Feb 21, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Shannon Brown (1) reacts on the court against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Spurs 106-85. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
The Other Guys:
"Guard Shannon Brown: Scout: “He can’t consistently make shots, was a shell of himself last year. He wasn’t even that good of a defender with the Knicks last year, and that’s supposed to be his strength. I’m not sure he’s an NBA player anymore.”"
I have always been a Brown fan and wished the Heat signed him last season before the Knicks and Spurs got to him, but a quick look at his numbers backs up the point of the scout. He shot 33% between the Spurs and Knicks last season and his defense was absolutely terrible. Maybe Coach Spolestra and his staff saw something they can correct with him? Will be interesting to see.
Shabazz Napier:
"Rookie point guard Shabazz Napier: Scout: “He couldn’t score in summer league. I was shocked, real disappointed the way he played. He was missing everything, turning it over and doing this against college competition. But this happened to Trey Burke last year and he started to play pretty well [for Utah].” (And as Erik Spoelstra noted Wednesday, Napier “looks much more comfortable than he did this summer.”)"
Napier was an very good college player (one that I loathe for beating the Gators). I don’t quite see yet how his skills will transfer into the NBA. He seems to play the game too fast and his shooting is not that good. Actually reminds me of Norris Cole, someone that I have grown less likening to as he plays more. Hopefully Napier develops well this season and beats out Cole for the backup role.
James Ennis:
"Rookie swingman James Ennis: Scout: “Good athlete, but I’d be surprised if he’s a longterm NBA rotation player. Needs to improve his ball-handling.” (Still, the shooting and athleticism intrigue.)"
When you can shoot the ball like Ennis and possess the athleticism he has, there will always be NBA intrigue. As I pointed out in my season preview for Ennis, the guy showed he can ball in Australia. His athleticism helped him finish third in MVP voting, win a championship, and win Finals MVP. Now it’s time to see if he can translate that athleticism into something in the NBA. The key for opportunities for Ennis will be all about his defense. I cannot think of a better person than Deng for Ennis to seek advise on to become that player he can be.