Blob
Starter
I envisioned stardom for Buddy before he was drafted, before he was traded to us. So the 30-game sample size did not exactly have me jumping for joy. It was more of a verification of the type of player I thought he could be. Buddy has done nothing to invite comparison to Ben or Jimmer. Ben has made 35% of his 3s in his career and career high of 38%. Ben is also 53% TS in his career. Buddy shot 60% TS in his 30 game with us. Dramatic difference. To imply Buddy will follow in their footsteps is an assertion without merit. Your analysis, to the extent you have offered any, does not support Buddy will be next in a line of busts, aka, "fall flat on his face."
I have had this discussion before with regards to Buddy and other guards. With guards what you want to look for is the quality of shots. Are they getting clean looks? Is their head seemingly screwed on straight when they launch (i.e. above average confidence)? What is their array of arsenal? What is their counter when the defense takes away their preferred move? These variables are more important than a 3-10 shooting night. These misses are going to happen. But when you have the skill set that enables you to get quality looks on a consistent basis, shots eventually are going to go in at a plus rate.
In other words, it is a rookie mistake as a fan to look exclusively at shooting % over the short duration, like say a 4 game summer league or 5-game preseason performance. When Buddy is cold for a quarter or half or game I am not remotely worried. Last year Buddy basically won us a game on the road against the Clippers after being cold for at least one half. Unlike Jimmer who at 6'2" and bulky frame struggled to get clean looks at the hoop and when he did struggled with his confidence, Buddy is far more active off the ball with his length and activity to get more quality looks with his feet under him. He is also able to get into the teeth of the defense and launch with touch rather than get swallowed whole.
Jimmer failed because his subpar size and athleticism was not overcome by extraordinary confidence when he was able to get free for an open look. Buddy doesn't run into this narrow margin for error because he's bigger and more active. Ben vs Buddy is no contest either. Buddy has far better instincts for the game, he's a better student of the game. He has a left hand when drives. He shoots a floater when the lane is closed. He also shoots more of a set shot from deep than a jump shot (like Ben), which is more typical of the best long range bombers. There is more of compact motion and less room for error with this type of release.
These are all variables that go into portending success of lack thereof not just "bad training camp = bricklayer who falls on his face". I could go on and on but I will end it here and we have a season opener to look forward to
On Game 1 of 82? Is this seriously the take you want to go with and proclaim on forum? Let's follow this line of thought: What we need to do is manage expectations, keep them low to not inflict undue frustration from the faithful. What matters is not inducing any emotional trauma on the fan base by surprising one of the best teams in the league then proceeding to go on a prolonged losing streak? It would be "better" to show the fan base we suck s0 everyone knows generally what to expect and are pleasantly surprised when we exceed lowered expectations. Do I have it about right? 
Sean Cunningham@SeanCunningham
