Do you remember what Jalen was like as a defender before Udoka got to work? I don't think anyone believed he'd be an above average defender on an elite defensive team just 1.25 years later. If Udoka is confident about rounding out his game and improving his shooting, I would be patient. Good chance it will work if he respects Udoka.
Plus/Minus can be a pretty useless stat, but I think it can have some merit over larger samples. In the 12 games since he's been back, he only has a negative number in 2 (one being the Boston game the whole team got waxed in) It certainly matches the eye test that's he's playing better team ball on both sides, even if he still has his what are you doing flashes. It's not insignificant to me that he played quite a few more minutes than Tate in the Memphis game. Trying to turn Cam's impressive physical toolbox into actual consistent good play is juice that's worth the squeeze, even if it can be frustrating.
It looks like Ime's attitude towards Cam complaining was: I don't give a sh*t about words, show me on the floor. Just prove it. If that's what's happened, that's great from Ime and it's a great response from Cam too.
Well it’s obvious Cam now knows what he needs to do to stay on the floor. He’s been playing better defense, passing a bit more.
Dude is only 20 same age as Sheppard. He has done more and proved himself more than Sheppard. I believe the stuff between the ears will come with time and experience.
I keep thinking Von Wafer as being Whitmore's worst case scenerio. Another guy who brought energy and shooting off the bench but did not know how to play the team game or good defense. He also was unhappy with his minutes and usage and it showed in his demeanor. But that's worst case scenerio, and Whitmore isn't anywhere near that. In fact, I think he's doing great, all things considered.
Udoka is a good development coach also, I think it helps a lot. Helped Jalen give more effort, play better defense, be more unselfish.
It’s funny like a week ago people on this forum were saving Udoka is a terrible developmental coach. If we had Stephen Silas, Cam would have chucked his way into a short career.
VSpan, Danuel house, Terrence Williams, KPJ, Wood . We’ve had a couple of knuckleheads over the years. They’ve never truly caused the franchise any issues
Difference is we have one of the best coaches in the world now. Players will respect and fall in line or rot on the bench. I’d sign Udoka to a life time contract.
Nobody ever said he is a dumb developmental coach. People criticize his offense and rotations but not devt skills. He worked wonders on JGreen, Amen, Jabari.
I would’ve liked to see Josh Christopher as a rookie under Udoka. I really think the way that he turned out now was his worst case scenarios and it’s sort of a pity. I know he played super selfish while he was here, and had a bad case of Tunnel Vision Syndrome, but he had potential.
I like what I've seen in Cam post "controversy.". For me it's really simple, root for your teammates and hustle. As a coach, we can fix everything else. He's going to be one of the reasons we end up making a real playoff push or get knocked out of the first round. An engaged Cam off the bench makes us a scary team.
Yeah, I think Whitmore is actually in a good situation for his long-term development, if he buys into it. And it seems he's got good veteran guys like Tate in his ear to keep him focused. But I can see why it might not be easy to accept. He's getting minutes now, but they might dwindle again if and when Eason returns.
