Alexis Ajinca Up North Stint

[superb1]

he is his line
Year Team G GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% OFF DEF RPG APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG

09-10 MNE 1 1 24.0 .143 .000 .750 4.0 9.0 13.0 1.0 0.0 5.0 4.00 5.00 5.0

Nothing on Alexis though, I see he is rebounding and blocking shots

[jdub28]

he is his line
Year Team G GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% OFF  DEF RPG APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG

09-10 MNE 1 1 24.0 .143 .000 .750 4.0 9.0 13.0 1.0 0.0 5.0 4.00 5.00 5.0

Nothing on Alexis though, I see he is rebounding and blocking shots


FG% .143!!!!

That is horrible for a big man.

But it is called the development league and he has huge amount of room to grow. Go Alexis.

[tamburello]

FG% .143!!!!

That is horrible for a big man

Only one game fella, you can be a little easier on him..

[bing!]

http://i50.tinypic.com/k9uiz6.png

^ I like his effort on the glass and the blocked shots... everything else is blah.

Lookie here! (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/index.jsp?player=alexis_ajinca)

[Dcarnys]

Comon Lexy!!! I really want to see him do good.

[superb1]

Alexis Ajinca is getting playing time with the Maine Red Claws of the development league, but he's still not making shots: 3-of-13 in his first two games.

I find that striking that a 7-footer would struggle that much to score against D-League big man.

Almost every night Ajinca should have a significant height advantage.

I'M SMELLING BUST, YOU CAN HOLD THE POTENTIAL TAG BUT FOR SO LONG, I HATE THAT IT HAS TO BE SAID

[walkerl]

In his defense, he is only 20, and just is not ready. I really think he can be a solid player, but he needs PLAYING TIME!!! he shows flashes of ability when he got in a few times. If I'm this team, he stays in the D-League the entire season, and hopefully, by the end of the year, he would have gotten somewhat better.

[WarioVsMooChicken]

Yea, I'd give it until the end of next year before claiming he's a bust.

Also, I looked into it and it's almost shocking to me how much smaller the average D-League player is than the average NBA player. Like I'm seeing a lot of 6 foot 6 PFs and 6 foot 3 SFs. I wonder if teams are ever scared to take chances on players because of this.

[Felton for Prez]

If anyone is looking for a different xmas present for all the Ajinca fans out there, may I suggest the customizable Red Claw sweatshirts? You can get Ajinca's name and number on the back.

http://store.nba.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3744924&cp=2829922&view=all

Some of the customizable stuff for the Bobcats is pretty neat, albeit expensive.

[WarioVsMooChicken]

There's been so many D-League teams in NC. I wish there was one here, now that I would go =(

[ammofan]

come on lexy........We spent a future 1st rounder on you! Play better!

[Toocool]

Well, his rebounding averages are lowering...but at least he's hitting 1-2 more shots =/.

Let's face it, no improvement and the guy is a bust. Plain and simple.

Quick Q: Do D-league players attend practice for their main NBA team?

[WarioVsMooChicken]

I wouldn't think so. Since Ajinca is in Maine right now.

[catsandheels]

dwayne Jones is doin better than lexi :facepalm:

[amour217]

dwayne Jones is doin better than lexi :facepalm:

Star Jones would probably do better than lexi

[SWedd523]

Star Jones would probably do better than lexi
and Star Fox

[JamieMcNeill]

Disclaimer-- Cautiously Optimistic --Disclaimer

Last night was much better.
12 pts
3 rebs
5 blks
3 fouls

also 100% on fts and 3-5 on fgs

[BRNC]

Well I've said it before (so I doubt this is the last time I say it...LOL)...what professional French BB team, with an NBA first round quality player, has said player basically sitting on the bench...none is the answer...this is just one of those situations that confirms LBs "mancrushes" should never be a driving force for drafts or trades...:facepalm:

[GoBobs]

Lexys line form the sat night game

7-11 fg, 9-11 from the free throw line, 9 rebounds, 5 pf, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 3 blocks, 23 pts

go Lexy go!

[Woodsy23]

Lexys line form the sat night game

7-11 fg, 9-11 from the free throw line, 9 rebounds, 5 pf, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 3 blocks, 23 pts

go Lexy go!

its an improvement and a very good looking line but dont get your hopes up. but hey more like that please:g: how many minutes btw?

[GoBobs]

i think it was around 33

[dav7z]

Lexys line form the sat night game

7-11 fg, 9-11 from the free throw line, 9 rebounds, 5 pf, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 3 blocks, 23 pts

go Lexy go!

If Lexy could produce half that regular . That would be a upgrade over Chandler and Diaw.

[BRNC]

If Lexy could produce half that regular . That would be a upgrade over Chandler and Diaw.

I think it is great he has figured out how to play against other D-Leaguers...finally...unfortunately for us (and him) the NBA is not the D-League....but I'd like to say with no sarcasm I hope he is getting better and can contribute...because he might be the only player we have as a back-up PF besides UPS...and no matter how well UPS plays LB just does not seem to want to play him...which I don't understand given how Diaw is playing...

[Walt Cronkite]

If he can have starter quality games in the dleague it means he can be a contributing role player in the NBA, which isn't so bad for a late first rounder... especially since he looked like a total bust a month ago.

[SWedd523]

I've played with a couple of D-Leaguers, and I didn't have much trouble sticking with them. If Lexy wants to be a longtime contributor in the NBA he needs to be putting up 25+ every game

[GoBobs]

another good game

the good: 6-10, 4-4 from the stripe, 9 rebounds, 3blks in 29 min, 16 pts

the bad: 4 pf 6 turnovers

[Toocool]

Lexy actually playing somewhat decent. Good on him for being able to stand up to D-leaguers. Need him to now play well vs NBA players. Honestly I have regained some faith in him, but not that much. He's having way too many TO's and PFs, although hes starting to play better and more consistently. With the way Diaw is going, I really hope Lexy makes leaps and bounds to be able to play NBA bball.

[Chef]

29 min - 4 pf? in the d-league? he couldn't last 12 min in the nba...to slow, to low bbiq

[dunnlx]

Bust!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yea, i'd give it until the end of next year before claiming he's a bust.

Also, i looked into it and it's almost shocking to me how much smaller the average d-league player is than the average nba player. Like i'm seeing a lot of 6 foot 6 pfs and 6 foot 3 sfs. I wonder if teams are ever scared to take chances on players because of this.

[GoBobs]

best game yet: 19pts 14 rebounds 3 steals 5 blocks 3 turnovers 1 personal foul and it was tic tac

If he could just hustle twice as hard he would be better then tc right now. He doesn't really run the floor hard but rather kinda goes at his own pace often trailing the action. When a teammate gets a steal or tips a ball he kinda stands there waiting to see who comes up with it rather than running right away. I still think his condictioning needs to get 100 percent better and he needs to play with his hands up more but good effort tonight.

[Ghost Kat]

I would say bring him back up and let him play some PF, But with how LB uses the bench UPS? will never see the floor.

I hope Ajinca learns something while up there and comes back to be productive. I've drawn stick figures that look tougher then him

[GoBobs]

Based on watching him play I think he could only play center right now. If he upped his energy level a lot that might change but right now he would get run out of the gym. The way he moves on the basketball court is kind of plodding. However remember he is so young in quite a few areas his game is way ahead of the curve like his free throwing. Also he looks a lot better than last year and he is going to continue to improve we should stick with him.

[Chef]

what other center could he guard or box out? he is terrible. you know how people always say "you can't teach height" apparently with him you also can't teach basketball.

[GoBobs]

what other center could he guard or box out?

TC for one

[Chef]

TC for one

touche. good form sir.

[ALuhrs704]

does anyone every really think ajinca will ever log any decent minutes? i like him personally, and love to see him out there but come on. I think everyone knows once LB is done in charlotte which is who knows how long, that if ajinca isnt ready by then he is done. i just feel like he is going to be a wasted pick if he cant get any NBA minutes soon.

[ALuhrs704]

too bad chandler cant go for a stint in the d-league

[GoBobs]

The D-league is having it's showcase the next few days where all the teams play in boise and the games are gonna be on nba tv. One nice thing about watching Lexy with the red claws is that he actually plays most of the game rather than just the last 3 min. Red claws are playing mon at 3:45 and tues at 1pm. If you don't get nba tv you can also watch the games online for free.

[Woodsy23]

The D-league is having it's showcase the next few days where all the teams play in boise and the games are gonna be on nba tv. One nice thing about watching Lexy with the red claws is that he actually plays most of the game rather than just the last 3 min. Red claws are playing mon at 3:45 and tues at 1pm. If you don't get nba tv you can also watch the games online for free.

quarter to 9 tip off here its a reasonable time so i'll probs give it a go you know where i can get a stream for the game mate?

[Muttley]

quarter to 9 tip off here its a reasonable time so i'll probs give it a go you know where i can get a stream for the game mate?
http://www.nba.com/dleague/

Click on "futurecast" around gametime, and it should work. All d-league games can be found streamed there for free.

[Woodsy23]

they dont have it on futurecast because its on nba tv... anyone know another stream?

[GoBobs]

I was just reading from the d league web site where they said you would be able to watch it on future cast.

Not Lexys best game. Really good effort at times but at other times he looked very tired and wasn't running to the action. Not a great rebounding game, he needs to work harder to establish position at times. He fouled out of the game on a frustration foul where his man got an offensive rebound on a missed free throw and then he just swiped at the ball. Lexy does get pushed a lot and beat up quite a bit down low and I think it takes its toll on his energy level over the course of a game. He needs to continue to get stronger and work on his endurance. Still there were some positive things he scored 11 pts and had 3 blocks I think. I still think he has a very bright basketball future. We will see how he comes back tomorrow.

[BRNC]

I watched the last quarter...he still (to me) looks lost on defense too often...and he fouled out...I'm not sure how long it will be before he "gets it"...

[GoBobs]

Lexy hit a 20 footer in the first that proved to be fools gold as he missed his next two long jumpers. Overall though he shot a good percentage scoring at will around the basket. Not his best rebounding game with only 5 although 4 of those were on offense. Still a work in progress but plenty of positive signs.

[ArcandiaS]

One more game with 20+, keep it on Alexis!

[GoBobs]

Two more good games.

First one he went:

9-10, 6-8 from free throw, 9 rebounds, 3pf, 1 turnover, 2 blocks, 24 pts -37 min

Second game wasn't quite as good but still solid:

7-11, 7-9 from free throw, 6 rebounds, 4pf, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 1 block, 21 pts -38 min

good numbers even for the d-league

[110oldeast]

I just hope the kid can get some confidence. I saw the potential he had. I just hope he can realize it with us.

[TheBeagle]

I wore my Maine Red Claws shirt to the Bulls game last week as a show of support for Lexy. Whether or not he is given the opportunity as a Bobcat, he'll get a chance somewhere, and this time in the NBDL is doing him a world of good.

[LiquidWayno]

http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2010/1/4/1230823/65-people-you-might-know-in-the-d

may be a repost, thought this was a good read. 65 People you MAY know in the D-League....Ajinca is the tallest guy down there?

[kickazzz2000]

http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2010/1/4/1230823/65-people-you-might-know-in-the-d

may be a repost, thought this was a good read. 65 People you MAY know in the D-League....Ajinca is the tallest guy down there?

Tallest French guy down there.

[Ghost Kat]

I don't think He's coming back this year, another year wasted down in D league

Boris & Alexis

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/bucktown1999/1912332e.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/bucktown1999/collegehumor_ef204aa075fd73d0897e6a.jpg

[GoBobs]

good looking line tonight, the good: 26 pts 13 rebounds 10 blocks

the bad: 4 pf, 6 turnovers

[WarioVsMooChicken]

Tripple double

[docend24]

good looking line tonight, the good: 26 pts 13 rebounds 10 blocks

the bad: 4 pf, 6 turnovers

Those 4 foules are not bad - he played nearly 45 minutes (including OT) and his man fouled out. Add 10-14 free throw shooting.

[truDUKEfan]

Thats great a triple double, for those of you who keep saying we need to trade him, Well he is our FIRST bobcat with a triple double, and 10 blocks thats obsurd......lol kepp it up AA we still here pulling for ya.....

[mrtarheel]

Has he added any weight yet

[Slam]

Has he added any weight yet
He looks a lot broader across the shoulders to me, but his arms are still painfully thin. I don't think that will ever change that much though. It's just the make up of his body.

So long as he adds core strength so he is not bullied in the post - that's what will really matter (and have the greater effect than jacked up arms)

[mrtarheel]

He looks a lot broader across the shoulders to me, but his arms are still painfully thin. I don't think that will ever change that much though. It's just the make up of his body.

So long as he adds core strength so he is not bullied in the post - that's what will really matter (and have the greater effect than jacked up arms)

Like you say as long as he doesn't get pushed around keep up the good work and maybe see you in the coming months.

[docend24]

Well, there is still hope he can have more strenght than average man of his musculature type - his father was a wrestler and to me he doesn't seem to used to be a heavy bulky type. But you know genetics is like lottery.

[Toocool]

Wow. TD. That's surprising, although I've known he can really block shots. The guy has long limbs.

His last game was great.
25 minutes, 27 points (12-14 FG, 3-5 FT), 10 rebounds, 2 TO, 3 PF, 1 Block.

I'll take back what I said, he isn't a bust yet. I'll give him this year to prove himself.

[Dcarnys]

I could live with lexy spending the rest of the year in the D-Leauge. Maybe even parts of next year. He has great potential if he can ge bigger and control himself.

[GoBobs]

Still very raw, but a very talented prospect way to early to give up on him yet.

[Fred Williamson]

Still very raw, but a very talented prospect way to early to give up on him yet.

In addition to this, he's still only 21.

[Chef]

so are:
thad young
andrew bynum
durant
derrick rose
oj mayo
beasley
etc etc

he is a bust. we should trade him. he is 7'2" in the d-league. as impressive as the 10 blocks are, he is still not going to be an nba starter anytime soon.

[docend24]

The problem is the "anytime soon". In Destination NBA documentary they said (I forgot which coach), he is 4-5 years from what he can be able to do in the league. The problem is fanbase wanted PF right now.

He could be a reach and if he hadn't had trouble to get playing time to develop his french club (they tend to hide players from NBA sometimes, and surely they wouldn't work on his development as much if they would do just for us anyway) but then again we are not paying salaries for this club, so no big deal.

[teej]

^And we knew that coming in. He probably never will be a starter, but how many NBA 20th overall picks are? not many. If he spends 7 years in the league it'd be good.

Plus, it looks like the pick we traded for him is going to be about the same numerical pick, maybe a little better, and Lexy is a high potential guy, so in the end, we just took a flyer on a guy. Not that bad.

[docend24]

thad young Lottery pick
andrew bynum TOP 10
durant No.2
derrick rose No.1
oj mayo TOP 5
beasley No.2
etc

not mentioning that seven footers take longer to develop into effective players but because of the upside teams take gamble on them regularly (Petro, Sene, O'Bryant, even Thabeet)

And not every 20th-ish pick has to become a starter. dudley was considered to be a good pick, probably never be a starter on at least average heatlhy team and if I am not mistaken he was No.22 pick.

Dice were rolled, now we can just hope for the best.

[docend24]

BTW when does D-league season end? I am for letting him play there unless we lose Nazr or Gana (without Tyson returning anytime soon) somehow. We should get him back when it really matters. Hopefully aigne won't sabotage him there :D

[TattoodCats4life]

Okay first he cant go up north next year, D-league is for Frosh/soph only, wish they'd let you send anyone up there so we could get Diop some teaching ;)

Anyway, Lexy has 2 problems in the NBA, First if he were a 5 or a 4 He needs to pack on like ALOT of weight...thinking nearly 75 pounds wouldn't put him in "fat land" and as he gains the weight he needs to learn how to play american NBA style ball a bit better (his euro style game is actually there, just it doesnt translate as well as some others).

Thing is tho, seeing him play from day one he plays as if he is a SF dumped into a 7'2" body. He gets up and down the court as fast as most 3s, and has the mid/outside jump shot that could be honed down to that spot perfectly. I mean I cant imagine the mismatches that would make on D, and talk about a huge lineup. Naz, Diaw or Wallace, Lexy, Jackson, Felton :) Albeit that he's only going to get 5-10 minutes, but shifting GW over or letting the man catch his breath (a foreign concept to LB lately it seems) would help out.

Anyway starter no, bust no, misused probably

[truDUKEfan]

Tat-cat i agree about him being out of position, i dont think he's a 3 but i def. dont see him as a center he's more of a pf i think b/c he can jump out on the wing and gaurd the 3 ball and like you said he's fast also. Well what i like about his game is that he is so long he can just rise over about anyone and throw down plus he has a nice touch with decent handles for a 7'fter but i think next season will be his breakout season b/c maine is helping him greatly with adjusting to our pace and style of play......Plus he is freash off the titty only being 21 lol and i think he needs to put on about 30-35 pounds to be relavent on the post.....:g::g::g:

[Felton for Prez]

not mentioning that seven footers take longer to develop into effective players but because of the upside teams take gamble on them regularly (Petro, Sene, O'Bryant, even Thabeet)


Let's hope that isn't Lex's peer group.

[superb1]

i know and realize that i started this thread and really have not contributed to it since. But I have been watching AA progress. I think if he does not come back this year, I'm ready to see him try to be on fire next year. Don't want him to be an Ammo, Darko or Kwame.

[dav7z]

I think Lexy can be good in this league . The D league should help quite a bit in his progress. The kid is up 20 pounds over last season. If he continues to get stronger and work on his game . He has hudge up side All Star up side . Time will tell the kid is just 21 . Think of him as a college junior . Where in the draft do you think he would fall this year.

[WarioVsMooChicken]

He's been approving TONS since joining the D-League. He just needs more playing time. With that said, I really wish we could work him into our rotation but with TC coming back, i doubt it.

[teej]

He's been approving TONS since joining the D-League.

So THIS is what he does in his free time.

http://www.cellularforensics.com/images/court_approved_logo_1ene.jpg

[docend24]

Don't forget that our 5 to some extent is Diaw by default. As lighter, quicker type of center, Lexy could actually fit in.

I still think the creation of Red Claws was a blessing for us as they don't really have a real center there (as a new club) and have forwards hustling for rebounds instead (expecially when Ajinça is not on court). That is a similarity how we deal with rebounds. Training camp before next season will be an important event.

[GoBobs]

Where he really needs to improve is his endurance and energy level. His legs are still very very skinny. If we could cross this guy with Jokim Noah he would be all world. It takes a lot of drive to improve something like that and I am not sure if he has that right now.

Some vetran savy would also make him an effective player right now. He is already a better offensive player then Naz, Diop or TC.

[Slam]

Don't want him to be an Ammo, Darko or Kwame.
Except they were the 3rd, 2nd and 1st OVER ALL picks in their draft classes.

Lext was the 20th over all pick in his.

Keep it in perspective and have realistic expecations.

[TattoodCats4life]

I'm not sure where Lexy would go in today's draft... depends on if a coach saw something or not... Anyway, most times when a young international player gets drafted, frequently they get left overseas (ie Marc Gasol) for a while before they come over. We just brought lexy right over right now so we could work on him instead of having some french team do the work with unknown results.

These are 3 lines I could see lex working well with
Lexy C
TC PF
GW
SJ
RF

Or

Nazr C
Lexy PF same front court

Or ever like this
Nazr C
TC PF
Lexy SF
GW at 2
SJ on 1

jackson has played every single position (in one game actually) on the warriors and we've had wallace play the 2 (one game when we were short like crazy under in the biscuit era.

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

I think he is coming back to the team soon. a DNP today after playing so well lately..either he is injured or his back on the team

AA looks like he's put on some weight..notice around the 1 min mark, definitely put on at least 20 lbs


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAGg4I7ZIsE&feature=player_profilepage#

[teej]

He hurt his ankle too I think.

[CarolinaBlue704]

According to this guy,the Red Claw TV broadcasts are now listing him at 255 pounds.:o

http://www.rufusonfire.com/2010/1/28/1280822/ajinca-on-fire

[WarioVsMooChicken]

If Ajinca could step in near the end of the season for 10 minutes or so a game and average something like 5 and 3 and play good D, that'd be such an awesome boost to the team.

[JamieMcNeill]

He hurt his ankle too I think.

I hope it's nothing major. I just want him to continue to develop. What he is doing right now is spectacular for us. I hope when their season ends he can come up and be an effective bench player.

[BRNC]

I still have doubts that he ever contributes much on the NBA level...it is possible...I hope (more than anything else) this at least gets him to adjust his attitude...and I do think he needed to play as much as possible...but being a contributor (and he has yet to show me consistency) at the NBADL level is one thing...NBA level is another...

[GoBobs]

http://www.nba.com/dleague/maine/redclawsallstarselections20100202.html

He needs to use this chance to work on his legs and his endurance. If I was the trainer he would be doing 10 miles on a bike every day.

[CatNation]

I wouldn't put him anywhere near an exercise bike. What they need to do is find a combination Golden Corral and weight room and lock him in it for about a year.