03-18-2021, 09:36 AM
(This post was last modified: 03-18-2021, 09:36 AM by HanspardShowerVoice.)
(03-18-2021, 09:16 AM)michaeltex Wrote: I don't think of Luka as especially quick, most commentators talk about him as deliberate because they try to compare him with a typical point guard. I think there was a "slow Euro" stigma during his draft year, despite his successes.
But his ability to start from a dead stop and blow by PG, who is represented as a good defender, shows that you can't just pigeon-hole him. I think RC was talking about his ability to stop quickly as a skill that surprises defenders. So quick starts and quick starts (and the skill to do something creative) and maybe you don't need as much baseline speed.
Also he's so strong you have to really commit to getting your entire body in front of him to stop his path, because just bumping him isn't going to push him off his line. That causes defenders to over committ and vulnerable to a change of direction.
Really think with modern floor spacing, strength has become really a premium offensive skillset and I think it's the main asset for elite guys like LeBron, Giannis, Harden, Zion and Luka. It's fun to go back into the past and think about which players from previous eras would thrive in today's NBA, and I think the default is to think about former great shooters who would thrive in a 3 point dominated league. But I also think someone like Hornet's era Larry Johnson would have just been an absolute beast with modern floor spacing concepts.