it has to improve for sure ... but, he is playing with only rookies and g-league teammates. And only 7 of them at that. Someone has to take the shot every time down, and Porter is better at getting a reasonable shot up than anyone else. So, he has to force it frequently. I would hope that he picks his spots more once he has real options around him - I see no bball IQ problems or tunnel vision like we did with RW.
If you watch how the Hawks and Celtics guarded KPJ, they have shaded to his side every time he has the ball. Defenses have zero respect for anyone else on the court KPJ plays with right now expect Dipo. He's being treated like Harden right now and not because he's as good as Harden obviously, but because he's literally playing with literal g-league talent minutes Dipo and a couple of young rising players like Tate who defenses still don't respect his outside shooting ability. For a 20 year old that is a lot of attention to handle. He isn't seeing defenses that most 20 year old guards experience and it's mainly because his teammates suck dick outside a few guys.
Love his court-vision and willingness to pass to his teammates. Hope Rocket's manage this situation right. This guy could be a force for years to come.
1:48 was just filthy. That’s what I needed to see. One on one isolation, can he take advantage. Dude is really a pg because sometimes he needs to look for his shot
Hooper, non-pattern player, whatever you call it, dude can ball. The talent and athleticism are obvious. Put the ball in his hands and he'll make something happen. Really like his twitchiness/shiftiness on-ball and explosion. Who was the last starting Rockets pg with that kind of athleticism? Francis? (Maybe Westbrook, but I have removed that trade and season from my memory). Harden could throw down, but KPJ dunks with a healthy dash of anger. Can definitely improve the shooting and turnovers, but those are expected playing with a depleted roster and learning a new position. Having Wood in the lineup should open up the court a bit and give him a bigger vertical pass target/lob threat. Despite the trajectory of the season, Rockets have to be happy with how they've struck gold along the fringes of the league. Wood, Porter Jr., Martin Jr., and Tate are legit players. Will these guys learn to win and become the next core? Shipped off for a proven star? Remains to be seen, but watching Rockets losses is a lot more tolerable now.
I have not been able to see much on KPJ other than highlights and box scores which can be misleading. How is his defense? It seems like his +/- are not that impressive, and his opponents seem to be scoring pretty well, this is just from box score watching so maybe it is not an accurate conclusion to make? People have made comparisons to a young Harden, is that a reason why that comparison was made?
I’m really excited about tonight’s game. I can’t wait to see what Kevin Porter Jr. can do with a legitimate vertical spacing big. KJ definitely has the ability to be a vertical threat as well, but he’s only 6’6. The lob potential that Christian Wood provides is unlike anybody else KPJ has played with, but he showed that he could make that pass in the G league with Ray Spalding.
