Re: Moving without the ball!!
Reply With QuoteAgree with all about the movement without the ball in the first half vs. the second half. I loved that play when Felton was coming off the pick and role, about to pull up, and Gerald slipped in under the basket for the bounce pass and finish. I think more of this can help the team, especially Gerald and J-Rich whose athelticism is being wasted hanging out on the perimeter as much as they have been. It's a shame Hermann and Vincent could never get on the same page, b/c he excelled here.
On another point, I've said before and will reiterate again as a previous poster said, when squared, Felton is one of the top shooters on the team. Many people have simply looked at his numbers shooting in a vacuum, without acknowledging when they are dragged down with end of clock situation where he receives the hot potato with 2-4 seconds 3 feet behind the 3 point line, having to force up shots, b/c he has the most isolation ability to get off a shot on the team and others won't take it.
When he is aggressive taking shots, he is at his best. When he takes shots as a last resort, b/c he is wanting to make sure "enough passes have been made," he struggles. It was the same story for him in college.
The tough thing for Gerald is that his best shooting comes when he is a PF with a TRUE PF guarding him, b/c his quickness gives him the advantage. This works for 2 reasons: 1) He can obviously beat his man on the pump and baseline blow by that he loves; and 2) Because of the fear of getting beat off the dribble, the PF will give him a step, allowing him more time to confidently get his jumper off.
Gerald is not a natural shooter, but can be effective when open for a decent amount of time. If you'll notice lots of times when Felton drives and kicks it to Wallace at the 3 pt line, there is almost an instant hesitation, even when he does shoot it. It's the same story with Dudley here (who has a nice midrange shot). This is one reason that I miss Morrison and wonder what he would be like in an instant offense role where he is pulling as soon as it gets to him if he is open.
BTW, I love when Richardson gets points from 10 feet and in in addition to the 3s. He's gotta be willing to do more of this and not come through the lane, receive the ball, and never look towards the goal while dribbling back out to the 3 pt line. How long ago was it that he won the slam dunk contest?
Originally Posted by Muttley
Very true.
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