Keyonte George’s Star Ascension

[Tremendous Upside]

count me as one who watches games and sees key playing a lot of good defense. he moves his feet, he stays in front, he competes hard on that end. generally when he has a bad defensive possession it's due to his lack of height/length rather than effort, poor defensive iq, etc.

Key has been slowly improving his man to man defense this season and regularly has good stretches, but let's be honest... the bolded part just isn't enough to make you the worst defender in the league (which is something he's been for several years). It's been down to those exact things you mentioned: lack of effort and defensive IQ.

 

[HermanG]

Keyonte scored 15 field goals against Timberwolves in his career high scoring night.

Gobert was the closest defender 4 times
McDaniels 3 times
Ant 3 times
Reid 2 times
Clark 2 times
Randle once

He finished at the rim against Rudy and Jaden with insane ease and efficiency. Shot pull ups over Gobert and Reid. Rudy got 1 block on him (which was close to a goaltend) but Key was mostly out there making it look easy.

This is as impressive as it gets for a list of makes, considering the variety of ways he scores and who he goes up against:

Video and Shotcharts | Stats | NBA.com

A video and Shot Chart interface with the ability to filter down to specific on court events and granular details.

www.nba.com

 

[HermanG]

We must also realize that Hardy identified Key from day one. Some have criticized him as a developmental coach but there is a reality where someone like Thibs gets Key and he doesnt see daylight until he is traded to another team (after which it could be "game over" for Key's career).

Despite his immaturity, inconsistent effort (on defense) and inefficiency, Hardy knew he had "it" and continued to play him big minutes night after night.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

We must also realize that Hardy identified Key from day one. Some have criticized him as a developmental coach but there is a reality where someone like Thibs gets Key and he doesnt see daylight until he is traded to another team (after which it could be "game over" for Key's career).

Despite his immaturity, inconsistent effort (on defense) and inefficiency, Hardy knew he had "it" and continued to play him big minutes night after night.

Cue @Handlogten's Heros mockery of Dune

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Cue @Handlogten's Heros mockery of Dune

I mean he got his **** together after Hardy gave him the toughest of love.