Reply With Quote
For some reason Kawhi can't make 3s anymore...
those post-ups still need a bit more work, tbh... but practice makes perfect
For some reason Kawhi can't make 3s anymore...
his handles is making his offensive game horrible in all aspects
hes unable to beat guys off the dribble that he should easily be able to because of it
its why he keeps pulling up for 1 dribble mid range shots
I agree. But I add that most of his success in attacking the rim is off him attacking the rim off his defender scrambling to close-out. After watching the second half of the Denver game, he looks better particularly at attacking after accepting the screen.
I've been particularly interested in his 3pt shooting, since becoming more and more involved in our offense. Since March of last season (Parker got injured on the 1st of that month and Leonard saw a bigger role from that point on) through the post season and the first four games of this year he is
43-115 (37.3%) which is above average, that is important because he is moving away from the corner and shooting more in different areas behind the 3 point line.
I've always said that Leonard was too shy for his own good. Parker made it sound like Pop got on his case at halftime and I guess it worked because he played better in the second half. But still, does Leonard know that this is a contract year for him? If he's great this year, he's going to be given a monster extension in the summer. But he's playing passively and unsure of himself to this point.
I don't think Kawhi gets it. He doesn't have to defer to the Big 3 anymore. Pop wants him to be aggressive now. He doesn't care if Kawhi misses shots, he wants him to shoot. But he won't do it. So many times he has space to shoot and he doesn't. It's driving everyone on the team crazy. Parker talked post game and was like "Yeah...I don't know what's up with Kawhi....he wasn't being aggressive in the first half at all. But Pop got on him at halftime."
This is strike one for Kawhi. Let's hope he can turn things around. Because if he doesn't make the leap we all expected him to make this year then there's no hope of getting back to the Finals. Kawhi is the difference maker, but he won't make a difference if he's not more aggressive.
2-10 to start the season.
I remembered after Parker got injured late last season, Leonard took on a bigger role while his 3pt shooting suffered.
but I actually looked at his splits and game log a few minutes ago....
from March of last season (playoffs include) through now (4 games in) he is shooting 37% 3pt (43-115)
Four games is a pretty small sample. He's never going to be Ray Allen, or even Danny Green. He needs to make just enough to make defenders honor it and close out so he can put the ball on the floor and make something good happen, somewhere in the neighborhood of 36-38%.
38% would be pretty elite, tbh. I'd be happy with anything around 30-34%
What also has been hurting him is Pop not playing small as much as he did last season. Kawhi has the perimeter skills to take a power-forward off the dribble while still being able to hang in the post. Leonard is made for small-ball.
I know his vision and passing ability are some of the "weaknesses" of his game right now but I would still like to see him get some more opportunities in the p&r. Especially when Tony-Manu-Marco are sitting on the bench.
Judging from the second half of the game, Pop does know how to utilize leonard. Leonard needs to be more assertive..
He needs to Earn Tiago-Timmy and Parker's trust tbh..Speically the two bigs, if he wants any decent PnR plays..
Cutting to the basket.
He is much more comfortable without the ball not having to initiate penetration. Setting some screens for him off the ball really helps him to cut off of. Right now, this is the player we got. If confidence in his 3 returns, then more options are available. The man wants nothing to do with taking anyone off the dribble, even if it leads to openings for others. His first step is totally lacking any advantage.
Other than the above it's picking up junk off of others misses and running the floor without the ball.
The post up still looks stilted, the ability is there, but I sense no real rhythm yet.
This is was a game hard to look very good in. It's definitely early season.
Kawhi looks hesitant, and worse, reluctant at times.
Dad handed him the keys to the Porsche and he's a little scared to drive. To be honest, it's a bit worrying. On the other hand, Tim is hesitant and reluctant with shots he makes every game sometimes, so it may not mean anything.
Which is a GOOD thing. Never been a fan of the smallball era of the Spurs.
had high hopes for him like everyone did, drafted him in the 3rd round too
There were a couple flashes of post plays being run through him - ultimately this wasn't the matchup for that to succeed and this season's sample size is too small (which goes for all the other ridiculous gripes).
Kawhi needs to get himself going. It's simple, if you're a wing player and can't get to the rack, you can't be a superstar.
He needs to learn how to dribble in traffic and get to the rim. That's what separates him from someone like Paul George. George has a quick first step and can get to the rim. The threat of drawing fouls can add another dimension to his game.
Last edited by Ice009; 11-06-2013 at 03:38 AM.
inb4 teazee Leonard trade machine scenario tbqh
The gran well need to go small against contenders. They have the second-best combo-forward in the league. This isn't the old Spurs. This team has the size, strength and mobility to run a flex rotation. They should take it to teams by putting Leonard in his natural position. That's one of the big reasons he took off in the playoffs.
Kawhi isn't George though, I think people should stop making that comparison, they are both built differently physically.
Just like his name, Kawhi is unique.
If you think about it there are only a handful of guys at the SF position in the nba that are 6'7 230 and built like Kawhi, the only guys that are bigger/stronger that I can think of is Artest & LBJ, and Artest is done. Kawhi is a long, big strong dude, that's why we've seen him able to hold his own against PF's like Griffin and Gasol to SF's like LBJ, and rebound with ease.
SA has to take advantage of his size and pure strength and length, run a bunch of post ups for him, get him the ball in the paint, 1 on 1 with his defender, treat him almost like a big man. Because of his large hands he always has complete control of the ball, his strength allows him to post and get in prime position, while his length makes his shot extremely hard to block, perfect combo.
He's too quick for a PF to guard, and generally too strong for SF's as I explained above. Perfect example would be his games against OKC and CHI last year, Ibaka tried and failed as did Durant and Sef. Meanwhile chi had Deng, Gibson, Butler etc. all failing.
Kawhi can be a GREAT player if used properly with his unique skill set, especially if he gets his outside game going which I think he can definitely do.
So true so true
kawhi needs a baseline game. Kawhi needs to get to the freethrow line. Sadly It's his third season and he Jess Kent dew thengs like thet
??? The last two years, he's shot 37.6% and 37.4% from downtown. Not sure why you'd be happy with only 30-34% when he's shown MUCH better.
No, they need to continue to mis-utilize him so we can avoid having to max his contract.
Anyone who thinks that one-dribble pull-up is going to disappear from Kawhi's game is probably in for disappointment. That's a move that he has specifically added to his arsenal and is still working to hone. I can't tell you how many practice videos and shoot-a-rounds I've seen where Leonard is specifically working on that move.
Considering people are going to try to run him off the three-point line, it would be a very effective move for him to use. He still has a ways to go from perfecting it, though.
He shot 37% when opposing defenses weren't too focused on him. It's different when you're perceived as somewhat of an offensive threat.
Similarly, I can't see Danny Green replicating his Finals performance.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
