But is it good or bad to rate high on the "Carmelo" scale? Here's hoping he will become our VanVleet. (they wouldn't have their 'chip without him)
Yeah, Ponds ranked #23 with scout ranking factored into the math. His top comp in this ranking was Shelvin Mack. Not too shabby. In their separate modeling that excludes scout rankings, Ponds ranks #10 overall (ahead of Barrett and White!). His top comp in this ranking was Kemba Walker! I’m not saying Ponds will ever be as good as Kemba, but it’s not too far-fetched to think he could have a Shelvin Mack-like career if he plays his cards right.
Ponds body, quicks, hezi, handle, passing and shot track Kemba much closer than they do Shelvin. I like Shelvin a lot. But he's more of a power point guard. He likes and seeks contact and likes to use that contact to move out smaller weaker defenders and collect foul count from bigger guys. Shamorie's game is predicated on quickness and being able to get defenders out of position with fakes and directional changes. In my opinion he has way more upside than a Shelvin comp. Maybe not up to Kemba's level. But we'll see. I think he's a bargain. I hope Paul likes him and works with him defensively. If that happens he could become very very good. Because he's got great offensive tools. And his basketball iq and instinct are great.
Anyone else worried about CP3 being pissed that we signed this guy? Ponds is an small guard who lacks the quickness to get by his defender. Previously that was the sole domain of CP3. Now CP3 will have to share that role, and I'm not sure how well it'll go over.
Historically, career paths are impossible to correctly project; the Heart of a Champion breathes deeply as does the devil's dust. I had originally tho't of Scott Machado but prefer to maintain a more upsided hope for this lad.
How would you compare Ponds to Lou Williams? Seems like he has a little bit of Lou in his game. A bucket getter as a scoring 6th man in limited minutes.
Agreed. I thought of Lou when i watched him. But his playmaking is much better than Lou in my opinion. Honestly the lefty stepback stuff and the crab dribble reminds me of you know who in a smaller package.
Thought this exact same thing, but couldn’t believe I was actually thinking this. Think this was a great move landing him and there is real potential here. I’m not expecting success, but will not be surprised in the least if Ponds is able to make a mark in the league.
Looks like Gary Clark excited for Summer League to play with Shamorie Ponds. Wonder if Hartenstein is geeked out too with the number of Centers - Deyonta Davis, Moses Brown Not a lot of Wings: Vince Edwards, Michael Frazier, Gary Clark And a crapload of PGs: Trevon Duval, Chris Clemons, Chris Chiozza, William McDowell White and Ponds
