Can one of you smart basketball nikkas (not you
@ISO) let me know if RJ could replicate what he’s doing for Team Canada for us next season? Are they using him differently? I haven’t been able to catch a game at all.
In his performances I've watched, it looks like a carryover from the postseason. Which just means, he's not drastically different but has been a bit better about decision-making. He still lapses into foul-hunting and hasn't shown any interest in midrange work. But here are the optimistic parts:
1. His jumper form is cleaned up. It's more fluid, his release looks faster, and so far he's shooting better behind it.
2. He's playing defense. Not a world-beater or anything, but the effort is just way better right now. I think (hope) he'll come into the season understanding that if he slacks on defense there are a bunch of wings ready to eat his minutes.
3. He's attacking the space defenders give him. It's annoying that it took so long, but if defenders let him have a whole bunch of space to the right...he's dribbling to the right. That only means he dribbles into the space though, he typically brings the ball back to the left for finishing. But this has let him carry momentum into defenders and should help with finishing.
4. This is just a neutral observation, but he's getting third-option Iso's which should mimic his role next to Brunson and Randle. SGA is the first and second option. Kelly Olynyk is the defacto playmaker when SGA is shaded. That leaves RJ with wing and corner touches that aren't so different from playing with Thibs' set-up.
1 and 2 are the big ones. If his shot is falling consistently, the lanes open up by themselves. If his effort is respectable on defense, then he has the benefit of Grimes at the POA and Mitch in the middle. So those are the two factors we need to see consistently. But I do think his play so far tracks as replicable against NBA players. The consistent form on his jumper gives me optimism, just keep Luka Doncic's nasty ass nails away from the shooting hand this year.
Edit: Here's some highlights of today. I missed the game but look at the jumper. From catch to release, he's in form and releasing faster.
