Page 19 of 20
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 11:01 am
by ShelC
I do think he's more of a small 5 from an athletic/physical standpoint but can come off screens and hit 3s like a faceup 4. Jones mentioned needing to be bigger and more athletic when guarding against teams like the Lakers so I think we'll see times when Smith is on the floor with Ayton. Thinking Cam starts at the 4 barring a major FA move and then either he or Ayton will sit and Smith could be the first big off the bench either as a 4 or 5 depending on the matchup. His 3pt shooting gives enough space for Ayton to operate down low and his hustle and shotblocking will give teams that much more to think about when he's out there with Ayton or when Ayton sits. Now we have the size, athleticism, rebounding and shotblocking to where teams can't take advantage when Ayton sits. Either way Smith should be a 28+mpg player eventually even if he never starts.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 11:12 am
by Indy
ShelC wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 11:01 am
I do think he's more of a small 5 from an athletic/physical standpoint but can come off screens and hit 3s like a faceup 4. Jones mentioned needing to be bigger and more athletic when guarding against teams like the Lakers so I think we'll see times when Smith is on the floor with Ayton. Thinking Cam starts at the 4 barring a major FA move and then either he or Ayton will sit and Smith could be the first big off the bench either as a 4 or 5 depending on the matchup. His 3pt shooting gives enough space for Ayton to operate down low and his hustle and shotblocking will give teams that much more to think about when he's out there with Ayton or when Ayton sits. Now we have the size, athleticism, rebounding and shotblocking to where teams can't take advantage when Ayton sits. Either way Smith should be a 28+mpg player eventually even if he never starts.
Ayton is usually gassed about 4 minutes into the game. He could sit then and Smith could come in...
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 11:24 am
by ShelC
And that's where we may see a faster, more modern NBA offense with Smith and the rest of the starters. Paul, Book, Mikal, Cam and Jalen. He'll be working with CP and Book screening and popping or diving while still anchoring the defense. Maybe Ayton comes back in with the bench guys and is featured more as a low-post option while the starters sit. Either way, we'll have options. I do like that the FO addressed an obvious weakness we had in the frontcourt. I know Baynes was out in the bubble but when Ayton sat and we had to go with Saric, Frank and Diallo it was just painful.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 11:32 am
by Indy
ShelC wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 11:24 am
And that's where we may see a faster, more modern NBA offense with Smith and the rest of the starters. Paul, Book, Mikal, Cam and Jalen. He'll be working with CP and Book screening and popping or diving while still anchoring the defense. Maybe Ayton comes back in with the bench guys and is featured more as a low-post option while the starters sit. Either way, we'll have options. I do like that the FO addressed an obvious weakness we had in the frontcourt. I know Baynes was out in the bubble but when Ayton sat and we had to go with Saric, Frank and Diallo it was just painful.
At the very least, it seems Smith is a clear upgrade over Frank and Diallo. And Paul is a clear upgrade (if healthy) over Rubio. The question comes around Oubre and Baynes, and our lack of SG depth.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 12:02 pm
by Split T
Ya Smith is for sure a 5. He may be able to play the 4 in certain situations, but he’s a 5. Maybe something will change in his development, but I don’t really envision a scenario where Smith and Ayton should be playing more than a few minutes together. Not yet at least.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 1:55 pm
by Ring_Wanted
ShelC wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 11:24 am
And that's where we may see a faster, more modern NBA offense with Smith and the rest of the starters. Paul, Book, Mikal, Cam and Jalen. He'll be working with CP and Book screening and popping or diving while still anchoring the defense. Maybe Ayton comes back in with the bench guys and is featured more as a low-post option while the starters sit. Either way, we'll have options. I do like that the FO addressed an obvious weakness we had in the frontcourt. I know Baynes was out in the bubble but when Ayton sat and we had to go with Saric, Frank and Diallo it was just painful.
Agreed. Saric had his moments, though.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 2:09 pm
by ShelC
I'm fine with Saric as a backup paired with another big like Smith. He just can't be the sole backup or starting PF. He's too limited around the basket and can't match up athletically.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 3:27 pm
by Superbone
ShelC wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 2:09 pm
I'm fine with Saric as a backup paired with another big like Smith. He just can't be the sole backup or starting PF. He's too limited around the basket and can't match up athletically.
I'd keep the same rotation as in the bubble. With Saric and Smith coming off the bench.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 4:12 pm
by Indy
Superbone wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 3:27 pm
ShelC wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 2:09 pm
I'm fine with Saric as a backup paired with another big like Smith. He just can't be the sole backup or starting PF. He's too limited around the basket and can't match up athletically.
I'd keep the same rotation as in the bubble. With Saric and Smith coming off the bench.
Do you see Cam as an average starting PF in the NBA this year?
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 4:32 pm
by O_Gardino
If Smith turns out to really be unable to play the 4 next to Ayton, then we will have to re-evaluate the draft in that light.
It's probably a precursor move to trading Ayton for AD.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 4:37 pm
by Indy
O_Gardino wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 4:32 pm
If Smith turns out to really be unable to play the 4 next to Ayton, then we will have to re-evaluate the draft in that light.
It's probably a precursor move to trading Ayton for AD.
I thought Antonio Daniels retired?
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 5:08 pm
by ShelC
It did cross my mind and there are some rumblings on twitter that Jones may have been covering himself with Smith in case they decide to move on from Ayton for one reason or another.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 5:12 pm
by Split T
If Smith is really good, he’s probably a better fit than Ayton in Monty’s system. If we could turn Ayton into a long term star PG? Could be worth it.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 5:16 pm
by Indy
Split T wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 5:12 pm
If Smith is really good, he’s probably a better fit than Ayton in Monty’s system. If we could turn Ayton into a long term star PG? Could be worth it.
I think Luka might be a star PG. Should be easy to trade the 1st pick for the 3rd...
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 7:48 pm
by Superbone
Indy wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 4:12 pm
Superbone wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 3:27 pm
ShelC wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 2:09 pm
I'm fine with Saric as a backup paired with another big like Smith. He just can't be the sole backup or starting PF. He's too limited around the basket and can't match up athletically.
I'd keep the same rotation as in the bubble. With Saric and Smith coming off the bench.
Do you see Cam as an average starting PF in the NBA this year?
The 8-0 record showed him to be a competent starting PF in the NBA, yes.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 7:56 pm
by Indy
Superbone wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 7:48 pm
Indy wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 4:12 pm
Superbone wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 3:27 pm
ShelC wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 2:09 pm
I'm fine with Saric as a backup paired with another big like Smith. He just can't be the sole backup or starting PF. He's too limited around the basket and can't match up athletically.
I'd keep the same rotation as in the bubble. With Saric and Smith coming off the bench.
Do you see Cam as an average starting PF in the NBA this year?
The 8-0 record showed him to be a competent starting PF in the NBA, yes.
On that we can't agree.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 7:59 pm
by Superbone
Indy wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 7:56 pm
Superbone wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 7:48 pm
Indy wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 4:12 pm
Superbone wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 3:27 pm
ShelC wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 2:09 pm
I'm fine with Saric as a backup paired with another big like Smith. He just can't be the sole backup or starting PF. He's too limited around the basket and can't match up athletically.
I'd keep the same rotation as in the bubble. With Saric and Smith coming off the bench.
Do you see Cam as an average starting PF in the NBA this year?
The 8-0 record showed him to be a competent starting PF in the NBA, yes.
On that we can't agree.
It's not the first time and it won't be the last time.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 8:01 pm
by Indy
I just can't trust a guy after 8 games and when half of those the other team was resting/missing guys.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 12:58 am
by SunsRIt
Split T wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 12:02 pm
Ya Smith is for sure a 5. He may be able to play the 4 in certain situations, but he’s a 5. Maybe something will change in his development, but I don’t really envision a scenario where Smith and Ayton should be playing more than a few minutes together. Not yet at least.
I guess I’m confused about what makes him a 5 for sure? Seems the size of a 4. 6’10” 225-245 is prototypical PF size.
Re: NBA DRAFT NIGHT 2020
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 1:49 am
by Ring_Wanted
SunsRIt wrote: ↑Sat Nov 21, 2020 12:58 am
Split T wrote: ↑Fri Nov 20, 2020 12:02 pm
Ya Smith is for sure a 5. He may be able to play the 4 in certain situations, but he’s a 5. Maybe something will change in his development, but I don’t really envision a scenario where Smith and Ayton should be playing more than a few minutes together. Not yet at least.
I guess I’m confused about what makes him a 5 for sure? Seems the size of a 4. 6’10” 225-245 is prototypical PF size.
His subpar lateral quickness.