Stephen Curry, the perfect compliment to Brandon Roy?
by darkhelmit54 on Apr 23, 2009 5:36 PM PDT
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PrintOur backcourt is simply too inefficient. Roy is a top 10 player in the NBA, we've seen that this year, so I think we need to look at the backcourt from a standpoint of how best to fit him. Roy is an incredible drive and kick player, very strong rebounder for his size, and good ballhandler. But he is not a great distributor as his court vision is lacking, he doesn't push the tempo at all, and he isn't a great post-entry passer. However in this draft one player really stands out as a fit: Stephen Curry. While everyone knows about his fantastic shooting ability, what is underrated about his game is his incredible court vision and passing skills. Bob Knight's offered him very high praise calling him "the best passer at the college level" he's ever seen, I don't take that lightly. Curry is very good at pushing the ball in the open court and playing off the ball. He's a natural fit next to Roy and could space the floor incredibly. And he could be had too in the 8-15 range it seems.
Logically in our backcourt partner for Roy we need a player who can: Play off the ball, lead the break, have good court vision, space the floor for Roy by shooting well, and make solid entry passes.
Steve Blake does one of these things well (space the floor with shooting), yet is terrible on the break, has poor court vision, and doesn't make great entry passes.
Bayless' has no concept of how to play off the ball, a suspect shot at this point, and sub-par court vision. He's a scorer, and can develop into a quite good one, but doesn't have great complimentary skills for Roy at this point in time.
Sergio runs the break exceptionally well and has great court vision and entry passing skills, yet his jumper is suspect (along with D), and he can't play off the ball as a result of his lack of jumper or post skills.
I firmly believe believe we need to upgrade the PG position by using Blake and Bayless. I think Sergio could be a great 15 mpg backup PG in the league, and wouldn't be opposed to keeping him (essentially as Roy's backup).
I do think Rudy also could work very well next to Roy long-term, as he fits many of the above categories and makes fantastic entry passes.
However in this draft one player really stands out as a fit: Stephen Curry.
While everyone knows about his fantastic shooting ability, what is underrated about his game is his incredible court vision and passing skills. Bob Knight's offered him very high praise calling him "the best passer at the college level" he's ever seen, I don't take that lightly. Curry is very good at pushing the ball in the open court and playing off the ball. He's a natural fit next to Roy and could space the floor incredibly. And he could be had too in the 8-15 range it seems.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JyTIQq5H-g
The big question marks with Curry seem to be his ability to adapt to being the number 3,4, or 5 option on the floor rather than the primary option, and his below-average athleticism at the PG position. However, his athleticism is still above the level of Steve Blake, and I'm not entirely sure I see him as a 35 mpg PG in the league, but as a good 'role' player. Another criticism of Curry is his defense, but he is a heady player and while athletically limited, Batum could fit very well as a defensive presence against elite PG's.
I do think he would fit very well next to Roy in stretches though, and as a result we could have a rotation somewhat like this:
position 1 Roy (33)/Sergio(15)
position 2 Curry(20)/Rudy(28)
In this sense he'd really be somewhat of a backup to Rudy, yet he could start so that Sergio spends all his time on the floor with Rudy. Of course if we're able to snag Rubio I won't complain.
Other options I'd like to investigate:
Steve Nash (could finish out career here, ability to shoot helps him to play off the ball a little more)
Mike Conley (perhaps too valuable in Memphis at this point, unless they go after a PG in the draft, Rubio?)
Ricky Rubio (obvious)
Andre Miller (expiring, maybe seeking big last contract, isn't a fantastic shooter, but very heady and good mid-range game, never been good at pick n roll, but Roy would be running that anyways, would make life easy for our bigs)
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it makes an awful lot of sense actually
Curry possesses a number of the skills that would be ideal in a backcourt partner for Roy. Whether his game will translate to the pros, I’m not sure. I’ll trust the Blazer scouts on this one.
Wall of text
Bullet points, paragraphs, something!
ESPN confirmed that he has declared for the draft. There were also rumors he might still grow a bit.
That stop and go by Roy is straight sick. I'm calling him "The Flu" from now on. - Wendell Maxey
In other news: Is today "find our future point guard" day?
That stop and go by Roy is straight sick. I'm calling him "The Flu" from now on. - Wendell Maxey
Aaron Brooks going crazy on us will do that
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 23, 2009 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah maybe 2-3 inches
according to his doctor aswell as family history. I guess his dad had a late growth spurt too.
Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
-John Wooden
If you train hard, you'll not only be hard, you'll be hard to beat.
-Herschel Walker
Go Blazerss!!! Playoff time!
I kind of see that.
I’m with jksnake on this one. Trust the scouts.KP’s been doing great so far. I haven’t seen Curry enough to form a good opinion on his Def which is my main concern. We can’t just keep rotating Batum to where ever our weak defender is. I’m not a big fan of our constant switching as it is.
Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
-John Wooden
If you train hard, you'll not only be hard, you'll be hard to beat.
-Herschel Walker
Go Blazerss!!! Playoff time!
I'm from North Carolina
and I approve this thread. Would be interesting to look at if he has growing to do and KP and company want him.
On a side note it’s funny how a few posters predicted our PG position would be totally exposed during the playoffs.
Lots of attention on this topic atm.
by NateMcMillan's Suit on Apr 23, 2009 5:58 PM PDT reply actions
A few?
Seems like a lot of people have been talking about it for the last couple years.
When I came here (in 2004), guys like Nick (Van Exel) and Damon, they were a breath of fresh air for me,'' Przybilla
by Nick Van Excellent on Apr 24, 2009 3:07 AM PDT up reply actions
I want this guy only if is willing to go by his first name, Wardell
None of this Stef-un nonsense!
by trailblazersfan on Apr 23, 2009 6:13 PM PDT reply actions
He would be a great addition !
So would Ty Lawson or Mike Conley. A young-quality PG for our team would about seal our starting 5 for 10 years.
i would love a young quality pg
but…i always worry if they will ever develop under nate. nate has done a good job in regards to destroying the confidence of sergio and bayless. maybe a vet would be a better fit for us?
I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer
by Philthyanimal on Apr 23, 2009 6:45 PM PDT up reply actions
It is up to KP
To find the young PG who McMillan will embrace with open arms, or just settle for a vet. I think the latter may set us back, especially if Bayless is not the guy.
by TheGreatDane17 on Apr 23, 2009 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Season=Not over
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
by haildablazer on Apr 23, 2009 6:35 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
i hope blake can step it up
blakes best attribute has been his steadiness even tho he doesnt produce gawdly stats…if he can’t be steady in the first round of the playoffs…what good is he to us? i’ve defended blake all year long as an adequate pg…i just hope he finds his game tomorrow and for the rest of the series.
I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer
First off
THE SEASON IS NOT DEAD AND WE ARE STILL TALKING DRAFT
2ndly Curry plays no D and yeah I want an untested 3pt shooter over an NBA vet that shoots 42% from the real 3pt line.
D= Blake > Curry
3pt= Blake > Curry
D= Sergio= Curry
3pt= Sergio < Curry
D= Bayless > Curry
3pt= Bayless > Curry (Bayless was a 40%+ 3pt shooter in college as well)
People complain about Blakes D yet they want a worse defender on the team.
I only want Rubio or bust for PGs.
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
ok
D= Bayless > Curry
3pt= Bayless = Curry
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
are you serious
Curry > 3PT than Bayless in his sleep and at the very least = Blake, he’s shooting at the 3pt line in college with 3X the defensive attention he’s gonna get in the league, Blake only shoots when spotting up wide open.
Curry has quicker feet than Blake and will be a better defender, Blake is a terrible defender.
Passing, transition offense, court vision
Curry > Blake
by darkhelmit54 on Apr 23, 2009 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions
ok
Blake has been a solid NBA PG with an amazing A/TO ratio, one of the best in the league. He has proven it in the NBA and Curry has proven nothing. Curry has limited quickness and will not be able to stay in front of his man.
I’m gonna let you in on a little secret in the NBA, PGs do not play D. The new hand check rules will not let PGs play D. Rather the entire team now has to play D. Blake is great at sealing off where his man wants to go and relying on his big men to deny penetration. The only difficulty he has is getting through screens, due to his lack of strength and Curry will amplify the problem as he is frailer than Sergio.
You are dead wrong in your assessment and are just drooling over a new toy you want to play with, even though the toy you already have does the job well enough.
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
Curry is quicker than Blake
you haven’t said one reasonable observation yet. Blake’s A/TO ratio is good because he doesn’t create anything on his own. His Assists and turnovers are low, who cares it makes no impact. Curry is clearly a better shooter/passer/ballhandler
by darkhelmit54 on Apr 23, 2009 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions
When Blake was in college he was getting assists at a significantly higher rate than Curry
5 assists per game is pretty good for a player like Blake who often plays off the ball and almost never turns the ball over.
In terms of quickness, I am not convinced that Curry is quicker than Blake. Blake was considered a pretty quick point guard in college. Curry, even though he is facing mediocre college opposition is being considered a below average PG in terms of speed.
if curry was getting
10+ apg then you could say something but he gets only 5.6/g to 3.7 tos. and tthis is all against college defenders. People make livings in the NBA on just D alone and they would eat Curry alive.
You must have some sort of obsessive personality as HK212 and others are backing me up. I am done with this post, cause arguing with you obviously does nothing.
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
yeah darkhelmet/shamelessblazerfan
finds an obsession and rides in into the ground. I see he stuck Andre Miller in there too, not surprised. I am, however, amazed that he did not propose trading away Travis Outlaw to get the pick to choose Curry. This is a good step in a novel direction.
Blazer's fan since '84, Spurs fan when they are not playing Portland.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A B A START.
by HurraKane212 on Apr 23, 2009 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Ha!
I’m gonna let you in on a little secret in the NBA, PGs do not play D.
Shoot, if point guards don’t play defense then maybe Blake should just wait at the other end of the court. You really think Steve Nash has the same impact on the defense end as a guy like Rondo?
Centers are probably the only position that can really anchor a team defensively, but having a PG who can funnel his man and cut off passing lanes doesn’t hurt.
I’m not really sure what secrets you’re talking about.
When I came here (in 2004), guys like Nick (Van Exel) and Damon, they were a breath of fresh air for me,'' Przybilla
by Nick Van Excellent on Apr 24, 2009 3:14 AM PDT up reply actions
You can't really assess a player until they've played against NBA competition.
Steve Blake leads the team and ranks 13th in the league in 3pt percentage. He has attempted 328 3s, more than several players who are marquis players on their teams so it’s not a statistical fluke.
You have to be pretty damn good to shoot a better 3pt% than Ray Allen, Roger Mason, Chauncey Billups, and Raja Bell, so it’s lame to try to annoint a college player as a superior or even equal shooter. Time will tell.
How many draft picks work out as projected? How many times has a #1 draft pick actually been the best player in that draft class?
You have very limited evidence when evaluating college or international players, so how can you make the assertion that a college player is better at something than a proven NBA player. I guess you could say Curry has better skills than Reggie Evans, but beyond something glaringly obvious…
And Blake has very good court vision. You don’t get an A/TO ratio like his without it, whether or not BRoy often handles the ball.
hmm
nbadraft.net has Curry going at 16th and he is ranked as a 92
they also have Darren Collison going 32 to us… and he is ranked 93.
I think i’d rather use a second rounder on Collison instead of trading up for Curry.
My stubbling is perfect...
"Our backcourt is simply too inefficient."
We are the number 1 most efficient team in the league. The flaw of this post is moving Roy to the point guard.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
don't bother with logic
it never works.
Blazer's fan since '84, Spurs fan when they are not playing Portland.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A B A START.
by HurraKane212 on Apr 23, 2009 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions
ugh i find him vastly overrated
give me ty lawson instead
Woof
by Charles Barkley McLovin on Apr 23, 2009 7:43 PM PDT reply actions
Lets see...
How Curry does with all the UNC Talent?
by TheGreatDane17 on Apr 23, 2009 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions
I would rather go after Ty Lawson than Curry
Lawson has been playing on a better team against better opposition than Curry. He should be able to make the transition to playing on a team like the Blazers much easier, since he knows how to play without being “the man” and taking half his team’s shots.
Like Curry, Lawson is a 3-point shooter with legit NBA range who routinely makes spectacular passes. Unlike Curry, Lawson makes those spectacular passes while maintaining an extremely low turnover rate. Because of this, Lawson is the best college player in Draftexpress’s database (dating back to 2001-2002) in both A/TO ratio and pure point rating.
I agree with your list of requirements for a PG (Play off the ball, lead the break, have good court vision, space the floor for Roy by shooting well, and make solid entry passes), and I would also add 1 more: be a good defender. Lawson passes all these tests with flying colors. I haven’t seen that much of Curry, but from what I have heard he does not look like a good defender. This would be my biggest concern if we were to draft Curry.
I see your addiction has moved
from Iguadala to Curry. I’ll post one of the same replies I posted on another board. If your posts aren’t going to be original, than my replies probably won’t be either.
From what I have seen of Curry, and I’ve watched him, I am a fan. However, I think at the NBA level he will be somewhere between Daniel Gibson and Rudy Fernandez, a good rotation player, a deadeye shooter that helps a playoff team that has a ball dominating SF or SG, but probably not a starter.
Curry can shoot well, he can put the ball on the floor, and he has some Tony Parker-esque finishes. His release is quick and he is intelligent. Now, where he has difficulty is in creating his own shot against bigger defenders, beating his man off the dribble, penetration, and his ability to defend opposing PGs.
Curry will have difficulty beating his man off the dribble in the NBA, so players defending him will stay out on him, crowd him and try to force him to put the ball on the floor. Curry will have to move w/o the ball a-la Rudy, or sit in the corner and wait for his defender to help off him trying to stop the penetration of the ball dominating SG-SF, leaving him open for 3’s.
I could see Curry being a good backup PG on the Grizz with O.J. Mayo as the SG or something like that.
Here is another thing that Curry, Gibson, and Rudy all have in common (and Bayless doesn’t). they are all slightly built. they can’t drop a shoulder into the opponent and power to the hoop/get to the line. They have to go AROUND the defender because they can’t go THROUGH. This makes it much harder for them to be much other than 3pt specialists. This is one reason Rudy’s midrange game sucks right now, if you watch, his midrange shots are hurried, rushed. He knows he has to get that shot up quick. Rudy has a hard time creating space for his shot so he needs to run around all the time, use picks, and catch some space out at the 3pt line. However, until he can get past his defender, he will not reach that Manu-esque ceiling some see for him. Note: Rudy’s mid-range game has improved a bit since this post.
Webster is kinda that way too, not because of his body, but because of his handles. He can’t create his own space to shoot, so he is more easily defended. If Webster had a crossover and a good first step, dear god… We’d be set.
Roy is so good because he can always create his own shot, he’s got 3pt range, so you gotta stay out on him. But he can drive right past you/cross you over, so you have to give him a cushion, and if that ain’t all, he can just elevate over you and shoot or bull right past you like a halfback. Thus why Roy = Allstar.
Just like LMA vs Channing Frye, one of the big differences is that LMA can create space to shoot, even if he’s spinning and fading away. Note, LMA does less fading and more attacking now… YAY!
Curry is very good at using a little space to get his shot off. Problem is, in the NBA, the space he gets will be even smaller. He could be an All Star, but I doubt it. I just don’t think he has the tools to be more than a good rotational player.
Bottom line, he’d probably be a nice addition, a poor man’s Rudy Fernandez. However, in this draft, he’s way too expensive. He will be a high pick because of the dearth of talent in this pitiful draft. He is a mid 20’s pick any other year. This year, he’ll be top 10. With our current guard rotation, I don’t see how he adds anything. Our offense is blistering, Curry in NOT the answer on D.
Blazer's fan since '84, Spurs fan when they are not playing Portland.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A B A START.
by HurraKane212 on Apr 23, 2009 7:52 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
maybe the Magic could pick him up and
he and JJ Reddick could have a jumpshooting death match.
TWO JUMPSHOOTERS ENTER!! ONE JUMPSHOOTER LEAVE!!
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
Out of nowhere, Trajan Langdon will make a run-in from Europe and turn it into a three-way dance!
Yet, in all seriousness, Stephen Curry will be a massive bust in the NBA. For me, it’s as clear as day.
another, similar player who shot the lights out in college was steve alford
6’3" — just could not create his own shot (or defend).
ignacio
shawn respert
dinasour type of guys choir boys
by mittsabishy on Apr 24, 2009 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Da troof
Curry has some talent, but not the physical gifts to be an elite NBA point guard. It’s hard to tell sometimes when you are watching college games on TV, but the pro game is just so much faster, defenders so much more agile and the ability to get your shot so much harder.
One of the biggest reasons Bayless has struggled with his jumper this year is that he never had all that quick of a release at AZ, and has really had to adjust the speed at which it comes out of his hand … I’m sure he’s never had his jumper blocked the way he has on multiple occasions this year. Bayless at least has elite NBA athleticism and the NBA body; once he gets his shot mechanics refined (hopefully) he’ll become a much better and reliable option at the point
his mechanics are good as well as his release
to me the biggest problem is between his ears. He has no confidence in his shot and how could he being a rook with 8mpg. Look at Channing, he is probably the best jumpshooter on the team, IF you stand them all at the same place and have them shoot shots, of course game situations are different. LMA usually misses his first 3-4 shots in the game, but he gets to play through it, Frye does not, same with Bayless.
Basketball is sooo much about confidence and Bayless has none in his shot.
It’s between his head.
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
Hmmm
I’m not saying that a lot of it isn’t between his ears, but if you can try to grab some footage of his days at AZ, he had a real slow release and kind of a ‘shot-put’ motion with the ball coming from his chin. To his credit I think the Blazers coaches have been working on him speeding up his release, but any time a player adjusts their mechanics it’s going to take a lot of reps for it to become second nature.
I do think he’s got a lot of potential and his little fits and starts of PT haven’t helped (all you have to do is look at that month when Blake was out and you could tell his game improved quite a bit).
Whatever the case, I still think he’s got a chance to bloom into a good/great player, but it’s probably going to take awhile.
by nikolokolus on Apr 23, 2009 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions
it is a little weird
but one of the things Townsend has said is that he does not alter peoples shots, but rather go back and watch when the player is hitting and have them practice that same motion over and over.
I was mainly going off nbadraft.net
" His pull up jumper is magnificent; with the elevation, balance, and quick release, he is virtually able to shoot whenever, and over whomever he desires "
and draftexpress
“His form on his release is solid with little wasted arm movement”
FWIW
I think that since he gets so much elevation on his jumper, it makes him look like he is getting the ball off slow, unlike Rudy who has a lower jump, but kinda flicks the ball towards the hole.
The thing is you have to admit that you can see the wheels turning in his head if he is open at the 3pt line with his man off him and Roy/LMA/Oden/Rudy/Travis in the lineup.
"Should I shoot it?? What if I miss?? Will Joel yell at me again?? OK just dribble in to see if I can get to the rim and then pass out."
He’ll get it.
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
by SpyderRyder on Apr 23, 2009 10:41 PM PDT up reply actions
He won't fall far enough for us anyways
Someone will stupidly risk a higher pick on him…
Proud member of Duck nation!
Portland is the optimal situation for Stephen Curry
Big men (LMA, Greg), slashing wings who can create open looks for the perimeter guys (Roy, Rudy), I think he would thrive here. However, as others have said, I’m guessing he’ll be gone well before Portland picks.
I believe in Greg Oden. To all the haters - get down with the program or stay off the wagon for all time. #52
Seriously? Another combo guard?
This is not going to happen.
"Sasha? That's a sissy name." -Mike Rice
"Let's go to win the playoffs!!!" -Rudy Fernandez
i posted this same thing
a month or so ago and most people said no then. I think it could work it just depends on whether or not he becomes strictly a shooter or not, cause if he is just a shooter he can’t be much better the blakey.
"Howard, he know me" Rudy
hell's no
not another soft clean cut k.pricthard type of guy,you have capspace go get r.artest.trade for a r.jefferson type of player.enough of these nice clean cut guys geez.surround roy with some real ballers period.
How is Jefferson not a clean cut guy?
I remember just one somewhat controversial incident with him. He is not know for playing particularly tough. Better perimeter defender, but not stellar. And hasn’t produced significantly more than Travis this year, at 2-3 times the cost. Besides, most people would like to spend the cap space on point guard and power forward types if I’m not mistaken.
That stop and go by Roy is straight sick. I'm calling him "The Flu" from now on. - Wendell Maxey
Aaron Curry
lb wake forest.We need a enforcer more then a shooter,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
underneath his playoff beard
is a Clutch from a 69’ mustang.
Blazer's fan since '84, Spurs fan when they are not playing Portland.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A B A START.
by HurraKane212 on Apr 24, 2009 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Of course Portland fans would like Curry.
Folks here be obsessed with outside shooting, and don’t consider any other skill set for any perimeter player.
I’m not ready to give up on Bayless and Sergio. Depending on coaching and off-season development programs, both have more than enough raw basketball talent and ability to be a great starter at the PG position in this league.
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