Baseline to Baseline: October 22nd
- Caris LeVert’s rampages to the rim.
Are the Nets fun? The Nets might be kind of fun! D’Angelo Russell’s presence has given them an offensive focal point and an identity in which they can lean on. Compound that with energy bigs that like to cut and screen, and the Nets have the outline of a team that at least knows what it is from a night to night basis. That likely won’t lead to a ton of wins this season, but knowing what you are is a valuable proposition in itself when you are trying to lay a foundation. (Suns fans nod solemnly.)
Outside of Russell, Brooklyn has some other fascinating guards coming into their own. My favorite of the bunch is LeVert, a long and athletic combo guard/wing that is malleable enough to fit in lineups featuring lead guards or defensive-minded wings.
He has a herky-jerkiness to his game that keeps a defender slightly off balance and helps him leverage his long strides to penetrate the lane. He’s still young and inconsistent, but has good vision, and Jeremy Lin’s injury should open up more chances for him to showcase his stuff as a playmaker. I think he is going to be a good player. Good for Brooklyn!
2. Jarrett Allen, being huge.
Continuing with the Nets theme, Allen, their first round pick this summer, jumps off the screen every time you watch him.
The Nets announcers cited that he has a 7'6" wingspan, and he has done an admirable job of putting it to use through three games. He kind of resembles young JaVale McGee, except he actually processes what is happening around him on the court. If Allen can groom himself into a starting center primarily focused on catching lobs and protecting the rim, Brooklyn is going to be in business.
3. Raymond Felton is the washed guy who runs shit at your local LA Fitness.
The Timberwolves and Thunder played a game of the year candidate last night packed with budding stars, established stars, clutch shots, and startling displays of athleticism. Disappointingly, I have not seen enough talk about how Raymond Felton is morphing into the washed hooper who runs point during pick up games at the gym.
From the hand signals to the barking of random orders, Felton has this role down and I am not sure if there is even a close second. I love the dramatic nature of his cross over dribble and the way he turns the corner in somewhat slow motion. It’s the classic I’m going to seem like I’m giving orders before I break out a vintage drive past you fools play. The flailing reverse finish is a delightful added bonus.
The fact that he is playing alongside Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony (the washed guy somehow always ends up on the same team as the best players) makes this comparison even sweeter.
4. New Orleans pulling the reversal.
The Pelicans should run this every time down the floor. I love how they are unafraid to let Boogie Cousins or Anthony Davis bring up the ball and ignite the offense as if they were a prototypical point guard. It’s exactly how they need to play if they are going to maximize each of their respective talents.
Using Jrue Holiday as the other screener alongside Cousins allows him to attack a scrambling defense after receiving the pass from Davis, stringing a chain of rotations that will eventually lead somebody being left open. Holiday and Cousins realistically had open looks themselves, but Ian Clark in the corner is a sure bet.
I enjoy watching New Orleans — they’re strange and different, but the talent of their two behemoths is overwhelming.
