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OE32 wrote:Len's got a combination of length and strength that makes him a great all-around interior defender and rebounder. The offense is a work in progress. Really needs to work on his off hand. Needs to go to his hook instead of going to the pivot all the time - pretty sure the scouting report reads "Stay down, he's going to pivot into you. Watch." 3 years in, still developing.

After seeing Robin Lopez become a respectable starting center, I don't want to give up too soon on somebody like Alex. Everybody says big men take longer to develop. I could see Len become very productive in a year or two. He's already shown quite a few flashes this year. I'm hoping he'll become an above average starting center in this league.

Len carries the stigma of being a top5 pick, but I couldn't care less. The league is full with one way or undeveloped players who still give their teams production.

If Alex Len were on the Spurs, he'd be awesome. Sadly, this franchise cant find a coach thats worth a damn.

TheOriginalOriginal wrote:If Alex Len were on the Spurs, he'd be awesome.

I've thought the same.

OE32 wrote:Len's got a combination of length and strength that makes him a great all-around interior defender and rebounder. The offense is a work in progress. Really needs to work on his off hand. Needs to go to his hook instead of going to the pivot all the time - pretty sure the scouting report reads "Stay down, he's going to pivot into you. Watch." 3 years in, still developing.

He isn't strong at all. He gets stopped mid air multiple times every game. That is the biggest flaw in his game (even more than his left hand). If he were stronger, his lack of a left hand wouldn't matter as much.

Indy wrote:

OE32 wrote:Len's got a combination of length and strength that makes him a great all-around interior defender and rebounder. The offense is a work in progress. Really needs to work on his off hand. Needs to go to his hook instead of going to the pivot all the time - pretty sure the scouting report reads "Stay down, he's going to pivot into you. Watch." 3 years in, still developing.

He isn't strong at all. He gets stopped mid air multiple times every game. That is the biggest flaw in his game (even more than his left hand). If he were stronger, his lack of a left hand wouldn't matter as much.

You're saying he should spend Dwight Howard time in the weight room. Can't argue with that. Looks like there's two ways to go, then - add skill or add muscle.

OE32 wrote:

Indy wrote:

OE32 wrote:Len's got a combination of length and strength that makes him a great all-around interior defender and rebounder. The offense is a work in progress. Really needs to work on his off hand. Needs to go to his hook instead of going to the pivot all the time - pretty sure the scouting report reads "Stay down, he's going to pivot into you. Watch." 3 years in, still developing.

He isn't strong at all. He gets stopped mid air multiple times every game. That is the biggest flaw in his game (even more than his left hand). If he were stronger, his lack of a left hand wouldn't matter as much.

You're saying he should spend Dwight Howard time in the weight room. Can't argue with that. Looks like there's two ways to go, then - add skill or add muscle.

I still think he needs to work on his left, because skill trumps everything. But I am reminded several times a game how little strength he has when compared to opposing centers and even 4s.

He seems to have built his upper body well, but has no strength in his legs and core. He is so easily knocked off his position, even when backing down. Last night Kelly was knocking him around no problem. That can't happen. I still want him on our team, and am happy to keep him developing, but he has to do something about it.

I heard Eddie say the guy can't keep any weight on him. Maybe that is an issue.

Yep, he's got to strengthen his legs and core. He also just has to realize his size and stuff the ball more when near the hoop.

He's still stronger than a lot of the rim protecting centers in this league. And most of the guys that are clearly stronger don't have his length (and thus the ability to use verticality as effectively to protect the rim). It's really just offense that's a problem at this point, and if all he ever amounts to is a stretch 5 who can stuff it when open, well, that's way better than what most teams have.

OE32 wrote:He's still stronger than a lot of the rim protecting centers in this league. And most of the guys that are clearly stronger don't have his length (and thus the ability to use verticality as effectively to protect the rim).

I disagree. There are a ton of guys smaller than him that regularly keep him out of the paint or block his week shot attempts.

Indy wrote:

OE32 wrote:He's still stronger than a lot of the rim protecting centers in this league. And most of the guys that are clearly stronger don't have his length (and thus the ability to use verticality as effectively to protect the rim).

I disagree. There are a ton of guys smaller than him that regularly keep him out of the paint or block his week shot attempts.

That block by Amare was so cringe worthy.

I think the best thing to do is just let Alex Len be. He's a solid player and could still improve. I wouldn't be looking to trade him, but he shouldn't be untouchable either. And if there is a really good center prospect available in any future drafts, having Len shouldn't discourage management from pulling the trigger.

INFORMER wrote:I think the best thing to do is just let Alex Len be. He's a solid player and could still improve. I wouldn't be looking to trade him, but he shouldn't be untouchable either. And if there is a really good center prospect available in any future drafts, having Len shouldn't discourage management from pulling the trigger.

Well put.

INFORMER wrote:I think the best thing to do is just let Alex Len be. He's a solid player and could still improve. I wouldn't be looking to trade him, but he shouldn't be untouchable either. And if there is a really good center prospect available in any future drafts, having Len shouldn't discourage management from pulling the trigger.

Agreed

INFORMER wrote:I think the best thing to do is just let Alex Len be. He's a solid player and could still improve. I wouldn't be looking to trade him, but he shouldn't be untouchable either. And if there is a really good center prospect available in any future drafts, having Len shouldn't discourage management from pulling the trigger.

Well put and I agree.