Let's Talk About DJ...

[spectre]

Barring something totally unforeseen DJ has a strong chance of being the starter at PG on opening night. Other starters will probably be Jax, Crash, Boris & Nazr (please don't make this into a "Tyrus WILL start" thread...at least yet ). What will be his role with this team? What does he need to work on to make the above group successful?

We all want a more traditional PG and DJ just isn't one...but with Boris & Jax he doesn't really have to be. He is a great outside spot up guy and the only one really in the first group...so camping out at the 3 line should be a priority. He shouldn't concern himself with trying to penetrate/create unless it's there in front of him; both Crash, Boris & Jax can do that and do it well. Maybe with him spending less time in the paint it'll open it up more for those guys.

On defense he just has to keep working. I've never felt he was as bad as his rep has him...but his lateral reaction isn't the best so we will have to compensate at times. What he has done to help himself is by picking up his opposite early in the half court set. There will be plenty of times that we'll have no choice but to try and compensate for him (think Evans, Rose, etc.), but we can counter that somewhat by running DJ off screens and wearing them out on D. We can also work hard on switching (I'm assuming LB's gonna do that regardless, but...), getting Crash or Jax on those dominant players whenever possible.

Sooo...don't force it on offense. Let the natural creators we have do that. Don't worry about being "Glorious Leader". I don't think he has the personality to pull it off and we already have guys who do. Stay with his strengths. Keep the brain farts to a bare minimum.

I'm thinking something like the John Paxson role. It worked for the Bulls' team with dominant 2/3 players (I know Jax isn't MJ)...it should work most times for us.

This is my attempt to become "glass half full" for this season...so constructive thoughts if you guys don't mind.

[Toocool]

Firstly I'll like to say that DJ is a brilliant Pick and Roll PG. In his Texan college days, a lot of looks he could create through the P&R. TT will be perfect to supplement DJ in the P&R situation, with TT rolling to the basket and DJ with the dish, TT then has the opportunity to dunk it in his opponents face, lay it up, dish it off or pull up for the mid range jumper. I think if we can have DJ and TT constantly doing the P&R, things will really open up for the Bobcats. He's not Steve Nash, nor is TT Amare but I think that if they're able to develop that synergy and chemistry, good things will happen.

Secondly, I'm all for DJ also camping the 3 point line. He's a brilliant shooter. He can slash, but I would prefer for him to only do so when there's a high chance that he'll make the shot or go to the free throw line.

Thirdly, DJ on the floor helps spread the floor. Even though he was in a shooting slump this past year, he's still deadly from 3. This will help open up the floor for Cpt. Jack and Crash when slashing as they have to guard DJ. If his PG sags off him, dish it off to DJ and he can take, and more times than not knock down the shot.

Fourthly, if DJ can have the chemistry Crash and Rayray did in the open court when on the fast break, good things will happen. DJ on the floor with guys like Hendo, UPS, TT, Crash is a very fast lineup and should be willing to shift it into high gear. Best thing is that DJ is brilliant at moving at top speed. His top speed isn't anything amazing, but he can move and can dribble with great handles weaving through opponents at full speed. Fast break should really help DJ as seen past two years, one notable outcome being the behind the head pass to Crash for the alley, which was sweet.

In regards to defense. Defense, he's continued to get better. He's gotten bigger and bigger as he's matured in age, and he's not so much a stick as he use to be. He certainly has added some strength and bulk to his frame, which can only help him, and help us. He does work hard at his defense, and he's at least an average perimeter defender, if not better. He's good at not taking gambles on passes and he works hard on defense.

Finally, he can pass the ball. If he sees a teammate open, he can get that guy the ball.

I think that DJ really wants his starting position, and if he can build from his first two seasons (all of which is valuable experience) then he can only go up. He's apparently been working hard on his game and building up more core strength.

There is a lot of doubt about DJ, but I'm surprisingly optimistic. He has all the tools to be a solid, if unspectacular point guard, but I'm sure he can be at worst servicable.

[SWedd523]

Usually what messes people up is that they make it too complicated. I want DJ to just keep it simple. On offense, bring it down and dish it off. Then run around screens, people, whatever to get open for a shot. Watch a ton of Rip Hamilton film. This could work well with Jack especially since he jab steps for half an hour each time he gets the ball so it would give DJ room to get free. I also think he's a better ball handler than Ray, so as long as he can work on a couple of go to crossovers then he's golden.

On defense, just keep trying. He doesn't have to be a lockdown defender as long as I see him TRYING. There are plenty of times where guys with lesser athleticism are as good on defense because they use their head and give it effort. Play people to their weak hand, sag off if they can't shoot, stay tight if they can't dribble. If all of that fails, shepherd him to one of the giants on the roster.

Other than that, get out and run. Off turnovers/missed shots, push the ball and look to score.



Recap to DJ's successful rookie season:

1) Move without the ball, use screens to get open, don't think about the shot--just yoke it
2) Stay smart on defense, play to the opponents weakness and use the rest of the NBA's best defense when you need help
3) Push the ball, get out and use your (and your teammates') speed to get easy buckets
*) Tell LB to go fuck himself. You were a lottery pick and showed it your rookie season. Listen to what the old hoot has to say (because he wants the best for you), but use your insticts and let the game come to you.

[BRNC]

SWedd...my concern (since we drafted DJ) has been about his defensive skill set...I think Offensively he is a player...he does seem to have problems distributing and I'm not sure if is passing or inability to "see" the court...or if it is lack of height hurting him...

But defensively he scares me...I've watched him get beaten by guys that I consider mediocre PGs time-and-time again...I don't think it is lack of desire on his part but his physical limitations up to now...I do think with work he can become an average defender but he's got to learn (with his limitations) how to play other PGs so he is not consistently beaten...

My last concern has more to do with how LB will treat him...LB is tough on PGs and DJ did not hold up last year when there was not "much" pressure on him...that all changes as the starter...

[spectre]

*) Tell LB to go fuck himself. You were a lottery pick and showed it your rookie season. Listen to what the old hoot has to say (because he wants the best for you), but use your insticts and let the game come to you.

Bingo!

That's exactly what Felton did this past season...LB continually mentioned that Felton would listen, nodding his head the whole time...then go out and not necessarily follow what he'd written up. He can't flat out ignore LB, but he also has to trust his instincts in real time.

Nice post all around Swedd...and Toocool with some good stuff as well!

BRNC I'm right with ya. Everyone here knows I'm all about the D and I've questioned his all thru his 2 seasons. He does put forth effort tho, and he has gotten better (how could he not with LB here). We just have to work better with the team D. If TC were still here I'd feel MUCH better as he knows how to defend the P&R, but Crash & Jax are damn good defenders, so hopefully it won't be as bad as you think.

[EC123]

What is there to talk about? If he's your starting PG, then you are doomed, and anyone who believes that the team is better with him as PG instead of Felton (even with his issues), doesn't know anything about basketball.

[ohara831]

If DJ could find a little tear drop shot down the middle of the lane like Tony Parker, we would be set at PG for the next 10 years. I could live with his defense if he could develope the tear drop to go with his perimeter game.

[GoBobs]

I don't think he is capable of being a difference maker on defense. To be a starter in the NBA he has to be a difference maker on offense. If he has a couple of slumps like the big one last year where he stops looking for his shot, he is more of a bench guy.

DJ needs to run the pick and roll and shot a three off the dribble when ever the other team goes under the pick. He needs to get an in between floater too because he doesn't get calls when he takes it all the way to the basket.

I think he can average 32 min 14 points 6 assists 2.5 turnovers

[spectre]

What is there to talk about? If he's your starting PG, then you are doomed, and anyone who believes that the team is better with him as PG instead of Felton (even with his issues), doesn't know anything about basketball.

Why can't he play a John Paxson/Derek Fisher role with us?

I don't think that the team is better off with DJ vs. Felton right now...but Felton isn't here. We can either dwell on letting him go or we can deal with "what is".

I will say though that with our makeup we weren't using Felton to the best of his abilities. With Boris & Jax DJ might just end up being a better fit.

[Toocool]

Why can't he play a John Paxson/Derek Fisher role with us?

I don't think that the team is better off with DJ vs. Felton right now...but Felton isn't here. We can either dwell on letting him go or we can deal with "what is".

I will say though that with our makeup we weren't using Felton to the best of his abilities. With Boris & Jax DJ might just end up being a better fit.

Sorry...Derek Fisher actually has a role? I thought his job was simply to give it to Kobe and spot up for the open 3. DJ can do that, pass it to Jack and spot up for the open 3.