ******* gimmicky reasons in Ime Udoka’s conceited head
It just looks infinitely smoother with him on the floor running point. And let Amen go back to being the wrecking ball wing. Great game for Reed tonight.
The shooting is the obvious highlight from tonight but his passing in the last 3 games or so has been really really impressive to me. He's made some really nice passes and good decisions in the pick and roll. Still has the habit of bailing out and picking up his dribble, but the flashes are there.
Today in Denver was Reed at his best. Just keep in mind he won't do this every game and his productivity is still inconsistent. This was only game 25, less than 1/3 into the season. Reed becoming a well-rounded offensive player who can help the team beyond just shooting the ball. His progression on defense is very encouraging. He has a ways to go, but there is no doubt in my mind he'll be at another level by playoff time. Cut the whining and just enjoy this ride.
Let Reed play 30+ minutes a game and he will produce!!! We have our shooter and point guard of the future. This is really his first real season as a player playing real minutes… let that sink in.
