He hasn't even gotten here and he's one of my favorite players, but I'm really starting to think this was not such a great idea. We really needed a lob threat or a 3pt shooter who can protect the rim, and Adams can't do any of those things offensively. He's not an excellent passer either. It's not going to give us much of a different look than Alpi, we're still locked into PnR without lob threat or step out for 3. At least it didn't cost us much and he's on an affordable salary. However I do wish we had stayed patient with this. We didn't desperately need more defense at the expense of offense. We could have afforded more offense at the expense of some defense (while relying on internal growth to make up the defensive difference). Maybe Jabari will put on some more muscle and he will be more playable at the 5 for a different look. I have faith in Sengun continuing to improve that 3PT shot too. He's about 30% on 2 attempts per game already. If he keeps those attempts stable (he more than doubled his attempts this season), I see his efficiency going up next season. That's going to open things up a lot more for Amen/Cam/Jalen to do damage from the wing.
Alpi and JG carried the team tonight but I also wanna spotlight Jock Landale who I guess was playing injured or out of shape for most of the season. He has been much better and really broke out during the PHX games. Tonight he gave quality mins and had 8 rebs and very solid, physical defense. And is that a low bar? Yes. But tbh we don't need much from Alpi's backup, sometimes just giving opponents a different look is enough. I'm actually OK keeping him next year as the 3rd string center. Adams prob won't be 100% to start the season and it's always good to have 6 hard fouls available.
Me too. Really impressed with Jock lately. He probably came back too quickly from that ankle injury. Alperen+Adams+Jock is really nice If they want to keep him around. Nice vibe setters too.
Why. Post like this suggest ppl take these developmental coach job for granted. Go look at the Orlando coaches. Everybody in there is developing and doing something with every player.
Yeah I'm buying that Landale was just playing on a bad wheel. Early season looked like he was stuck in mud, at least now he's bouncing around and making some plays. I'll take Adams as a vibes replacement for Boban but the 3rd center still has to be a playable entity. If it's Landale, I guess I'm ok with it. That a bunch of money to put into a backup 5 platoon though. I'd guess they'd like to move on from Landale's contract amount if possible. Depends on how the draft lines out but I'm liking what I see on highlights from Donovan Clingan. Huge kid, 7'2" 265 listing who plays above the rims. With Chet and Wemby around for the next few years I need a big bully to offset Sengun. A true NBA sized big who plays big. This isn't a shiny pick, it's a pretty safe swing though. Add a shot blocker/lob threat who's got a big bully body to throw around while cleaning up the glass. We've got athletes, ball handlers, shooters, wing defenders.... not a lot of archetypes left but this feels like a missing piece.
I hope they keep him for more like a PR / Big Bro role at marketing dept. Positive vibes are so important for any business.
We need shooting more on wings than center position. Whoever that 3rd center is he won't play much that's why I'm ok with Landale. Landale is a vet he can play and be ready at all times. Clingan will just sit the entire season and then play bad cuz he didn't get any PT. Our number 1 priority is get a 3 pt shooters who is good on defense. Somebody like Reed Sheppard, Risachier, Cody Williams or Johnny Furphy would be ideal imo.
I'm not upset with the Landale scenario. He's an expensive 3rd center but it's also a trade chip. You just can't predict health and replacement level 3rd stringers is absolutely a value in getting through long seasons. I guess it depends on where we land draft wise. Most likely to be around 8. I like Cody Williams' game too. Buzelis is an intriguing prospect.
