Regardless of stats, I'd like to see DLO attack the basket and create for himself and others more by penetrating
For now he mainly whips the ball around the perimeter or comes off a screen and does little pocket passes.
Not sure he'll ever be the type who breaks down a defense with penetration and blows by defenders to the rim
But he can still be very good without that ability, just not elite
Agreed on attacking the basket more.. He should be doing that. The pocket passes though are so damn beautiful. They are always right there.. Then Hibbert fumbles it
He has the size to wear down smaller PGs. And has done so when he has the distinct size advantage.
It will be a lot about P&R for me.... That will get him there. Right now there's no good P&R guys on the team.. Nor do we run it as often as we should, but that's a scheme and hopefully a personnel thing. Randle is a guy I thought would be a good Roll man, but needs to learn how to set a strong pick then roll. He often throws a lackadaisical pick that even if he rolls to the hoop well doesn't open anything up.
Russell has enough handle to get space to then try to get in.
He doesn't have the speed you would hope, but there's enough to say he can open up enough opportunities to get to the hoop.. With his size, P&R, and handle.
As for the very good versus elite, it's too early, it's not even out of the remote possibility that he can be elite.
Now this is not to say that he's playing as well as he should.. Of course he isn't. My opinion is that he should be 16-5-6 right now. On .440/.360/.750.
He's currently at 12.0/3.6/3.4 in 26.9min on .412/.330/.671
What should be done to get from where he is to where he should be as a rookie.
1. Should be starting and finishing games. Not doing either as of now.
2. Should be playing 30-32minutes.
3. Byron stop ******* with him.
4. He needs to be allowed to make mistakes, and needs to be unafraid to make mistakes.
5. Attack the basket more.. Even if it has to come from more P&R opportunities. Attacking gets him to the line more, and hopefully with enough success, gives him extra space to shoot over the top.
6. Needs to get more into his 3 point shooting. He's not missing wildly, it seems like a strength thing.
7. Needs to add some bulk.
8. Stop worrying about Byron.. This is easier said than done though.. It's one thing to say play how you want without listening to that buffoon, but that guy also controls his minutes, and will take them away.