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ya, writeups are great, tbh... we tried to let robdiaz2191 run the site for a year, but it didn't really work out
As an out of towner I really appreciate the TIMVP write-ups, please do it all season if you can!
ya, writeups are great, tbh... we tried to let robdiaz2191 run the site for a year, but it didn't really work out
It ain't easy being a gangsta.ya, writeups are great, tbh... we tried to let robdiaz2191 run the site for a year, but it didn't really work out
Quick thought: It was too obvious that Dairis Bertrans was the only professional basketball player out there.
He showed that as of now he can be that sparkplug ala Neal, Belineli.
As bad as Denmon is, believe it or not, Scott's offensive game is virtually non-existent. The best you can expect from him are buckets in transition. Defensively, he's probably the best on ball defender on this summer league roster. So in that respect, he's an improvement from Denmon. I guess if the Spurs are looking to simply replace Cory's defense, Scott isn't a bad alternative but as much heat as Cory took for his lack of production on offense, Scott would actually be a lot less productive offensively. He doesn't have much in his arsenal.
Some other quick thoughts:
Kyle Anderson: He didn't perform up to expectations or what we would've hoped for, but it was only game 1. I'm not going to write him off yet. He didn't really play out of character that much, He's a pass first unselfish player. He looked to get others involved and took what came to him. Had he have made a few more shots it would've been a whole nother story. I think we need to understand that he's not a 20 point per game scorer, although he averaged about this much in Austin. In his role, on the newly revamped roster, he's not gonna be asked to do anything else than what he did today and that's to slightly create, take the open shot, and occasionally attack mismatches. He just missed shots. On defense, he reached a lot and got decimated by the pick and roll. It helps that with his size, he can switch onto bigger players in a pinch. Like I said, one game. I expect him to come out and play much better tomorrow. Also, I would like to see him in a pick and pop with Cady.
Livio Jean-Charles: During the game I had a realization, and that is what kind of player he is. He's a defensive stopper with versatility to guard multiple positions and on offense, he's a garbage man. He cleans up around the basket with put backs and boards. He could of easily scored more had he held onto the ball. Not sure if this is a common theme or if he just had an off game in this aspect. His jumper looked fine, but he missed several. I'm interested to see how he does over time here. He also is pretty good in transition, since he is so mobile and has some athleticism. If he can hit the mid range jumper, he could have a long career. Hat tip to Chinook for making the point that he could fit in with the bench unit this upcoming season because they wouldn't really need the offense. And he could play wing on D and PF or C on offense due to the spacing of West and Diaw. But 6 blocks!! There wasn't really much of a scouting report on him I'd imagine but I'm interested to see how he does in his next game with the word out. I could see him competing with Kyle for the back up 3 spot next year and I hope it happens. He was a ball of energy on D. It makes me wonder how he has played so little on ASVEL. Maybe they were holding him back.
Cady LaLanne: He started off well on defense against Okafor to start, but as the game wore on Okafor began to have his way with him. He showed a lot though. He was solid on D. He does seem to be foul-prone as his scouting report suggests, so he will need work here. But he showed he could be a serviceable back up with that sweet stroke of his. I know they had him out to the 3, but i think his range is around 17 feet and that would suit him best. I also liked some of the moves i saw from him, showed a lot of finesse. They didn't go in for the most part, but it said something: he's got some skill. I would like to see him with less fouls next game and shooting closer in.
Dairis Bertans: I don't have much to say about him other than he shot lights out. He reminded me of a Patty Mills-Belineli type. He's a little small for a two but i think he could get away being a combo much like Gary Neal. He played some point and while he didn't show eye opening ball handling skills, he did get the ball across the court. I think with a couple more games like this, he could be getting a contract. He can shoot and has a quick release. For a 3rd stringer, not bad. And if he played with the second unit, all he'd have to do is hit open threes. He could also be used around screens like Marco
Thanks
If it can work under the cap is sign LJC and Lalanne. Both look damn damn good
Offensively Kyle's best attribute is passing. His jump shot is not a certain thing. In the d'league we saw him post up a lot and be aggressive in transition. He handled the ball a lot more and made his own decisions a lot. He was obviously working on his offensive game in the d'league. Here he was off-the ball a whole lot and looked to get the ball movement going. Like everyone I wanted to see more from him, but he wasn't a featured guy like he was in the d'league, which is just as well because he won't be featured on the bench either. He has still to find his role out there. He was active and looked to be in better shape than last year. Too early to give up on a young guy who has still barely played in the nba.
I liked Cady and LJC as well, each has something to build upon and showed potential. They obviously are role players that still need to improve in areas, but it is fun to see these young guys and project possibilities for improvement.
Awesome to see timvp with the goods!
Jean-Charles needs serious player development in SA. His hands are almost Nazr Mohammedesque, so there may not be much the Spurs can do about that...which is a shame because of all the dribble-penetration drop-offs and putback opportunities that he will be missing out on.
One thing about Kyle that I like is that he doesn't ever stop trying to rebound the basketball. He just might lead the Spurs' SL squad this summer.
I'd still do Becky tbh...
Looks like I'm late to the party... oh well, my two cents.
Kyle Anderson
Well, a picture is a worth a thousand words. He played just as bad as he looks up there. What frustrates me the most about him are his glaring defensive deficiencies. He just can't keep up with his assignment, and even though his anticipation skills are above average, when he guesses wrong, it's a guaranteed bucket for the other team. Lastly, he had several drives to the basket in which he jumped in the air with no idea who to pass it to, and that resulted in several turnovers.
Livio Jean-Charles
The picture I used is pretty ironic, considering he couldn't buy a bucket the whole game. Just like Kyle Anderson, his hip to apex release speed is way too slow. From what I saw, he had the mobility of a power forward, and excellent footwork on defense. He understands verticality, and doesn't bring his arms down unless he's confident in his ability to block the ball without fouling. His shot selection was poor, as he shot a few contested jumpers, and he experienced a case of Ayres-hands. For those who didn't watch the game, tied 71-71, Okafor was doubled and passed to a cutter, who got his stuffed by LJC. LJC ran the floor, and on an alley-oop sealed the victory for us.
Cady Lalanne
Man, with all this talk about his length, you really have to see this guy in person. His arms are ridiculously long, and he uses them really well to contest shots. His defense was good, although too aggressive, which is why he racked up so many fouls. Unlike LJC, he tends to bring his arms down and gambles. I usually don't like trigger happy players, but his release was quick for a big man and he knocked down the available elbow jumpshots with consistency (shot some 3s, airmailed or badly bricked them all). He has defensive awareness, so he rotated and offered paint protection in this game (although that won't work in the NBA unless you have Serge/DJ/Timmy/Howard like instincts and reflexes). He made Okafor work hard for every basket.
Dairis Bertrans
Can catch and shoot really well. Quick release, and has an underrated skill of being able to run tight screens well. He knows how to read his defender, and curl or flare depending on the situation. He was blown by repeatedly, and couldn't hold his ground when players drove into him. Had his hand in the cookie jar too often, but if he learns how to absorb contact defensively and dribble on the perimeter without having to go back to the basket (like CoJo of old), then he could be the Belli replacement we're looking for.
Darion Atkins
He didn't do anything, aside from launch two airballs in the first half. After the second one, he stared at his fingers like something was wrong with them, and laughed. Now, I'm not gonna lie, when I airball at my local gym, I wince in pain and grab my shoulder, but come on man. Come on
JLC needs to work n his release point. Feel it's to high
Thanks for the analysis, Sir timvp!
I'm hoping Wayne Blackshear gets some decent court time. Interested to see what he can do.
Thanks for the "Quick Thoughts" OP. Those write ups are why I started coming to this site all those years ago.
Nice write up. Thanks!
I'd still do Becky tbh...
Looks like I'm late to the party... oh well, my two cents.
Kyle Anderson
Well, a picture is a worth a thousand words. He played just as bad as he looks up there. What frustrates me the most about him are his glaring defensive deficiencies. He just can't keep up with his assignment, and even though his anticipation skills are above average, when he guesses wrong, it's a guaranteed bucket for the other team. Lastly, he had several drives to the basket in which he jumped in the air with no idea who to pass it to, and that resulted in several turnovers.
Livio Jean-Charles
The picture I used is pretty ironic, considering he couldn't buy a bucket the whole game. Just like Kyle Anderson, his hip to apex release speed is way too slow. From what I saw, he had the mobility of a power forward, and excellent footwork on defense. He understands verticality, and doesn't bring his arms down unless he's confident in his ability to block the ball without fouling. His shot selection was poor, as he shot a few contested jumpers, and he experienced a case of Ayres-hands. For those who didn't watch the game, tied 71-71, Okafor was doubled and passed to a cutter, who got his stuffed by LJC. LJC ran the floor, and on an alley-oop sealed the victory for us.
Cady Lalanne
Man, with all this talk about his length, you really have to see this guy in person. His arms are ridiculously long, and he uses them really well to contest shots. His defense was good, although too aggressive, which is why he racked up so many fouls. Unlike LJC, he tends to bring his arms down and gambles. I usually don't like trigger happy players, but his release was quick for a big man and he knocked down the available elbow jumpshots with consistency (shot some 3s, airmailed or badly bricked them all). He has defensive awareness, so he rotated and offered paint protection in this game (although that won't work in the NBA unless you have Serge/DJ/Timmy/Howard like instincts and reflexes). He made Okafor work hard for every basket.
Dairis Bertrans
Can catch and shoot really well. Quick release, and has an underrated skill of being able to run tight screens well. He knows how to read his defender, and curl or flare depending on the situation. He was blown by repeatedly, and couldn't hold his ground when players drove into him. Had his hand in the cookie jar too often, but if he learns how to absorb contact defensively and dribble on the perimeter without having to go back to the basket (like CoJo of old), then he could be the Belli replacement we're looking for.
Darion Atkins
He didn't do anything, aside from launch two airballs in the first half. After the second one, he stared at his fingers like something was wrong with them, and laughed. Now, I'm not gonna lie, when I airball at my local gym, I wince in pain and grab my shoulder, but come on man. Come on
Return of the mack (Timvp) lol. Good to see the game thoughts again
Man, Bertans is even more badass than I first realized. After seeing the no-look alleyoop at the 1:35 mark of the above video, I now realize that Bertans actually threw an alleyoop off the backboard at the 1:12 mark of the video.
And both of those plays were in the guts of the game. I like that moxie.
Anyone European poster have any scouting report on Bertans (Bruno?) or know how he's regarded as a prospect? I know he was on the Celtics summer league team last year but his Euro stats aren't super impressive. Looks like a pretty good three-point shooter (37-38%) but doesn't really stand out in any other aspect over in Spain.
Given what we saw in Game 1, he looked like a legit candidate for a roster spot.
Kind of though the same.
One game in, LJC reminds me of Bo Outlaw. And that's not a bad thing.
Haven't been able to watch the games but from the sound of it Lalanne and Bertans could have legit shot to make the roster. Bring Livio over now would be smart. This is the last season that the Spurs can pay him rookie scale (starts off at $918,000). All would be good, cheap adds for depth at guard, wing and a center.
LJC need to come this season, he could be great practice tool for Kawhi and the rest of the guys with his defense...
Nice rundown, Cloud786.
Certainly fits into the roster as currently composed.
Most of the stuff I have read is on his brother. Here's an English language article from Latvia, not too much detail. The key is his stats are on the rise. He might be just hitting his prime and his prime may (key word may) be NBA worthy.
Man, Bertans is even more badass than I first realized. After seeing the no-look alleyoop at the 1:35 mark of the above video, I now realize that Bertans actually threw an alleyoop off the backboard at the 1:12 mark of the video.
And both of those plays were in the guts of the game. I like that moxie.
Anyone European poster have any scouting report on Bertans (Bruno?) or know how he's regarded as a prospect? I know he was on the Celtics summer league team last year but his Euro stats aren't super impressive. Looks like a pretty good three-point shooter (37-38%) but doesn't really stand out in any other aspect over in Spain.
Given what we saw in Game 1, he looked like a legit candidate for a roster spot.
http://www.fibaeurope.com/cid_WI0u,B...leMode_on.html
LATVIA CAN RELY ON CONFIDENT BERTANS
08 April 2015
FEATURE
By Dimitris Kontos
Dairis Bertans is looking forward to competing at EuroBasket 2015 with Latvia
This time of year, the start of the business end of the season, is typically a period of uncertainty for players on every team with play-off aspirations. Not for players like Dairis Bertans though.
The Latvian international of Dominion Bilbao Basketoozes with self-confidence and inspires that rare feeling, especially at this stage where teams' entire campaigns are at stake, of somebody who has everything under control.
That is mainly due to the fact that Bertans is very content with both his personal performance and with his team's situation, a combination which does wonders for the state of mind of every self-respecting professional athlete.
Bilbao are in fourth spot in the Liga Endesa standings and have virtually secured a play-off berth after finishing in 13th place last season, nearly losing their league licence in the summer and overcoming significant financial woes.
The 25-year-old guard has played an instrumental role in that rebirth, despite missing nine games during the season because of a hamstring injury.
Bertans is averaging 13.1 points on a team-best 42% shooting from three-point range, 1.4 assists and 1.3 rebounds per game, having improved in every stat category compared to his first year in Spain, which was also his first outside Latvia.
"If we don't look at those games that I missed during my injury, which was not too serious an injury anyway but it was just bothersome and I had to just keep going without thinking about it, I am really enjoying myself this year," the Latvian sharp-shooter told fibaeurope.com
"It's easy to play with [Bilbao head] coach Sito Alonso, I understand perfectly the systems, I understand my role, it makes everything easier.
"Almost everything has changed from last year, we're only four guys left from that roster, the coach changed, a lot of things.
"Before, I used to think that it is not so important who the coach is, but now I've seen that it really changes a lot in a team.
"And with this coach we're playing really good."
EUROBASKET IN SOLD-OUT RIGA ARENA
Beyond stating in no uncertain terms that collaborating with one of the most promising Spanish coaches, in Alonso, has been beneficial to both him and the team, the confident Bertans has clear ideas about several other subjects.
For example, he is certain of where he is going to be and what he is going to be doing next September, the month of his 26th birthday.
"For sure I will play at the EuroBasket," the Latvian international asserted.
"If nothing bad happens and I stay healthy, for sure I will be there.
"Especially because it's at home and it's a great occasion for us."
Latvia host Group D in Riga and will go up against Belgium, the Czech Republic, Ukraine as well as neighbours Estonia and Lithuania.
"If you look at the teams it seems ok, for sure you cannot say that it's the toughest group possible," Bertans commented.
"But we have to remember that everybody can play basketball now and all teams are dangerous.
"Probably we will have a little bit more pressure at home, because we are playing against these kind of mid-level teams and not against the very top European powers, so it's going to be tough for sure."
Playing at home against opponents which the local crowd consider accessible. It sounds like the fans could very well demand Latvia challenge for first place in Group D.
"Of course [they do]," Bertans replies without hesitation.
"Our expectations are high and we play at home.
"All tickets are sold already, we will play in front of a packed arena in Riga, so it cannot be otherwise."
Bertans is fully receptive to Latvian fans' expectations, but that doesn't mean he is concerned with playing to the gallery and make big promises.
"We don't want to think too much where we want to end the championship," he clarified.
"We just have to go game by game and try to look at each game separately.
"We'll fight to win every game and we'll see [where it takes us].
"Obviously the first goal is to go to the knock-out stage and from then on it depends on who we play against."
Dairis Bertans and Latvia will go head-to-head with rivals Lithuania
REVENGE, WHAT REVENGE?
Bertans is mature beyond his years and as street-wise as they come in terms of national team compe ions, having been a Latvian international since 2005 and having participated in the past two EuroBasket tournaments.
It is more than enough baggage to comprehend that the Group D opener against Belgium is not a special encounter because of the heart-breaking loss of two years ago, which cost Latvia a place in the quarter-finals of EuroBasket in Slovenia.
There will be no bickering with Bilbao team-mate Axel Hervelle, no revenge vows. If this clash holds any special significance, that's only because it's always preferable to start a tournament on the right foot.
"It's the first game of the tournament and obviously we want to beat them," Bertans said.
"But, you know, it's not going to be decisive, so we don't have to focus on that game or remember that because of Belgium we didn't make it to the quarter-finals at the last EuroBasket.
"We just have to focus on our play, focus on winning a game, and that's it."
Bertans implies the same approach applies to the clash all fans in Riga are eagerly awaiting, the Baltic derby with EuroBasket 2013 silver medallists Lithuania.
"When you start thinking like this, whether it's better to lose to this team or win that team, it never works out well," he warned.
"So you just go game by game and you try to win all you can."
THE DAVIS EQUATION
The Bertans brothers are far from a unique case in European basketball, but this year was special to them.
It started in the best way possible in the summer when the younger, Davis, signed for Laboral Kutxa Baskonia.
It meant that after spending the last years playing in different countries and rarely meeting during the season, Dairis and Davis would finally be based in the nearby cities of Bilbao and Vitoria, respectively.
"From the point of view of having him [Davis] so close, this year is really nice," Dairis said.
"We are a 40-minute drive away and we go see each other whenever we have free time, so basically a couple of times each week.
"That part is really great."
The proximity also brought with it an unforeseen level of media attention when the Bertanses became the first brothers to line up against each other in the big Basque derby, between Bilbao and Baskonia.
Dairis, who by now can handle the media in Spanish just fine, playfully took on the role of family spokesperson and was certainly the only Bilbao player in history to be welcomed as a fan to Vitoria's Buesa arena, as he habitually watched his brother from the stands in Baskonia's home games in the Euroleague.
And then at the blink of an eye, it went sour at the end of March, when Davis tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Baskonia's game at EA7 Emporio Armani Milano.
He has been there before, when he was playing for Partizan Belgrade. He will once again have to brave his way out of a six-month rehabilitation process.
The confident Dairis Bertans however is also certain about one more thing. He is hopeful his younger brother will emerge from this discouraging deja-vu experience as strong as ever.
"Obviously it's hard that he got injured again, but he's a tough guy," the Bilbao player said.
"He is staying positive and he is trying to not complain or anything like that.
"He's going to be good."
When a professional player sees someone as close as their own brother suffer another serious injury within a still young career, does it make them doubt a little? Does it, even subconsciously, send the message that one needs to hold back a bit, play somewhat more conservatively?
"I never think like that," Bertans replied swiftly.
"When you go out on the court you don't think about those things at all.
"You just try to play your best, to do everything possible.
"From then on, things like that can happen, that's the bad part of professional sports."
Last edited by BillMc; 07-07-2015 at 04:36 AM.
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