D'Angelo Russell Discussion: Adopting A Professional Attitude

i don't like that Shania Twain has been quoted here for effect.

i DO like that it's being used for the argument that opposes mine.

 

What's your problem .... out of beer?

 

All this tells me is that in nearly 40 years we've only sucked enough to have a few young draft picks. It's not like we've had very many opportunities to draft high or ability to go after a transcendent talent. Doing well for 'Laker' under 20 somethings is nice, but that bar isn't set so high unfortunately.

But hey, like you said, sometimes we do things to make ourselves feel better.

 

Well, well, well. Been a few days since we've heard from the "I Hate Russell" crowd. Tough stretch for you guys. Don't worry though. He's sure to have a rough night sooner or later so you can come back strong.

 

I think we keep him around absent needing him to bring in a guy like Paul George. I can't lie. I'm not expecting us to keep the pick, but the idea of Russell/Ball or Russell/Fultz backcourt is really growing on me. The more college games I watch the more I think he can coexist with either guy.

 

There are a few guys who only pop up after Russell has a bad game and continually downplay any stats that work in his favor. I wouldn't put you or even the majority of the board in that group.

And while we are on it, let me be clear. I've got no issues with objective criticism of Russell. Anyone who says they aren't at times frustrated with his play isn't being honest. But there are times when it just comes across as piling on. Also, objectivity requires giving the kid credit when he does something right and not just jumping in when he makes mistakes. I think that's lacking with some of the folks on this thread.

 

Criticism isnt hate...i assume its the ones who call him a bust or still want okafor over him

 

D'Angelo Kobe Russel

 

He seemed to be the only one willing to take the pressure shots. This is a good learning experience. Also even though he missed shots, they were all good shots with good ball movement.

 

Hmm... started off the game great but then tapered off a bit. Good to see him take/make those shots late in the game though. Waiting for the ice in veins moment.

 

May be awhile before we see cocky ice in my veins guy. This season may be what it takes to show him he has a long way to go before he should be doing any self promotion schtick on the floor again.

 

Russell has the talent. I just want that intensity to come from him. He'll need that to be successful. He can't fall back on being athletic since he isn't. He'll need to play with some intensity. I like bringing up Allen Iverson and Isaiah Thomas as good examples of that, or even Derek Fisher and Steve Nash. These are guys that Deangelo Russel can pattern himself after as far as intensity, professionalism, and discipline. AI and Isaiah had the intensity, Fisher and Nash had discipline. All where physically underwhelming but maximized themselves to the fullest.

Russell has the talent. I just want to see that intensity, the desire come out of him and often he just kinds of floats through the game with an IDGAF type of attitude. That just won't work.

I think that's where the frustration with him comes from.

 

only saw the first half. hate that he comes out so unfocused all the time. he had three preventable TOs early in the game. they didn't cost much, but they were just...not necessary. and his one-on-one defense was notably bad. he got better after those first few minutes, though.

i also don't like that he's forgotten how to shoot the three. he had some clean looks when i was watching--you expect half of those to go down for a shooter of his caliber. unless he's not of that caliber, which would be a problem.

anyway, glad to see he's getting to play more now that all hope is lost.