2017-2018 NBA Regular Season Thread

[LAD]

I haven't seen this "deadly ISO" Kuzma yet.... not on any kind of routine basis.

Well, might be kinda hard to do when he's coming off the bench. Same exact situation as with Kobe his rookie & sophomore seasons.

 

[Gman]

Well, might be kinda hard to do when he's coming off the bench. Same exact situation as with Kobe his rookie & sophomore seasons.

You comparing him to Mamba now... ? ?

 

[LAD]

You comparing him to Mamba now... ? ?

I compared him to ROOKIE Kobe, not mamba. There's a distinct difference my friend. But just like we didn't know Kobe would turn into mamba we don't know that Kuzma won't be special. He certainly has shown signs of it.

 

[Gman]

I compared him to ROOKIE Kobe, not mamba. There's a distinct difference my friend.

Fair enough, I suppose... I still don't see it, though.

Two very different players... (2 way different ages during their rookie season, too)

 

[LAD]

Fair enough, I suppose... I still don't see it, though.

Two different players... (2 way different ages during their rookie season, too)

Very true, but their first NBA seasons are pretty similar in terms of coming off the bench. IMO Kuzma is NBA ready, whereas some other rookies are not. Lonzo in particular. I think Luke has to start Lonzo because of all the hype & with him being the #2 pick in the draft. But I don't think he's ready to be a starter.

 

[LAD]

Fair enough, I suppose... I still don't see it, though.

Two very different players... (2 way different ages during their rookie season, too)

Honestly, I think Kuzma is a starter on many other teams in the NBA. IMO he has no weakness on the offensive end. Now, if he could dedicate himself to playing defense just as good, watch out.

 

[shopson67]

Parker and Monroe wouldn't be a bad plan B.....

Have to disagree....that would be a horrible plan Z. Lakers need a SG and an athletic center, not a SF/PF and a plodding center.

 

[Gman]

Honestly, I think Kuzma is a starter on many other teams in the NBA. IMO he has no weakness on the offensive end. Now, if he could dedicate himself to playing defense just as good, watch out.

I get where you're coming from to a certain extent... I would hesitate to use the phrase "no weakness", though.

The specific weakness I'd point out is ISO or 'lead dog' ballhandler in a pick'n'roll... I haven't seen that facet at all yet, and it doesn't appear to be his game frankly.

Which, again, is nothing to be ashamed of. I'm honestly not trying to criticize the guy per se... just trying to highlight what he is and what he isn't.

I see a nice, achieveable ceiling of a rich man's role player on a good team. Knock down 3's... run the floor... enough ability to blow past a defender who closes too hard... (maybe one day) a servicable and versatile defender.

 

[Sparhawk]

The problem for Kuzma is the lack of steals and blocks.
Kobe, at age 22, was averaging 1.7 spg and 0.6 bpg, pretty much inline with his career averages.
Kuzma averages 0.3 spg and bpg. Averaged the same numbers in roughly 96 games at Utah.
It's going to take a lot of work to improve in those areas, as those number generally translate very well from college to the NBA.

Kuzma=pointz
If he remains an efficient scorer, he'll certainly have a role, but he will need to bring something defensively if he ever wants to be an All-Star/Superstar.

He scored 25 points last night in a game they lost by 2. He was a -17. That's not a good trend.

 

[DJ Fieri]

Have to disagree....that would be a horrible plan Z. Lakers need a SG and an athletic center, not a SF/PF and a plodding center.

Clarkson could always play SG in this scenario.....we wouldn't have to dump him.

 

[shopson67]

They are coming along - but the one I am most excited about is Kyle Kuzma - this kid came in with zero to little chance of making the roster

Gotta disagree; the Lakers were targeting him in the draft and was always going to make the roster.

 

[shopson67]

I compared him to ROOKIE Kobe, not mamba. There's a distinct difference my friend. But just like we didn't know Kobe would turn into mamba we don't know that Kuzma won't be special. He certainly has shown signs of it.

Rookie Mamba was 17. Rookie Kuzma is 22. HUGE difference.

 

[shopson67]

Clarkson could always play SG in this scenario.....we wouldn't have to dump him.

No need to add another forward to clog up the minutes though, especially one that isn't a 3pt sniper. This team needs shooting in the worst way.

 

[ManuForever]

I told you he would need some time to get back in basketball shape. He was out a very long time.

I had a feeling he wouldn't be Kawhi straight away. That's obvious. I was just happy to see him back on the court. Now, if they could lift this minutes restriction, lol. I just wanna see him how he was last year. I'm impatient.

 

[flyerhawk]

IMO he has no weakness on the offensive end.

You seriously think this?

 

[Battlelyon]

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[Mecca of the “B” Team]

Me while watching the Rockets slaughter the Clippers.

This won't be pretty.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

No need to add another forward to clog up the minutes though, especially one that isn't a 3pt sniper. This team needs shooting in the worst way.

.....or healthy and up for a contract extension.

He was mentioned in the possible Jordan to Bucks trade and I will go full nomad if that happens.

Parker, Blake and Gallo?

 

[flyerhawk]

.....or healthy and up for a contract extension.

He was mentioned in the possible Jordan to Bucks trade and I will go full nomad if that happens.

Parker, Blake and Gallo?

Just need Derek Rose to collect the set.

 

[Bolts]

Me while watching the Rockets slaughter the Clippers.

This won't be pretty.

At least it's not the Warriors.