IT and Jimmer

Section 101

All-Star
They could learn something from last years ROY.

Joe Freeman of The Oregonian: More than a few eyebrows were raised when Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard was included on the Blazers' summer league roster. Why would someone who led the NBA in minutes played and enjoyed a remarkable rookie season land on a summer league team? Well, it would not be wise to expect Lillard to play in any games when the team travels to Las Vegas on Friday. Lillard decided to take part in summer league to be around his teammates and get to know the Blazers' newest additions, including Thomas Robinson, CJ McCollum and Crabbe. Lillard has participated in minor portions of the Blazers' practices, but he is not expected to play in any games in Las Vegas. "I think more than anything, I’ll be there for support," Lillard said.
 
If they remain on the roster, but you never know, they might show up for a few. Maybe Jason Jones didn't get around to asking about that.
 
I don't know that we're asking them to play, but rather, just be there, which again, certainly depends on the FO plans. I wouldn't tell IT to show up if I'm working the phones trying to package him somewhere. Ditto Jimmer. They could still end up going, but we won't know until it starts. It would be nice to see some players down there, especially since it's a short trip, but I certainly wouldn't expect it of them.
 
I'm confused by OP. Are you complaining that IT and Jimmer aren't playing in summer league? Because neither is Lillard, per that article.. Are you complaining that they aren't attending summer league games? I can see that having some merit, but we know that the FO is actively shopping Jimmer, and with bringing in Vasquez and McCallum, it's pretty clear that IT has become expendable as well. Why try to go build chemistry with guys who are probably/likely going to be on the opposing team in four months?
 
I'm confused by OP. Are you complaining that IT and Jimmer aren't playing in summer league? Because neither is Lillard, per that article.. Are you complaining that they aren't attending summer league games? I can see that having some merit, but we know that the FO is actively shopping Jimmer, and with bringing in Vasquez and McCallum, it's pretty clear that IT has become expendable as well. Why try to go build chemistry with guys who are probably/likely going to be on the opposing team in four months?

By being on the summer league roster Lillard is able to practice with them. We have a new coaching staff and 2 rookies in summer league. You would think especially point guards would want a head start on learning a new system along with getting to know new teammates.
 
Jonathan Santiago tweeted today that Jimmer will attend (not play) Summer League and cited his wife Whitney as the source.
 
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I think if Jimmer plays for us this season, playing in an offense with structure will do him good. His shot in the league is to be a shooting specialist role player, and playing in the hectic, iso heavy system of the last 2 years did him no favors. I just don't see him getting minutes though, unless IT and Thornton get traded.
 
I think if Jimmer plays for us this season, playing in an offense with structure will do him good. His shot in the league is to be a shooting specialist role player, and playing in the hectic, iso heavy system of the last 2 years did him no favors. I just don't see him getting minutes though, unless IT and Thornton get traded.

Our offensive system did no one any favors the last two years. Except IT. Ball dominance has its perks.

Jimmer, at his best, is a taller, better shooting version of a young Derek Fisher. He would have done well making his money as a roleplayer on kickout threes from a strong, ball-dominant 2-guard who excels at going hard to the rim or kickout passes from a talented post player in a structured offense. Sacramento had those players, but the coaches had no idea how to utilize them to their strengths, and everyone on the team is worse off because of it.

As it is, much as I would like to see Jimmer succeed and have a good career, he is likely done in the league unless he gets traded to a playoff team looking for bench depth.

IT is Nate Robinson redux. I wouldn't be surprised to see him bounce around the league for ten years and never play as well as he has here the last two.
 
Our offensive system did no one any favors the last two years. Except IT. Ball dominance has its perks.

Jimmer, at his best, is a taller, better shooting version of a young Derek Fisher. He would have done well making his money as a roleplayer on kickout threes from a strong, ball-dominant 2-guard who excels at going hard to the rim or kickout passes from a talented post player in a structured offense. Sacramento had those players, but the coaches had no idea how to utilize them to their strengths, and everyone on the team is worse off because of it.

As it is, much as I would like to see Jimmer succeed and have a good career, he is likely done in the league unless he gets traded to a playoff team looking for bench depth.

IT is Nate Robinson redux. I wouldn't be surprised to see him bounce around the league for ten years and never play as well as he has here the last two.

Having a Nate Robinson, especially off the bench, isn't a bad thing. If a guy can come in for 20 minutes, energize the team, score points/ provide a change of pace, make hustle plays, that is basically the epitome of what you want from your 3rd guard off the bench. Bobby Jackson fared pretty well doing the same thing, although Bobby was a better defender than IT and Nate.
 
Still doesn't stop him from being on the roster and practicing.

Actually, it might. The FO apparently knows what they have in Jimmer. They're likely working on finding some diamonds in the rough, especially now that they have a controlling interest in the Bighorns. Given that we drafted two guards, both likely working to take his place, it doesn't really make sense for him (or IT) to be practicing with them as they'd be running similar sets to what the other kids are. Had we drafted some bigs or players in different positions, yeah, it would make more sense to get a feel for what they like to do.

Of course, my point could be moot if we're planning on running some IT/Jimmer/McLemore/McCallum lineups.

(Loved the article, btw.)
 
bending the point of the thread a little to make it "Kings vets working out in Vegas", thought this was kinda interesting:

Marcus Thornton ‏@OfficialMT23 8h
Headed to get my 1st workout in under the new coaching staff in Vegas #working

edit: and Isaiah appears to be there, too: http://instagram.com/p/bw_UWByyxy/#
 
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bending the point of the thread a little to make it "Kings vets working out in Vegas", thought this was kinda interesting:

Marcus Thornton ‏@OfficialMT23 8h
Headed to get my 1st workout in under the new coaching staff in Vegas #working

edit: and Isaiah appears to be there, too: http://instagram.com/p/bw_UWByyxy/#

Step 1: "we need to change the culture and establish more passing"
Step 2: sign Carl Landry (0.8 ast/gm), trade for Luc Mba a Moute (0.9 ast/gm) and retain Marcus Thornton (1.3 ast/gm) at $8+mil over Tyreke Evans (3.5 ast/gm) at $11mil.

Worse yet, if Ben McLemore (2.0 ast/gm in college, and not a ballhandler) struggles all 3 of the above guys could end up starting.
 
Step 1: "we need to change the culture and establish more passing"
Step 2: sign Carl Landry (0.8 ast/gm), trade for Luc Mba a Moute (0.9 ast/gm) and retain Marcus Thornton (1.3 ast/gm) at $8+mil over Tyreke Evans (3.5 ast/gm) at $11mil.

Worse yet, if Ben McLemore (2.0 ast/gm in college, and not a ballhandler) struggles all 3 of the above guys could end up starting.

It seems as though you are missing someone......
 
Step 1: "we need to change the culture and establish more passing"
Step 2: sign Carl Landry (0.8 ast/gm), trade for Luc Mba a Moute (0.9 ast/gm) and retain Marcus Thornton (1.3 ast/gm) at $8+mil over Tyreke Evans (3.5 ast/gm) at $11mil.

Worse yet, if Ben McLemore (2.0 ast/gm in college, and not a ballhandler) struggles all 3 of the above guys could end up starting.

You forgot to mention we got a 9 ast/gm dude in return and drafted another young floor general who's looking nice in summer league and could probably get a roster spot in regular season.
And McLemore could be an instant +2 per night on assist from DMC/Landry.
 
bending the point of the thread a little to make it "Kings vets working out in Vegas", thought this was kinda interesting:

Marcus Thornton ‏@OfficialMT23 8h
Headed to get my 1st workout in under the new coaching staff in Vegas #working

edit: and Isaiah appears to be there, too: http://instagram.com/p/bw_UWByyxy/#

In my mind, these are the two that could be on the block in order to bring some balance to the roster. Curious that they decided to come on down to work with the team, maybe to state their case on why they should stay? I'm not really trying to read anything into it or rumor monger, but that's the thought that came into my head.
 
bending the point of the thread a little to make it "Kings vets working out in Vegas", thought this was kinda interesting:

Marcus Thornton ‏@OfficialMT23 8h
Headed to get my 1st workout in under the new coaching staff in Vegas #working

edit: and Isaiah appears to be there, too: http://instagram.com/p/bw_UWByyxy/#

Both IT and MT were asked by coach to suit up and practice with the summer league team. Great way to raise the level of practice and to get to know new guys.
 
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