Summer League 2016-2017: Roster On Page 4, Schedule On P. 5

Watching that obviously it's so hard to judge because it's just a small portion of the second practice ever but what I saw:

Good:
- Larry Nance Jr. looking comfortable rebounding and immediately pushing the ball. He's not a great ball handler, but in the open court he looked capable. it was also great to see him shooting the ball. If he can knock down that three ball, the bench unit is going to be legitimately dangerous.
- Russell looked comfortable already. I think this style of play is going to suit him well. His purple team was moving the ball and running the offense better (in that small clip) than the white team was.
- Ingram just looks ready already. He wasn't hesitant and his ball handling was on display just in that little clip. He's able to handle well enough to keep defenses honest and he was able to get to the rim easily. The next step for him will be finding ways to score there because he's slight. A floater would be deadly.
- Good to see most of these guys in excellent shape. Grab the ball and run.
- That ridiculously sized kid Fall played a nice big man game down there. Protected the rim and had decent footwork on the seal.

Bad:
- Julius and Jabari had a lot of trouble making the right reads. On one play Julius brings the ball up, passes it to Ingram and then just stands next to him the entire time even though Ingram is yelling at him to cut through. It was Ju's first practice though so hopefully he picks it up and that was just one clip so I won't judge him too harshly. Jabari was kind of the same. He has tunnel vision and there were times when the corner three was wide open and he missed him to drive in.
- The purple team didn't have nearly the same ball or man movement in those clips and again it's very tough to judge on just 6 minutes. Also to be fair the game was very close so obviously purple team was doing some things right.
- D'Angelo gambled on one of those plays which lead to a wide open floater. He did put his hand up though and accept responsibility.

 

Yes Julius pushing the ball in transition is going to be valuable for us. But him not knowing what to do with is troublesome. I see lots of offensive fouls.

 

Every time I see him play I get a little more concerned. I'd say I'm at a 3/10 on the "concern scale". To his credit he was just starting to figure things out at the end of last season. He was using his right hand more, played at different speeds, etc. He still hasn't figured out help side defense yet, hopefully Luke can help him there.

I think he's just a slow learner. It takes him a while to get comfortable with certain concepts and so we may need to be the most patient with him. There are things he does tremendously well like rebound and obviously pushing the ball, but it will be up to Luke and the staff to get him to push without just bulldozing into the paint. He needs to look up and make the right pass and the right read right away.

 

IF there is a trade for a star, a team comes to us, I agree, Randle is the first guy followed by JC that I am ok with moving. Russ and Ingram, no. That said, I don't actively shop a nightly double double bruiser beast on a rookie contract. If he doesn't improve, and you can get more value for him, ok, sure, shop. But with the 7th pick you don't get automatic stars, or even all-stars, if you get a double machine you should be pretty happy. What wound Randle have gone for in this market if he were an older free agent if most average guys out there are getting 18-20 mil, that's how I look at.

 

I like that he stresses the foundation of this new offense not being rushed and expecting too much. The process of getting our young guys to learn this will pay off in due time. Not going to happen over night.

 

10:30 on the East Coast At least it's a Friday. Mama says I can stay up late.

 

...rehearsals tonight. Here we go, you muthas...

 

It'll be on ESPN, so the app should have it.