steveystuds06 wrote: ↑4 years ago
rjsuperfly66 wrote: ↑4 years ago
It's about balance... we all like hustle players but teams can still balance out a team of grit (+ defenders who dive for loose balls, take charges) with more talented, offensive-centric guys. There are a lot of very good NBA players who don't play much defense and don't dive/take charges, but can stuff a stat sheet by scoring, and maybe grabbing some rebounds, and be key pieces on good teams. The difference is that they get surrounded by some of those gritty guys who make those plays. I don't think you can win with a team of just grit just like I don't think you can win on a team with just talent. Basketball is a two-way sport (can't just beat teams 50-49 every night or 99-98), and you need to have guys with the talent, guys with the grit, and guys who do both. Not everyone can do both at a high level (too much energy spent).
Yes of course you need both. This is about Martin and Martin. Malik will bring something to the table that this team desperately needs. I think he can help this roster more than a guy like Tyrese.
Agreed. If Malik plays with even half the heart and determination that Hass played with then we're in good shape. He brings some of the intangibles that you're not getting with Tyrese, and he's much better defensively which is something we desperately need, especially when you consider the departures of Cyril and Jeff.
Tyrese was a fantastic rebounder. Always in great position for offensive boards and easy put-backs. That aspect of his game will be sorely missed. And he could hit the occasional three, but was generally a very inconsistent shooter. Hitting 32% of his 3PT attempts and 66% of his FT attempts isn't exactly awe-inspiring so I think he's being somewhat overvalued as an offensive player. Yes, we need to replace his 12-point average next season, but that production was based on 35 minutes/game. If given equivalent playing time, I have no doubt that Malik can match and/or exceed that production.
What I certainly WON'T miss is Tyrese's propensity to turn the ball over in key situations, often getting beat off the dribble on defense, his refusal to pass the ball in transition and his general lackadaisical attitude. He just never struck me as a team guy. I know people defend it by saying that's just his demeanor, but perception is reality more often than not.
We just need to turn the page. Tyrese is gone. Good luck at UCONN. Maybe Hurley can unlock some of that untapped potential, but as a player, I think he is who he is. You can't teach passion and grit. Kudos to Cox for quickly finding a suitable replacement who brings a different set of traits into the fold. I'm excited to see what Malik can do in a Rhody uniform. Fingers crossed he'll be eligible next season.