12-04-2025, 07:54 AM
(12-04-2025, 07:30 AM)Winter Wrote: I think the size issue may be over-rated. I'm sure the opponent will target him when it's positioned to do that, but does that really make a difference in a player that produces a double-double in points and assists? Did they target Chris Paul when he first came into the league (I don't really know the answer to that). Did it matter? If they targeted Brunson because he was short, would you take him out? BTW, I realize I'm comparing him to two all-star PGs, but his stats as a starter these last few game make him look better than most PGs around the league. You don't take him out of the game because of size. I mean AD is a pretty slow defender on the perimeter. When 6'3 guard sees a one-on-one with AD on the perimeter, they probably think they have advantage. The issue of size goes several ways.
I think the real issue is not height, it's competitiveness. If Nembhard was really struggling defensively, I could see a problem. But it doesn't look like that now, nor has that ever been a topic of discussion in college that I'm aware of. He looks stronger than either Brunson or Barea at this point, and he's quick.
Yes, we need another starting-caliber PG, but I'm not 100% certain we should be wringing our hands for another starting PG other than Nembhard.
I'm loving this stretch from Nembhard. But there will be games, halves, quarters, matchups, where the other team gets the better of him. I think Miami did that for the most part late in the 4th. Davion Mitchell was guarding Flagg most of the night but switched onto Nembhard late and pretty much clamped him. Which is just fine. It's going to happen. There are really good defenders in this league. We'll get to see how he faces against several of them Friday. For now, lets just enjoy the Ups and we'll talk through the downs when they happen.