Game Thread (Scrimmage) Jazz @ Nets

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

Brantley looks pretty bad to me. The guy looks like he cant do much in the half-court other than dribble into post-ups.

I think he's trying to learn his role and be a ball mover. I don't think his abilities are that limited, but he was playing on the ball and he doesn't know how to make reads and decisions yet. On one play, he wanted to feed Juwan Morgan in the post, but he wasn't able to get the angle, so he forced up a last-second fade-away that missed badly.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Tucker is like Donovan Mitchell minus the talent. You can tell he dominated the gleague based on his athletic ability. I like his potential as a 3 and D guard, but he has to learn to score on limited opportunity, something that doesn't seem to be in his wheelhouse currently.

I worry with guys like that... if they struggle on the mental side of the game it can be hard to fix. They can definitely improve there but you’d like to see a higher baseline to start from.

That said I understand why they invested in him... we are panning for gold and there are some things to like. I just don’t know if he can be a successful role player like Oni can... it’s an easier target to hit.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

I worry with guys like that... if they struggle on the mental side of the game it can be hard to fix. They can definitely improve there but you’d like to see a higher baseline to start from.

That said I understand why they invested in him... we are panning for gold and there are some things to like. I just don’t know if he can be a successful role player like Oni can... it’s an easier target to hit.

I wouldnt say it's a mental struggle, it's just a huge role adjustment.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

I think Brantley is the type of big athletic body we need on defense. He moves well enough to have an impact there. If he is just an average three point shooter the post up and ball handling stuff will make him a solid offensive player too. In those lineups where he needs to create I think he will struggle... as a tertiary guy I think it’s helpful. He’s just really intriguing.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

At least NWG knew how to use a pick. Him and Oni were the best in that group. Tucker tried a few wtf shots and did nothing else. Brantley only feels comfortable when backing down someone. It's hard to imagine them with any of the starters.

And I think idea of Brantley seems to get in front of actual Brantley. He is explosive and looks like he is hustling but that doesn't amount to much.

I think if Brantley had a limited role--where he sits on the perimeter, moves the ball and takes open looks (like PJ Tucker)--he could fit in. He's not so great with the ball in his hands that he's going to take plays away from other guys on the floor.

He'd need to work his way into the rotation starting as a 5th option, and that's something he hasn't been accustomed to. When he plays with the Stars he has a lot of freedom and normally gets around 15 shot attempts. He needs to think in terms of coming off the bench and getting 7 points and 4 rebounds in 10 minutes.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

I think Brantley is the type of big athletic body we need on defense. He moves well enough to have an impact there. If he is just an average three point shooter the post up and ball handling stuff will make him a solid offensive player too. In those lineups where he needs to create I think he will struggle... as a tertiary guy I think it’s helpful. He’s just really intriguing.

I think he can hit 35% or 36% of his 3s. He raised his season average with the Stars from 30% to 33% over the last 10 games. So he had to shoot 36% or 37%, at a minimum, to do that.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

Tucker is like Donovan Mitchell minus the talent. You can tell he dominated the gleague based on his athletic ability. I like his potential as a 3 and D guard, but he has to learn to score on limited opportunity, something that doesn't seem to be in his wheelhouse currently.

Sounds like Ben McLemore.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

He handled the ball a ton out front and made two solid defensive plays. If left open he can hit enough threes... if they close hard he can handle and drive. Even if he is mostly comfortable dribbling into a post up that has some value. He moved Justin Anderson ( a very thick wing) like he wasn’t there and drew a foul.

Other than cool dunks and big muscles Tucker really hasn’t impressed me at all.

I really liked Brantley's poke-away steal while he was back-pedaling on defense. That's really hard to do. That was a big play.

 

[cowhide]

I thought the g league guys did well overall. I am in agreement about Tucker. He is an undersized two who needs to improve his BB IQ which isn't always easy to do for some players. I thought Goss and Wright played well and they have certainly improved since the beginning of the year. Oni was rushing his shot and it was a little flat but he was in the right position most of the time. I liked how he plays defense. I think he can develop into a NBA rotation player. Brantley has an old school type of game which may or may not work in today's NBA. i think he should definitely get minutes at the 4 with Bogie being out. He needs to develop his 3pt shooting and his mid range game.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

I think he can hit 35% or 36% of his 3s. He raised his season average with the Stars from 30% to 33% over the last 10 games. So he had to shoot 36% or 37%, at a minimum, to do that.

If he can do that he will be a starter in the league. Has enough ball handling and size to be really good if the shot comes along.

I know the dribble into post up is not super sexy but its one of the things Giannis has done that makes him unstoppable. You cut off the drive and he bodies you out of the way and goes over/through you. Not saying Brantley will be that level of good at it, but it is a useful tool.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

I really liked Brantley's poke-away steal while he was back-pedaling on defense. That's really hard to do. That was a big play.

Its great because you get a turnover but never sacrificed defensive positioning. He moves his feet quite well. Was impressed in the preseason when he stood Giannis up a couple times on drives.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Brantley is similar in size to Draymond Green... I don't think he has the instincts that Green does (on offense or defense) but he has more upside as a shooter. Poor man's Draymond is my super hot take for Brantley.