The 2012-13 Scouting Report Thread

[Bricklayer]

Have been doing my annual update of the scouting reports around here, and since we have hit the deadest part of the dreaded offseason now, I decided to start a thread on them to give peeps something to amuse themselves with.

The Scouting Reports forum itself remains closed to comments as its intended as an external resource (nobody pays much attention to the Kings, so if somebody does take an interest want them to have some way of boning up), and the normal debates between fanboys and haters, homers and trolls and all the rest only confuse the issue. But I'll post them all here as I get them done -- have 5 updated already, will be getting the rest done over the course of the day/tommorow. If anybody has anything particulalry incisive to say I may even add it to the reports.

 

[Bricklayer]

Jason Thompson
Position: PF/C
Hgt: 6'11"
Wgt: 250
Age: 26
Number: 34
Nickname: JT
College: Rider
Yrs with Team: 4
Yrs in League: 4
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2008 Draft Rnd 1 (#12)
Contract: 2012-13: $5.25mil; 2013-14: $5.64mil; 2014-15: $6.04mil; 2015-16: $6.43mil; 2016-17: $6.83mil;
Strengths: mobility, hustle, rebounding
Weaknesses: finishing ability, sometimes plays too fast, not a shotblocker

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Exceptionally mobile big man that mostly makes a living as a hustle player, although occasionally spots up for a solid looking jumper or throws in a post move that suggests he could be more. Began his career with a tendency to play the game too fast, rarely getting settled, and frequently looking awkward and off balance on his moves. But as he's settled in as a roleplayer, both patience and efficiency have soared. Still has a problem consistently finishing around the hoop, both with shaky touch and with getting a lot of balls blocked and tipped by opponents, but all out hustle frequently results in him recovering his own miss and putting it back up. Free throw shooting has grown unreliable after being solid in his early career. Fast and fluid in the open court for a big man, and has enough skills to even occasionally lead the break. Energetic, and despite uncertain skill level inside, can overwhelm weaker or lazier opponents to big nights. Solid and willing passer.

Defense & Rebounding
Tries hard on this end of the court, but results are not always the equal of his effort. Suffered from extreme foul problems in his rookie season, leading the league in fouls, but has consistently made progress and rarely encounters those problems now. Active on defense, but not always effective, bouncing himself out of position as often as he bounces into it. Despite his height, bigger centers often overwhelm him when he plays that position. Tries hard to be a shotblocker, but seems to lack length and instincts. Effective on switches where he can use his mobility to stay with smaller guards and forwards. A better offensive rebounder than defensive rebounder, but hustles for boards on both ends of the court. Has the mobility to rebound out of his area.

Intangibles
A good character guy, which may have helped him secure a new 5yr deal from the Kings this offseason. Effort is never in question and while his role and expectations have repeatedly changed for him in his young career, he seems to have willingly settled in as a solid roleplaying big perhaps ideally suited to 3rd big status, but capable of starting as needed.

Stats 11-12: 25.9min 9.1pts (.535 FG% .000 3pt% .602 FT%) 6.9reb 1.2ast 0.7stl 0.7blk 1.1TO
Stats Career: 27.2min 10.5pts (.498 FG% .043 3pt% .663 FT%) 7.2reb 1.3ast 0.5stl 0.7blk 1.5TO
NBA.com profile

[yt=Jason Thompson Clip]Qq_Y7j11FIQ[/yt]

 

[Bricklayer]

John Salmons
Position: SF/SG
Hgt: 6'6"
Wgt: 207
Age: 32
Number: 5
Nickname: N/A
College: Miami
Yrs with Team: 3 (first stint); 1 (this stint)
Yrs in League: 10
Previous Teams: Philadelphia ('02-'06); Kings ('06-'09); Chicago ('09-'10); Milwaulkee ('10-'11)
How Acquired: trade for Beno Udrih June '11
Contract: 2012-13: $8.1mil; 2013-14: $7.6mil; 2014-15: $7.0mil (team option)
Strengths: versatility, ballhandling
Weaknesses: overdribbles, tunnel vision, rebounding
Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Coming off a horrible year in which he completely lost the ability to shoot from distance. Aging ball dominant player not comfortable with that roleplayer staple, the catch and shoot. Does not get to the rack as he once did, core of his game now is catching, pulling it down, dribbling to an open spot from 18-20 feet and putting up a jumper. Often develops tunnel vision when he has the ball, and will dribble, dribble, dribble, often missing open cutters along the way. Inconsistent and has a notorious tendency (see intangibles below) to lose his aggressiveness and disappear when not playing a featured role where he gets to handle the ball and shoot on his own terms. Has guard skills, and indeed is more SG than SF, and actually had his best stretch of the season last year in a reserve PG role.

Defense & Rebounding
Was brought back to the Kings for his abilities as a man to man defender, but struggled in that role. Listed at 6'6" 207, can still stay with smaller swingman types, but simply physically overwhelmed by bigger power SFs, and does not have the athleticism to compete with high flyers. Neither a gambler nor a high energy player, concentrates on keeping his man in front of him. Never been much of a help defender, and does not play the passing lanes. As was the case on offense, got more effective defensively after switching to a reserve guard role late in the season. Is an ok rebounder as a guard, but one of the league's worst if you call him a SF, where lack of size, strength, athleticism and energy leave him totally ineffective.

Intangibles
Has somewhat of a sulky demeanor oncourt that has never helped him shake the impression that he may be a selfish player. Low energy player that makes it hard to tell when effort is 100%. Appeared to be legitimately trying to fit in, but struggled badly last season trying to fit into a roleplayer's role. Known as a quiet inoffensive sort in the lockerroom, yet has repeatedly worn out his welcome, been unhappy with his role, and seemingly struggled to develop chemistry at his various stops.

Stats 11-12: 27.2min 7.5pts (.409 FG% .295 3pt% .644 FT%) 2.9reb 2.0ast 0.8stl 0.2blk 1.0TO
Stats Career: 26.9min 10.0pts (.440 FG% .363 3pt% .802 FT%) 3.1reb 2.5ast 0.9stl 0.3blk 1.5TO
NBA.com profile[/URL]

 

[Bricklayer]

Demarcus Cousins
Position: C/PF
Hgt: 6'11"
Wgt: 270
Age: 22
Number: 15
Nickname: Boogie
College: Kentucky
Yrs with Team: 2
Yrs in League: 2
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2010 Draft Rnd 1 (#5)
Contract: 2012-13: $3.9mil; 2013-14: $4.9mil (Team Option);
Strengths: high offensive skill level, great hands, mobility for a center, rebounding, power game
Weaknesses: maturity, rim protection, decision making, foul problems

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Highly skilled offensive big man that has a complete package of skills. Has range on his jumper out to 20 feet, and might even have 3pt range in time, although that is obviously not where you want him. Might be the best ballhandling center in the league, and at 6'11" 280 is capable of occassionally leading the break. Unfortunately prone to overestimating his abilities there, and turning the ball over as a result. Very aggressive and physical both with faceup drives and in the post. Loves to lower his shoulder and use his bulk, and counters with quick spin moves over his right shoulder. Adds quick feet and soft hands for a formidable package, and can put up huge numbers against some of the league's best defenders. Rarely uses short range post moves such as hooks and turnarounds, preferring to attack the rim. Shooting percentages have remained low for a big, both because of shaky shot selection, and because of issues finishing around the rim. With momentum and steps capable of rim rattling dunks, but while battling and scrapping around the glass often plays well below the rim, making him succeptible to blocks and alterations. Has struggled on the inside in particular against the league's biggest centers who can loom over him. Will often throw a wild shot off the glass and go chase it, ala Moses Malone, racking up 2 or sometimes 3 misses and offensive rebounds on a single possession. In his rookie season in particular showed great promise as an exceptional passer for a big man. In his second season seemed less willing, at least at the beginning of the year, but remained capable of making slick passes rare for a player of his size.

Defense & Rebounding
Took a large step forward defensively in his second year, but still has a ways to go. For the second season in a row led the NBA in fouls, although was able to stay on the court more consistently as the year went along. Is apparent he is not going to be a major shotblocker, which is a hole in any center's defensive resume. But can be disruptive and makes a lot of plays on the defensive end of the court, has great hands for poke steals, and led the entire league in charges drawn -- ranking 3rd in the NBA in Defensive Efficiency in his sophomore season. Still needs to learn to compete on every play, and as his disputes with refs escalated, not infrequently slow to get back because he was arguing with a ref or pouting over a non-all. One of the league's best rebounders on both a per game and per minute basis. Stronger on the offensive glass than the defensive glass, but willing to chase the ball out of his area on both ends, and strong hands ensure almost any ball he does touch remains his.

Intangibles
Ongoing disputes with Paul Westphal escalated and reached a peak in the early season, leading to Westphal's dismissal and a giant PR blackeye for Cousins. Was much more settled after the coaching change, remaining passionate and volatile, but seeming to direct it at the refs and opponents rather than his own team. After largely avoiding them in his first season, led the league in technicals his second, and came one short of triggering an automatic suspension by the end of the season. Intelligent and engaging personality away from the court, but still needs to control his emotions on it.

Stats 11-12: 30.5min 18.1pts (.448 FG% .143 3pt% .702 FT%) 11.0reb 1.6ast 1.5stl 1.2blk 2.7TO
Stats Career: 29.5min 15.9pts (.439 FG% .156 3pt% .694 FT%) 9.7reb 2.1ast 1.2stl 1.0blk 3.0TO
NBA.com profile

 

[Bricklayer]

Tyler Honeycutt
Position: SF
Hgt: 6'8"
Wgt: 188
Age: 22
Number: 3
Nickname: N/A
College: UCLA
Yrs with Team: 1
Yrs in League: 1
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2011 NBA Draft (Rnd 2 #35)
Contract: 2012-13 $0.8mil; 2012-13 $0.9mil (team option)
Strengths: length on defense, roleplayer's game
Weaknesses: skinny, offense

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Very hard to accurately assess his offensive potential based on a rookie season in which he hit all of 8 field goals and notched 7 assists. During his college career, showed range out to the college 3pt line as a spot shooter, but only hit a single NBA three in his limited action. Showed some ability as a slasher using his length and athleticism to get to the rim, but many of his minutes took place during garbagetime, and many of his shots were ill advised. Showed some ability as a passer and good mobility with the ball to set those passes up.

Defense & Rebounding
Projects out as a rangy player who can use his length to disrupt, but did not make much of a defensive impact in limited minutes as a rookie, and in fact seemed surprisngly offensively oriented. Concerns about an overly skinny body may have helped him end up in the Developmental League to start the season, but he added enough weight for a midseason call up and appears to clearly weigh more than his listed 188 at this point. Rebounding potential is an unknown at this point.

Intangibles
Projects out as a defensive roleplayer with spotshooting potential, but next to nothing could be garnered from last year's 15 game stint. Will have one more season to try to punch through a crowded, but hardly distinguished, SF rotation.

Stats 11-12: 5.9min 1.3pts (.333 FG% .333 3pt% .600 FT%) 0.9reb 0.5ast 0.3stl 0.2blk 0.1TO
Stats Career: 5.9min 1.3pts (.333 FG% .333 3pt% .600 FT%) 0.9reb 0.5ast 0.3stl 0.2blk 0.1TO
NBA.com profile

 

[Bricklayer]

Francisco Garcia
Position: SF/SG
Hgt: 6'7"
Wgt: 195
Age: 31
Number: 32
Nickname: Cisco
College: Louisville
Yrs with Team: 7
Yrs in League: 7
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2005 Draft Rnd 1 (#23)
Contract: 2012-13: $6.1mil; 2013-14: $6.4mil (Team Option)
Strengths: passion, three point shooting, willing roleplayer, good lockerroom guy
Weaknesses: decisionmaking, rebounding, lacks athleticism

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Formerly a strong shooter who could also handle and pass a little. Streak shooter (better as a spot shooter than off the dribble), who's aggression sometimes ran over into foolish mistakes taking poor shots or trying to make things happen that were not there. Had some driving ability given a seam, but was not a great finisher against length, where his lack of athleticsm hurt him. In the last few years though has been becoming offensively impotent, his shooting has been fading, and he has largely settled into a limited role as a roleplaying spot shooter who is off more than he is on (131 of his 229 shots last year were from 3pt land). Lacks one on one ability, but when pressured is not afraid to flop like a fish if all else fails. Always had shooting confidence and still wants the shot in pressure situations, it just isn't falling the way it used to. On the rare occasion when he gets to handle the ball anymore, still shows desire to setup teammates with the pass, but often lacks the patience for it. Is prone to forcing passes or drives into traffic looking to dump the ball, only to discover there is nobody there. With the abundance of ballhandlers on the team no longer gets spot minutes bringing the ball up as a PG, and that is just as well.


Defense & Rebounding
Still gives good effort on this side of the ball, and is a hustler who uses his length to make spectacular plays that can change momentum. Especially good perimeter shotblocker for a swingman. But he lacks lacks strength and lateral quickness, and his gambling nature often leaves the defense exposed. Likes to jump in the passing lanes, fly over for the block. Sometimes forgets about his own man in the process. All of which makes him a better help defender than man defender. Merely average rebounder for a guard, terrible for a SF. Has the length, but not the strength.


Intangibles
Plays with passion, but not always with smarts. And of late as his minutes and production have dipped, his contributions as a veteran mentor to this young Kings team have been at least as important as anything he has been doing on the court. One of the few Kings to truly grasp the meaning of the term "roleplayer". Great lockerroom guy, and the sort of player you could see as an assistant coach someday.


Stats 11-12: 16.3min 4.8pts (.376 FG% .290 3pt% .800 FT%) 2.0reb 0.6ast 0.7stl 0.8blk 0.5TO
Stats Career: 22.6min 8.6pts (.437 FG% .360 3pt% .808 FT%) 2.8reb 1.4ast 0.8stl 0.7blk 1.1TO
NBA.com profile

 

[Mojo]

Great work!

 

[Bricklayer]

Marcus Thornton
Position: SG
Hgt: 6'4"
Wgt: 205
Age: 25
Number: 23
Nickname: N/A
College: LSU
Yrs with Team: 2
Yrs in League: 3
Previous Teams: New Orleans ('09-11)
How Acquired: trade for Carl Landry (Feb '11)
Contract: 2012-13 $7.6mil; 2013-14 $8.2mil; 2014-15 $8.7mil;
Strengths: long range shooting, explosive scorer, feisty, likes the big shot
Weaknesses: undersized, defense, selfish tendencies

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Explosive scorer with great range on his shot and a quick release. More than just a long range gunner though, as he shows a complete offensive game. Very aggressive driver given a seam, and a power athlete able to finish through contact. Runs the floor hard on the break. Even has a guard postup game which he can use to effect when the opposing matchup is a PG. Competitor who likes to take the big shots. Attacking player plays the game fast, which sometimes can mean out of control. Can settle for too many threes when cold, leading to some bad shooting nights. Very streaky, can miss everything for entire halves, and then explode for 15 pts in a quarter. Can be a major blackhole on offense determined to get his shots up, but is actually a capable passer when he chooses to do so, especially on the break.

Defense & Rebounding
Competitive nature carries over to the defensive side of the ball, but is far from a stopper. A little undersized at the SG, and can be shot over by taller players on the perimeter. Strong enough to hold his own against post up players, but can be beaten laterally by quickness when switched onto point guards. Biggest problem is a complete lack of discipline. Hustles all over the court gambling for steals while leaving his man open to do whatever he wants. Looks similarly lost on rotations. Will use athleticism to aggressively snatch rebounds amongst the trees, but rebounding fell off last year.

Intangibles
Has many traits you love to see in a player. Competitive, energetic, loves the big shot. But also has several traits that are problematic. Is selfish on offense and mistake prone on defense. Has emerged as one of the most potent streak shooters in the league, and during a down era for shooting guards, is overall one of the better scoring guards in the league. Yet defensive limitations and aggressive nature may make him a more natural fit as an explosive 6th man ala a Jason Terry or James Harden. Not clear that his ego will embrace that role however.

Stats 11-12: 34.9min 18.7pts (.438 FG% .345 3pt% .865 FT%) 3.7reb 1.9ast 1.4stl 0.2blk 1.7TO
Stats Career: 27.5min 14.9pts (.441 FG% .362 3pt% .821 FT%) 3.3reb 1.8ast 1.0stl 0.2blk 1.3TO
NBA.com profile

 

[Bricklayer]

Jimmer Fredette
Position: PG/SG
Hgt: 6'2"
Wgt: 195
Age: 23
Number: 7
Nickname: Jimmer
College: Brigham Young
Yrs with Team: 1
Yrs in League: 1
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2011 NBA Draft (Rnd 1 #10)
Contract: 2012-13 $2.4mil; 2013-14 $2.6mil (team option); 2014-15 $3.3mil (team option)
Strengths: great range, scoring instincts
Weaknesses: defense, ballhandling, size and athleticism

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Bigtime college scorer who struggled to duplicate that success in his rookie season. Has some slipperiness to the hoop, but struggled to finish over bigger NBA players inside, and so was largely reduced to being a three point bomber. Will pull up for that shot from almost anywhere, but struggled to make that fit within a team concept. More comfortable with the ball in his hands than as a catch and shoot player, but ballhandling was badly exposed when he was asked to play the PG to the degree that teams started doubling and trapping him causing him to have to either retreat and pick up the ball, or turn it over. When he thinks pass shows good touch and a solid understanding of how to set people up with his dribble.

Defense & Rebounding
Gives an effort on defense, but as expected really struggled. Quick PGs blow right past him, and while he showed the ability to stay in front of larger players, they are able to simply overpower him or play over his head. Looked helpless on rotations and getting back in break situations. Major concern has to be that many of his problems seem to be physically related. Very poor rebounder (ranking 467th of 476 NBA players last year per minute) who rarely even makes an effort to grab a rebound.

Intangibles
Coming out of college with Jimmermania behind him, expectations far outstripped production. Spent much of the season trying to figure out what he could and could not do at this level. Seemed to constantly be walking over to the coaches for an explanation after every mistake, whether because he truly did not understand, or just for show its unclear. Remains popular both at home and the road, with every made shot cheered, but seems unfazed by it. Solid hardworking kid who just may not have an NBA position.

Stats 11-12: 18.6min 7.6pts (.386 FG% .361 3pt% .833 FT%) 1.2reb 1.8ast 0.5stl 0.0blk 1.1TO
Stats Career: 18.6min 7.6pts (.386 FG% .361 3pt% .833 FT%) 1.2reb 1.8ast 0.5stl 0.0blk 1.1TO
NBA.com profile

 

[Bricklayer]

Chuck Hayes
Position: PF/C
Hgt: 6'6"
Wgt: 250
Age: 29
Number: 42
Nickname: Chuckwagon
College: Kentucky
Yrs with Team: 1
Yrs in League: 7
Previous Teams: Houston ('05-11)
How Acquired: free agent 2011-12
Contract: 2012-13 $5.5mil; 2013-14 $5.7mil; 2014-15 $6.0mil;
Strengths: man defense, strength, passing
Weaknesses: offense, shotblocking, size, athleticism


Offense (Scoring & Passing)
This is not Chuck's side of the ball. Slow, and one of the smallest bigs in the game. He occasionally, and often seemingly randomly, will surprise with a clumsy drive or post move, but they are neither particularly skilled, nor have much of a chance against superior length. Mostly he tries to surprise opponents who completely cheat off of him. Has some offensive rebounding ability, but dribbles or passes it out as much as tries to finish it. A jumper would be a handy weapon for a player like Hayes, but has never developed any consistency. Has gotten better as a FT shooter however, so maybe there is hope. One thing he does well for a big is pass the ball, and can be used as a high post passer to hit cutters to the hoop.

Defense & Rebounding
A noted defensive specialist was brought in last season specifically to provide the Kings with a defensive captain. Did not work out. Dislocated his shoulder early in the season, missed a month, and when he came back was never able to establish much of anything. Still had moments of solid man defense, has good hands and moves his feet well enough to be effective on switches and shows up top. But was not consistent, and had nights where he was completely ineffective. At his height and without leaping ability Chuck obviously has never had any shotblocking ability or abiltiy to shut down the middle to penetration (likr Cousins resorting to trying to take charges instead), a problem for a Kings team who gave up penetration more than any other team in the league. Has been a good rebounder during his career, hustling for boards he could not get with length. But last season came back from his injury heavy, looked sluggish, and was barely average on the glass while watching many taller players grab boards right over his back.

Intangibles
You almost need an asterisk here, as throughout his career Chuck would have been known as the ultimate dirtworker, a scrappy, smart, hardworking defender who even other defenders respected. But last season, asked to singlehandedly lead a defenseless Kings team, he struggled, got hurt, and lost his place both in the rotation and seemingly in the locker room. Far from a veteran defensive captian, he seemed to fade into struggling afterthought. This year he will have to beat out rookie Thomas Robinson if he hopes to play a major role.

Stats 11-12: 19.2min 3.2pts (.429 FG% .000 3pt% .667 FT%) 4.3reb 1.4ast 0.7stl 0.3blk 0.9TO
Stats Career: 20.0min 4.2pts (.509 FG% .000 3pt% .608 FT%) 5.6reb 1.3ast 0.8stl 0.4blk 0.8TO
NBA.com profile[/URL]

 

[Bricklayer]

Isaiah Thomas
Position: PG
Hgt: 5'9"
Wgt: 185
Age: 23
Number: 22
Nickname: IT
College: Washington
Yrs with Team: 1
Yrs in League: 1
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2011 NBA Draft (Rnd 2 #60)
Contract: 2012-13 $0.8mil; 2013-14 $0.9mil (team option)
Strengths: quickness, athleticism, ballhandling
Weaknesses: size


Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Came out of nowhere to become a core rotation player for the Kings, thriving in Keith Smart's uptempo system. Delivered not only the quick offensive minded waterbug plays you expected, but also suprised with his outside shooting (shot better from the NBA 3pt line than he did the college 3pt line), and ability to run an offense as a PG. Fearless driver despite his size, although sometimes too fearless. Ability to pull up in the midrange effectively gives him an extra step, and ability to hit spot up threes was wholly unexpected, as it was supposed to be a weakness. Not the purest of PGs, and prone to stretches of excitable play where he looks exclusively for his own shot. But hard to call him selfish, and appeared to legitimately try to get teammates invovlved.

Defense & Rebounding
Very competitive and gives excellent effort on this side of the ball, but of course the defining issue on defense is size. Some of that is good, as with his quickness he is able to stay in front of most opponents, and unlike the true mighty mites like Earl Boynkins, has the strength and bulk to hold his own. Excellent athlete able to come up with some spectacular hustle plays, although not as disruptive in the passing lanes as you might expect given his quickness. The size problem manifests in that he can be shot over, switches are a constant problem, he is too small to be effective doubling down on bigs, and rarely able to effect perimeter shooters on rotations. Merely average as a rebounder, but given his stature that's still doing pretty well, and is unafraid to stick his nose in there amongst the trees.

Intangibles
As the final player taken in the 2011 draft inherited the "Mr. Irrelevant" title, but was anything but, effectively becoming the Kings lottery pick as Jimmer struggled. Lauded for maturity and leadership and quickly became a favorite of Smart's. The height issue will always be there though, and strong competition was brought in this offseason in the person of former 19ppg scorer and MIP Aaron Brooks, who is nearly as small. With his size and attacking mentality may eventullay be a natural fit as a change of pace guard off the bench, but will have to be beaten out for the starter's role.
Stats 11-12: 25.5min 11.5pts (.448 FG% .379 3pt% .832 FT%) 2.6reb 4.1ast 0.8stl 0.1blk 1.6TO
Stats Career: 25.5min 11.5pts (.448 FG% .379 3pt% .832 FT%) 2.6reb 4.1ast 0.8stl 0.1blk 1.6TO
NBA.com profile

 

[VF21]

...The Scouting Reports forum itself remains closed to comments as its intended as an external resource (nobody pays much attention to the Kings, so if somebody does take an interest want them to have some way of boning up), and the normal debates between fanboys and haters, homers and trolls and all the rest only confuse the issue. But I'll post them all here as I get them done -- have 5 updated already, will be getting the rest done over the course of the day/tommorow. If anybody has anything particulalry incisive to say I may even add it to the reports.

Oopsie.

I'd still like to include my comment, however. I propose that you add your newest assessments instead of replacing prior year reports. It's interesting to be able to mark the development or lack thereof of our returning players.

 

[DesertFox]

I came in expecting to disagree with some stuff, but it is truly spot on, good job.
Of course, no Tyreke yet, that one should be interesting.


And agree with the idea of keeping old reports up for comparisons/development.

 

[Bricklayer]

James Johnson
Position: SF/PF
Hgt: 6'8"
Wgt: 248
Age: 25
Number: 52
Nickname: Fluffy Dandelion
College: Wake Forest
Yrs with Team: 0
Yrs in League: 3
Previous Teams: Chicago ('09-'10); Toronto ('11-'12)
How Acquired: trade for 2nd rnd pick July 2012
Contract: 2012-13 $2.8mil
Strengths: versatile SF/PF skills, physical defense, shotblocking as a SF, ballhandling
Weaknesses: tweener, shaky shooter, decisionmaking

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Good ballhandler and transition player who often led the break for Toronto last season. Seems to have made a successful fulltime transition to SF where his shaky shooting has only been more exposed. Did improve his 3pt shooting a bit last year, but still is not a major part of his repertoire. Has a post game that can be effective against SFs, and despite a mediocre first step, will drive aggressively and try to flush it home given the chance. Has a solid feel for the game, but still too often prone to forcing things and taking ill advised shots. Good passer, especially in transition, and sees the court well.

Defense & Rebounding
Emerging defensive player at the SF position. Uses his body well, quick to jump passing lanes, and has emerged as one of the better shotblocking SFs in the game sweeping in from the weak side. Perhaps most importantly seems to really enjoy playing defense, and can be an intimidator. Call him a SF and is a good rebounder on both boards.

Intangibles
Have been on and off questions about his dedication and discipline since his college days, and has not always kept in shape. As recently as 2010-11 he spent some time in the D-League, and it wasn't because of lack of talent. More recently a rumored incident on the Raptors team plane and disputes with his coach may have hastened his departure from Toronto. Has trimmed off much of the pudge to transition to SF, and has a hard edge about him you want in a defensive stopper, but attitude has to be kept turned against the opposing team. He and Cousins could feed off each other to give this team a bit of nasty up front, or they could end up at each other's throats.

Stats 11-12: 25.2min 9.1pts (.450 FG% .317 3pt% .704 FT%) 4.7reb 2.0ast 1.2stl 1.4blk 1.6TO
Stats Career: 19.0min 6.6pts (.452 FG% .300 3pt% .699 FT%) 3.4reb 1.6ast 0.8stl 1.0blk 1.4TO
NBA.com profile

 

[Bricklayer]

Travis Outlaw
Position: SF/PF
Hgt: 6'9"
Wgt: 210
Age: 28
Number: 25
Nickname: N/A
College: Starkville High School
Yrs with Team: 1
Yrs in League: 9
Previous Teams: Portland ('03-'09); Clippers ('10); New Jersey ('10-'11)
How Acquired: amnesty 2011-12
Contract: 2012-13 $3.0mil; 2013-14 $3.0mil; 2014-15 $3.0mil;
Strengths: athleticism, length
Weaknesses: shooting has cratered, ballhandling, physicality

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Offense has completely fallen apart over the last few seasons, and has not shot even .400 in 4 years. Extremely long and athletic and when he actually gets around the rim, can flush it home with ease. Unfortunately that is a rare event, as he mostly plays a jumpshooting game, and his shooting has completely left him. Seems incapable of the simple act of catching and shooting, insisting almost robotically upon putting the ball on the floor, taking a few aimless dribbles, and often putting up a more contested jumper than he started with. Can shoot over people with his length, but shot an amazing 27% from anywhere beyond the immediate vicinity of the rim last year. Is his Portland days was a solid 36-39% 3pt shooter, but that percentage sank to 30% two years ago, and down to 27% this past season for the Kings. Not a ballhandler, but a few times late in the season surprised by unleashing a slick pass for an assist.

Defense & Rebounding
With his length is able to challenge shots up high, but especially when played at PF, which was far too often last year, has no strength at all to stand his ground in the post. Long run/jump athlete, but lateral mobility is not great. Average rebounder as a SF, but when plays at PF get destroyed on the glass.

Intangibles
Career has been spiraling and without a guaranteed contract would probably be out of the league by now. Not old enough for it to be age related decline, so you have to wonder about his head, and if Nate McMillan's system was the only place he could thrive. Low basketball IQ player looked eternally uncomfortable last year. At the very end of the season strung together a handful of solid games starting at SF as Reke went back to SG, and I guess that has to serve as a sign of hope that there is still a productive player lost in there somewhere.

Stats 11-12: 12.8min 4.3pts (.343 FG% .267 3pt% .674 FT%) 1.6reb 0.4ast 0.5stl 0.5blk 0.5TO
Stats Career: 22.1min 9.1pts (.425 FG% .338 3pt% .722 FT%) 3.3reb 0.9ast 0.6stl 0.7blk 0.9TO
NBA.com profile[/URL]

 

[kennadog]

Nothing to add. Just want to thank Brick for the time and effort. I really do appreciate his scouting reports.

 

[Bricklayer]

Thomas Robinson
Position: PF
Hgt: 6'9"
Wgt: 244
Age: 21
Number: 0
Nickname: TRob
College: Kansas
Yrs with Team: 0
Yrs in League: 0
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2012 NBA Draft (Rnd 1 #5)
Contract: 2012-13 $3.4mil; 2013-14 $3.5mil; 2014-15 $3.7mil (team option); 2015-16 $4.7mil (team option)
Strengths: rebounding, athleticism, driving game
Weaknesses: interior defense, inconsistent jumper, raw post game

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Very athletic PF who overwhelmed opponents in college inside. Has the quickness to square up bigs around the perimeter and blow by them to the hoop. However jumper is erratic at this stage, and does not always look comfortable in the post against size. Struggles against length, which is going to be there every night in the NBA. In summer league showed some surprising ballhandling and passing ability, but also turned it over like crazy not knowing his limitations.

Defense & Rebounding
Has the mobility to switch and show aggressively around the perimeter, and to defend "stretch" 4s. Interior defense may be a different story. For some reason often seems to want to play with his hands down inside, is not a shotblocker despite his athleticism, and often does not even challenge penetration in the lane. Struggled defending size in summer league, getting moved out of position, shot over, and often resorting to low percentage wrap around steal gambles rather than holding his position. Was one of the better rebounders in college basketball, especially on the defensive glass, and rebounding often translates to the next level.

Intangibles
Rep as a hardworking and mature kid who has had to endure a lot of hardships to get where he is. Very competitive player. Game looked further away from NBA ready than expected in summer league, like a player still figuring things out. Chiseled and athletic body, but not bulky and right on the border of being light for an NBA big. Combined with some surprising skillls he did flash in summer league, and some suprising ones he did not, makes one wonder about his SF potential in the future.

Stats 11-12 (college): 31.8min 17.7pts (.505 FG% .500 3pt% .682 FT%) 11.9reb 1.8ast 1.1stl 0.9blk 2.7TO
Stats Career: N/A
NBA.com profile

 

[Bricklayer]

Tyreke Evans
Position: PG/SG
Hgt: 6'5"
Wgt: 220
Age: 22
Number: 13
Nickname: Havoc, Reke Havoc
College: Memphis
Yrs with Team: 3
Yrs in League: 3
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2009 Draft Rnd 1 (#4)
Contract: 2012-13: $5.3mil
Strengths: size, strength, penetrating ability, defensive potential
Weaknesses: shaky jumpshot, caught bewteen positions, plays below the rim

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Big, strong guard with extremely effective game off the dribble. Overpowers PGs. Too quick and shifty for larger players. Possibly the premiere driving guard in the NBA, and for the second time in three years led all guards in both takes and makes at the rim. Combines great first step with strength and long arms to get ahead of his opponent and stay ahead. Has the shiftiness of a much smaller player, clever with the ball, and able to absorb (and dish out) punishment on the way to the hoop. Stays in control on his drives and frequently uses a "euro step" to juke second and third defenders after beating his initial man. A below the rim player though, so rarely finishes his drives with dunks, instead relying on often spectacular layups. Notorious for favoring his right hand and preferring to go right, but so good with it he gets by people anyway. After a down year due to injury, improved his layup percentages to become one of the better finishing guards in the league. Good thing too, because for the 4th consecutive year now will be entering a season desperately needing to show an improved jumper. Was broken coming into the league, and after years of form tweaks, shots docs, offseason programs, inseason mentoring, it may have gotten worse. Holds him back in a major way, as teams blatantly lie back in the lane against him to take away his driving lanes and dare him to shoot. Showed some improvement after working with Keith Veney late in the season, entirely dropping the 3pt shot from his game (he shot .202 form out there last year so a good idea) and finishing the season on a strong note. Now this offseason has been working with Kings GM Geoff Petrie. Whether all of that pays off or not may make or break his contract season. Appears to have been moved off the ball permanently at this point, and has been improving as an off the ball player, now spotting in a layup or two a game off of cuts and off ball movement. Last season had to endure being moved out to SF and seemed to lose his place in the offense, often seeming to just race out and attack the rim alone in the open court as the only way to make an impact. Projected at SG this year, which is more reasonable. Court vision and passing skills were always questioned as a PG, but call him a SG or SF and they are upper echelon.

Defense & Rebounding
Can be an effective defender against opposing guards, and has shown an ability to step it up at big moments. Can disrupt smaller players with his strength and long arms, and notches a lot of poke steals. Has a tendency to get caught on screens up top, although doesn't lay on them the way he once did. Focus and intensity on this end comes and goes, and is not naturally a high energy player. Despite lack of hops notches a lot of blocks for a guard, flying in from behind to save plays with his long arms. Was largely ineffective defending SFs after being switched to that position midseason, and effort seemed to flag possibly due to unhappiness with his role. Was a strong rebounder for a PG, unafraid to go in amongst the trees to get defensive rebounds himself and start the break the other way. At SF was simply giving away too much size and length. At SG should fall somewhere in the middle.

Intangibles
Stepped up when Kevin Martin was injured his rookie year and instantly made the team his. Has been a struggle ever since with injuries, coaching changes, position changes, a GM adding ball dominant shot chuckers like a drunken sailor etc. Has always seemed like a nice kid, maybe too nice to really want greatness the way he has to. For the first time last year finally were signs of discontent, and when his family and agent arrrived in town late in the season there were clear signs of trouble. There is now pressure on both Reke and the organization, an unreasonable level of backcourt competition for minutes and shots, and he will have to really fight for it this season in a contract year.

Stats 11-12: 34.3min 16.5pts (.453 FG% .202 3pt% .779 FT%) 4.6reb 4.5ast 1.3stl 0.5blk 2.7TO
Stats Career: 36.2min 18.2pts (.441 FG% .255 3pt% .762 FT%) 4.9reb 5.3ast 1.4stl 0.4blk 3.0TO
NBA.com profile

 

[Bricklayer]

Aaron Brooks
Position: PG
Hgt: 6'0"
Wgt: 161
Age: 27
Number: 3
Nickname: N/A
College: Oregon
Yrs with Team: 0
Yrs in League: 4
Previous Teams: Houston ('07-'10); Phoenix ('11)
How Acquired: free agent 2012
Contract: 2012-13 $3.3mil; 2013-14 $3.4mil (player option)
Strengths: extremely quick, prolific long range bomber
Weaknesses: small and skinny, defense, lacks pure PG instincts, rebounding selfish tendencies

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Lightning quick waterbug who unfortunately largely uses that quickness to set himself up for long jumpers. Quick enough to get to the rim, but not a great finisher in there and too weak to absorb contact and still convert. Frequently has to resort to little floaters which are thrown up with a prayer. Very good FT shooter when he gets to the line, which isn't very often. Knows how to use his quickness to move wihtout the ball. Loves to bomb away from 3pt land off his own dribble, and in his best year when those shots were falling averaged over 19ppg and won the Most Improved Player Award. When they quit falling.... Not much of a playmaker, and prone to breaking plays. Has the quickness to open up angles for teammates when he chooses to do so.

Defense & Rebounding
Small and slight, and doesn't get much out of his quickness on this end. Can be overpowered, and is a liability on switches. Doesn't play the passing lanes or notch many steals given his quickness edge. A poor rebounder, again because of his size, and does not like to mix it up with the big boys.

Intangibles
May have an overinflated opinion of himself, or at least did before spending a year in exile in China. Chafed at losing his starting role in Houston, and was looking for a big payday coming off his MIP year. Now will likely be asked to backup Isaiah Thomas in a crowded rotation as he tries to restablish himself in the NBA. Signed a shortterm deal with a player option for the second year, so will clearly be looking for something better as soon as things go well. Has selfish tendencies on the court, and is much more of a tiny gunner than he is a floor general.

Stats 11-12: N/A
Stats Career: 25.0min 12.5pts (.411 FG% .363 3pt% .850 FT%) 1.9reb 3.6ast 0.6stl 0.1blk 1.8TO
[URL="http://www.nba.com/playerfile/aaron_brooks/career_stats.html