Rui has such a nice looking shot, and he is a three-level scorer. Currently is averaging 17 and 4, with 1.6 our of 4 threes in 36.2 minutes per game. However: Even slotted at his appropriate PF spot, his defense is still bad. Currently at a career low -2.3 DBPM, i know small sample size, but still. Also, a career low 0.5% STL%. Only averaging 4 rebounds per game. Barely shoots enough threes to not be considered lower-volume, but has decreased even more this season to only 1.6 out of 4 three-point attempts per game. Turnover prone. Lakers need some one in this role that can: Make 35% + three-pointers on at least 6 attempts per game. Play solid defense. Ideally have a DBPM of 0.0 or higher, and a STL% of 1.5 or higher. I could live with the rebounding and turnover issues if this player fits the criteria for shooting and defense.
I’d keep Rui at 15-20m per year, if he’d be open to coming off the bench and be more of a featured offensive piece. That way his defence and rebounding affect us less with a future bench of LaRavia, Vando and Adou. We’d need one more ball handler to go with that unit but I think it could be quite succesful. Then you’d need to fill around Luka, Reaves and Ayton assuming all 3 stay with ideally two 3&D players, one that can defend guards and one that can defend wings.
That only benefits us, I’m assuming he is at least good enough to be a bench piece for us. Off the bench: Offensive Creator LaRavia - glue guy Vando - defensive specialist Rui - offensive specialist Center You kind of want to get that whole bench squared away for 1/3 of the cap.
Key part of the big 3 tonight. He saw Grant opposite him I did chuckle watching him try the Luka/Austin lean in to try and get the and 1. He's not quick enough on his reaction or release for that.
Yeah he stepped up big, his mid range is almost automatic, such perfect form, I love when he gets to that shot.
Rui having a nice season - he's doing well enough on D and making the shots he's supposed to while being the relief valve when the shot clock ticking down
Those were some big plays, redeemed himself from missing a couple easy layups in a row a bit earlier in the quarter
He won't fool me .. Has to defend and rebound better in the playoffs. He surely is a very good offensive player in his role though
Rui is one of the better shooters in the league, he is decent at the rim and deadly at midrange. Having him play off great play makers is really handy - then you add in that he can defend 5's and he is really valuable. The problem is, he doesn't rebound consistently enough. There's no way a 6'8 240 pound athletic guy should be getting less than 5 rebounds a game - should be more like 8. That's my only gripe, we give up too many offensive rebounds and Rui could do better.
On the positive side, Lebron's return, properly slots Rui, into the scorer off the bench role. He can be a star in that role for us.
Hachimura has a wide open lane, drove and couldn't throw it down? Granted he got hacked on the way but c'mon... Agree he has a feathery shot.
Roll that beautiful bean footage Thought he was solid defensively on Wemby too. The 2 rebounds in 35 minutes is tough though Luka's reaction to the soft finish/ miss was great
