Suns News: Week 10 12/17-12/23

[Shabazz]

The one thing Josh absolutely needs to work on is finishing around the basket. He's making great cuts, can slash to the basket and lead the break but then he blows the layup. I don't know if he's going too fast, needs to adjust his footwork/balance or just needs to get stronger to absorb some contact and finish strong. Also noticed Oubre missed some easy ones a few times last night.

100%. This is the lowest hanging fruit for him. He has a knack for getting to the rim, but he's currently shooting 48.5% from less than 5 feet and 29% from 5-9 feet. Both numbers are brutal. It seems like sometimes he just flings it at the net in the hopes that it will go in. Interestingly enough, the only rotation player worse than the team than him from up close was Trevor Ariza, who was shockingly bad (45.1%) from <5 feet. Not that he cared.

[SDC]

maybe sarver will get funding for the arena renovation after all.

[Ring_Wanted]

The one thing Josh absolutely needs to work on is finishing around the basket. He's making great cuts, can slash to the basket and lead the break but then he blows the layup. I don't know if he's going too fast, needs to adjust his footwork/balance or just needs to get stronger to absorb some contact and finish strong. Also noticed Oubre missed some easy ones a few times last night.

100%. This is the lowest hanging fruit for him. He has a knack for getting to the rim, but he's currently shooting 48.5% from less than 5 feet and 29% from 5-9 feet. Both numbers are brutal. It seems like sometimes he just flings it at the net in the hopes that it will go in. Interestingly enough, the only rotation player worse than the team than him from up close was Trevor Ariza, who was shockingly bad (45.1%) from <5 feet. Not that he cared.

He's got a knack for getting blocked or launching bricks in motion because he gets close to the rim but can't get enough separation (since he is not strong and doesn't have a wide frame) or elevation. For a supposed athletic stud that's a real concern.

[Wormwood]

Thanks for your input Worm

I am guessing this current stretch of play from the team might be hard for you to accept. Stay Positive as Always

There's always statistical variation. Hot streaks and cold streaks. To assess the true value of anything, and real trends (not just chasing the statistical noise) you need bigger data sets. In this case, Jackson's long term numbers are bad, this season statistically as as bad, or worse, than last season overall. Everyone crapped on me for being dubious of Jackson's seeming improvement at the end of last season... and he's been terrible most of the time this season.

So yes, I'm still pretty skeptical of a four game deviation when the body of evidence says he's not a good player.

[specialsauce]

Jackson’s shot selection has not improved at all during this stretch. That to me is going to be the barometer. The shots he’s taking are still awful. I don’t ever want him to take a step back midranger

[Superbone]

Jackson’s shot selection has not improved at all during this stretch. That to me is going to be the barometer. The shots he’s taking are still awful. I don’t ever want him to take a step back midranger

I liked them on Wednesday.

[Superbone]

At least he has a good sense of humor about it. Laughing all the way to the bank.

[Superbone]

[Superbone]

https://theathletic.com/726540/2018/12/ ... n-phoenix/

Suns Video Room: Five ways Kelly Oubre can make an impact in Phoenix

1. Toughness
2. Athleticism off the bounce
3. Rebounding
4. Rim protection
5. Confidence

Oubre was having rough night from 3-point range until finally knocking one down with 8:57 left in regulation, giving Phoenix its largest lead of the night at 13. With under a minute to play, the Suns were clinging to a five-point lead before Devin Booker found Oubre for another triple which effectively put the game on ice.

[specialsauce]

Jackson’s shot selection has not improved at all during this stretch. That to me is going to be the barometer. The shots he’s taking are still awful. I don’t ever want him to take a step back midranger

I liked them on Wednesday.

Short-sighted. They were bad shots. They go in once every 10 games. You're a good guy dude but sometimes you're a total optimistic sucker.

[In2ition]

Jackson’s shot selection has not improved at all during this stretch. That to me is going to be the barometer. The shots he’s taking are still awful. I don’t ever want him to take a step back midranger

I liked them on Wednesday.

Short-sighted. They were bad shots. They go in once every 10 games. You're a good guy dude but sometimes you're a total optimistic sucker.

I've definitely not been pleased with Jackson's shot selection the first part of the year and a lot of that had to do with him barreling in and missing tough layups. He's been a lot better lately and I think that's sparked a little bit of hope for optimism in him. IF he puts on muscle and that helps with his finishing, and he continues to make improvements on his jump shot, he may actually turn the corner on his trajectory. His energy, aggressiveness, confidence, fearlessness and belief in himself never seem to waiver, so he has that going for him. If the shot selection, fg %, rebound numbers go up while the turnovers go down he could possibly live up to the high expectations that were put on him.

[ShelC]

I'm fine with him taking shots he's confident and comfortable with.

[Split T]

He needs that mid range shot to keep defenders honest. He’s not good at it yet, but I’m ok with him shooting it in rhythm. Just lay off the pull up 3’s until he’s a reliable spot up 3 threat.

[Ring_Wanted]

I'm fine with him taking shots he's confident and comfortable with.

I agree with the principle, but at some point he needs to realize he shouldn't be looking so much to score. Play defense, handle a little and pass the ball. Make some garbage buckets here and there and fastbreaks. Contribute with energy, not shots. Before you know, you have 10 points on good %s and are a net plus. If you keep trying to dominate by scoring, you are going to end up with lots of TOs, low %s and are going to make things easier for the opposite team.

[Superbone]

Jackson’s shot selection has not improved at all during this stretch. That to me is going to be the barometer. The shots he’s taking are still awful. I don’t ever want him to take a step back midranger

I liked them on Wednesday.

Short-sighted. They were bad shots. They go in once every 10 games. You're a good guy dude but sometimes you're a total optimistic sucker.

Dude! It was a joke. Sucker.

[Split T]

Fun fact: Josh Jackson is shooting 48% this year from 10-16 feet and 35% from 16-23 feet. The long 2’s aren’t great, but he’s been fine in the mid range.

[Split T]

Another fun fact: Josh Jackson is shooting 40% on catch and shoot 3’s

[SDC]

josh jackson is shooting 39/30/64

[specialsauce]

Jackson’s shot selection has not improved at all during this stretch. That to me is going to be the barometer. The shots he’s taking are still awful. I don’t ever want him to take a step back midranger

I liked them on Wednesday.

Short-sighted. They were bad shots. They go in once every 10 games. You're a good guy dude but sometimes you're a total optimistic sucker.

Dude! It was a joke. Sucker.

Dude!

[JCSunsfan]

Another fun fact: Josh Jackson is shooting 40% on catch and shoot 3’s

He just needs to quit pretending he is a point guard and he will be OK.