Tre Mann… I’ve only watched highlights. He LOVES a floater… does he play defense? Will Clifford play him or is he another young bench guy?
Tre Mann and NSJ are similar players. That said, Tre is clearly a better passer, so a true(r) combo guard. NSJ has more size and length and is more of a straight SG, from what I’ve seen.
On a settled roster, you probably don’t want both, but on a rebuilding roster you absolutely can accommodate both. The issue comes if we can get that starting 3&D SG we all crave in the off-season. In that scenario, it’ll be a struggle to see both get regular minutes. Ideally, in this dream SG scenario, Tre would develop, be developed, into the backup at PG and NSJ the backup SG/Wing. Micic is a potential fly in this hypothetical ointment, as he might play well enough to become our first true back-up PG in a while. Then, we’d need to look to thin out from Mann, NSJ, Bailey, Cody, Bryce … ok, I’m getting lost in my own caveats. Looks to be an interesting mix of Guards to play with for Cliff.
I would aim to develop nsj as a “3D” guard. Later you can develop other skills but there is definitely a strong need for that type of player especially the way lamelo plays and views the game.
Teach him how to read the ball and relocate to the open area for catch and shoots. Work guard to guard pick and pops. Teach him the ball fake two dribble mid range jumper. And 100% make him know all of this is dependent on him becoming a plus defender both on ball and team.
With players like nsj, you have to pick one or two things they can do and focus on that. Charlotte doesn’t do a very good job of this. Miami does an excellent job of this.
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Double post
Absolutely agree, the focus for NSJ should be the starting SG slot between LaMelo and Miller. That means developing off-ball movement skills and defensive ability/awareness. If he can add a ‘good’ 10-15 lbs over the next year, that would certainly help his on ball D too.
I think potentially having Tre on the roster works hang in glove with this, as you’d focus his develop towards combo/point skills. A young three Guard rotation of LaMelo, NSJ and Tre would be my aim for next season, assuming we don’t get a true starting SG. Maybe Micic plays into the backcourt equation, maybe Bailey … it’ll be interesting, as there’s real depth (more in numbers than proven quality, granted) and options for once.
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I’m with you. I wish Cliff felt that way. It’s really frustrating. I mean, much love to Leaky but I want minutes for NSJ.
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NSJ is not a PG and has never been a PG. He should be the next rich man’s Malik Monk - I ‘think’ he competes defensively he just isn’t good at it right now. Wasn’t at Arkansas either, but didn’t get much run due to health anyway
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Yeah, NSJ is not a combo guard. I agree. I see him as more of a true SG. I don’t really see Tre Mann cutting in on Nick’s minutes-unless they’re wanting to run some brief two PG lineups.
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I think he could become a version of tim hardaway jr or at best some squinty version of Klaus Thompson
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Coincidentally if you recall, many of us were very mystified to Clifford forcing Monk into PG minutes when he showed little aptitude for it his rookie year.
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Is this a player, or typo? I’m imagining a Klay Schroeder love child
Haha. Definitely Klay.
In Mitch’s media availability today, he mentioned that he and Buzz Peterson are in Barcelona to meet with James Nnaji.
Very interesting. Maybe we will be filling the 15th spot (once Lowry is bought out) with Nnaji. That would be interesting and honestly much needed.
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Who’s that?
Two articles by @Plowright
https://www.si.com/nba/hornets/news/checking-in-on-james-nnajis-development
31st pick from 2023 draft. He was leaps and bounds better than Mensah in Summer League and showed a lot of promise
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Based on the two articles he is super raw at best. Probably a nothing burger, but at this point the FO is doing the proper thing. Collect everything you got and evaluate it. Part two of the teardown will commence in June
Regarding 'Melo and Mark for the rest of the season…
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Chef he is way better than Mensah no doubt and Mensah has gotten minutes so I don’t think you can say he is nothing. He is raw but has a huge base and an insane body for his age.
The main reason for his “regression” this season is lack of PT due to Veterans playing over him.
Definitely worth giving him a shot
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