Kid brought it the last two games... fluke? Or is he getting more comfortable?
I used to cringe when I saw him starting the shooting motion, but it looks like he's getting more confident as far as where his shots are going to come from and what his range needs to be.
Thoughts?
Correct me if Im wrong, but his shooting motion changed when he shot near the rim. I think he is starting to 'get it' but for instance he is doing the RJ act of 09 by not standing in the corner 3 although give him credit for hitting that baseline shot. Other than that Im very pleased with the kid.
I'm not sold on the offensive production that requires a lot of touch (mid range game mostly and floaters) but he's definitely getting himself into good spots and using his size to his advantage. Has the makings of a guy every one wants on their team.
Obviously the bright spot from this two game road trip. 33 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, six steals, a block and only one turnover on 15-for-22 shooting from the floor? Mother of got.
And that's not even discussing the invaluable experience guarding Durant and a scorching Jack. If you would have told me the Spurs get those stats out of Leonard but the they had to lose both games, I would have done exchange that in an instant. Pop is bringing him along at warp speed and Leonard seems to be thriving.
Best storyline of the season right now
Also, I love watching him play for the Spurs because this means the Lobos won't have to face him in the MWC.Win Win!
I think he stopped trying to be a spot up 3 point shooter, and I'm glad. He'll learn that part of the game eventually. On the flip side, he's always crashing the boards and grabbing boards
Well saidObviously the bright spot from this two game road trip. 33 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, six steals, a block and only one turnover on 15-for-22 shooting from the floor? Mother of got.
And that's not even discussing the invaluable experience guarding Durant and a scorching Jack. If you would have told me the Spurs get those stats out of Leonard but the they had to lose both games, I would have done exchange that in an instant. Pop is bringing him along at warp speed and Leonard seems to be thriving.
Best storyline of the season right now
He'll add the corner 3 in the off-season but the mid-range shot is all he can do now. I had a pregame thread where I mentioned that Leonard took 50 mid-range practice shots and only 1 3pointer. That focus has been very noticeable in the last couple of games. His shot should get even better going forward but it will be up and down along the way.
I think the kid is getting more comfortable.
He is playing with confidence on defence and more importantly he is finding his range. He jacked too many useless 3's in the first few games.
Does anyone think he and Malcolm Thomas could potentially be a formidable defensive pair if Thomas catches on and gets the "Bonner" minutes?
Joseph
Neal
Leonard
Thomas
Splitter
Now that seems like a really good defensive lineup, not great offensively sans Neal but the defense, wowzers.
I didn't see this game, but overall, he does have a scary looking shooting mechanic. It is also weird to see such a young guy getting so much PT for the Spurs who usually only play 30 plus year olds significant mins. He looks like a child out there. I think he has great potential, but I don't think we're going to be seeing games like this consistently from him. He's going to be up and down like most rooks but better than most.
I like this kid. Too bad he wasn't available two years ago when we were looking for a wing......
slowly but surely. I have also seen him not show boat on dunks kind of like showing corporate knowledge that that may be a reason to bench him by Pop... DeJuan may have warned him about that!
I am really hoping against hope that this occurs.
I honestly don't know how this team is worse than last years team as Pop seems to imply. I don't remember seeing much consistent defense at all last year and is why I predicted an early exit.
Really like what this kid bring to the table. Great rebounder and is solid at defending. His offensive game has showed improvement as well. I like that he attacks the basket. He still has a lot to learn but has made great progess as he gets accustomed to his teammates.
And to think he still can't buy a drink until June 29thObviously the bright spot from this two game road trip. 33 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, six steals, a block and only one turnover on 15-for-22 shooting from the floor? Mother of got.
And that's not even discussing the invaluable experience guarding Durant and a scorching Jack. If you would have told me the Spurs get those stats out of Leonard but the they had to lose both games, I would have done exchange that in an instant. Pop is bringing him along at warp speed and Leonard seems to be thriving.
Best storyline of the season right now
I think if Pop gives Thomas a chance, the two former Aztecs may end up anchoring the defense. It would be a nice change. Add a little more steadiness from Green and we might have something.
I honestly feel like Kawhi Leonard and Malcom Thomas should be on the court at the same time tonight.
Gary Neal
Danny Green
Kawhi Leonard
Malcom Thomas
Tim Duncan
That would be a solid defensive lineup. Neal's a little better defender at PG, let Green guard the SF position though and Kawhi can take Kevin Martin. Thomas would probably be scorched by Scola though. It'd be worth trying for a few minutes to see how it works.
The kid has it all. Looks like the FO got it right on him. I like the strong finish on his jam last night too.
He'd better, parker and pop wont like the spacing problems he causes on offense. Who cares he can rebound, defend, steal and block. If he cant space the freaking floor we wont win a championship.
He's pretty damn good. It's early to say whether it's a fluke but only time will tell. As long as he keeps showing improvement and develops a shot or two, or can nail it down effectively without losing it on the defensive end, he can easily be a starter or a star and not just another role player. I guess the scouting reports weren't lying about his upside.
There was one sequence where he caught the ball close to the wing. He had a decent shot but instead faked shot which the defender bit then took one dribble and pulled up for 10 ft jumper. That was a big time move. He has tremendous upside.
33 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, six steals, a block and only one turnover on 15-for-22 shooting from the floor
my affection for James Anderson seems misplaced..
This is what happens when "players" get minutes....
This is also what would have happened (to differing degrees) if Pop had allowed certain other youngsters to play and play a lot...(I won't mention past players names because some idiot will get his panties all twisted)...in the last few seasons...but instead...
what Pop chose to do instead was play idiots like Finley, Bogans, Bonner, Vaughan, etc...
then released the young studs that could have blossomed with playing time like Kawhi is doing now...
Having said all that;
I fully expect Pop to bury Kawhi at the end of the bench starting tonight...just for s and giggles....
Young studs? Like who? Mahimni? James White? Malik Hairston?. Care to elaborate on this group of "young studs" your referring to?
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