Yes I was impressed with Gradey Dick and Scottie Barnes, for reasons set out in your article. Also, I really like that both Davion Mitchell and Gradey Dick look poised enough to take that 5th spot in the rotation - a good problem for Darko to have. I liked the number of 3 pointers the Raptors took - Mitchell took 6, and made 3, which is a bonus. We need to emulate Boston in the number of good 3 pointers we take.
I wonder about back-up centre. Would the FO sit down with Jak and ask him straight up if he has a recommendation, say a European that isn’t seen in NA scouting circles? Are there trade scenarios for centres in the league like Goga Bitadze or someone else who isn’t terrible? How is Christian Koloko doing in LA - is he going to stick with them? Fernando looks like he will never be ready and Carleton is thin. I don’t know, any thoughts?
Thanks for reading, Gerry! At backup centre, I believe the FO is happy with the Poeltl/Olynyk combo for now and exploring which centre prototype (stretch big vs rim roller/rim protector) is best suited next to Scottie and Quickley long term. Koloko is yet to receive official NBA clearance, I believe the Lakers are confident it will happen sooner than later and will then try to work his way back through the G League and potentially contribute to the Lakers in the second half of the season.
What a game by Gradey Dick! As you explain, he showed many different things in offense and a good mentality in defense. Having a game like this before the season start will be great for his confidence and for Darko, knowing what he’s capable of on a good day.
Yes I was impressed with Gradey Dick and Scottie Barnes, for reasons set out in your article. Also, I really like that both Davion Mitchell and Gradey Dick look poised enough to take that 5th spot in the rotation - a good problem for Darko to have. I liked the number of 3 pointers the Raptors took - Mitchell took 6, and made 3, which is a bonus. We need to emulate Boston in the number of good 3 pointers we take.
I wonder about back-up centre. Would the FO sit down with Jak and ask him straight up if he has a recommendation, say a European that isn’t seen in NA scouting circles? Are there trade scenarios for centres in the league like Goga Bitadze or someone else who isn’t terrible? How is Christian Koloko doing in LA - is he going to stick with them? Fernando looks like he will never be ready and Carleton is thin. I don’t know, any thoughts?
Thanks for reading, Gerry! At backup centre, I believe the FO is happy with the Poeltl/Olynyk combo for now and exploring which centre prototype (stretch big vs rim roller/rim protector) is best suited next to Scottie and Quickley long term. Koloko is yet to receive official NBA clearance, I believe the Lakers are confident it will happen sooner than later and will then try to work his way back through the G League and potentially contribute to the Lakers in the second half of the season.
What a game by Gradey Dick! As you explain, he showed many different things in offense and a good mentality in defense. Having a game like this before the season start will be great for his confidence and for Darko, knowing what he’s capable of on a good day.
Thanks for reading, Martin!