NBA Thread

[thethe]

From the combine in 2013:

Pittsburgh’s Steven Adams was the big winner on Day 1. Not only did Adams look the part of a NBA center (he measured 7 feet, 250 pounds with a 7-foot-4.5 span), but he showed off some terrific athleticism and toughness on the defensive end. However, that’s not what wowed scouts. Adams showed off a surprising — no, shocking — offensive game, hitting jump shot after jump shot with a feathery touch.

“I can say I was honestly stunned,” one NBA GM said. “Where did that come from? That’s not something you develop with a few weeks with a trainer. He was way more skilled than we thought. That makes a huge difference in our evaluation of him.”

 

[thethe]

I don't know where that report came from on his shooting because he hasn't even attempted to shoot so far with the Thunder but the point still remains about his athletic ability.

 

[chop2chip]

So what you are saying is that you think he can become an elite (at least top 5) rim protector?

 

[gilesfan]

So what you are saying is that you think he can become an elite (at least top 5) rim protector?

Of course he does.

 

[thethe]

So what you are saying is that you think he can become an elite (at least top 5) rim protector?

I think more of his value will be in post defense as well as PnR defense. Problem with gauging his rim protection is that hte whole defense is based on funneling to Serge. Just like your example of rebounding percentage opportunities can be tricky depending on the teams strategy.

 

[chop2chip]

I think more of his value will be in post defense as well as PnR defense. Problem with gauging his rim protection is that hte whole defense is based on funneling to Serge. Just like your example of rebounding percentage opportunities can be tricky depending on the teams strategy.

If anything it should benefit him. Derrick Favors rim protection stats have skyrocketed since Kanter was traded.

I just don't see how much value you can assign a player who isn't given the responsibilities that other top centers get.

 

[thethe]

If anything it should benefit him. Derrick Favors rim protection stats have skyrocketed since Kanter was traded.

I just don't see how much value you can assign a player who isn't given the responsibilities that other top centers get.

Thats a fair point. I guess my idea is that I believe Adams can do all these things based on what I've watched and when Ibaka comes back next season we are going to see it more (if they even play together).

 

[Heyward]

Adams is very athletic, not sure he'll ever be in the top 10 because of his offense not being great.

But defensively he's very good.

 

[holden]

Were Luc Longley or Will Perdue ever top 10 centers?

 

[thethe]

Thunder are just awful defensively right now.

 

[thethe]

Someone is going to offer Kanter a max this summer and will force OKC to make a decision.

 

[Heyward]

Thunder are just awful defensively right now.

Missing Roberson, KD, Ibaka, and Collison, not too surprising.

 

[Heyward]

Someone is going to offer Kanter a max this summer and will force OKC to make a decision.

I'd probably max him, there's nothing on the team to replace him.

He's been pretty much a 20-10 guy the last 4-6 games.

 

[thethe]

I'd probably max him, there's nothing on the team to replace him.

He's been pretty much a 20-10 guy the last 4-6 games.

And the defense has been atrocious with him on the floor. Maybe that changes with Ibaka/Roberson on the floor but I'm just not sure I go max with Kanter.

 

[Runnin]

Thunder are just awful defensively right now.

The name of the game is outscoring your opponent. They played some good defense against the Hawks.

 

[thethe]

The name of the game is outscoring your opponent. They played some good defense against the Hawks.

Hawks are not hte same team without Korver.

 

[BRule]

I'd probably max him, there's nothing on the team to replace him.

He's been pretty much a 20-10 guy the last 4-6 games.

LOL........Enjoy

 

[thethe]

Not the worst comp but Kanter plays bigger than Boozer IMO.

 

[BRule]

Not really comparing their games, just saying enjoy maxing a big that's all O and a huge negative on D.

 

[thethe]

Not really comparing their games, just saying enjoying maxing a big that's all O and a huge negative on D.

Yeah, its an issue. I wouldn't give Kanter the max but I think some team is going to force OKC's hand and with the way the offense has exploded since he was acquired the Thunder might not have a choice. Just hope pairing him with Ibaka helps neutralize his awful defense. If RW had been playing with Kanter from the beginning the whole perception of "selfish" Russ would be different. I've said many times throughout the years that RW lost 2-3 assists PER GAME because of how awful Perkins was and to a lesser extent Ibaka offensively. Its really showing right now.