Preseason coach and player interviews going on today. Some interesting tidbits:
PJ lost about 15 pounds from last year, hired a personal chef and is eating his veggies now. Cliff loves his versatility and defensive range. I feel a breakout year for him.
Bouknight had been meeting with Cliff every morning at 8 am during summer league to watch film. Seems a much better vibe, and probably a good chance for a big role. Defense is probably key for more playing time.
Liangelo just signed for a 1-year deal.
Cliff says Mason will start at center, and Nick is in the lead at backup. Says Kai seems more natural at 5 than 4, but (my opinion) with Mark Williams in the fold and needing development, one of them seems destined to spend majority of time in Greensboro. But things can always change.
A lot of players commenting on becoming better on defense, including Terry and Oubre.
Terry says this is the best he’s ever felt in a Hornet’s jersey. I’m not sure if he meant for himself personally, or for the team overall, but I’m gonna assume its about himself, because…. *gestures at everything
Of course Mason will start at Center and either/or/both Kai and Williams will waste a year of development. Wouldn’t have it any other way /s. These guys actually think winning 5 or 6 extra games matters.
And no, I don’t think either of those guys playing in Greensboro is worth anything.
I’d move Mason out and force Kai and Williams to play NBA competition. Screw it, who cares.
I’m hoping Bridges absence and the depth at Center will free up PJ to play a more consistent PF position. With Hayward at 3 and LaMelo at PG, that’s some balance at least. I don’t have much faith in the 2 position though. Been out on Terry and don’t trust Bouk. I think the “scary” moniker would fit him better, but it don’t rhyme.
Not exactly
Martin 4/31,360,000
Guaranteed 3/22,680,000 third highest on team.
Would like more talent, but Plumlee is what Mitch has got for us.
And Frontcourt came together strong end of last year becoming a positive after getting Harrell and reducing playing time to 18 minutes/game.
Not a fan, but team did finish 13-6 with this Harrell end up finish team high + 4.2 for season.
Please ONE of Mitch center projects not suck and finally be playable.
Clueless and raw early…hardly played at all in 4 years…but started to look a little competent end of last year.
Good to see back in Greensboro, heck show enough give a two way.
I don’t think there’s a single person who I have less trust in doing what they say they’re going to do than Terry. He always talks a good game, talks about being engaged on D and trying harder on that side of the ball … but neither the effort nor the results have come.
He has the ability, especially when you look at his Celtic’s numbers, to play decent D. He chooses not to. That has to change and, hopefully, Clifford will hold both Terry & Bouknight accountable for their effort on D. If Terry continues to lack effort on D then sit him and tell him why he’s watching Cody playing.
Cliff’s rotational choices won’t be surprising to me. Whatever we think of his coaching ability, he is highly competitive and will always fight to win, even if he doesn’t know how.
He’s never ever ever gonna start a season throwing in the towel and seeing what the young guys can do. Any and everybody has to prove it first. I’m guessing they’re gonna start the year trying as hard as they can to win and stay in playoff range. If/when they fall off the map, I could see changes made to incorporate some inexperienced guys chances to develop.
I do think Bouk will actually play a decent amount. Thor maybe because of his defense, but McDaniels probably still ahead right now. Williams won’t get much time until he gets basic minimal NBA level defense down, but I think he’ll learn that side quicker than expected.
Kai is our Mo Bamba, hope his competitive fire helps him either learn the 4 better or beat out Nick somehow.
I don’t think Terry’s necessarily been disingenuous, I feel scheme and circumstances have a bit to play. Could he try harder, absolutely, but JB never made defense a focus, or he didn’t know how to set perimeter defense appropriately. Plus most of his energy probably was being used more offensively to try to stay ahead or catch up with the other team, so I could see him reserving energy for the scoring side.
I trust Cliff much more on defense both with scheme and accountability, so I could see Terry understanding his role better and trying hard. I hope…
Correct me on this I am old and forget but the differance between Cliff and JB . With JB ever one crashed the board and tried to get back witch did not happen regular. With Cliff we had trubble on the board but his players got back. Causeing a slower pace. So in reality i think our pace will be much slower. I don’t think some players adjust much with a slower pace, Melo
I think Tery will adjust well to it Hayward will to . Not sure about the other guys. I think Martin will get a lot of burn and can play both. Have no idea if it benefits Bouknight or not.Williams seams idel in a Cliff team because the boards and his ability to block shots and defend the middle. My starters would be Melo , Terry, Hayward, PJ, Williams. With Martin , Bouknight, McDaniels Plumlee or Kai Terry . I even think Ball could do well as a back up three. He does play both ends of the floor. And can knock down the three.
Cliff teams are among the best defensive rebounding. Team effort attack defensive boards including guards. No leaking out.
Teams are highest in the NBA in defensive rebound%.
Offensive rebounds…worst rate in league, players run back on defense.
Cliff teams don’t score fast break points, staying home to rebound & defend. Play Smart, No fouling! no gambling and reaching, but will have lowest steals in league.
But Cliff teams don’t give up fast break points, No ORB, No ball watching, get back & defend. Play smart, And NO TURNOVERS! Cliff teams one of lowest in league in give aways.
Hayward best fit when healthy, and Cody. Otherwise don’t know.
Mitch brought in JB to do nearly opposite in style with different players. Done.
Now bring back Cliff with an entirely different roster & style set.
I’ve shocked myself with how pro Cliff I am. I honestly think he is the right guy, from an accountability and communication point of view, for this roster. The question, to my mind at least, is more with the direction from the front office. They’ve given Cliff a rolling contract, which means he has to get results, or he’s out. It follows that he’ll favour vets, who he can count on to at least be on the right place at the right time and make his scheme work. So if he does indeed start Mason and use Nick as his back-up for a decent stretch of the season, that’s on the front office and the mandate they’ve given Cliff.
