I think if he can prove he can shut down a quality player we can see playing time. We just can't have him on the court when another player like Beverly is having a bad shooting night but we had trouble locking down certain offensive players last year and I think that's where KJ might show up at some point in the season. In the meantime I agree...he needs to continue improving with his jump shot
His actual skills are still rawish, but his feel for the game has improved a lot. But I'm not sure if he's at the stage to be carve out a consistent role just yet. His defense which has upside still needs work, his shot is still a work in the progress, and he isn't a consistent fast break option like Brewer. I hate Brewer, but atm I think for a team that's contending like we are, KJ shouldn't get minutes just yet.
Which is why a team trying to win a championship wouldn't have used a good portion of its MLE on him. Whatever potential he may have doesn't matter. What does matter is how he can help this team win a championship this year. If he can't do that then his signing is questionable.
He's playing late in games b/c he hasn't been playing good team basketball from what I see. Except for maybe one game where he looked to pass and play within the system, he's been playing "me-ball" ever since then. When he gets the ball he's determined to score even if it means running over 3 or 4 players. He has the athleticism to slash and set up his teammates but he doesn't. He can also be a good one on one defender but he's not doing that very well. Seems to focus more on coming from the weak side to block shots instead of focusing on man to man defense. There's a reason why Harrell and Dekker are playing meaningful minutes while KJ is playing during garbage time. Those guys play within the system and make the team better. They're also getting better with each game while KJ seems to be getting worse. Doesn't mean I don't think he will "get it," he just needs to slow down and realize it's a team sport. Just like Harden and Lawson who are very talented and can get theirs, they also make their teammates better. KJ has a lot of upside and with his work ethic I know he will do well in this league, he's just not ready to contribute in a big way right now.
In my opinion KJ could be getting minutes on another team easy. Guy is a beast, he starts hitting jump shots he may be unstoppable.
KJ is one of those guys that looks a lot better when playing with better players . Obviously this applies overall to everyone , but for KJ specifically he is at his best when he can be hidden and then use his athleticism and motor to make plays . He isn't gonna look great as a spit up shooter , but running On the break , defending the break , scramble situations he excels at . It looks like his overall defense has improved and if his shooting ticks up or thortons ticks down then it is a tough call on who plays. Right now it's thorton , but he can shoot you out of games too .
Neither could Corey Brewer. Nor Ronnie Brewer. Nor Tony Allen. I know it's possible KJ develops a decent 3 point shot. Is it probable though?
Wut? Is the goal to win a championship and then close the team? If yes then that strategy makes sense. If no, then it is ridiculous, and a main reason why Dirk looks around and sees just old people around him now. Rox signed KJ for a pittance, around 3M. Even for a championship team the gains provided by your typical player for 3M is insignificant or a non-needle mover. In that case it is better to invest that 3M into a player for the future, which is what the Rox have done.
Always had my doubts on the kid. Even though his contract value looks good. Wondering why they keep playing him with the end of the bench squad. Tells me McHale has no plans to give him any meaningful minutes. Won't be a Rocket by next season. Maybe even deadline. Elite athlete, not much of a player.
There's another guy on our roster who can't shoot for ***** and his name is Corey Brewer. That doesn't stop him from contributing heavily to this team. He took 3.5 shots from 3pt land in just 25 minutes and hit almost 29%. He hasn't made more than 31% in his last 6 seasons. KJ actually shot 29% in 52 games for the Sixers. On a more talented team, he'll have better looks and that was his rookie season. He's entering his second ever season and he's 22 years old. Brewer contributes by beating people down the court, slashing to the basket aggressively, going for every loose ball, hitting a decent % at the rim, always staying energetic, and playing pretty decent defense. IMO McDaniels can do all of that already. He certainly seems to share the hyperactive trait Brewer possesses. I'm sure he would be doing better if he were on a team where more of the plays were structured. The way we play, it will take him some time to understand where he fits in and what he should be doing without the ball in his hands. I don't understand the absurd frustration with the lack of improvement in his 3pt shot: he's had one NBA summer to do it, and he was worried about his financial future for much of it. As much as I love Brewer, I'm pretty confident he'll be 100% replaceable by December. Next summer, Brewer's contract will be around the same $ as the MLE and his contract will become very tradable if we need to clear cap space. IMO McDaniels is already almost as good as Brewer, and certain to have a better future.
I think KJ just lacks experience, but not the tools. He has to improve and make a leap before he'll see the court. I bet we keep him and look for him to grow like DMo did.
Just remember all the little injuries guys go through all year, kj should be able to at least get the papa-Nicholas amount of minutes from last year especially if Ariiza is spending time at the 4
Mentions of TWill reminding me how much waste of talent he was. TWill had all offensive skills better than KJ's, ballhandling, passing, shooting. He was just all about low IQ style over substance. KJ to me really could use time in D-league. Its not a knock against his ability. I agree with Heyp that showing coach something in practice determines game minutes. There wont be too many practices in reg season, so he can sharpen his skills getting minutes within gameplay. Its not going to happen cuz of the contract he got though KJ as-is is a situational player and specialist. If he enters rotational as an injury replacement, I would not be too worried still. He wont sink the ship that much.
I think this has more to do with the team's need in the PF position with DMo still out. Meanwhile, McDaniels has Ariza and Brewer ahead of him, hence his being relegated to garbage time. I've written a few times before, but I believe Capela was really helped out by having Jack Sikma there to work with him in the d-league. If the Rockets are serious about developing McDaniels, they should invest in getting him time with the Vipers with a specialist coach on hand. I wonder if Battier would be interested?
