Sasha Watch 2022-2023
- Thread starter Tetsujin
- Start date
It's almost never the case that coaches tell players not to worry about defense and focus on offense. But even in those rare instances, you watch during consequential games, like the ones Sasha is playing now. If he has the ability to be a better defender, this is when you'd see it.
To my eyes, there's not much difference, at least the little game film I've seen. I think (like Jimmer) what you see is what you get.
Which is why I think as a stretch 4 off the bench (where he's likely sharing minutes with Davion and Edwards) he's potentially a great fit. Especially if you stagger Domas' minutes to make sure he shares the court with Vezenkov to take advantage of his shooting and off ball movement.
But I don't think you can start him. Barnes is an okay defender, but that's still miles ahead of what I see from Sasha.
To my eyes, there's not much difference, at least the little game film I've seen. I think (like Jimmer) what you see is what you get.
Which is why I think as a stretch 4 off the bench (where he's likely sharing minutes with Davion and Edwards) he's potentially a great fit. Especially if you stagger Domas' minutes to make sure he shares the court with Vezenkov to take advantage of his shooting and off ball movement.
But I don't think you can start him. Barnes is an okay defender, but that's still miles ahead of what I see from Sasha.
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You are not wrong, but Jimmer was so one-dimensional that when looked at from any angle OTHER than shooting threes he was invisible. With his rebounding, passing, and general scoring abilities Sasha looks to have enough skills to be a solid instant offense bench player, but without a two-way game, I would hate to see him start. I am not sure Sasha would come to the US to play off the bench, but it would seem unlikely for a top star in Europe to come over just play 8-20 min a game.
I don't disagree that Vezenkov brings other elements to the table, and I'm not trying to say he's going to flame out like Jimmer. I'm just trying to say that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, and sometimes bad defense is just bad defense. There's a decent chance we'll know a lot more about this either way a year from now.
Except that Jimmer was 6-0 ¾ as measured at the combine whereas Sasha Vezenkov is 6-9 or at least very close to it.
Huge difference right off the bat there that is certainly translatable to the NBA in terms of getting shots off.
Furthermore, Jimmer struggled with physicality. By virtue of his Euro league performances to date and the physical nature of that league, Vezenkov doesn't seem to have that issue.
As for defensively, that seems a valid concern. However a 6-9 225 pound guys seems much less a liability with at least some potential on that end compared to a barely 6-footer that was 190 soaking wet.
IMO they are different situations entirely.
Huge difference right off the bat there that is certainly translatable to the NBA in terms of getting shots off.
Furthermore, Jimmer struggled with physicality. By virtue of his Euro league performances to date and the physical nature of that league, Vezenkov doesn't seem to have that issue.
As for defensively, that seems a valid concern. However a 6-9 225 pound guys seems much less a liability with at least some potential on that end compared to a barely 6-footer that was 190 soaking wet.
IMO they are different situations entirely.
All the high nosing about defense seems rich from this fan base and NBA fans in general.
Either way, if his offense translates to the NBA then being a poor defender is usually fine.
If he was a Duncan Robinson type of player then it’s an issue and the juice wouldn’t be worth the squeeze.
However, I see a far bigger problem offensively for defenses than a Duncan Robinson. I think Monte does as well which is why it’s basically certain he is coming over.
To me, there is no question that his offense translates to the NBA where there is more space, more possessions, faster pace, and less defense. Don’t forget rebounding.
I’m also not writing off playmaking ability or an ability to create his own shot as well. I know it was a big point that he takes very few dribbles scoring the ball but unlike defense that can probably be explained by his role in the offense. Seems he racks up more assists that what people expect from what they view as a catch and shoot player.
Either way, if his offense translates to the NBA then being a poor defender is usually fine.
If he was a Duncan Robinson type of player then it’s an issue and the juice wouldn’t be worth the squeeze.
However, I see a far bigger problem offensively for defenses than a Duncan Robinson. I think Monte does as well which is why it’s basically certain he is coming over.
To me, there is no question that his offense translates to the NBA where there is more space, more possessions, faster pace, and less defense. Don’t forget rebounding.
I’m also not writing off playmaking ability or an ability to create his own shot as well. I know it was a big point that he takes very few dribbles scoring the ball but unlike defense that can probably be explained by his role in the offense. Seems he racks up more assists that what people expect from what they view as a catch and shoot player.
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Given the way we were exposed in the playoffs I am not as high on him as I was in say March. I also think that since we acquired his rights his value has gone up and it also appears he might be ready to come to the NBA whereas at the exact moment we acquired him he was a year or two off. His value is probably at an all time peak, so I think we could probably trade him and probably get an actual NBA player back, or package him as sweetener in a S&T deal or Holmes move.
I am definitely not against bringing him in if it's a partial MLE deal either and we have moved on from Barnes or Lyles. Although we better have an energy big and a wing defender on the books before we commit to another shooter.
I am definitely not against bringing him in if it's a partial MLE deal either and we have moved on from Barnes or Lyles. Although we better have an energy big and a wing defender on the books before we commit to another shooter.
I get that, I guess I’m just saying that even defensively the potential and upside of a much taller, longer player that has been playing in a physical league is much higher.
That said, largely due to rules, it’s much harder to play good defense in the NBA than in Europe so I think your point about what you see is what you get has validity but might be a tad off in that Vezenkov is likely going to find it it even more difficult on that end. So we might see worse.
Depends upon what Coach Brown and staff are able to do from a developmental standpoint while taking advantage of his natural size and strengths.
That said, largely due to rules, it’s much harder to play good defense in the NBA than in Europe so I think your point about what you see is what you get has validity but might be a tad off in that Vezenkov is likely going to find it it even more difficult on that end. So we might see worse.
Depends upon what Coach Brown and staff are able to do from a developmental standpoint while taking advantage of his natural size and strengths.
Jimmer? Yeah I agree with @KingsFanSince85. Truth is if Jimmer were 6'9" Jimmer goes number 1. Even then, lol. I really don't see anything in terms of Sashas lateral quickness that makes him any less effective on defense than say someone like Lyles so big whoop. The Kings needs to start playing defense with their feet and less with scheme and I think Sasha will be OK.
I still think he is a one year wonder at the age of 27 and not good under pressure. He scored 2 pts today in Euroleague first round playoff game in 30 minutes and was 1/6. NBA has seen many Euroleague MVPs who were better stars in EL (Vesely, Lull, DeColo, Rodriguez) racking up tons of points but failed totally in NBA. All I am saying is that it would be misleading to look at one good season and think he’ll do well here.
FYI, he never won MVP award (he might this year) and was in all-Euroleague team only once.
FYI, he never won MVP award (he might this year) and was in all-Euroleague team only once.
The funny thing is that Duncan Robinson was an incredibly valuable for the heat prior to his big extension. His defensive issues didn’t appear overnight. Elite shooting skills are highly valuable. May have to find a way to hide him on defense or to have a more limited role, but there are only so many ways for this team to make significant incremental improvements to the roster. For the price of a second round pick and likely a relatively modest salary, we can add a player with a potentially elite shooting skill coming into his prime years. Seems like a relatively low risk chance to take to see if his skills translate to the nba. I think we sometimes look for all the faults to prove a player like this, or a potential second round pick won’t turn into a star, but he can still help us regardless. Role players that fit into our system is what we need. If all we end up with is Duncan Robinson on a reasonable contract that’s potentially a nice addition.
ESPN3 Link: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/65ab3d15-7e5a-4976-af4b-b5fac833f298
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