Sure, but you're underestimating how difficult adding 20lbs of solid weight (as opposed to Sean Kemp weight) can be. Davis was a top 10 player last season when he was mostly 20 years old. He works his arse off and seems truly dedicated to the game. A lot of people want him to be a pure center, but what if Monty/Dell simply told him to try to improve what he's most comfortable doing? Why try to force him into a certain role? He's been working on adding weight each offseason and has had moderate success, but he's admitted that it's difficult to maintain the weight over the season.

AD is the kind of player that you tell "do whatever the frick you want to do", and then you build your team around those strengths. The addition of Asik tells me that AD is more comfortable as a more perimeter oriented player. He is a great rebounder and has sufficient bulk to player center next to Ryno for the final ~5 minutes each half (depending on matchups). It makes a lot more sense to find guys like Asik and Ryno to play with AD than it does trying to force AD to develop a back to the basket game and add 20lbs of muscle.

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Posted by Gtothemoney

Da North Shore

Member since Sep 2012

17715 posts

Posted on 8/18/14 at 9:52 pm to THRILLHO

quote:
but what if Monty/Dell simply told him to try to improve what he's most comfortable doing?

Yep.

quote:
but he's admitted that it's difficult to maintain the weight over the season.

Yep, it is for some people.

quote:
The addition of Asik tells me that AD is more comfortable as a more perimeter oriented player.

At this point he is. Been saying that.

quote:
. It makes a lot more sense to find guys like Asik and Ryno to play with AD than it does trying to force AD to develop a back to the basket game and add 20lbs of muscle.

What makes AD a great player is how quick and fluid he is, on both ends. 20 pounds on him right now would be a hindrance.

This post was edited on 8/18/14 at 9:55 pm

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Posted by brmark70816

Atlanta, GA

Member since Feb 2011

9869 posts

Posted on 8/18/14 at 9:56 pm to THRILLHO

quote:
AD is the kind of player that you tell "do whatever the frick you want to do", and then you build your team around those strengths

I have no problem with that to a point. But it's constant tinkering to make the pieces fit. I saw the Wolves do the same thing with Garnett for the longest time. He would put up crazy numbers and the team had moderate success, but they could never find the right mix. It took years for Garnett to find his niche.

quote:
The addition of Asik tells me that AD is more comfortable as a more perimeter oriented player

I'm sure they are trying to limit the abuse Davis takes and I'm on board for that. The Spurs were able to do that with Duncan early when they had Robinson. It gave time for Duncan to fill out. It's a smart move, but I don't think it's a sign that Davis should shift more to the perimeter. They are just trying to get the bulkier guys off him.

quote:
He's been working on adding weight each offseason and has had moderate success, but he's admitted that it's difficult to maintain the weight over the season.

It's not going to be easy. He'll have to work at it, but that will give him the bigger edge. That's why D. Howard can be a horrible basketball player and still be dominant. Davis is already taller and longer than him (plus way more skilled). If he can even come close to that size and bulk, then look out. That should be the goal..

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