1. That's what seems weird to me... If you have an opinion about Jones, just post it. Not sure why we are posting some random guy's opinion because it's on "chatsports.com" or bleacher report or rantsports.com, etc. I understand if it's Woj or Zach Lowe or some other more plugged-in writer, but this guy is just a content farm writer. 2. I don't think anyone know for sure which of the PFs will be the starter or in the rotation. None of the really proved themselves over another last year since the team ended up going with no PF in the playoffs. The coaching staff likely have some ideas about who it may be but even they likely need the training camp and preseason to decide on what to do-- and we are not even talking about a possible trade at some point. So, wouldn't shock me if it's Jones, or Motiejunas or Greg Smith or even Casspi. Wouldn't shock me if the answer is "none of the above." I am just hoping that there is a competent PF among the many on the roster. 3. That said, my current impression on the PFs is as follows: a. I don't really trust either of the 2012 rookies to make correct defensive rotations consistently yet. Hopefully they will have gotten better with more experience and a summer of work under their belt, but they were really not quite there as of when we last saw them in NBA games. It's a bid deal because when a PF/C messes up the rotation, it often leads to an open man under the basket. b. Terrence Jones: seems to do a lot of things at a B/B-/C+ level, not sure if there is anything that he does on an A level yet and what this package of skills really fits in on this team. He has good handles for a PF, which allows him to push the ball from the backcourt and drive from the perimeter into the paint in the summer league. But he's not exactly Lebron James and I am not sure he can do this against NBA competition. His range shooting is probably better than that of most PFs (who don't even take 3s) but I'm not sure it is good enough for you to want him to actually attempt those in a real game-- Is his 3 point shooting even as good as that of Josh Smith? He's a decent enough rebounder, but isn't exactly Omer Asik or even Thomas Robinson on the boards. He has the size and coordination to get shots off in traffic in the paint, but misses more of them than you'd like except when we are talking about dunks. Greg Smith: Very good at finish around the basket with either power or touch. Good rebounder. No shooting range. Strong post defender one-on-one, but not a rim protector/shot blocker. Gets lost in the defensive scheme from time to time. Motiejunas: Also very good at finishing around the basket. Great touch finishing off passes, also has good post moves to elude defenders. Not a good rebounder (though he was pretty decent in Europe the year before). Seemed to be a Terrence Jones level 3 point shooter last season-- willing to let it fly but not sure I trust him to make enough of them. Was too skinny last year but apparently has taken horse steroids to gain 40lbs in the offseason.
none. hope he pans out but so far its just hope & potential. in many fans' estimations he seems to benefit from the general ignorance re the weight gain.
Don't care about the weight gain as long as he can play. I am betting that both Terrence and Donatas will improve drastically.
Because, despite the signing of Dwight---and maybe because of it---it's gonna be a looooooooooooooooooooong off-season, and every bit of dreck will make its way here.
This is a great analysis of the PFs, agree completely. The key thing for Jones is that we do not want him taking contested jumpers or even open 3's at this stage until and unless he shows great improvement. The key to being a great team player is knowing one's limitations (and the reason why I am not crying for missing out on Josh Smith, as much as I love his defense).
With Howard, Harden, Parsons & Lin we need him mainly to focus on being able to shoot the outside shot and play good defense. Let's hope he looks good at that, because Lin's opinion counts but I'd wait until McHale and other coaches say it. If he can't do that, I see Garcia / Casspi becoming a starter. Greg Smith hasn't shown any improvement and D-Mo I just don't know.
That was also my initial thought.... But then how many minutes per game did it take to arrive at those numbers? Either way, I'm still pretty 50/50 on this guy... Still can't figure out who will be the better player out if him and Dmo.
