Park Bites
Well-Known Member
What would be cool if Markkanen and Beasley had a contest to finish the year.
Lauri Markkanen stats since Dec 1
- Thread starter Elizah Huge
- Start date
Eddie Zero
Well-Known Member
The Finnisher is going to have to find a lot more scoring, to carry this team, than he already has shown, when shooting well all season until recently.
Then you add his recent struggles to adjust to more physical play with the newly acquired target on his chest etc.
I actually give this team a good chance to fall apart pretty fast, with Marky having this level of defensive attention, especially if JC is traded, for future picks or something like that over some more proven assets to fill the voids. Sexton might help if he ever gets healthy, but not sold they don't just hold him out if the tank is rolling
underdog
Well-Known Member
His efficiency is top-notch no doubt. I checked his last 12 games stats, and of all players who have played more than 30 minutes per game over the same time period, only Gobert and Jokic have better TS%. Even Durant has lower.
Edit: To reflect the title of this thread, I checked TS% since the beginning of December. Of all players who have played over 30 minutes per game since Dec 1, only Gobert, Sabonis, and Davis have better TS% (Durant and Lauri are tied, and Jokic a bit lower).
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mdalby
Well-Known Member
Removing contracts from the equation, would you trade Lauri straight across for Donovan?
I would not.
I like Lauri's being a match-up nightmare to defend. I like Lauri's 3 level production on the offensive side of the court. I like his athleticism and his improving defensive capabilities.
Give me Lauri!
I would not.
I like Lauri's being a match-up nightmare to defend. I like Lauri's 3 level production on the offensive side of the court. I like his athleticism and his improving defensive capabilities.
Give me Lauri!
I think it's actually a pretty interesting question. Feels kind of ridiculous saying Lauri given how great Donovan is at scoring, but it might be the right choice.
Handlogten's Heros
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I think Don's defensive limitations will place a small ceiling on what he can do unless he has amazing defenders around him... like he does right now. I think he's a better guy to build around if you are trying to win 50 games every year.
Lauri's versatility and the fact he can score 25 without dominating the ball... plus the rim defense stuff... its really interesting to consider the type of things you could do if you had good pieces around him.
The fact that it is a question is a good thing... I think its likely still Don but its amazing you can ask this and we don't all jump in and flame you.
Don's obviously amazingly talented offensively, but I'll take a 7-footer with Lauri's skillset over a 6-foot guard. Especially with the way the NBA is trending, positional size is really important.
underdog
Well-Known Member
Yeah put Tyrese to play with Lauri and see what happens
If there was a way to get that guy and pair them... I think it would be absolute mayhem. Unfortunately hell will likely freeze over before Pacers trade Hali.Yeah put Tyrese to play with Lauri and see what happens
I think that matchup issue is the key. Don is a better scorer and less dependant offensively... but if you got a really good wing defender it isnt too hard to slow him down.
Lauri on the other hand is impossible to shut down because he is too fast and athletic for big guys and too big and tall for traditional wing defenders. He isnt a guy who can bring the ball up against full court press and create points.. but he doesnt need much help. Just that someone is able to get the ball to him on the offensive side of the court and he can shoot fast or drive and you have to respect both. I love his running hook which is Jokic-like efficient and impossible to defend when he gets to move laterally across the paint.
Lauri was already the focal point of defenses before Dec 1.. but ever since we started pushing up his touches and shot attempts it has been obvious that no one can stop him. He gets his points one way or the other (lately been more FT less FG).. and seemingly always contributes elsewhere as well (defense, rebounds). If Lauri develops a few more moves (refining his shot fake being the primary thing) and also learns to use his gravity to set others up for free buckets... I can see him becoming a perennial All-NBA level guy.
All in all, I still think Don is ahead but he is 1 year older and I'm not sure next year at this time we will be saying the same. Also if you account for the "been there done that" vs "new car smell".. I probably wouldn't do that trade.
FrenchJazzFa
Well-Known Member
Lauri over Don for sure. Not necessary for basket ball ability as Don is probably a bit better at that stage but for the overall attitude. If Lauri stay here for long we can build around him.
underdog
Well-Known Member
Yes my pipe dream … Lauri and Tyrese would fit extremely well together. Where can we find another Tyrese? Ask some mad scientist to make of a copy of him?