Super solid debut, about what you’d expect. It’s just nice to have some damn size, we looked really nice with a lineup of 4 guys 6’5 and above and Schröder, like an actual NBA team
They needed a 3 and D wing but ended up getting a pure scorer. Maybe just as good for the team: if he can stay engaged defenses have to account for him more than I realized. You can't really put a weak or smaller defender on him with his size: he's got little Melo in his game
His mid range game and pullups remind me of Kawhi. Nice to have a talented wing out there. Can't wait until him, AD, and Bron are out there more together.
If Ham can ever get his rotations right, Rui should be able to allow LeBron to play less minutes each game. He looked solid.
There was a moment when Rui contained a driver baseline and then AD just ate up the space in the key, trapping the guy under the basket. It was a peek of how good this defense can be. Rui's been an average defender to date but still has a ton of potential. He's far from a 0 on this end and I think he stands to improve a lot while on this squad. Washington is that much of a dumpster. Offensively, I knew he was productive but his game is a lot smoother and developed than I thought. His first step is very nice.
In contrast, Nunn had 12 pts In 22:03 mins 5/9 FG 2/5 from 3. Looks like Miami Nunn is back! So why did we make the trade?
Trouble maker! Yeah Kendrick had a real nice identical dunk like that for us a few days ago. He’ll get more room there to play and get his game expanded again like Kuz did.
And I can almost guarantee no defense was played by him. Rui might not be a great defender, but he could stand still and lift his arms and have a better shot at defending someone like Kawhi than Beverly has playing with all he’s got. The size will make a difference, it was so badly needed.
Au contraire and …. what, was my post immediately above this chopped liver? He did one just like it 2 or three games ago desperately trying to keep from having his knee and a** shipped out.