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facts.
far from being a so called “train wreck”.
LA is off for sure, but he is not forcing it. He is getting his looks and he is still getting doubled hard. The doubles will eventually stop being so aggressive as teams start realising we are one of the most efficient 3pt shooting teams. Getting an athletic guard back will help, as we need someone to break down the D off the scramble from the double team.
facts.
far from being a so called “train wreck”.
Don't know about the rest of the games, I went to this game, and it's tough for Aldridge to go ISO in the post against Jordan. Not sure why the Spurs go at the strength of the Mavs defense, considering they had DD and Gay as other options on the floor.
Very true, LMA's percentages are down. For his career he's .488 on 2s. He needs to improve there.
A bit misleading considering scoring is up in the league. LMA is struggling a bit but I'm not too worried.
You might be on to something. I’ve never looked at it like that mane. That really might be the case. He did good last year on the strength there wasn’t anyone else on his level for our team.
Across the board his shooting numbers are down. It'll probably improve to them mean but he isn't playing particularly great thus far on offense.
He says he needs touches to get going. He shot the ball 22 times against LAL in their first matchup for 37 pts and 23 times against MIN for 21 pts (albeit his offense wasn't as great and his FG% was bad, but those 19 rebounds though sheesh). The more touches he gets, the more comfortable he seems to get. I think getting the ball more really boosts his confidence and he loves to be the guy that carries the team, and that will never change. I don't think its crazy to say that LMA has difficulty playing with another star, but I also think it depends on the synergy with that star. Kawhi could not and cannot make plays as well as Derozan, and he was also a terrible teammate when it came to communication. Derozan, on there other hand, seems like the complete opposite. Its also a plus that their mid-range game seems to be working (even though they haven't fully gelled). LMA should def get more touches throughout the season, and if he averages 18-20 or so touches a game, he should be fine.
That being said, every other aspect of his game is just amazing to watch. He is the defensive focal point and on D he has made some spectacular plays. His rebounds too, especially offensive, are just pure Muscle. No one can say his effort isn't there.
He's struggling a little bit but tbh the offense has changed 4 times in the last 4 years with him here:
2015/16 - TD/LMA integration
2016/17 - TD retirement / Kawhi focus
2017/18 - Kawhi "injury" / Pop goes back to Portland style
2018/19 - Kawhi/Manu/Tony gone / DeMar in as defacto PG
It may take a bit for him to find his stride. Also, as has been mentioned, he's getting swarmed more now that the Spurs have the crappiest supporting cast in 20 years. That may not change unless White/Walker immediately get played by Pop and become serviceable / factor guys when they come back.
He's also a year older, and isn't going to develop better shooting/speed/wind as he ages.
LMA needs to learn catch and pop with Demar, roll on pick and roll. I think he’s at his average now, but would get more. For sure the offense goes through Demar as the primary ball handler. But again he should get more once they learn to play more. Love Gay trying to get his own numbers and being aggressive.
Last edited by John B; 10-30-2018 at 06:45 AM.
I'm not worried yet. He looks like he's engaged and having fun so I think he'll find his stride.
LA FG attempts last season is the same as this season..he just struggling to convert his shots..
lol - Be thankful Spurs have Derozan! You're correct, your team would be a train wreck w/o a Derozan.And DeRozan has been a trainwreck in crunch time
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Did he NOT close out or grind your team to get the W - 2 or 3 times?
Ask yourself where Spurs would be w/o a Derozan in this trade?
Raptors and Spurs Fans just have to deal w/ It and support both players. Both keeping their teams 'in it'.
Yes, LMA helps Derozan, so don't Spurs fan fool themselves. Rudy Gay and Demar are friends. Rudy knows he needs to contribute. All 3 trying to keep Spurs in it. SPURS will make the playoffs if DD and LAM keep working together (baddest mid range shooters) and Gay contributes on Offense. The Defense needs work but, but Pops will improve that area.
Remember Gay and DeRozan on the raptors? brutal. The newer version is so much better.
And Forbes contributing 15ppg should be nice. If he keeps it up, he could be a serious candidate for best improved player. A sure 3nD should be nice and really could be open. If Chip could work wonders with Huestis, Spurs could go deep
Train wreck is an absolute exaggeration.
He's done his part, just missing shots he normally makes. Once those start going down, it should help us with quite a bit.
Exactly, I'm not too worried. He's getting good looks, they just aren't falling right now.
It's only 6 games and we aren't even past October yet, so he's got plenty of time to get it together. Just needs to keep being aggressive.
He struggled 1 night in crunch time (got good looks) and 3 other nights vs LA, vs Min, and vs Dal was great. But he's a train wreck? Cherry picking much?And DeRozan has been a trainwreck in crunch time
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Good insight. What you said makes some sense.
My mayn @amused is awesome at stirring that pot.
You should make the next Game Thread!
It's too soon to conclude that he's now past his prime, but it's not too soon to be concerned. Including preseason, I believe he's had one game where he's combined efficiency and volume this season. At the very least, it's a disturbing trend.
And before anyone scoffs at the preseason, a lot of times it sets the tone for the season. Last season, you could tell right away (I strongly suspected it anyway) that he was primed for a big season. This season, to a lesser extent, you could tell with Gay.
Still, it's difficult to imagine the exact archetype that generally ages best falling off a cliff overnight. Maybe he's not the virtual All-Star lock he's often been this decade, but he should remain All-Star caliber for the next few seasons.
He’s what we got. Find me a young free agent who wants to play in San Antonio when he can play in Dallas or Houston. Spurs have to draft well to survive. Jimmy Butler would be a one year and out.
Who cares which player makes LMA feel better about himself? Which one can take us past the warriors, or give us the best chance to? That guy is in Canada
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