2021-2022 ROSTER TALK: [ARCHIVED]

[ItsGoTime]

Well, last year, KP wasn't good at anything on the defensive end. I thought that was a sign of permanent decline, and was wrong. I've said that about 100 times. 

But, in regards to the comparison, there are different types of centers. KP was much better protecting the rim from the weak side this year, no doubt. He's better than Powell at that, no doubt. Personally, I don't think he's a difference maker in that area like a Gobert, but...yes, much better than Powell and much better than last year. If he's not making a difference in areas of strength, really, and for my money, he wasn't, then what's the upside to putting up with the things he can't do? 

And as far as what Powell does well, yeah it's a little about switching onto perimeter players, but honestly, that's not what I think he's great at doing. Better than Porzingis by a MILE, but not great. He shows at the right time on those screen and rolls, and has the foot speed to recover in time to ruin the action. He cuts off drives in a help capacity and then recovers to take passes away. I mean honestly I could write four paragraphs on all of the things he does well. I think he's a great defender, myself. Very, very SMART.

First, I must apologize for my tone in what I wrote. When I reread it in your quote, that was not my intent. I will say, I mostly reply to you around here cause you have the most patience with my way of getting a thought out and I appreciate that a lot. I'm sure it grinds on you though and again, I apologize.

I've been meaning to ask you what you (or Dan for that matter) specifically think he does that can't be taught to another willing and hard working player that has foot speed as a C (thinking about Holmes mostly, cause I think Turner does enough on defense, while having foot speed, that even if he didn't do all the things Powell does, those other things still make him better). I mean to ask this on offense and defense. 

My thoughts about what Powell brings that is not teachable is really his foot speed. I think all the other things he does can be taught to a willing and hard working player. I'm willing to concede his IQ being off the charts unteachable, but would need a bit of a large nudge to know specifically how that relates to an on-court advantage over a player with a bit lower IQ, but is a hard and willing worker in your mind.

I'm willing to start giving up on some of my preconceived notions about who Powell is, but I just have a hard time thinking that who he is is a hard worker that is willing to do anything for the team that has really good foot speed and catches on pretty fast because of his IQ. I think everything else can be taught. I also believe some levels of those abilities can be decreased and we still get an upgrade to who Powell is by getting another player (hopefully IN ADDITION to him) that has more pure basketball talent to utilize.