Just because I am aware of the secret NBA quota system for fair skinned players doesn't mean I like Kelly. Spoiler (Personal Conspiracy)
LOL. Can you say that? How's the PC atmosphere around LB? Actually I think it is just right, and sensible. LOVE this site!! :wow:
Yeah, he's not getting cut. He's been solid. He can be a decent rotation player. He also works well with Russell. He's a keeper...
First time we have really seen him healthy and able to be in decent condition. Doesn't look too bad. He stays playing how he is now it would be a mistake to cut him.
The way he hit all of the shooters in rhythm - Kelly, Lou and Nick - was just stunning. I think he needs to have some time with that second unit on a regular basis because their offense is deadly with him on the floor. I know we are hoping Huertas can run that second squad, but man, did they look good with Russell at the helm. He just makes it all look so easy and effortless and the timing on his passes is just perfection. The kid is the real thing. Color me super impressed. I also liked the fact that he called his own number when he was feeling it and drained a three with a defender in his face. I am really looking forward to his development. Sorry didn't mean to hijack Kelly's thread. He looked great out there! Healthy and contributing. Keep him, ditch Sacre.
He did the very same exact thing in college. He hits shooters right in the shooters pocket in rhythm.
It's gorgeous to watch. It's more impressive to me than the razzle dazzle stuff, which is also sweet to see in the highlights like the no look to Black. But hitting the shooters in rhythm is a rarity I feel like with many of the PG's out there today. Seems like the trend is towards athletic, get their own PG's who are ball dominant. It's a throwback to see a guy so proficient at feeding the shooters. Beautiful. Sorry again, R. Kelly for the hijack.
Kelly is a smart player he's not the most athletic or quick but he can get himself to the right spot at the right time. He'd be nice to have around depending on the matchup and when we need a stretch four but please Byron, no more playing him at the 3.
I was all for cutting him, but if he's playing like this there's no way I do it. Offensively he's very unique. He can attack and get to the rim in 2-3 long strides. He can knock down open threes, and he's a decent passer to boot. Defensively he leaves a lot to be desired, but so far he's proven an effective role player like we hoped he'd be a year ago. As long as he's playing the PF spot, I'm fine with keeping him. In fact I keep him so far ahead of Jabari, Frazier, Holmes, Upshaw, Sacre, and Jabari. Yes I said Jabari twice because I'm sick of seeing him on the floor.
Agree about Kelly, how he is looking now that he's finally healthy and in shape, with an off season of hard work. Where is Upshaw most disappointing you right now?
Most? Defensively and on the boards. He doesn't box out and his help defense has been disappointing. His timing is off helping to drivers. Put him in the D-League and let him get used to NBA speed because so far he isn't there.
Rude awakening probably with the speed of NBA game. Strength and athleticism too. That's what Huertas was saying in that interview a day or so ago too. But do you feel confident if he's in the D league without one of the 15 roster spots that he won't get stolen if he starts looking more like "paint god" again?
Honestly I'm not that concerned. He's shown great promise, but at the same time that project looks to be 2-3 years long if you want to dedicate the time/resources/roster spot to it. Right now we've got Hibbert hitting his prime, Black who is active and only 23-24 years old, and guys like Kelly, Sacre, and Bass who can fill in there if need be. I'm not sure any other team is looking at what Upshaw has done so far and thinking "oh we must have that".
I'll happily admit I look wrong on Kelly at the moment. He still has faults and can't play D, but his experience and shooting touch is making our camp signings look raw, and bad. There's nobody I really see that I would cut Kelly for now. As long as we keep Black, Upshaw and MWP, I'm good. Sacre still needs to go though, he doesn't impact a game, while Kelly can.
I changed my mind about waiving Ryan Kelly. Keep him. Jabari hasn't been playing well in the pre-season. I was pulling for him cause he played under the Princeton for a year, showed flashes of good play last year and was pulling for him cause he's a California native. I think the Lakers will have to cut him. So cut Jabari, Sacre, Frazier and Holmes. Keep the rest.
