The Meyers Leonard Thread

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Harsh (but accurate):

Leonard’s most damning moment occurred with about a minute and a half left and the Bulls ahead by 7 as the Blazers were battling back into the game. Robinson made a strong drive into the center of the paint to draw the defense and found Leonard in perfect position under the basket for what should have been a fairly easy finish over two small defenders caught out of position. However, Leonard bobbled the pass before hoisting up two embarrassingly soft attempts that both failed to graze the rim, the second of which was knocked out of bounds as a visibly frustrated Robinson turned his back on the whole painful display. It cannot be understated how soft this sequence looked. It was like watching a commune of kittens bake commemorative cupcakes for their favorite watercolor paintings of rainbows (in fact, I thought Robinson might slap Leonard during the stoppage). As it happened, Robinson ended up forced into a tough contested jumper off the inbounds from the top of the key that didn’t hit rim, resulting in a shot clock violation, and as Robinson went back down the floor, he said something to Leonard while making an arms-up flexing motion, presumably asking the young center if those two attempts were some kind of purposeful attempt to gain a Lisa Frank sponsorship.
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I really couldnt believe he didnt dunk that first attempt. It looks like he may have bobbled it a little, so he tried to kind of "flick" it in, but his second attempt was inexcusable, he should have slammed it.

I still have a glimmer of hope for Leonard, but its looking more and more like he is still in the awkward stage physically. Maybe he will be much improved in a year or so when he adjusts/gets used to being 7'1" and 260 lbs. He doesnt seem to shy away from contract and doesnt necessarily play "soft", but it does appear like he doesnt realize he is the biggest, strongest guy on the court.
 
jlprk said:
Stats do not encompass his awfulness. There are no measures for an awkward clod, blinded by painful contacts.
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The guy is on a 7 figure contract.....and he can't afford/be bothered to get properly fitting contacts?

As excuses go - that is amazingly feeble.
 
When is the deadline to pick up his 2013-14 option year on his contract? If we could cut him for cap space at the end of this season it may be worth exploring.
 
Draco said:
When is the deadline to pick up his 2013-14 option year on his contract? If we could cut him for cap space at the end of this season it may be worth exploring.
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I think he has good value for a team on the "rebuild". I won't deny that he will eventually get it some day, its just when will things click?

On a team on the rebuild, they can wait 2-3 more years for that time to come.
 
After finally getting a chance to sit down last night and watch the first three games on replay, I'm pretty confident in making the following statement: Leonard hasn't progressed at all in terms of basketball IQ (or you can call it court awareness if you prefer). He's completely lost, doesn't understand how to use his physical gifts, has no physicality to his game whatsover and doesn't appear to relish contact. The awareness might be learned with time - and he does have some time - but sadly I don't think the physicality will ever come. People either like to mix it up or people avoid contact; that's in your DNA, a pure "fight or flight" response.

It's still too early to declare him a bust, but even if he never pans out I still don't mind the pick. Aside from John Henson or Terrence Jones (and maybe even Lamb) last year, I'm not sure who else Olshey should have picked? He rolled the dice and maybe it's going to come up snake eyes, but I respect the risk just because Leonard's combination of size and fluidity are rare in the NBA.

Beats the hell out of picking so-called "safe" players like Nolan Smith with supposed high floors and limited upside.
 
Nikolokolus said:
After finally getting a chance to sit down last night and watch the first three games on replay, I'm pretty confident in making the following statement: Leonard hasn't progressed at all in terms of basketball IQ (or you can call it court awareness if you prefer). He's completely lost, doesn't understand how to use his physical gifts, has no physicality to his game whatsover and doesn't appear to relish contact. The awareness might be learned with time - and he does have some time - but sadly I don't think the physicality will ever come. People either like to mix it up or people avoid contact; that's in your DNA, a pure "fight or flight" response.

It's still too early to declare him a bust, but even if he never pans out I still don't mind the pick. Aside from John Henson or Terrence Jones (and maybe even Lamb) last year, I'm not sure who else Olshey should have picked? He rolled the dice and maybe it's going to come up snake eyes, but I respect the risk just because Leonard's combination of size and fluidity are rare in the NBA.

Beats the hell out of picking so-called "safe" players like Nolan Smith with supposed high floors and limited upside.
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I agree with everything you say. Good post and repp'd (FUCK!!!!: You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Nikolokolus again.)

I just wished we traded the pick and player for a vet of some kind. It's not the end of the world, but I just don't like seeing him as our second string center. I wish we had another vet center that could play back-up.
 
Short Version: He thinks he's 5'8" and he has hand of stone.

Nikolokolus said:
After finally getting a chance to sit down last night and watch the first three games on replay, I'm pretty confident in making the following statement: Leonard hasn't progressed at all in terms of basketball IQ (or you can call it court awareness if you prefer). He's completely lost, doesn't understand how to use his physical gifts, has no physicality to his game whatsover and doesn't appear to relish contact. The awareness might be learned with time - and he does have some time - but sadly I don't think the physicality will ever come. People either like to mix it up or people avoid contact; that's in your DNA, a pure "fight or flight" response.
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Every game I'm becoming more of a believer in T-Rob.

I don't know if anyone remembers but McMillan saved Pryzbilla's career by making him lose weight and "dunk anything close to the rim."

Take note, Meyers.
 
Rastapopoulos said:
Harsh (but accurate):
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I find it amusing (in an odd way) that the cited play was on the offensive end - where Leonard actually has some decent skills, and not the defensive end, where he REALLY needs work. Whatever...

The part I do like was Robinson getting on him for blowing that play. I REALLY want to see these two push each other in summer league, training camp and practice. Robinson seems to have a chip on his shoulder and is motivated to show he belongs in the league. I'd like to see some of that rub off on Leonard. These guys are both young and raw with some undeniable physical gifts. They are both lottery picks that are endanger of being labeled busts. I'd love to see them BOTH live up to their potential, but at this point, I'll be happy if one of them does.

BNM
 
jlprk said:
Stats do not encompass his awfulness. There are no measures for an awkward clod, blinded by painful contacts.
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You are right. Perhaps we need to create a stat to illustrate his growth.

Like the Player Efficiency Rating, or PER, the Severely Underachieving Center (SUC) stat would be based on how many times a player runs the wrong way during an offensive set, rotates to the incorrect side on defense, and commits fouls either by moving screens or using hands on defense.
 
HomerLovesKoolAid said:
You are right. Perhaps we need to create a stat to illustrate his growth.

Like the Player Efficiency Rating, or PER, the Severely Underachieving Center (SUC) stat would be based on how many times a player runs the wrong way during an offensive set, rotates to the incorrect side on defense, and commits fouls either by moving screens or using hands on defense.
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If you add: runs to the wrong end of the court and passes the ball to no one, it could be renamed the JaVale McGee Award and presented to the young "prospect" that leads the league in SUC at the end of each season.

BNM
 
Wizard Mentor said:
Short Version: He thinks he's 5'8" and he has hand of stone.
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He reminds me of my sister's Great Dane puppy (or at least he was a puppy about 4 years ago). That dog gets chased around by her cat and Australian Shepherd all the time. 160 pounds of pure (sweet natured) coward. Love that dog, but he'd help a burglar carry stuff out of the house if somebody broke in.

I think Leonard must have hit a really late growth spurt and probably spent the first ten years of his basketball life as a small stature shooting guard. Who knows, maybe if Robinson beats him up enough in practice he'll find some inner spark of rage he can tap into and nurture.
 
If our 21 year old backup center isn't an all star this year, I'm gonna lose a lot of sleep
 
I'm fine with slow and steady, season ended 3 months ago

I guess we have the luxury now of not having to hate our starting center lol...yet
 
Nikolokolus said:
Why is it off limits to discuss his viability as a rotation player?
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Not off limits. Just short sighted to determine his viability based on summer league; it has the ability to make bad players look really good, and for some positions make legit role players look really bad.
 
Nikolokolus said:
Why is it off limits to discuss his viability as a rotation player?
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If we had a rotation player that could give us a good 5-10 minutes of solid defensive center minutes; I would be fine with the slow development of Leonard. Problem is Leonard is our only true back-up at center. Our entire defense should have at least a semi-decent defender anchoring the paint. This is my beef. I want us to have an Evans, Dalembert or others similar that can stop gap for the next 3 years.
 
HailBlazers said:
Not off limits. Just short sighted to determine his viability based on summer league; it has the ability to make bad players look really good, and for some positions make legit role players look really bad.
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You can see how the instincts of a player is at any level of competition. Leonard is completely lost on the defensive end. Watching him in a summer league game, pick-up games or the NBA is no different. You can see how a player reacts when the ball leaves the shooter's hand, or how he can scan the floor and find his man. PAy attention next game and watch how he is constantly looking around, confused on where his man is supposed to be. It really frustrates me.
 
HailBlazers said:
Not off limits. Just short sighted to determine his viability based on summer league; it has the ability to make bad players look really good, and for some positions make legit role players look really bad.
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I understand that's true for certain players, but that's not really what's happening in Leonard's case.
 
I'm with you the great Dane jab nik, spot on

Seems like he is def thinking too much as well

Maybe he needs a couple drinks before each game :lol:
 
If Lopez winds up averaging 26 MPG (his career high), we will be seeing plenty of Lynyrd. Maybe then it will become a valid topic. :dunno:
 
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