Head will never be as good as Ben Gordon. Gordon averages twice as many points as Head, and that isn't an accident. And they're almost the same age! That's a lot of ground to make up, considering that Gordon is improving every year as well. The only thing they have in common is sharpshooting from 3 and poor decision making, but Gordon can actually create his own shot and drive to the basket.
Why do people say Head is a terrible defender. I think he's a good defender, nothing top notch, but better than most "tweener" guards in the league. Ben Gordon is a bit of a reach, though Head is light years ahead of him in defense. I'd say his max potential is John Starks.
I an not saying he will do that, but he has that kind of rare athleticism. Actually Mobley is a good person to bring up. He and Head had very similar APG and AP48 numbers their 1st two years. If I recall Mobley was being tried at PG. I assume we somewhere along determined it was better to have Mobley focus on being a SG--he was better focusing on shooting and scoring, and not trying to handle a lot of other responsibilities associated with running the team. I suspect Head will be better as well focusing on doing what he does well--off the ball shooting, while also doing the best he can to fill the lane and playing defense. Now I could be wrong, Head's TOs where not as frequent as Mobleys--though it is hard to know if JVG vs Rudy, and their systems made the difference. Maybe Head can work like crazy and develop good handles and better ability scoring with the ball in hand (versus off the ball efficiency) and discipline for organizating the team--develop these attributes need as a PG to flourish, but my bet is he better off doing what he does best and right now he is certainly more effective as an SG. I think his ideal role is as an SG on offense and PG on defense--classic definition of a tweener, and that can work with the right SG next to him (Tmac maybe).
Don't get me wrong; I love Luther. I grew up in Illinois, too, so have a soft spot for a Chicago kid who went to UofI. With players like Luther and Cuttino, who work so hard and improve noticeably between seasons, I can't bring myself to predict their potential. I think it is somewhat insulting to them to try to peg them so soon. I just want him to improve his dribbling, so teams don't even attempt to pressure or trap him so early, and so he can dribble penetrate, too. I trust his shot. I had think he will improve his midrange game.
John Starks is certainly bigger and probably quicker--he was a well above average all around SG. Head does not have the size or strength of Starks, Mobley, Raja Bell, Mad Max, Derek Anderson, Kittle, V Leanard, Peeler, etc. If you are going to mention these type guys I would have said Raja Bell or maybe Peeler, excellent off the ball guard shooters but not a player with much creativity with the ball in hand. But Head would have to grow a couple of inches and get dirtier/savier to match Raja, and Peeler was I think a lot thicker and maybe an inch taller. I think Hersey Hawkins are more applicable "upside" comparisons--oustanding off the ball shooter and OK but nothing special in most other respects, but Hawkins had some elements to his game Head is not there with (Hawkins was a 6 pick and did put up some 20PPG seasons on scrubby teams--something I don't think Head could do). Hawkins late in his career also got to play next to Payton and had McMillan backing up both guard spots (two guys who could cover bigger SGs), perfect situation for him.
Luther's true pontiential can really only be assessed at the end of next year. I believe he has realized that he has reached a turning point in his career. He needs to find a very good point guard coach this summer and train harder in situations far greater than anything he would face on the court. What he accomplishes this summer and throughout next season will go a long ways to determine his future. This, of course, is assuming Luther does not have a major injury issues next year.
I think a good guy to compare Luther to is Sam Cassel. And before you get on my back, I know they are nothing alike. Sam can pass, Luther can't. Luther hits 3s, Sam can't hit them at the same level. But in terms of their development, Sam and Luther are both on the same track. Hell, they were even drafted both 24th.
completly agree. all i hear is people bashing luther's defense, but he is like, dare i say it, Stockton on defense, great off-the ball
when you watch the golden state game, two names comes as a comparison to me.... a way smaller version of reggie miller (potentionally) this guy can work like miller or work like JJ Reddick did at Duke basically work off screens, and if he can develop a step back, he can be an all-star in 5 or so years
If a player can shoot the 3 consistently, there will be a spot for him on an NBA roster. Period. JJ Redick wasn't drafted because of his ability to drive to the hoop and create for others or dunk over 7 footers. Nor was he selected in the first round by Orlando for his ability to post up on the low block and hit a turnaround over a defender. Nope, JJ was drafted to keep that 2nd defender from dropping down to help on Dwight Howard. Michael Redd was basically a jump shooter his first 3 years in the league (1.97 free throw attempts per game), like he was during much of his college career at Ohio State. In his 4th season in the NBA, he began driving to the hoop far more often than he had his first 3 seasons (instead of relying solely on his jump shot) and as a result, his free throw attempts increased to 5.38 per game. In 2005-06, that figure increased to 7.14 per game. His assists were almost 3 per game (2.86) in 2005-06, after averaging 1.35 per game his first 3 seasons. Luther Head was selected (at #24) for his ability to shoot the 3 and keep his man from doubling down on Yao. Give Luther time to develop and enhance the other parts of his game. Making a concerted effort to attack the basket is a mindset that can be taught, not an innate skill that one is blessed with. Just ask Michael Redd. As for becoming a better defender, learning the tendencies of other players comes with experience and watching film and that alone will enable Luther to become a smarter -- and better -- defender in time. No, I don't think Head will ever be mistaken for Gary Payton (in his prime) as a defender. But he can -- and I believe will -- become a better defender.
He has all the And1 handles just watching him dribble during warmups and various other times. To me, he needs work on fundamental dribbling. For example, keeping your head while somone is on your hip. The secret to dribbling is to slow down. He looks frantic out there. Another big issue is his passing. It's off target and he currently doesn't have a feel for it. He is better at hard passing than soft passing. I really think the remedy is for him to be forced to play the point in 5 on 5 pick up games over the summer. Also play 2 on 2 and 3 on 3 to learn the pick & roll game. I would also hire some highschool & college kids to pressure him during his daily summer training sessions. Tape of what other players do is also important since you can't practice what you don't recognize others are doing on first glance.
I don't see the logic in the Barbosa and Gordon comparisons. Both of those players possess quickness on an entirely different planet than Head; both have high releases; both attack north-south, while Head attacks east-west. Assuming they groom him to handle more minutes at point guard, a better comparison might be a smaller Antonio Daniels with better shooting range. Neither are real playmakers; neither are great ball-handlers; and neither agressively attack off the screen. Yet both are smart with the ball and make good decisions. The comparison works on another level with Daniels' role on a championship team (Spurs) centered around a post-offense. However I think people are hoping for Head to develop into a Devin Harris or Delonte West with range kind of player, which although more realistic than the Barbosa and Gordon comparisons, is nevertheless unlikely. That being said, I absolutely love Luther Head and hope he makes me eat crow.
Luther has been red hot lately. Let's hope this is just the tip of the iceberg as far as his maximum potential.
I was young and my understanding of basketball was limited during the period in which the Payton/Kemp Sonics had the Rockets number, but that team had a player who I think Luther Head is pretty similiar to - Hersey Hawkins. Am I totally off on this? That guy used to drive me crazy when he came in off their bench. If Luther Head does that for us for his career I'll be thrilled. But definitely tell me if I'm completely off-base. As I said, my understanding of basketball wasn't anywhere near where it's at back then, and hell, my understanding of basketball still isn't anywhere near where some of you guys are at - never will be either.
Threads like these make me want to create a "time capsule" thread, kinda've like a "what we were thinking back then" or Clutch's classic moments. They're so much better in the future, when Luther either blossoms into a 30 PPG scorer or gets hindrered by injuries thoroughout his career. Ahh... But, book it, as crazy as it may sound, I still contend that Luther will work on his handles and evantually become a Ray Allen-like player.
