[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Some interesting stats and minutes, and for those who watched who was the better player or looks to have the better future?

 

 

[Reptilian MonkParticipant]

 Mudiay played better, reason being was he was aggressive and set up his team well despite his turnovers.  Russell is playing to tentaively not trustung his instincts and  scared to make a mistake. Even on his misses Russell has that shoters touch and nice jumpshot, Mudiay’s shot needs lots of work Both have lots of potential

[Reptilian MonkParticipant]

 Mudiay played better, reason being was he was aggressive and set up his team well despite his turnovers.  Russell is playing to tentaively not trustung his instincts and  scared to make a mistake. Even on his misses Russell has that shoters touch and nice jumpshot, Mudiay’s shot needs lots of work Both have lots of potential

[Rip256]

 Russell isnt actually a good player and will lose any ‘who’s’ better arguement.

Mario chalmers is better than Russell

 

[Rip256]

 Russell isnt actually a good player and will lose any ‘who’s’ better arguement.

Mario chalmers is better than Russell

 

[oogellsParticipant]

Weird for the Lakers to take Russell over Mudiay partly because they didn’t view Mudiay as a pure pg. If Mudiay can get a bit more arc on his shot and work out that weird little leg kick he does, will be a legit pg in this league. Top notch ability to change speed, which is rare in such a young player with limited experience. As said above Russell is just too tentative, which is reasonable for a young shooter with a bad coach. 

[oogellsParticipant]

Weird for the Lakers to take Russell over Mudiay partly because they didn’t view Mudiay as a pure pg. If Mudiay can get a bit more arc on his shot and work out that weird little leg kick he does, will be a legit pg in this league. Top notch ability to change speed, which is rare in such a young player with limited experience. As said above Russell is just too tentative, which is reasonable for a young shooter with a bad coach. 

[TRC1991Participant]

Russell’s struggles aren’t really a shocker. He’s a left-handed, young combo guard. James Harden averaged 9.9 ppg on 40.3% shooting as a rookie.

 

He’ll need time. 

 

 

[BleedGreen808Participant]

 He’s also playing Kobe, Lou Williams, Clarkson, and Randle who spend time with the ball in their hands, limiting his ability to be a playmaker. Mudiay has been given control of the offense for Denver.  

[BleedGreen808Participant]

 He’s also playing Kobe, Lou Williams, Clarkson, and Randle who spend time with the ball in their hands, limiting his ability to be a playmaker. Mudiay has been given control of the offense for Denver.  

[Rip256]

 Doesnt change the fact that hes Austin Rivers.

Its amazing how showboating in college fools people into thinking they have a game ‘suited to the nba’.

 

 

 

[BleedGreen808Participant]

 Russell and Austin Rivers have different games.  Rivers is faster and more athletic.  Russell is a better passer, shooter, and playmaker.  

[BleedGreen808Participant]

 Russell and Austin Rivers have different games.  Rivers is faster and more athletic.  Russell is a better passer, shooter, and playmaker.  

[Rip256]

 Doesnt change the fact that hes Austin Rivers.

Its amazing how showboating in college fools people into thinking they have a game ‘suited to the nba’.

 

 

 

[chall23Participant]

 While I do agree that he needs time to get acclimated to the NBA. Do they Lakers view Russell as a combo guard? All I heard in the draft process is how he is a pure point (which I don’t necessarily agree with). Point being if you draft a young player #2 overall who you believe is the point guard of the future put the ball in his hands! Scott needs to put him in better situations to succeed rather than floating around the 3 point line. My fear for him is there are too many similar players on the Lakers for him to shine, similar to when Evan Turner was drafted (not comparing their games) but Turner and Iggy had similar playing styles. 

[chall23Participant]

 While I do agree that he needs time to get acclimated to the NBA. Do they Lakers view Russell as a combo guard? All I heard in the draft process is how he is a pure point (which I don’t necessarily agree with). Point being if you draft a young player #2 overall who you believe is the point guard of the future put the ball in his hands! Scott needs to put him in better situations to succeed rather than floating around the 3 point line. My fear for him is there are too many similar players on the Lakers for him to shine, similar to when Evan Turner was drafted (not comparing their games) but Turner and Iggy had similar playing styles. 

[Kwame33Participant]

 I gotta ask boss. What does being left handed have to do with anything?

[Kwame33Participant]

 I gotta ask boss. What does being left handed have to do with anything?

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 in the opposite direction of the way you train or practice… you practice so when you play you don’t think, just instincts… But a Lefty makes you think constantly… I boxed & played basketball when I was young & I Hated dealing w/ Southpaws… 

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 in the opposite direction of the way you train or practice… you practice so when you play you don’t think, just instincts… But a Lefty makes you think constantly… I boxed & played basketball when I was young & I Hated dealing w/ Southpaws… 

[Kwame33Participant]

 That’s if you’re defending a left hander, not if you ARE a left hander. Additionally, guarding a left hander in basketball isn’t that confusing. Between an ok left handed player and a great right handed player, the right hander is harder to guard 100% of the time.

[TRC1991Participant]

I think I just threw left-handed in there because I was thinking about James Harden the whole-time and they are both lefty combo guards 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TRC1991Participant]

I think I just threw left-handed in there because I was thinking about James Harden the whole-time and they are both lefty combo guards 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Kwame33Participant]

 That’s if you’re defending a left hander, not if you ARE a left hander. Additionally, guarding a left hander in basketball isn’t that confusing. Between an ok left handed player and a great right handed player, the right hander is harder to guard 100% of the time.

[TRC1991Participant]

Russell’s struggles aren’t really a shocker. He’s a left-handed, young combo guard. James Harden averaged 9.9 ppg on 40.3% shooting as a rookie.

 

He’ll need time. 

 

 

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 Here comes T Rex…

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 Here comes T Rex…

[T Rex]

(Post deleted. No need)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

(Post deleted. No need)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

can’t comment on who the better player is, its too early.

Before the draft I liked everything about Russell, he was skilled, cocky.  But now that he got drafted to the Lakers, and he’s doing all these interviews like he’s bigtime, it gets annoying, he hasn’t done sh–.  All them hairdos, also that he’s some pensive talker very good at expressing his mind, nobody cares for that sh–.  Just go out there and ball, nobody wants to know whats going on in your mind.  Show it on the court.  LA wants to hear his story, we just want to see you play hard not scared.

And thats what Mudiay is doing.  Ef Byron Scott for calling out a rookie and saying he didn’t think he was a true PG, before their first game.  Then he benches his daily-new-hairdo prized possession.  Hate the overhyped Lakers.

Muday plays hard, and he leads with his play.  No way D’Angelo Russell does what Mudiay is doing on the Nuggets, because D’Angelo Russell doesn’t play hard and tough.  Mudiay is a better leader.  He may not be a great shooter, but I think he’s smart and will be successful.  Rooting for him way more than Russell, and I liked Russell.  

 

 

  

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

can’t comment on who the better player is, its too early.

Before the draft I liked everything about Russell, he was skilled, cocky.  But now that he got drafted to the Lakers, and he’s doing all these interviews like he’s bigtime, it gets annoying, he hasn’t done sh–.  All them hairdos, also that he’s some pensive talker very good at expressing his mind, nobody cares for that sh–.  Just go out there and ball, nobody wants to know whats going on in your mind.  Show it on the court.  LA wants to hear his story, we just want to see you play hard not scared.

And thats what Mudiay is doing.  Ef Byron Scott for calling out a rookie and saying he didn’t think he was a true PG, before their first game.  Then he benches his daily-new-hairdo prized possession.  Hate the overhyped Lakers.

Muday plays hard, and he leads with his play.  No way D’Angelo Russell does what Mudiay is doing on the Nuggets, because D’Angelo Russell doesn’t play hard and tough.  Mudiay is a better leader.  He may not be a great shooter, but I think he’s smart and will be successful.  Rooting for him way more than Russell, and I liked Russell.  

 

 

  

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Russell needs to get stronger especially in his lower body. He doesn’t feel comfortable attacking the basket right now because he doesn’t have the strength or explosiveness to finish consistently over NBA defenders. His instincts are great, but he is limited in his playmaking ability because he doesn’t get into the paint regularly. He really needs a lot of work in the weight room over the next couple years to fully realize his potential. 

Mudiay is almost a polar opposite from Russell at this stage of his development. He already has the elite athleticism but he lacks the instincts right now. He struggles with making reads that come more naturally to Russell and needs more work in his skill development, especially outside shooting. I can’t say definitely if one is necessarily better than the other right now. Both have a lot of work to do. 

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Russell needs to get stronger especially in his lower body. He doesn’t feel comfortable attacking the basket right now because he doesn’t have the strength or explosiveness to finish consistently over NBA defenders. His instincts are great, but he is limited in his playmaking ability because he doesn’t get into the paint regularly. He really needs a lot of work in the weight room over the next couple years to fully realize his potential. 

Mudiay is almost a polar opposite from Russell at this stage of his development. He already has the elite athleticism but he lacks the instincts right now. He struggles with making reads that come more naturally to Russell and needs more work in his skill development, especially outside shooting. I can’t say definitely if one is necessarily better than the other right now. Both have a lot of work to do. 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 If Russell was given the freedom to do what Mudiay is doing he could absolutely average 6 TO’s a game in the same manner that Mudiay is.  

Prior to the draft Okafor was my number 1 (well number 2 after Towns), I also had Mudiay and Hezonja as favorites over Russell for me personally.  

There is a lot at play here, mostly the need or enjoyment that everybody gets hating the Lakers.  People have been jealous for years and now that the Lakers are down naturally the haters come out, that is expected.  They make a lot of noise which makes it basically impossible for Russell to have a normal rookie year.  This would have been the same for almost any rookie on the Lakers.  

The worst part about it is half of Laker fans are just as bad as the rest.  I consider most Laker fans (not ones on this site which for the most part somewhat understand the game) trolls.  The same folks that were yelling for MDA to get fired, and on board with the Scott hiring are now asking for his head.  They make a lot of noise, and they make way more noise than us rational fans.

This creates an environment where little to nobody will have patience, and pretty much no matter what a Laker rookie would accomplish, he wouldn’t be considered a success.  I mean Julius Randle is basically playing his rookie season and he is playing really well.  If he were on the 76ers he would be getting praised… the Lakers don’t have that same luxury.

All you need to do is look above, people talking about D Russells hair cut like wtf?  Who cares how dude wears his hair.  People will find anything.  He’s a 19 year old kid who isn’t a physical freak of nature… obviously he’s going to struggle against grown men and world class athletes.  Even in college he was a player who relied on his skill, not his athleticism.  

The irony here is MDA would be perfect for this team.  He would encourage the young guys to get up the court and play fast and free, which is what they need to learn.  Byron Scott is absolutely the worst coach in the NBA, and that probably includes assisstant coaches as well.  I haven’t checked after Tuesdays game, but prior to that game D Russ’s useage rate was 17%, while Kobe’s was in the low 30’s.  Byron Scott says he doesn’t see anything wrong with Kobe’s shots.  This is a problem.  

My hope as a rational Lakers fan is that Kobe and Byron Scott don’t get in the way enough to have a negative impact on Russells career going forward.  Anybody who is acting like they are surprised about what they are seeing right now isn’t rational.  We knew Byron would be incompetent, and we knew Kobe would be as selfish as ever.  I guess we were hoping that they could tone it down to let the young guys play.  

 Russell didn’t get off the bench in the 4th quarter last night because Scott was dead set on winning a game against the Nugs in early November.  My only hopes going into the season were avoiding those types of pointless decisions.

If you are of the knee jerk reaction, instant gratification type then you have a lot to be mad about with Russell.  If you are a rational human being who doesn’t compare the likes of Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier, RJ Hunter and Jordan Mickey to the likes of James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Klay Thompson and Serge Ibaka then Russells play hasn’t really been a surprise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

goes along with the persona of "assumed star" that comes with the anyone playing in the Lakers.

For instance, the Sixers had both Jodie Meeks and Nick Young on their roster, and nobody talked about them with any sort of hype.  Put them on the Lakers and all of a sudden…………..

Randle is getting praised for being this Bull, whereas he is the same as he was in College, a hyperactive kid that only goes left and makes poor decisions, with no shot, and yet somehow is thought to be this great ballhandler.

Don’t lump yourself into some "rational Lakers fan" and whoever is with you is rational and who is not is irrational.  

Randle on the Sixers woudl’ve been picked apart for his bonehead plays.  I guess you are trying to compare Randle to Okafor then…saying maybe Okafor is overhyped.  Dude, please.

Thing about us Sixers fan and east coast fans in general (basically non Lakers/Heat/Cowboys) fans, is we call it like we see it.  If a player is just average, he is average.

Which brings me to the main point.  D’Angelo Russell said he wore zero because "ZERO PEOPLE CAN GUARD ME".  Now all he’s doing it talking like a fool with his flashy haircuts.  He ain’t no star in this league, he subtly is complaining about playtime, meanwhile, he’s too scared to look bad in games, or maybe he just doesn’t have the talent to take over a game like Mudiay.  I guarantee you, if Muday was running with the Lakers, he would still be the ball dominant guard that he is on the Nuggets.

And the LAKERS FANS and TEAM were talking about making the playoffs this year.  People were worried about the pick not being LOW enough for the Sixers to get equal value for MCW.  Hinkie said "tehy’ll still be bad this year".  Hinkie knew the deal while the Lakers hype machine had them going to the playoffs this year, lol.  

Now we’re worried about the Lakers and their amazing players finishing in the top 3 this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

goes along with the persona of "assumed star" that comes with the anyone playing in the Lakers.

For instance, the Sixers had both Jodie Meeks and Nick Young on their roster, and nobody talked about them with any sort of hype.  Put them on the Lakers and all of a sudden…………..

Randle is getting praised for being this Bull, whereas he is the same as he was in College, a hyperactive kid that only goes left and makes poor decisions, with no shot, and yet somehow is thought to be this great ballhandler.

Don’t lump yourself into some "rational Lakers fan" and whoever is with you is rational and who is not is irrational.  

Randle on the Sixers woudl’ve been picked apart for his bonehead plays.  I guess you are trying to compare Randle to Okafor then…saying maybe Okafor is overhyped.  Dude, please.

Thing about us Sixers fan and east coast fans in general (basically non Lakers/Heat/Cowboys) fans, is we call it like we see it.  If a player is just average, he is average.

Which brings me to the main point.  D’Angelo Russell said he wore zero because "ZERO PEOPLE CAN GUARD ME".  Now all he’s doing it talking like a fool with his flashy haircuts.  He ain’t no star in this league, he subtly is complaining about playtime, meanwhile, he’s too scared to look bad in games, or maybe he just doesn’t have the talent to take over a game like Mudiay.  I guarantee you, if Muday was running with the Lakers, he would still be the ball dominant guard that he is on the Nuggets.

And the LAKERS FANS and TEAM were talking about making the playoffs this year.  People were worried about the pick not being LOW enough for the Sixers to get equal value for MCW.  Hinkie said "tehy’ll still be bad this year".  Hinkie knew the deal while the Lakers hype machine had them going to the playoffs this year, lol.  

Now we’re worried about the Lakers and their amazing players finishing in the top 3 this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[llperez]

 this is the first ive ever even heard somone bring up his hair as a criticism. Anyone bring his hair cut into this obviously has some bias against him for some odd reason. 

And what does nick young and jodie meeks have to do with anything, i have no ida what point you tried to make there. Are jodie meeks and nick young suddnly viewed as superstars by people becasue if they are i havent heard about it.

randle is getting praised becasu he is playing well. I know the lakers are stinking it up, but you would have to be blind not to se what randle and clarkson are doing and their potential. 

As for russell is scared, he got up almost as many shots as mudiay in 11 less minutes. He was throwing highlight type passes inlcuding one to hibbrt for a dunk last night that had the crowd standing. Did you watch the game or are you just making ths russll is scared claims becasue thats what you want to say regardless of facts. 

And i dont know anybody or any laker fans who predicted playoffs this year. Again you decided to write whatever you want absent of things that actually happend.

 

 

 

 

[llperez]

 this is the first ive ever even heard somone bring up his hair as a criticism. Anyone bring his hair cut into this obviously has some bias against him for some odd reason. 

And what does nick young and jodie meeks have to do with anything, i have no ida what point you tried to make there. Are jodie meeks and nick young suddnly viewed as superstars by people becasue if they are i havent heard about it.

randle is getting praised becasu he is playing well. I know the lakers are stinking it up, but you would have to be blind not to se what randle and clarkson are doing and their potential. 

As for russell is scared, he got up almost as many shots as mudiay in 11 less minutes. He was throwing highlight type passes inlcuding one to hibbrt for a dunk last night that had the crowd standing. Did you watch the game or are you just making ths russll is scared claims becasue thats what you want to say regardless of facts. 

And i dont know anybody or any laker fans who predicted playoffs this year. Again you decided to write whatever you want absent of things that actually happend.

 

 

 

 

[Kwame33Participant]

 You needn’t look further than the mid-00’s to know that good stats on a bad team(especially for such few games) doesn’t speak much for a players future potential/effectiveness on a championship calibre team. Any and every NBA player will see a jump in their production when playing on an atrocious team.

[Kwame33Participant]

 You needn’t look further than the mid-00’s to know that good stats on a bad team(especially for such few games) doesn’t speak much for a players future potential/effectiveness on a championship calibre team. Any and every NBA player will see a jump in their production when playing on an atrocious team.

[llperez]

What players are you talking about? Randle and clarkson? These aren’t 5 year vets who suddenly started putting up stats due to a bad team, these are youngsters who have a combined 1 year of nba experience between them. And they are legit. If you don’t feel that way and the 32 pts clarkson put up last night and his athleticism and 45% 3 point shooting on the year is just a product of being on a bad team then I guess time will tell. Would But you definitely have to look at more then stats if you are going to come to that conclusion, you have to actually believe these guys have games that doesn’t translate. We really disagree if you think they don’t. Would you say Andrew wiggins stinks too because his stats were on a bad team last year.

[llperez]

What players are you talking about? Randle and clarkson? These aren’t 5 year vets who suddenly started putting up stats due to a bad team, these are youngsters who have a combined 1 year of nba experience between them. And they are legit. If you don’t feel that way and the 32 pts clarkson put up last night and his athleticism and 45% 3 point shooting on the year is just a product of being on a bad team then I guess time will tell. Would But you definitely have to look at more then stats if you are going to come to that conclusion, you have to actually believe these guys have games that doesn’t translate. We really disagree if you think they don’t. Would you say Andrew wiggins stinks too because his stats were on a bad team last year.

[Kwame33Participant]

 I would say any player putting up good numbers on a bad team in any sport, anywhere is to be stamped with a question mark until they can do the same on a team that perfoms well.

[Kwame33Participant]

 I would say any player putting up good numbers on a bad team in any sport, anywhere is to be stamped with a question mark until they can do the same on a team that perfoms well.

[Kwame33Participant]

 We can’t really write the book on any of these young guys on bad teams. Emeka Okafor averaged a double double(he was a double double MACHINE, actually) his rookie year, and for a few seasons thereafter I believe, while also winning the ROY for a notoriously wack Bobcats squad–his career as a whole? Uninspiring.

[Kwame33Participant]

 We can’t really write the book on any of these young guys on bad teams. Emeka Okafor averaged a double double(he was a double double MACHINE, actually) his rookie year, and for a few seasons thereafter I believe, while also winning the ROY for a notoriously wack Bobcats squad–his career as a whole? Uninspiring.

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I can see that you are highly intelligent and base your analysis on factual evidence.  I can also see that you aren’t the least bit sour about the 76ers current state of affairs.  You’re in for a ten year rebuild because nobody wants to play where you live.  

I’m trying to find something about your post to draw off of but there isn’t much there.  If Randle was on the 76ers he would be picked apart for his bonehead plays?  Uhhh, no he wouldn’t because nobody watches, or cares about the 76ers.  

In one breath you say Jodie Meeks and Nick Young got all this shine when they were on the Lakers… why you said that is irrelevant.  Then you say if Randle was on the 76ers he would be getting picked apart?  Isn’t that like the opposite of what you said in the previous statement?

If you’re mad at the Lakers exposure, or the 76ers lack thereof that is a different conversation.  Exposure comes with successful franchises.  Lakers just so happen to be the most successful in the modern era.  Guilty.  So yes, with that comes more exposure.  

You are talking about a haircut being some sort of litmus test (if you don’t know what a litmus test is google it, I’m not here to educate you in your obvious lack of scientific background) on if a player is a star in this league or not but it’s not, it’s just a haircut.  

I see your type of NBA fan more and more, one that follows it for the soap opera sideshow and not basketball.  One that watched the Kardashian show to keep up with their basketball news.  

That’s cool, I mean I don’t respect it but if that’s why you watch the NBA that’s cool.  Haircuts though, really??  Coming from a guy who has Nerlens Noel on his team?  The high top like it’s Kid and Play… nah he wasn’t trying to grab any attention when he chose that one back in the day was he.  

More surprising is, for a guy who prefers the off court stuff more than the on court stuff, you had never heard a guy say he chose zero because zero people can guard him.  D Russell did not make that up, I have heard it used multiple times.  

I mean it would have been cooler if he said "I chose zero because that is what your moms gaping hole looks like when I am done with her."  but I digress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I can see that you are highly intelligent and base your analysis on factual evidence.  I can also see that you aren’t the least bit sour about the 76ers current state of affairs.  You’re in for a ten year rebuild because nobody wants to play where you live.  

I’m trying to find something about your post to draw off of but there isn’t much there.  If Randle was on the 76ers he would be picked apart for his bonehead plays?  Uhhh, no he wouldn’t because nobody watches, or cares about the 76ers.  

In one breath you say Jodie Meeks and Nick Young got all this shine when they were on the Lakers… why you said that is irrelevant.  Then you say if Randle was on the 76ers he would be getting picked apart?  Isn’t that like the opposite of what you said in the previous statement?

If you’re mad at the Lakers exposure, or the 76ers lack thereof that is a different conversation.  Exposure comes with successful franchises.  Lakers just so happen to be the most successful in the modern era.  Guilty.  So yes, with that comes more exposure.  

You are talking about a haircut being some sort of litmus test (if you don’t know what a litmus test is google it, I’m not here to educate you in your obvious lack of scientific background) on if a player is a star in this league or not but it’s not, it’s just a haircut.  

I see your type of NBA fan more and more, one that follows it for the soap opera sideshow and not basketball.  One that watched the Kardashian show to keep up with their basketball news.  

That’s cool, I mean I don’t respect it but if that’s why you watch the NBA that’s cool.  Haircuts though, really??  Coming from a guy who has Nerlens Noel on his team?  The high top like it’s Kid and Play… nah he wasn’t trying to grab any attention when he chose that one back in the day was he.  

More surprising is, for a guy who prefers the off court stuff more than the on court stuff, you had never heard a guy say he chose zero because zero people can guard him.  D Russell did not make that up, I have heard it used multiple times.  

I mean it would have been cooler if he said "I chose zero because that is what your moms gaping hole looks like when I am done with her."  but I digress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Rip256]

Damn Magic Jordan…youre an animal with these mother jokes.

‘Bout those haircuts tho….

Any man who spends more than 30 mins a week on his hair doesnt have his priorities straight. Just means its all about the fame i.m.o.

 

 

 

[Rip256]

Damn Magic Jordan…youre an animal with these mother jokes.

‘Bout those haircuts tho….

Any man who spends more than 30 mins a week on his hair doesnt have his priorities straight. Just means its all about the fame i.m.o.

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 If Russell was given the freedom to do what Mudiay is doing he could absolutely average 6 TO’s a game in the same manner that Mudiay is.  

Prior to the draft Okafor was my number 1 (well number 2 after Towns), I also had Mudiay and Hezonja as favorites over Russell for me personally.  

There is a lot at play here, mostly the need or enjoyment that everybody gets hating the Lakers.  People have been jealous for years and now that the Lakers are down naturally the haters come out, that is expected.  They make a lot of noise which makes it basically impossible for Russell to have a normal rookie year.  This would have been the same for almost any rookie on the Lakers.  

The worst part about it is half of Laker fans are just as bad as the rest.  I consider most Laker fans (not ones on this site which for the most part somewhat understand the game) trolls.  The same folks that were yelling for MDA to get fired, and on board with the Scott hiring are now asking for his head.  They make a lot of noise, and they make way more noise than us rational fans.

This creates an environment where little to nobody will have patience, and pretty much no matter what a Laker rookie would accomplish, he wouldn’t be considered a success.  I mean Julius Randle is basically playing his rookie season and he is playing really well.  If he were on the 76ers he would be getting praised… the Lakers don’t have that same luxury.

All you need to do is look above, people talking about D Russells hair cut like wtf?  Who cares how dude wears his hair.  People will find anything.  He’s a 19 year old kid who isn’t a physical freak of nature… obviously he’s going to struggle against grown men and world class athletes.  Even in college he was a player who relied on his skill, not his athleticism.  

The irony here is MDA would be perfect for this team.  He would encourage the young guys to get up the court and play fast and free, which is what they need to learn.  Byron Scott is absolutely the worst coach in the NBA, and that probably includes assisstant coaches as well.  I haven’t checked after Tuesdays game, but prior to that game D Russ’s useage rate was 17%, while Kobe’s was in the low 30’s.  Byron Scott says he doesn’t see anything wrong with Kobe’s shots.  This is a problem.  

My hope as a rational Lakers fan is that Kobe and Byron Scott don’t get in the way enough to have a negative impact on Russells career going forward.  Anybody who is acting like they are surprised about what they are seeing right now isn’t rational.  We knew Byron would be incompetent, and we knew Kobe would be as selfish as ever.  I guess we were hoping that they could tone it down to let the young guys play.  

 Russell didn’t get off the bench in the 4th quarter last night because Scott was dead set on winning a game against the Nugs in early November.  My only hopes going into the season were avoiding those types of pointless decisions.

If you are of the knee jerk reaction, instant gratification type then you have a lot to be mad about with Russell.  If you are a rational human being who doesn’t compare the likes of Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier, RJ Hunter and Jordan Mickey to the likes of James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Klay Thompson and Serge Ibaka then Russells play hasn’t really been a surprise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 Jerian Grant is already playing a major role on a dramatic improvement by the Knicks. He does it by being a complete defensive player, and a complete offensive player as well. D-Russell is actually pretty similar to Grant as far as offensive skillset, with one huge difference being that Grant is actually an NBA athlete, and can get where he needs/wants to go with and without the ball in his hands.

Grant can score as much as his team needs him to, while still setting up his teammates very well, in addition to being able to guard both PGs and SGs at a very high level, with the ability to switch onto SFs with ease.

Sure, Grant is 22 years old, but Russell will never ever ever be the athlete that Grant is, no matter how many beauty makeovers he does per week, or how much time he spends in the weight room.

The idea that Russell had more superstar potential than anybody else in the draft was presented by math nerds who lack the subtle eye required to distinguish a black guy with no athleticism vs a black guy with good athleticism.

To some people, being black just means that if you don’t have Westbrook athleticism then you must at least have Harden athleticism, even if the guy hasn’t dunked since high school and could barely do that.

Even Byron Scott couldn’t see the difference, and still can’t, so I’m not calling out just white people.

Laker’s rebuild could have been over.

Clarkson, RJ Hunter, Kobe, Porzingis, Hibbert

With Randle being a good back up scorer, which he is destined to become on the first good team he plays for.

Or they could have just drafted Jerian Grant at #2, or even Terry Rozier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Senior in college. 4 year player, that is all that needs to be said about that.  If by the time Russell is 22 and isn’t miles ahead of Grant, then yeah…. but he was a senior so….

RJ Hunter and Terry Rozier are both lighting the world on fire for the 1-2 Celtics.  

How has anyone without a 40 inch vertical and a 7’10" wingspan ever gotten by in the NBA.  With your logic players like Steve Nash, Andre Miller, 75% of the PG’s in the 2000’s and 90’s never stood a chance.

The game isn’t track and field, it’s basketball.  Have you ever played it?  There is a certain amount of skill that goes into it.  Whether what is more important between skill and athleticism is hard to quantify and is up for debate.

 RJ Hunter hasn’t gotten 1 minute of run on a team with 46 undersized 2 guards.

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

NBA demands great athleticism in the NBA. This isn’t 1950 any more.

Nash was way way quicker than DRussell will ever be. Adults don’t suddenly become quick when they have been slow twitch athletes their whole lives.

If you don’t think it matters that Russell doesn’t have a first step, on offense or on defense, then just sit there and keep waiting for him to be a good player while just standing in one place.

All the swag in the world, and all the ideal teammates in the world, can’t help a non-athlete impact the game standing still, or being draped by even the worst defenders in basketball.

Maybe if he was 6’9 with a 7’2" wingspan like Kyle Anderson, or 7 feet tall like Olynyk.

I can’t even tell if you’re serious at this point. Like, do you really expect Russell to develop a quick first step like Grant?

Quickness is something you’re either born with or not. It can be improved somewhat with hard work, but it won’t make a non-athlete like Russell into even a decent athlete, especially since he’s going to keep gaining weight as he fills out.

That’s why the "most superstar potential in this class" declaration was bogus. A non-athlete has a limited ceiling by definition, unless they are at least 6’9.

You just keep digging, rather than accepting the obvious.

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

NBA demands great athleticism in the NBA. This isn’t 1950 any more.

Nash was way way quicker than DRussell will ever be. Adults don’t suddenly become quick when they have been slow twitch athletes their whole lives.

If you don’t think it matters that Russell doesn’t have a first step, on offense or on defense, then just sit there and keep waiting for him to be a good player while just standing in one place.

All the swag in the world, and all the ideal teammates in the world, can’t help a non-athlete impact the game standing still, or being draped by even the worst defenders in basketball.

Maybe if he was 6’9 with a 7’2" wingspan like Kyle Anderson, or 7 feet tall like Olynyk.

I can’t even tell if you’re serious at this point. Like, do you really expect Russell to develop a quick first step like Grant?

Quickness is something you’re either born with or not. It can be improved somewhat with hard work, but it won’t make a non-athlete like Russell into even a decent athlete, especially since he’s going to keep gaining weight as he fills out.

That’s why the "most superstar potential in this class" declaration was bogus. A non-athlete has a limited ceiling by definition, unless they are at least 6’9.

You just keep digging, rather than accepting the obvious.

 

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 No you clearly have tunnel vision when it comes to D Russell and anything posted about him.  

You’ve never once heard me say anything about "most superstar potential" because I don’t care about that.  You talk about him as if he is Kyle Anderson at the PG spot, which he most certainly is not.  He just doesn’t go to the hole, there is a difference.  Yeah he doesn’t have a 39 inch vertical, but he has no problem using a screen and turning the corner.

If you actually have watched him play, which I would be surprised you would do for any other reason than slapping your pud watching him struggle… you can’t honestly say his struggles are because a lack of burst, you just can’t.  You may think it, but it hasn’t been put into practice yet.  You also think Terry Rozier is going to be Westbrook and Smart will be Harden with defense so clearly you are irrational.

He comes up the court, he passes the ball and heads to the corner… or comes off a pin down and gets the ball back up top again.  WATCH THE GAME.  The proof is right there.

What we haven’t seen yet is a steady dose of Russell running the PNR and not having any success getting into the lane, or getting shut down because of his lack of explosiveness.

His lack of explosiveness is there, is he the worst NBA athlete of all time.  Not even close.  Is he going to dunk on people?  Nope, who gives a shit… I don’t.  Does he have enough athleticism to be a real good player.  Yep.  Does he have enough skill to make up for said lack of athleticism. Yep.

Will he turn out to be worthy of the 2nd pick, only time will tell.  Was he my choice?  Nope.  What you are seeing is me not refusing to accept the obvious, it’s me not making any trolling comments about a 19 year old kid 4 games into his career like you routinely do as if you are some great evaluator of basketball talent.  You have routinely proved that you are not.  What you are good at is throwing shit to the wall and hoping something sticks.  You are very good at casting a wide net and I imagine it serves you quite well in your career as a fisherman.

Nash may have been way quicker.  Try to tell me that he was way quicker during his peak years and you will look even more biased.  Are you trying to tell me that Nash, when he had all of his success (late 20s early to mid 30’s) was "way quicker" than Russell?  Please just say it to cement your retardedness even more, as if we need more proof of your autism.

 

 

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 No you clearly have tunnel vision when it comes to D Russell and anything posted about him.  

You’ve never once heard me say anything about "most superstar potential" because I don’t care about that.  You talk about him as if he is Kyle Anderson at the PG spot, which he most certainly is not.  He just doesn’t go to the hole, there is a difference.  Yeah he doesn’t have a 39 inch vertical, but he has no problem using a screen and turning the corner.

If you actually have watched him play, which I would be surprised you would do for any other reason than slapping your pud watching him struggle… you can’t honestly say his struggles are because a lack of burst, you just can’t.  You may think it, but it hasn’t been put into practice yet.  You also think Terry Rozier is going to be Westbrook and Smart will be Harden with defense so clearly you are irrational.

He comes up the court, he passes the ball and heads to the corner… or comes off a pin down and gets the ball back up top again.  WATCH THE GAME.  The proof is right there.

What we haven’t seen yet is a steady dose of Russell running the PNR and not having any success getting into the lane, or getting shut down because of his lack of explosiveness.

His lack of explosiveness is there, is he the worst NBA athlete of all time.  Not even close.  Is he going to dunk on people?  Nope, who gives a shit… I don’t.  Does he have enough athleticism to be a real good player.  Yep.  Does he have enough skill to make up for said lack of athleticism. Yep.

Will he turn out to be worthy of the 2nd pick, only time will tell.  Was he my choice?  Nope.  What you are seeing is me not refusing to accept the obvious, it’s me not making any trolling comments about a 19 year old kid 4 games into his career like you routinely do as if you are some great evaluator of basketball talent.  You have routinely proved that you are not.  What you are good at is throwing shit to the wall and hoping something sticks.  You are very good at casting a wide net and I imagine it serves you quite well in your career as a fisherman.

Nash may have been way quicker.  Try to tell me that he was way quicker during his peak years and you will look even more biased.  Are you trying to tell me that Nash, when he had all of his success (late 20s early to mid 30’s) was "way quicker" than Russell?  Please just say it to cement your retardedness even more, as if we need more proof of your autism.

 

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

"No problem using a screen and turning the corner". Maybe against Macabee Haifa 3rd string.

He turns the corner like a garbage truck full of DRussell bobblehead dolls that weren’t needed because DRussell Night was cancelled.

 

 

[T Rex]

"No problem using a screen and turning the corner". Maybe against Macabee Haifa 3rd string.

He turns the corner like a garbage truck full of DRussell bobblehead dolls that weren’t needed because DRussell Night was cancelled.

 

 

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

you’re just a fan of flashy basketball if you like that Mike D’Antoni system.  Defense wins championships.

That system only worked with one guy, Steve Nash, wunderkid.

If you think D’Angelo right now could run it like Steve Nash (possible team canada soccer player fitness), then you’re nuts.

If the Lakers played that system, they’d still be trash, like they are now.  

I believe we own this pick and then they are giving their 2018 first round pick to someone else.

It must be good being a Lakers fan.  

 

Russell had the ability to shoot and was smooth and passing was insane.  Thats fine, you did that in college.  Now shut up until you show it on the court, dont’ talk about how "difficult it is to find your place in the offense", nobody gives a sh–.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

you’re just a fan of flashy basketball if you like that Mike D’Antoni system.  Defense wins championships.

That system only worked with one guy, Steve Nash, wunderkid.

If you think D’Angelo right now could run it like Steve Nash (possible team canada soccer player fitness), then you’re nuts.

If the Lakers played that system, they’d still be trash, like they are now.  

I believe we own this pick and then they are giving their 2018 first round pick to someone else.

It must be good being a Lakers fan.  

 

Russell had the ability to shoot and was smooth and passing was insane.  Thats fine, you did that in college.  Now shut up until you show it on the court, dont’ talk about how "difficult it is to find your place in the offense", nobody gives a sh–.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I am a fan of flashy basketball because I said MDA would be better for this teams development than B Scott?  That’s drawing a ton of conclusions from that statement.  

Your whole statement is filled with non sense.

Do I think Russell could run that system right now like Nash did?  Nope, never said he could.  Who would expect a rookie to be able to mimic one of the greatest offenses of all time?

Would the Lakers still be trash?  Yep, didn’t say they wouldn’t.

Is it good being a Lakers fan?  Not right now, but infinitely better than being a 76ers fan always… because you know our organization has actually had some success.  They made 3 straight trips to the finals as little as 5 years ago.  When is the last time 76ers had ANY success??

MDA system allows players to make mistakes and puts them in a position to play to their strengths.  Especially when a kids strengths are shooting and passing.  It’s why about 80% of the league are using a variation of his offense now.  You do realize that don’t you?  Even your up tempo 76ers are.  I assume you already know this right?  You seem like a brilliant basketball mind so I am going to assume that you already knew that nugget.

Byron Scott uses a system designed for high school kids.  

You’re a 76ers fan, clearly you are used to being absolutely awful.  Isn’t you calling the Lakers trash kind of hypocritical?

Thus far the biggest detriment to Russell has been B Scott.  I don’t expect you to acknowledge that given your previous comments, but I am sure you were one of the million 76er fans who were praising Russell as the guy leading up to the draft.  Since he isn’t on your team now you are throwing tomatos… there isn’t really any explanation other than that needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I am a fan of flashy basketball because I said MDA would be better for this teams development than B Scott?  That’s drawing a ton of conclusions from that statement.  

Your whole statement is filled with non sense.

Do I think Russell could run that system right now like Nash did?  Nope, never said he could.  Who would expect a rookie to be able to mimic one of the greatest offenses of all time?

Would the Lakers still be trash?  Yep, didn’t say they wouldn’t.

Is it good being a Lakers fan?  Not right now, but infinitely better than being a 76ers fan always… because you know our organization has actually had some success.  They made 3 straight trips to the finals as little as 5 years ago.  When is the last time 76ers had ANY success??

MDA system allows players to make mistakes and puts them in a position to play to their strengths.  Especially when a kids strengths are shooting and passing.  It’s why about 80% of the league are using a variation of his offense now.  You do realize that don’t you?  Even your up tempo 76ers are.  I assume you already know this right?  You seem like a brilliant basketball mind so I am going to assume that you already knew that nugget.

Byron Scott uses a system designed for high school kids.  

You’re a 76ers fan, clearly you are used to being absolutely awful.  Isn’t you calling the Lakers trash kind of hypocritical?

Thus far the biggest detriment to Russell has been B Scott.  I don’t expect you to acknowledge that given your previous comments, but I am sure you were one of the million 76er fans who were praising Russell as the guy leading up to the draft.  Since he isn’t on your team now you are throwing tomatos… there isn’t really any explanation other than that needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Senior in college. 4 year player, that is all that needs to be said about that.  If by the time Russell is 22 and isn’t miles ahead of Grant, then yeah…. but he was a senior so….

RJ Hunter and Terry Rozier are both lighting the world on fire for the 1-2 Celtics.  

How has anyone without a 40 inch vertical and a 7’10" wingspan ever gotten by in the NBA.  With your logic players like Steve Nash, Andre Miller, 75% of the PG’s in the 2000’s and 90’s never stood a chance.

The game isn’t track and field, it’s basketball.  Have you ever played it?  There is a certain amount of skill that goes into it.  Whether what is more important between skill and athleticism is hard to quantify and is up for debate.

 RJ Hunter hasn’t gotten 1 minute of run on a team with 46 undersized 2 guards.

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 Jerian Grant is already playing a major role on a dramatic improvement by the Knicks. He does it by being a complete defensive player, and a complete offensive player as well. D-Russell is actually pretty similar to Grant as far as offensive skillset, with one huge difference being that Grant is actually an NBA athlete, and can get where he needs/wants to go with and without the ball in his hands.

Grant can score as much as his team needs him to, while still setting up his teammates very well, in addition to being able to guard both PGs and SGs at a very high level, with the ability to switch onto SFs with ease.

Sure, Grant is 22 years old, but Russell will never ever ever be the athlete that Grant is, no matter how many beauty makeovers he does per week, or how much time he spends in the weight room.

The idea that Russell had more superstar potential than anybody else in the draft was presented by math nerds who lack the subtle eye required to distinguish a black guy with no athleticism vs a black guy with good athleticism.

To some people, being black just means that if you don’t have Westbrook athleticism then you must at least have Harden athleticism, even if the guy hasn’t dunked since high school and could barely do that.

Even Byron Scott couldn’t see the difference, and still can’t, so I’m not calling out just white people.

Laker’s rebuild could have been over.

Clarkson, RJ Hunter, Kobe, Porzingis, Hibbert

With Randle being a good back up scorer, which he is destined to become on the first good team he plays for.

Or they could have just drafted Jerian Grant at #2, or even Terry Rozier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 the offense – make the team his – like an old time point guard who is like a coach on the floor… Mudiay is going to be a very good to great player just on raw ability & I think Russell can flourish as well but not in the same way… I don;t understand why the Lakers took such a gamble as the #2 pick if they did not intend to commit to the kid 100%

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

What exactly is "raw ability".  I think Mudiay is commandeering an offense as a 19 year old.

To me that means, he is an extremely intelligent ballplayer.  He makes good passes, he like anyone else 4 games in is trying to get himself established in the league, adjust to the pace etc.

The fact that he can do it from day 1 is not a knock.  His biggest asset is his intelligence.

He doesn’t have confidence because he knows his stock fell because of his shooting somewhat.  The fact that he is going toe to toe RIGHT NOW with Westbrook and Lou Williams, speaks a ton about him at 19.  Meanwhile, weak ass Russell is being babied and told "you’ll be so good if you can do this and this and that".

 

 

  

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

What exactly is "raw ability".  I think Mudiay is commandeering an offense as a 19 year old.

To me that means, he is an extremely intelligent ballplayer.  He makes good passes, he like anyone else 4 games in is trying to get himself established in the league, adjust to the pace etc.

The fact that he can do it from day 1 is not a knock.  His biggest asset is his intelligence.

He doesn’t have confidence because he knows his stock fell because of his shooting somewhat.  The fact that he is going toe to toe RIGHT NOW with Westbrook and Lou Williams, speaks a ton about him at 19.  Meanwhile, weak ass Russell is being babied and told "you’ll be so good if you can do this and this and that".

 

 

  

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 work out – he’s got more natural size than Russell as well – but can Russell can be just as good & maybe even better if given the chance…

 In Denver, Mudiay doesn’t have Any of the obstacles that Russell is dealing with… L.A. should give him the point position & let him learn & grow…

 No one one wants to count Mudiay’s year in China but pro ball is more than just on the court – it’s Everything off the court as well & this is Mudiay’s 2nd year as a pro… These top propsects make large leaps in their 2nd year… 

In short, & for Several reasons, comparing Mudiay & Russell is Not apples to apples – the only thing they have in common is the same draft class but there are differences in several areas but Both can be successful in the long run…

 

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 work out – he’s got more natural size than Russell as well – but can Russell can be just as good & maybe even better if given the chance…

 In Denver, Mudiay doesn’t have Any of the obstacles that Russell is dealing with… L.A. should give him the point position & let him learn & grow…

 No one one wants to count Mudiay’s year in China but pro ball is more than just on the court – it’s Everything off the court as well & this is Mudiay’s 2nd year as a pro… These top propsects make large leaps in their 2nd year… 

In short, & for Several reasons, comparing Mudiay & Russell is Not apples to apples – the only thing they have in common is the same draft class but there are differences in several areas but Both can be successful in the long run…

 

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 the offense – make the team his – like an old time point guard who is like a coach on the floor… Mudiay is going to be a very good to great player just on raw ability & I think Russell can flourish as well but not in the same way… I don;t understand why the Lakers took such a gamble as the #2 pick if they did not intend to commit to the kid 100%

[llperez]

 their stat lines from last night

mudiay: 31 minutes…3-13fg…12pts…10ast…6to’s

russell: 20 minutes…3-11fg…7pts…6ast…1to

basically it was a toss up stat wise. Mudiay has much more of a green light and aggressive attitude. Russell is is more passive. But he is also a better shooter and reads the court more. Even one of mudiays made shots was a bank in 3 pointer that looked ugly. As for long term, i would say toss up. Mudiay has the athleticism and speed while russell is more skilled. Hopefully as the lakers progress russell increases his assertiveness. 

 

 

 

[llperez]

 their stat lines from last night

mudiay: 31 minutes…3-13fg…12pts…10ast…6to’s

russell: 20 minutes…3-11fg…7pts…6ast…1to

basically it was a toss up stat wise. Mudiay has much more of a green light and aggressive attitude. Russell is is more passive. But he is also a better shooter and reads the court more. Even one of mudiays made shots was a bank in 3 pointer that looked ugly. As for long term, i would say toss up. Mudiay has the athleticism and speed while russell is more skilled. Hopefully as the lakers progress russell increases his assertiveness. 

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Good for you for posting the stat lines while most blindly awarded Mudiay champion.  

I believe 2 of Mudiays 3 pointers came in the last 2 minutes of the game.

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Good for you for posting the stat lines while most blindly awarded Mudiay champion.  

I believe 2 of Mudiays 3 pointers came in the last 2 minutes of the game.

 

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

its about command of the game.  Mudiay is on a terrible team I don’t care how many points he scores, I care about how he affects each and every game.  Right now he commands an offense.

Mudiay had that in every HS AS game.  

 

 Russell was barely showcased then, just like he is now, an afterthought.

  

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

its about command of the game.  Mudiay is on a terrible team I don’t care how many points he scores, I care about how he affects each and every game.  Right now he commands an offense.

Mudiay had that in every HS AS game.  

 

 Russell was barely showcased then, just like he is now, an afterthought.

  

[llperez]

 russell is playing with clarkson, kobe, randle and lou williams. H is not given total fredom quit yt, he is askd to be responsible with ball and play within offense. The time will come for him to continue to stp up and he is alkready showing progrss in that regard. Mudiay is allowed to be more aggrssive. So of course he has mor ecommand of the game right now. Thats not to say its even a good comand as the turnovers and poor shot selection are not good things to boast about. His team did win, but that was mor about the lakers absolut atrocious defense then mudiay leading them.

[llperez]

 russell is playing with clarkson, kobe, randle and lou williams. H is not given total fredom quit yt, he is askd to be responsible with ball and play within offense. The time will come for him to continue to stp up and he is alkready showing progrss in that regard. Mudiay is allowed to be more aggrssive. So of course he has mor ecommand of the game right now. Thats not to say its even a good comand as the turnovers and poor shot selection are not good things to boast about. His team did win, but that was mor about the lakers absolut atrocious defense then mudiay leading them.

[T Rex]

 Kendall Marshall is like a coach on the floor too. And a quicker athlete than Russell. Jeremy Lin looks like Westbrook compared to Russell. And Clarkson looks like a cartoon super hero.

 

 

[T Rex]

 Kendall Marshall is like a coach on the floor too. And a quicker athlete than Russell. Jeremy Lin looks like Westbrook compared to Russell. And Clarkson looks like a cartoon super hero.

 

 

[Rip256]

 Man some of the trash talk in this thread is killer.

Slapping the pud…im stealing that. 

 

[Rip256]

 Man some of the trash talk in this thread is killer.

Slapping the pud…im stealing that. 

 

[Author]

Posts