Re: All about the Fort Wayne Mad Ants
Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2024 2:49 am
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Wizop wrote:I think Toppin returns. Stix will try to get starters minutes elsewhere but if that isn't available we might be able to keep him.
8305 wrote:Wizop wrote:I think Toppin returns. Stix will try to get starters minutes elsewhere but if that isn't available we might be able to keep him.
I’m torn. I’ve enjoyed Toppin this season. But, wonder if it makes sense to be paying him at the same time Walker will need minutes? I look at Walker and Brown and see a higher upside.
Wizop wrote:8305 wrote:Wizop wrote:I think Toppin returns. Stix will try to get starters minutes elsewhere but if that isn't available we might be able to keep him.
I’m torn. I’ve enjoyed Toppin this season. But, wonder if it makes sense to be paying him at the same time Walker will need minutes? I look at Walker and Brown and see a higher upside.
I think Walker and Brown are both going to be 3s not 4s.
8305 wrote:Wizop wrote:8305 wrote:I’m torn. I’ve enjoyed Toppin this season. But, wonder if it makes sense to be paying him at the same time Walker will need minutes? I look at Walker and Brown and see a higher upside.
I think Walker and Brown are both going to be 3s not 4s.
Position less basketball?
JMaster5K wrote:8305 wrote:Wizop wrote:
I think Walker and Brown are both going to be 3s not 4s.
Position less basketball?
Nope,... Walker and Brown are both 'listed' at 6'8",... but neither of them is very long. Walker has a good wingspan,.. but he doesn't have the shoulder flex to reach up very well,.. standing reach is only 8'8.5",... Brown is smaller than Walker. (For reference, most "4's" have a standing reach sorta 8'10" +,... Pascal is 9'0", I-Jax is 9'1",.. Stix is 9'2.5" - as measured at either their pro days or the combine.)
That puts them both Walker and Brown as good sized (above average, but not top size) for a 3. It also makes them considerably undersized for a 4. The only guy currently starting as a 4 with that length is Aaron Gordon,.. and well,.. a 40" vertical makes up for a bit of that. =}
Both of them have also shown the floor coverage & quick hands on defense to cover 3's and be switchable, sorta 1-4. As well as the ball skills to create favorable mismatches on the offensive end. It also helps that Coach has a history of taking smaller college 4's and making really good, NBA 3's. (Ron Artest in 2003-04 for example - there were more examples in an older thread. He's done it a number of times.)
Gotta agree with Wizop on this one,... Kinda see Walker as a 3,.. and Brown as a 3. maybe even a 2 in certain lineups IF, he can get his ball skills up to a backcourt level? I don't think Toppin will really cut into Walker or Brown's dev time,.. but, if this take is right, Buddy would have been taking time from Benn, Ben, Walker, and Brown... though I do miss him & wish him all the success,.. unless he is playing us. =]
8305 wrote:JMaster5K wrote:8305 wrote:
Position less basketball?
I’ve always equated length to wing span. Not sure of Brown’s but I’m pretty sure Walker’s is 7’2” which I think is solid for a 4. Not saying shoulder flex isn’t a real thing but, if it is Pacers must have totally slept on it since Walker in particular was drafted to play the 4.
As for the lateral versatility typically needed guard 3’s. That’s great but the quickness needed to guard 3’s wouldn’t preclude a guy from guarding 4’s. That’s what the position less game is all about. Walker and Brown look better able to guard multiple positions than Toppin. I would value lateral mobility a more important trait than shoulder flex.
Wizop wrote:Wasn't Brown a 3 in college? He was drafted for his speed and defense knowing his shooting needed a lot of work. His g league scoring is much improved. I like our depth for next year.
8305 wrote:Wizop wrote:
JMaster5K wrote:Again,... sorry,... will try not to type a whole book chapter,..... ={
Wizop wrote:OT may force me to learn to spell his name next year.
Wizop wrote:OT may force me to learn to spell his name next year.
JMaster5K wrote:Wizop wrote:OT may force me to learn to spell his name next year.
Hmmmm,... O s c a r ?...... o0
(kidding - jk) =}
Wizop wrote:sing along - my hot dog has a first name, it's O S C A R
for the record, I refuse to call anyone other than the original Big O