OT Interesting discussion about whether or not the post-up is dead

[Rastapopoulos]

Wes gets a mention as "one of the league’s meanest post-up wings".

Multiple front-office gurus have whispered that post passing might become the NBA’s next great undervalued skill

Bet Boris Diaw wishes he were ten years younger - he'd be cashing in (even more). Maybe Batum just needs to eat more soft cheese and bulk up to back down.

This is why I can't get too excited about Meyers:

Going small-against-big risks murder on the glass, but there are ways to minimize that risk, and coaches are getting aggressive at turning an enemy’s lack of post-up skill into more of a liability. The adaptation has been cruelest for stretch power forwards who can’t really do anything but shoot. Coaches have basically played the Matt Bonner/Steve Novak/Mike Scott types off the floor by going small and sticking speedier wings on them — guys who can close fast on 3-pointers and dribble by them on the other end.

“If you’re a stretch 4 today, you’d better have a lightning-quick release,” says Daryl Morey, the Rockets GM.

 

[Draco]

Yeah it'll be interesting seeing Meyers role. He is an excellent rebounder so if the opponent puts a guard on him we'll kill the glass. But does that make up for a speedier opponents other advantages? I don't think you want Meyers at center as your only big. I do remember him struggling as the backup PF against small ball units while Wright or Batum were much better.

We're seeing Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes play the 4/5 against Dwight Howard. The NBA is changing with more and more small ball. It's getting to the point where playing with a big man at the 4 will be the unusual lineup.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I'll be curious to see if Nards adds a post-up game this summer specifically for the purpose of taking advantage of (or at least discouraging) this defensive tactic. Aside from improved rim defense, it would be about the most significant improvement he could make.

 

[blue9]

The good thing is that Meyers (a) can rebound, (b) can pass quite well, and (c) should be able to become an above-average dribbler for his size/position. A couple more seasons - and off-seasons with Kaman - and he could very well have a good post-arsenal from which to score OR pass.

 

[illmatic99]

The good thing is that Meyers (a) can rebound, (b) can pass quite well, and (c) should be able to become an above-average dribbler for his size/position. A couple more seasons - and off-seasons with Kaman - and he could very well have a good post-arsenal from which to score OR pass.

Also, this often gets unmentioned, but Leonard has incredible touch around the hoop and can catch tough passes. Kinda like the anti-TRob with his rock hands and inability to finish. He has the tough part down. As a Leonard hater/non-believer, I've done a complete 180 on the guy.

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

Leonard will develop a post game. He has already been doing hooks/floaters from what I saw all last season. He just needs to learn how to get better position.

 

[blue9]

Also, this often gets unmentioned, but Leonard has incredible touch around the hoop and can catch tough passes. Kinda like the anti-TRob with his rock hands and inability to finish. He has the tough part down. As a Leonard hater/non-believer, I've done a complete 180 on the guy.

Yes! He does have pretty good hands and a soft touch. I've done a complete 180, too. He showed tremendous strides this season - particularly in the POs. There were small teasers last season (pinpoint baseball outlet passes!), but now I think, at worst, he's going to be a legit player.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

 

[BigGameDamian]

When a SG gets mentioned for being one of the meanest post up players you know its dead. I don't care if he said wings or not. Players just don't play with power anymore and that's a fact!

 

[Denny Crane]

If the post up is "dead," then the few big men who can still do it will score at will against guys not used to guarding it. The bigs have to be able to make their free throws though.

My $.02

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

When a SG gets mentioned for being one of the meanest post up players you know its dead. I don't care if he said wings or not. Players just don't play with power anymore and that's a fact!

I don't blame the players.. Blame coaching from the aau to start, a lot of players don't learn a post game till the NBA. Also, it's like these players don't have weight programs. We see way too many 6'10 210-220 pound stretch 4s coming out.

 

[BonesJones]

Thing is is Meyers shoots everything inside so fast too. His floaters and hooks are out of his hands so fast that if a small was gaurding him it would be easy pickings... He's also good at shielding the ball when he starts his floaters and hooks, so a small wouldn't be strippin the ball every time he shoots. And he has range on those types of shots from out to 15feet.
And with how athletic he is on pick n rolls and cuts, I think it wouldn't matter who's on him.

 

[BBert]

Meyers definitely needs to work on his inside game this summer. Fingers crossed.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Leonard will develop a post game. He has already been doing hooks/floaters from what I saw all last season. He just needs to learn how to get better position.

I was just going to post the exact same thing. He has the skills to do it......when he is in position. He seems to have decent upper body strength but the lower body still needs time. One reason why Wes is good at it.

Barkley was great at it with the help of his big ass. (and great handles)