blkexec wrote:Mikal needs a playmaking PG. And it's always a challenge to be both a scorer and playmaker. But this is JB and Thibs role to figure out. JB alone will not get us far. But getting the most out of OG and Mikal will take this team far into the playoffs.
we didnt give up those picks just for Bridges. We did it because he's the perfect playing to pair with Brunson if you want to see how far Brunson's finishing can take you in the playoffs.
What's the ideal SG next to Brunson?
long elite defender who can switch between guards/wings
non ball dominant or off ball player
shooter/slasher/cutter (floor spacer)
secondary ball handler
Of all those things the only thing Mikal lacks is ball handling. He's not a TO waiting to happen but doesnt look great in that role (Josh usually does that and has killed that role)
The REAL bottom line are the playoffs. Regular season means something, but it's mid term at best and the playoffs count for 60% of your grade. Mikal has such potential to be a force for us. Fingers crossed. I have high hopes
https://www.nba.com/stats/lineups/advanc...I think it's significant we have the best starting 5 though almost a whole season. Bridges is a huge part of that IMO.
If we had a healthy bench.. if McBride and Mitch were healthy and gave us 65-70 games we are challenging the Celtics for the 2 seed for sure.
I also think it's super fixable (likely not till the offseason). I absolutely think we can make a deep run and upset Cle/Bos or both IF we go into the postseason with healthy 7... that's our 5 + Mitch/McBride. I do NOT think that's likely. Mitch might make it but McBride's been gimpy all year and with a groin it aint looking good.
martin wrote:blkexec wrote:Mikal needs a playmaking PG. And it's always a challenge to be both a scorer and playmaker. But this is JB and Thibs role to figure out. JB alone will not get us far. But getting the most out of OG and Mikal will take this team far into the playoffs.
That's the crux of it
I mean Mikal needs to figure it out too. They player is not absolved for finding the right fit/spots. There has been a lack of assertiveness at times. I think OG has been assertive all year, or at least started that way and then got into a long physical lull in December/Jan/Feb. He seems to have his legs again and he's been really aggressive. Mikal has not been assertive in taking on contact and has floated offensively a little too often.
VDesai wrote:martin wrote:blkexec wrote:Mikal needs a playmaking PG. And it's always a challenge to be both a scorer and playmaker. But this is JB and Thibs role to figure out. JB alone will not get us far. But getting the most out of OG and Mikal will take this team far into the playoffs.
That's the crux of it
I mean Mikal needs to figure it out too. They player is not absolved for finding the right fit/spots. There has been a lack of assertiveness at times. I think OG has been assertive all year, or at least started that way and then got into a long physical lull in December/Jan/Feb. He seems to have his legs again and he's been really aggressive. Mikal has not been assertive in taking on contact and has floated offensively a little too often.
I agree and this might be my favorite part of having Brunson here and being our Captain. The leadership floor general aspect of his game is huge. I really think he will put it on himself to get guys going as well.
fishmike wrote:VDesai wrote:martin wrote:blkexec wrote:Mikal needs a playmaking PG. And it's always a challenge to be both a scorer and playmaker. But this is JB and Thibs role to figure out. JB alone will not get us far. But getting the most out of OG and Mikal will take this team far into the playoffs.
That's the crux of it
I mean Mikal needs to figure it out too. They player is not absolved for finding the right fit/spots. There has been a lack of assertiveness at times. I think OG has been assertive all year, or at least started that way and then got into a long physical lull in December/Jan/Feb. He seems to have his legs again and he's been really aggressive. Mikal has not been assertive in taking on contact and has floated offensively a little too often.
I agree and this might be my favorite part of having Brunson here and being our Captain. The leadership floor general aspect of his game is huge. I really think he will put it on himself to get guys going as well.
When JB, KAT and OG are on the floor, Mikal defers too much. He's a rhythm scorer who needs to dribble to his spot. And he's hot and cold, when forced into a role he's not comfortable in (4th option on offense).
Even though Mikal is also a catch and shoot player, that's not his strength....He's hot and cold in that role. Dribble downhill into a midrange pullup? He's above 50% and shoots those in his sleep. But there are players who are truly catch and shoot vs dribble and shoot fadeaway middies.
Who fits best next to JB you asked Fish? Thats a discussion for the off season. Even though I think the Nova crew are here to stay, Mikal just have to improve that part of his game in the off season. Right now, the goal is to get Mikal right, once JB is back. If he's starting, need to make it work period. And hopefully JB (and the team) can help get Mikal going. Thigs and the team needs him.
