[dbaumParticipant]

How well will Michael Carter-Williams transition into the NBA?
Do you believe he has the potential to become a starter one day?

I believe he has the tools and skill set to compete at the next level; but has to improve on his jump shooting and decision making. If he could develop a mid-range jumper and utilize his size, he can make an impact on any team he is on.

[TheLastWordParticipant]

The problem with MCW is its all “ifs”. He has no bankable NBA skills that will translate for sure. And while his defense looks pretty good, you don’t know if he can play it outside of a zone.

[B-ball fanParticipant]

I have really conflicted feelings on MCW. I love his court vision and commitment to making the right pass, not just the most fancy one. MCW not only averages a lot of assists, but seems to make more really good passes that aren’t assists than any other pg I have watched this year in college basketball. He also uses his length really well to make passes many PGs can’t make. And, while he did just play in a zone, I do have high hopes for MCW’s defensive ability. He works hard on that end and looks pretty good getting over screens, which would seem to be an issue given his physique. And his length and athleticism really should allow him to continue to play the passing lanes well.

But his lack of scoring ability really is a big issue. He was able to create effective scoring opportunities frequently in college, but failed to consistently cash in. He could get that runner in the lane of his very often in college, but too often seemed to miss it if he was just a little off-balance or out of sync. Too often MCW tried to finesse his finishes when he should have just attacked the basket strong. He may have lacked strength, but with his length and leaping ability, he should still have been able to finish around college shot blockers.

MCW’s did not shoot well from the perimeter at all, but if he ever does develop a perimeter shot he could be scary. His slashing ability and drive-and-kick skills would be greatly enhance by a reliable perimeter jump shot, especially when you consider his height advantage over other guards and high release point on his shot. His mechanics don’t look bad and he was hyped as a scorer coming out of high school, so there may be hope yet.

MCW’s other weakness may be his mediocre handle. He has an extremely high dribble for a guard and could be very susceptible to getting his pockets picked. I question whether he will effectively handle ball pressure or avoid getting stripped on drives to the hoop. In college, he got by a little bit too much just with his ability to blow by his defender with his quick first step and long strides, but that will be more difficult against NBA teams that will force him to develop more as a ball handler. These concerns are particularly significant for MCW since he is a pure PG who is not very effective off the ball.

[SDEParticipant]

I think Dallas or Utah will be a perfect fit for him to get playing time and with options at the wing spots and bigs assists should be at like 7 or 8 every game.

i see a stat lline of 12 pts/8 ast/4 reb for the year.

[machu46Participant]

I think he’s going to end up being the best PG in this draft class (though I have to go back and watch more of Smart before I’m ready to solidify that belief).

As B-ball fan said, his passing ability is probably the best in the country, and not just because of the assists, but the way he can read the court even when he has his back to the defense; creative plays like rolling the ball through the defender’s legs when he dives for a loose ball and sees a teammate running up the court; stuff like that.

I think a lot of his issues with finishing and ball-security will go away as he gets stronger. Everyone knows that being stronger can make a huge difference with finishing around the rim, but it also has a big impact on ball-handling. One of his biggest issues turnover-wise is that he could easily get bumped off the ball by stronger players and the refs would let it go because it really wasn’t that much contact, but it was enough to impact his ball-security because of how weak he is right now. He had his pocket picked a lot early in the season, but he adjusted in the 2nd half of big east play and on. He probably only got his pocket picked once or twice in the last 15 or so games. If you go back and watch him in the first game against Louisville season compared to the later games against Louisville for example, you can tell that he focuses a lot more on keeping his dribble low when Russ Smith/Siva/Ware pressured him, and as a result, he didn’t really turn it over the way he did in the first meeting.

I don’t think he’ll ever be a good shooter by any stretch, but I think transitioning from being a poor shooter to being good enough that defenders have to semi-respect it will be easy for him. His form is pretty good.

[DolanCareParticipant]

I’m not a fan of MCW in the pros. If he could shoot this would be a completely different story because then he could be useable at the 2. Unfortunately, he does not have a great shot, especially from distance.

I hate to use the argument of ‘what position is he??’ But seriously, what would his role be in the league. He’s too slow footed to be the primary ball handler, and while he has good dribbling skills he’s by no means elite at it. Could you imagine Avery Bradley guarding MCW?? He would get pressed and nabbed before reaching the first free throw line.

And as detailed above…. you can’t play him off ball because he can’t shoot or be a dunk-hard pick and roll partner.

He’ll be a wild card off the bench.

[ManLugerParticipant]

Man can’t shoot. They will play off him in half court sets and give him the jumper until he proves he can knock hit down (which he hasn’t shown) His defense is a question mark since he played in a damn zone. And as far as letting him get into a comfort zone i’m sure they’ll pick him up on a fullcourt man and bully him, he’s skinny. And what makes you think some teams won’t throw 2 and 3’s on him to defend him due to his size if his backcourt mate a small size you can cross guard. Obviously I dont’ believe him str8 up

[r377Participant]

I can’t see him being a long term successful starter in the NBA

[Author]

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