D'Angelo Russell Discussion: Adopting A Professional Attitude

It's ridiculous how potent our offense is with our best offensive player struggling. Probably a mini-slump but Luke's system should be benefiting Russell the most. Hopefully he'll snap out soon.

 

He was coming off of two back-to-back decent shooting performances. I was looking at his game log from last year, and I believe he's progressing just fine. As @trodgers already pointed out, he's up in nearly every category (except his FG percentage), and that should be trending up during the season.

On top of that, he's also drew the second defenders of teams (during Houston) was guarded by Ariza, George, and Thabo, Thompson; arguably those teams best perimeter defenders.

We've seen glimpses of brilliance, and we want to see that every game, but he's 21. Either way, I'd like to see him more engaged/aggressive every game. Still, he had 6 assists, 5 rebounds, a key 3, and a nice defensive to offense sequence...

 

I agree that he's a better overall basketball player, but his shooting is not up to his standards. I know it, you know it, and he knows it. I'm just waiting for the "Ice in my Veins" vibe from him. That is all.

 

D'Lo is 20 although he turns 21 in February. Agree about him though. He seems to be doing just fine with the playmaking aspect. Granted I've only been able to watch two full games (Golden State and Houston), but from what I saw Russell is reading defenses well, making quick decisions, better defensively, and for the most part had good shot selection. My only real issue was some lackadaisical turnovers.

 

Dude still with the lazy passes and so non chalant about TO

 

This is why he shouldn't talk all his stuff sometimes, still not as good or consistent anyway as he thinks he is. Bad look until like young Kobe he can back it up.

 

i should have mentioned this earlier--he grabbed two three rebounds that required outhustling/outthinking the opposition. those are important possessions.

 

Yikes he has the same FG percentage as Kobe did last season in season 20.

Good thing it's just November.

 

Glad Luke still put him out there to finish the fourth to not blow his confidence. One bad game, usually fuels him for the upcoming games to bounce back.

 

Hope he takes advantage of the mismatch he'll have against the Mavs, I think they are starting JJ Barea.

 

he'll have to watch the clear-outs, as jjb is really good at drawing offensive fouls. his head is at shoulder/elbow height.

also, defensively, jjb is actually not an easy cover. the mavs use him in the high screen and roll A LOT, and he's a threat to drive or shoot the longball.

that said, russell should be able to really capitalize on offense simply by shooting and passing over the top.

 

His shot does look a bit different this year. He's not as tight with his mechanics it seems like. Last year I thought his midrange game off the pick and roll was money, but so far this season it seems like he can only hit threes and even that's streaky.

Overall I still like the way he's playing though. I thought he played within himself and did some good things setting up the floor for others even when his shooting was off.

 

I believe this Dallas game is what he needs to get going.

 

I disagree with that assessment as well...

 

I would say he has shown he can post up just fine, and already is crafty enough, that he finds his way to the basket without much problem.

Yes he uses picks to get open vs simple isolation, but that's just smart.

 

QFT

 

:MitchQFT: