[JNixonParticipant]

Detroit:

Andre Drummond wasn’t exactly efficient as a scorer or anything. His elite size and athleticism allowed him to make a big impact though. He’s easily one of the top athletes in the NBA at the C spot, and at times made some plays that you simply cannot teach. Made a ridiculous block in the 1st quarter, and really changed or rejected shots all game (6 blks). Hands are great. Did a great job on the glass, especially offensively, even though he missed a few of his putbacks. Skill level is still a work in progress. Tried his hand at making a few moves around the hoop that required nifty footwork, but wasn’t effective at making those shots. Relies on his physical tools and athleticism to score. Didn’t appear to be in top notch shape, got winded often. Body language after missed shots, or at times when not getting foul calls, was not very good. Terrible free throw shooter. Just too big and athletic not to be a huge factor in the Pistons frontline rotation next year. His skill level lags, but his rebounding, shot blocking, and physical tools do not.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had a bad night shooting. He got good looks, and all of his shots looked good (besides airballing his 1st shot), but they just did not fall today. Fundamentally he has textbook shooting. Is a prototypical SG physically. Decent athleticism. Needs to be more confident as a ball-handler. Other than a couple times, Caldwell-Pope really doesn’t even look to handle and get to the rim. Mediocre defensively. Doesn’t pass the ball much. Not really effective at all if he isnt hitting jumpers.

Tony Mitchell played early and was very effective using his athleticism to score around the rim. Stuck his only jumper too. Looks very good physically and is a freakish athlete. Not going to create his own offense. Did a good job on the offensive glass. Still needs a lesson on paying attention defensively.

Peyton Siva was OK. He plays quick and he gets into the paint easily. Seems to be very good at setting up the offense and had 6 assists and only 1 TO. Also has quick hands defensively. Pretty much is exclusively looking to pass when he has the ball on the way to the rim. Only took 1 shot and missed, which does nothing to alleviate concerns about his lack of ability to score. Really needs to work on his shot in pick and roll offense, as it will always be there until he is willing to shoot when teams go underneath.

Khris Middleton was very good. Crosseyes! He also has put on a good amount of weight since he was drafed as well. Has a real effortless, sweet shooting stroke and a very quick and high release. Mid-range and long range game look very nice. OK athleticism. Handles the ball decent. Not a tough defender. Doesn’t really pass the ball that well. Could factor in next year on a team that needs shooting, but will have to continue to work on being more aggressive and better defensively.

Kim English was out there too, and he was iffy. He is still a great pure shooter, especially when spotting up. Willing to play physical despite his size as a SG at 6’6 195. Plays with effort and is cerebral. The rest of his game isn’t very good though. The ball slows him down when he dribbles and he offers little inside the 3 point line offensively. Plays hard and has a sweet shot, but he will have to grind to earn any time next season.

Korie Lucious was out there. He made a few wild passes, and seems to have trouble finding teammates due to his small 5’11 frame. He is a good shooter though and played best when he looked for his own shot. Hindered by a lack of size and fairly modest playmaking ability.

Nets:

Mason Plumlee looked impressive. He’s a super athlete with size at around 7 feet. Made plays above the rim often. Had an impressive coast to coast dunk over a Pistons player too. Looked outstanding on the glass with 14 boards. Not a skilled post player really, but he can be effective at getting easy baskets and dunks. Wont create his own shots much. Not much face-up skills. Had 5 turnovers. Fairly soft on defense still. Could play some next year, and could be an alley-oop threat as a Kevin Garnett backup.

Damion James was pretty impressive as a scorer. He seems to be more comfortable as a SF than he used to be. Still very strong and athletic. Stuck a few mid-range shots and is a confident player from that range. Has a nose for rebounds. Ball-handling skills aren’t strong and neither are his passing skills. NBA career is still at a crossroads.

Tyshawn Taylor was iffy. Played aggressive offensively and is pretty quick. Has good size for a PG, but is still a bit thin. Likes to score more than facilitate. Had 1 assist and 6 turnovers. Jump shot is still below average. Gets to the rim and can finish. Competes on defense. Could be forced to be the backup PG next season for the Nets.

Keith Benson was out there. He struggled, but he does look to have improved his frame and gotten stronger. Still not a great post guy and his jumper is only OK.

David Lighty Jr. was out there and he struggled as well. He’s strong and will chip in on the boards and as a defender. Not a talent as an offensive player, and hunts his own shots like he thinks he’s more talented than he is.

[Zeke313Participant]

I agree with most of your points but I disagree about KCP and his defense. From what I saw he looked like a plus defender. Overall the the game was pretty ugly scoring wise and virtually everyone shot poorly. I wouldn’t blame Tyshawn too much for his lack of passing because his teammates couldn’t make shots and he was the only one capable of scoring and he had a game high 17 points.

[Zeke313Participant]

I agree with most of your points but I disagree about KCP and his defense. From what I saw he looked like a plus defender. Overall the the game was pretty ugly scoring wise and virtually everyone shot poorly. I wouldn’t blame Tyshawn too much for his lack of passing because his teammates couldn’t make shots and he was the only one capable of scoring and he had a game high 17 points.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

Every long range jumper KCP took was short, he’ll adjust accordingly. He’s a much more fluid athlete than I thought.

Damion James’ shooting looks much improved since his rookie year. With a lack of depth on the wing on the Nets he has a chance to make the squad along with his toughness and intangibles.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

Every long range jumper KCP took was short, he’ll adjust accordingly. He’s a much more fluid athlete than I thought.

Damion James’ shooting looks much improved since his rookie year. With a lack of depth on the wing on the Nets he has a chance to make the squad along with his toughness and intangibles.

[Author]

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