02-09-2024, 02:50 PM
(02-09-2024, 12:16 PM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: Glass half empty. Last time Gafford wasn't a negative in defensive on/off was his rookie season. I really hope that it's just about him playing next to Kuzma and Poole but I am not as convinced as others on this board that just because he is a shot blocker the defense is going to be better. Have seen too many players that chased blocks/rebounds instead of playing good team defense. I haven't seen enough of Gafford to make the call but the numbers are at least somewhat concerning.
Glass half full. He has all the tools to make an impact and for the first time in his career his on court performance actually matters. He is playing on a winning team. As we saw last season selfish/lazy defenders like McGee will quickly lose their spot in the rotation. So I am going to assume that Gafford will embrace his new role.
Gafford sure seems to move well and is athletic so the ability to play defense is there. Hopefully him and Washington buy into giving 100% on the defensive end. I can see Gafford and Lively helping each other get better.