Julius-Obi-Fournier-Burks-IQ
Julius-Obi-Burks-IQ-Rose
RJ/Burks/Fournier
Obi still has a ways to go, but he gives us a level of energy and motion and ball movement that is contagious.
Sometimes he overthinks round the hoop, or over passes, or passes on shots....
But he is a force on the break, improving his defense, and like IQ, his threes are starting to fall and are launched without fear or compunction. He even made a short jumper at the top of the key recently, right out of the Willis Reed playbook, let alone JR, and oh my God, if he could dial that in consistently, so that he is more of a threat than simply in the highlight reel...damn.
Obi and IQ play with a joy and a fearlessness that is contagious. Did I mention that their play IS CONTAGIOUS.
And IQ, like his Kentucky homie, Maxey, with good coaching and a steadfast belief in their game, is evolving into an NBA level combo with PG chops and the belieft in their team mates.
PS: I am not dissmissing RJ, no indeed, but I am pleased to see that Thibs is presenting him and Evan with a challenge come the fourth quarter. The hot hand gets the gravy.
PPS: I could easily see our puppy from Houston joining the RJ/Burks/Fournier/Grimes rotation. He is fearless, plays D like he means it, and capable of detonating from trey.
PPPS: The whole issue of Julius doing too much. He is NOT selfish [witness his assists numbers, approaching Jokic country for a big], and yes he does tend to pound and over dribble and force the action, but there are stretches where he carries us. IDEALLY, in some better world than this, JR would be a second or third option to TWO OTHER CERTIFIABLE SUPERSTARS. Thibs LEANS ON JULIUS, in case you haven't noticed, and with more opportunities to succeed, there are also more opportunites to fail. As we evolve this season, the emergence of IQ/Obi, the evolution of RJ, and the efficiency of Burks & Fournier, while not yet in the TWO OTHER SUPERSTAR MODE, should hopefully relieve Julius of this burden, and allow him to be more effective in those areas of strength which he clearly has. A LITTLE RESPECT FOR JR, people.
PPPPS: Nerlens/Mitchell, Kemba/Derrick
PPPPPS: Big test for Thibs tonight.