Well that didn’t age well. You have noticed it’s a different roster and basically different team now? What’s your most favorite drink when you’re thirsty? Try glass is half full for awhile …. thinking of it?
He's got a lot of work still to do. The arc on his jumper is a problem. Just way too flat so he doesn't get the benefit of a soft bounce and he's got to be super accurate for the shot to go in consistently
His statline doesn’t stand out as anything too crazy, but I thought he won the game for us tonight in the fourth quarter. A few crucial buckets, but also some great energy on the boards and defense Feel like we’re underutilizing him. Especially with all the injuries, I think we should be drawing up more set plays to run the offense through him in his comfort zone in the mid-range/post.
I agree. He needs to play more with Bron out. His offense is badly needed and he has shown he can do other things like block shots and rebound
Agree that he was big time late in the game. With Bron out, Ham definitely needs to get him more involved on offense. Nice job picking it up on rebounds and defensive impact. I also thought he had a nice couple defensive possessions two nights ago where his size bothered JJJ more than Gabriel's slight frame did.
thought he quietly had a good game against okc. couple shots didn't drop, but he defended well (loved that we switched to using size on jalen williams and giddey, which really neutralizes both) and blocked a couple shots. man, just having some size out there has been really helpful.
he's quick, but he doesn't have a variety of moves. you could see that once guys saw that hesitation dribble, they were ready for it. and he's not a super strong ballhandler when he doesn't have you retreating. he thrives on getting you going and cleverly switching directions while maintaining downhill speed. it's a unique skill. i liked that when we couldn't get a bigger guy on him, we dogged him up the floor and were able to make him turn. it's similar to reaves, imo--he's a playmaker, but not a traditional pg. he's obviously bigger and quicker than reaves, of course. but not really a pg because competent defenders force him to turn his back to protect the ball.
I have a sweet spot for players who still have a mid range game. I hope he remains with us for awhile.
him and vando, both. if you could merge them, they'd be a superstar! but as it is, we can situationally deploy a big wing 3/4 type, which has been totally unavailable to us for what seems like forever. i'm wondering what kind of salary he's going to command this summer. everyone (including me) was speculating when we traded for him that it would be in the teens, but i'm thinking we'll be able to keep him for sub-mle.
fair point. i liked kuz in that role, too, but the vast majority of fans wanted to send him out for nothing. and even when he was here, we needed one more.
He was used by Ham pretty well before the other trade. I think they should sit Vando if LeBron is not around and start Rui in the meantime.
The vast majority of fans were wrong about Kuz. Was he streaky? Yes. Was he a perfect player? No. He was a great fit with LeBron and AD and we have found a decent replacement in Rui, but unless he takes a big step in development, he will remain a tier below Kuzma.
I always liked that Kuzma for all his clothes fetish did try to improve. He became a much better rebounder and while not an ideal defender he definitely put in the effort. One thing I think would have helped him (and considering how he has blossomed the Lakers oh well Russ trade again) would have been pegging his as a starter. He always seemed to play better I that role. With regards to Rui seems pretty similar to Brown and Beasley. Guys who can help who win you a game but lack consistency to go beyond the good roleplayer status. Not complaining as I think with the right coach and what we've seen in glimpses from the playmakers the team is a good fit. Health and lack of an experienced coach is costing the team games
