D'Angelo Russell Discussion: Adopting A Professional Attitude

Well I disagree with that. A superstar yes absolutely, but I don't see guys like Jimmy Butler as superstars. That's why I wouldn't trade him in that package. I'd be willing to deal Clarkson, the pick, Nance, and anyone else they want other than Randle and D'Angelo. As for Westbrook I'd love to get him, but if he really wants to be a Laker why not just wait till next offseason? It makes little sense to trade the farm for a guy you can get in little over a year.

 

Are you guys wanting to trade DAngelo because of the Nick Young thing or because of his play? As far as play goes he needs more time with a better coach in a better system.

 

D'angelo should be untouchable in my opinion. I'm not trading him without getting back a top 10 player, which obviously isn't gonna happen. Jimmy Butler isn't enough.

 

D'angelo had his ups and downs but i see a tremendous amount of potential from him. I would just hate to trade him away already. I also love what i saw from J.Randle, if he can get a mid range jumper he will be a beast.

Not sure if my in the minority but I don't see anything special about jordan clarkson if. If we could package him with the number 1/2 pick for D.Cousins. And then Sign K.Durant. OMG. J.Randle,Cousins,K.Durant,and save some money and sign westbrook next season!And Have D'angelo!

The kings might finally have had enough of Cousins and won't look for as much. If we get the #1 pick it's basically Simmons/Clarkson for Cousins.

 

I think D'Angelo is gonna be a great one. Not a very good one, not just an All Star, but eventually one of the elite players in the league. When Steph inevitably starts to slow down I could see him taking the mantle of best point away from him. We didn't just see flashes of greatness we just a sustained run of excellence in March and then Lou come back and it just looked like D'Angelo just got a little fatigued. A great summer, strengthening his leg core, continuing to work on his jumper, his handles, just getting stronger overall, working on the mental aspect of the game and I think he's gonna take a huge step next year. I could see him be a 17/5 guy next season. I really don't think it's far fetched. One year of experience. Getting accustomed to an NBA grind. The refinement of his game and I honestly don't even think Byron can stop him.

 

Yeah there's something about Russell that screams "star potential" Can't quite put a finger on it but I think it has little to do with his skillset and more to do with his basketball IQ, calm demeanor, and supreme confidence/cockiness. I'd like to monitor his development for at least another year before we even consider moving him. Randle is a stud already and will be as valuable as Butler in a couple years IMHO. That leaves Clarkson, who I would not mind trading at all. He's a good scorer but an undersized SG with below-average court awareness. I agree with others that he would be best utilized as a 6th man off the bench. I also question the dynamic between Clarkson and Russell as our future backcourt.

 

clarkson's a good sixth man. that's worth something. I'm thinking the lakers lock him up this summer with that role in mind.

it's pretty clear in my mind that Russell has star ceiling. like someone else said, I trade him for a top 10-15 player only, because I think he could end up that good. the only scenario that would change my mind is if kevin Durant came to the meeting and said: you get jimmy butler (or cousins, or whomever) and i'll sign here. at that point, I move everyone. bird in the hand.

long story short: if russ is going out, someone better be coming that is a legit mvp candidate.

 

Thought this kid had a fantastic rookie season. Finishing with averages of 13 points, 3 assists, and 3 boards. Per 36 17, 4, and 4.

Already an excellent three point shooter. As he said the best is yet to come. People were so concerned with blow by ability and that was never really an issue for him. He didn't even get blown by defensively as much compared to the other guards. More than held his own. He did tend to get buried on screens and late in close outs. Still lots to work on.

Loved that we saw him post more with success in the second half of the year. That and his mid range game is gonna be his calling card. D'Angelo is already very skilled and has a high basketball IQ. He just needs his body to catch up to his skillset. We have a special one on our hands.

I've said it along, but from a skill and talent stand point he has it all really. The jump shot. The post game. Driving to the basket especially in transition or on pick and rolls. He did get a little careless with the ball, but still has pretty solid handles for a rookie guard. Does tend to give up his dribble too soon. Got better at drawing contact. The court vision was present all year long. Just didn't get to showcase it enough, but when he drives he's often looking to pass, but also has the ability to finish. Looks like he developed a floater as well.

From a defensive stand point he really has found a knack at getting in passing lanes and using his length to do that. The thing we all saw against Brooklyn was that killer instinct. It's about a mentality. A lot of guys talk a big game, but when it comes down to it do you want the ball or not? He and Julius both showed they wanted it. That's a big reason I think they're THOSE guys going forward. The two that can turn this franchise around. Confidence is everything with a star. He only gained more as the season went further and further.

D'Angelo's game is just so smooth. I liken it to Paul Pierce except in a PG's body. As much as I hated Pierce that guy was a great player in his prime. Just got to his spots. Had a silky smooth jump shot. Had a knack for drawing fouls. Had great strength. Just playing at a good pace and being able to slow the game down. Reading defenses and making the right play. That's what D'Angelo does already so well. You rarely see him go too quickly and telegraph a pass or shoot a bad shot in traffic.

I just really, really love D'Angelo's game. I just have full confidence that he's gonna become the player I think he's gonna be and that's a superstar. A franchise player. A closer. A leader. A floor general. A guy who makes teammates better and people wanna play with. An all around player. A player one day we'll look back on and say thank God we didn't pass on him.

 

Jordan reminds me a little of Kevin Martin. Fair comparison?

 

Damn you Savory
This is just like slavery
Treating it like a crime
If I don't always rhyme

But I admit
I did commit
To rhymes til
We're rid of nitwit.

He's so unfit
A total misfit
A lying hypocrite
And a coaching counterfeit

When I see him
My stomach's tightly knit
When I hear him
I about to lose it.

If I was a pot smoker
I'd surely take a hit
If I was a violent man
His face'd be hammered s***

That's about the size of it.

 

D'Angelo's reaction to Byron getting fired.