David, congratulations on the Zach Lowe quote tweet. The first of many. Regarding Ayton’s best traits, I agree with both his ability to defend without fouling and grab key offensive rebounds. The common trait to both of those, and some of his other great strengths (finishing foremost among them), is his positional understanding. I am reminded of Paul’s quote in Ayton’s PT article about angles. Ayton’s basketball brain (which we also see in his passing, and low mistake rate) is his best trait to me and it manifests itself most clearly in his understanding of where to be and when to be there and how to plan to get there most intelligently. This was an issue in game 5 where he seemed to get to close to the rim on offensive boards. It hasn’t been an issue the rest of the playoffs at all. Here is hoping for another great performance in the Finals. I expect it.
I know what you're saying about Frank Kaminsky... BUT, 1 - if you are expecting Frank Kaminsky to be an enforcer, that will never, ever happen. It's not who he is. You might think that's a flaw, but 2) Imagine Frank somehow decides to be an enforcer there and does something. The Clippers have nothing to lose at that point, and we damn well might have a full-blown melee, and your argument that Booker and Jae can't do anything goes out the window. Because if there IS a melee, Booker and Jae are abso-fucking-lutely getting involved at that point. And then we're screwed for game one of the Finals, potentially.
Also, I feel like Jae Crowder delivering one of the greatest passes of all time to win game 2 was not really given its due. And game 6 is nowhere near as easy without his 3-point shooting in the first half. Also, with Booker wearing a mask, that left him as the only real "tough guy".
David, congratulations on the Zach Lowe quote tweet. The first of many. Regarding Ayton’s best traits, I agree with both his ability to defend without fouling and grab key offensive rebounds. The common trait to both of those, and some of his other great strengths (finishing foremost among them), is his positional understanding. I am reminded of Paul’s quote in Ayton’s PT article about angles. Ayton’s basketball brain (which we also see in his passing, and low mistake rate) is his best trait to me and it manifests itself most clearly in his understanding of where to be and when to be there and how to plan to get there most intelligently. This was an issue in game 5 where he seemed to get to close to the rim on offensive boards. It hasn’t been an issue the rest of the playoffs at all. Here is hoping for another great performance in the Finals. I expect it.
I know what you're saying about Frank Kaminsky... BUT, 1 - if you are expecting Frank Kaminsky to be an enforcer, that will never, ever happen. It's not who he is. You might think that's a flaw, but 2) Imagine Frank somehow decides to be an enforcer there and does something. The Clippers have nothing to lose at that point, and we damn well might have a full-blown melee, and your argument that Booker and Jae can't do anything goes out the window. Because if there IS a melee, Booker and Jae are abso-fucking-lutely getting involved at that point. And then we're screwed for game one of the Finals, potentially.
Either way, great pod, guys!
Also, I feel like Jae Crowder delivering one of the greatest passes of all time to win game 2 was not really given its due. And game 6 is nowhere near as easy without his 3-point shooting in the first half. Also, with Booker wearing a mask, that left him as the only real "tough guy".