Didi Louzada

[Scalma]

Since no one has talked about him, thought I'd start a thread, even if he eventually gets cut lol.

I knew nothing about him when the trade happened and didn't even bother to look into him until recently. Seems like his calling card is on ball defense (specifically operating screens) with a questionable shot (im sensing a trend here with the type of players were bringing in)









He tore his meniscus at the end of January, got surgery in the beginning of February, and got a timeline of 6-8 weeks. So, hes not expected back until sometime next month.

Unlike Hughes and Elleby, his contract is guaranteed for next season at 1.8M, so I'm not sure hes next on the chopping block but who knows. He's barely played this season (4 games in g league, 2 games in NBA) but in his small sample in the G league, showed an improved outside shot.

Could be a cheap bench guy next season, or could be cut. We'll see

 

[boredinsalem]

Unlike Hughes and Elleby, his contract is guaranteed for next season at 1.8M, so I'm not sure hes next on the chopping block but who knows.

I'm wondering if we may cut Elleby before the end of the year to make room for Eubanks if all goes well. Hughes defensive upside seems decent.

 

[RR7]

I'm wondering if we may cut Elleby before the end of the year to make room for Eubanks if all goes well. Hughes defensive upside seems decent.

If we were opening a spot up for Eubanks, I could see them buying out mclemore so he could go to a contender.

 

[Scalma]

If we were opening a spot up for Eubanks, I could see them buying out mclemore so he could go to a contender.

makes you wonder why they didn’t just trade him. Can’t imagine nobody wanted a floor spacer on an expiring contract.

 

[e_blazer]

Is he unbelievable?

 

[Scalma]

Is he unbelievable?

that’s my bad

 

[boredinsalem]

makes you wonder why they didn’t just trade him. Can’t imagine nobody wanted a floor spacer on an expiring contract.

Maybe just trying to be nice to a vet on a minimum and let him choose where to go?

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Is he unbelievable?

That's the word on the street...

 

[Wizard Mentor]

He's listed as a 6'5" SF on ESPN.
He was born in 1999, currently age 22.
He has played a grand total of 63 minutes in the NBA, and has a negative PER.
He was banned for 25 games for substance violations: link (short story: says he didn't know supplements he was told to used contained banned substances)
Picked #35 in 2019 NBA draft
Weighs less than Zion Williamson, who was chosen #1 in the same draft
nbadraft.net Pels draft grade: A. Here's their comments about Didi:

Finally, they took a flier on "Didi", Marcos Louzada Silva, a sharp shooting Brazilian 2-guard. Didi was electric with his shooting in practices at the Hoop Summit in Portland in April, impressing scouts with his great range and effortless stroke. He may be a bit of a project, but a shrewd gamble at 35 with the team on a long term building plan.

This stuff should probably be put on the original post...

 

[Wizard Mentor]

https://www.nbadraft.net/players/marcos-louzada-silva/
His jump shot is supposed to be fantastic.
Notes: Measured 6’5.5 in shoes, a 6’6.75 wingspan, 203 lbs and a 8’5 standing reach at the 2019 Nike Hoop Summit.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

“A league statement said Louzada tested positive for the banned steroids drostanolone and testosterone.”

Not sure what became of this little tidbit

 

[Scalma]

https://www.nbadraft.net/players/marcos-louzada-silva/
His jump shot is supposed to be fantastic.
Notes: Measured 6’5.5 in shoes, a 6’6.75 wingspan, 203 lbs and a 8’5 standing reach at the 2019 Nike Hoop Summit.

Dunno about his jumper. His form looks fine, but his percentages in Australia weren’t good at all. Sub 40% and sub 30% from 3. His free throw percentage wasn’t good either. But it’s all about projection with these guys so maybe it’s just a matter of getting more consistent. So little tape since he left Australia it’s hard to tell.

 

[Scalma]

Soon?

 

[SheedSoNasty]

Oh man… does he come with all the bandaids on his knee right out of the package or is this some kind of cruel joke?

 

[Chris Craig]

“A league statement said Louzada tested positive for the banned steroids drostanolone and testosterone.”

Not sure what became of this little tidbit

He was suspended 25 games

 

[blazerfan11]

Looks like another 6'5" guard / sf who can bring the ball up the court and hit some three pointers. Plays aggressive defense against his man, which can lead to fouls but also create turnovers.

 

[Scalma]

Neither Elleby or Hughes have taken advantage of their playing opportunities so I could see Louzada get some minutes if their shit performances continue. I know I wouldn’t give either of those guys anything more than a two way, so Didi’s roster spot for next season is probably safe for now.

 

[blazerfan11]

I want to see much more of Didi Louzada. And much less of Ben McLemore and CJ Elleby.
Louzada looks like he's interested in playing good defense on every position and seems to have a really nice stroke on his three-point shot even if they're not all going in yet.

Edit: after watching him again in the San Antonio game he didn't play much but some things I noticed.
One, he dribbles the ball slowly and low to the ground through traffic so it's very difficult for the defense to steal the ball.
Two, he looks like a good passer to both a stationary and moving target. His first assist was to Drew Eubanks as he was in the paint with the defense surrounding him. His other assist was to Keon Johnson cutting to the hoop down the middle.
I really would like to see these two skills used to go into the paint, collapse the defense, and then pass to a cutting Greg Brown or again to Eubanks, etc. there was one such opportunity with 1:10 left in the third quarter where Greg Brown was standing in the right corner. First Louzada split two defenders at the 3-point line, both of them swiping unsuccessfully at the ball.
#7 kept following him and Zach Collins cut him off. Right at that moment, Louzada could've made an easy bounce pass to Brown running the baseline for a dunk. Browns defender was looking at Louzada. Greg Brown is super fast and I wish we'd take more advantage of that. It doesn't have to be an alley oop. Just a basic back cut to the hoop.
Of course this is just one of those things we'll probably never see except by accident.

 

[Scalma]

He’s got the same body as Wes Matthews, wasn’t expecting him to be as solidly built. He’s barely played, so hard to make any judgements yet. He’s looked solid defensively though and that’s been his calling card.

 

[Scalma]

Didi is 7-14 from three so far with Portland. His defense has been pretty good too, especially on ball. Dunno what he brings offensively beyond spacing, so he’s gonna have to get consistent with that shot if he wants to stick. But if he does, he can carve out a long career, just look at Wes Matthews.