Summer League gave Nets rookie Noah Clowney a chance to adjust to the speed of the NBA game before his first training camp, writes Brian Lewis of The New York Post. Clowney struggled with his shot in Las Vegas, connecting at just 22.6% from the field and 23.5% beyond the arc, but he considers the experience a valuable one.
“Obviously the game is faster,” Clowney said. “It’s really all a bunch of small details, really — like screening angles, getting into screens faster, then getting out faster and things like that. What shots are good shots, if you don’t (have) a shot, get right into the next action. … You learn from it, and I think the only way you can learn from it is by going through the experience of that Summer League. So I’m glad I played in it. It was fun. I didn’t play my best, obviously. (My shooting) percentages were horrible. But it was a learning experience. I feel like that’s what it was supposed to be. So I’m happy with it.”
One of the youngest players in this year’s draft, Clowney just turned 19 in July, so he may spend much of his first season in the G League. He has drawn comparisons to starting center Nic Claxton, and Nets officials are optimistic about his long-term potential.
“I love the intangibles. I love how hard he competes. I love the length that he has,” general manager Sean Marks said. “When you have a 7-foot-3-inch wingspan, I can’t teach that. Our coaches can teach a lot of things, but they can’t teach that. I love the fact that he doesn’t shy away from shooting from the outside. He’s very versatile, can play a couple of different positions out there.”
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- France’s disappointment in this year’s World Cup doesn’t mean national team general manager Boris Diaw will be any more aggressive in recruiting Sixers center Joel Embiid for the 2024 Olympics, per Antonis Stroggylakis of Eurohoops. Embiid has both French and U.S. citizenship, but he hasn’t committed to representing either country. “I don’t think it’s a pursuit. It’s about people who want to come,” Diaw said. “Some people come or don’t come to the national team for different reasons. He’s a special case for his own reasons. I don’t think there’s a way to be aggressive on our part.”
- Sixers guard Patrick Beverley doesn’t believe the Celtics can win a title with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as the core of the team, relays Kaley Brown of Boston.com. “No – too much of the same player,” Beverley said on his podcast. “They don’t complement each other enough … they complement each other, but not enough.” Even so, Beverley added that Boston shouldn’t get rid of either player and said the team got “a lot better” by trading for Kristaps Porzingis.
- Grant Williams‘ departure creates an opportunity for Celtics forward Sam Hauser to earn consistent minutes moving into his third NBA season, observes Jared Weiss of The Athletic. Hauser briefly moved ahead of Williams in the rotation last season, and Weiss examines how he can best fit into coach Joe Mazzulla’s offense.
Have to disagree with Patrick Beverly.
He must have missed the Warriors winning 2 (excluding the Durant years) championships despite their roster being 2 identical players and Draymond Green. I’m not saying the Celtics process is as good or that the results will be as good, but it’s clearly the same concept, and one that has already proven to work.
Two identical players? Klay doesn’t have anywhere near the playmaking or shooting gravity of Curry, but during his prime was way better at finishing at the rim and better on defense. Clearly distinct players who just scored in similar ways.
All of that is also true about Brown and Tatum.
Tatum and Brown have almost identical shot distribution across the board, with similar percentages from every range. They’re both average defenders for their position, maybe slightly below average. Tatum takes slightly more threes and free throws, but not enough to really change anything. And neither is a great playmaker. Where’s the distinction? Tatum’s superior handles are the only separator.
@EonADS Is Speaking Facts!
PB is right. Tatum and Brown complement each other but not enough, or, differently stated, it’s going to be hard to consistently maximize the impact that each can have on a game.
On the other hand, what’s BOS to do? There isn’t any kind of liquid trade market in the NBA where BOS could pursue a player that matches Brown’s ability and time line, but with a skill set more complementary to Tatum. Trades based principally on fit are essentially no longer a thing in the NBA at this price point. Pursuing a trade package with multiple assets headed by a lesser talent has never been much of a thing in the NBA, and here would be foolish. More likely, they’re better off as they are with two stars having the same timeline, even if the fit is not ideal. If the team were to fall from its co-favorite EC slot, into the middle playoff seeds, then the equation might change.
I would rather see 4 guys averaging 18-25 points a game than two guys averaging 26-32 points per game. With Porzingis and White, the potential is there. The key is Tatum and Brown averaging 8-12 assists per game or more between them. That gets everyone involved. In the past if either Tatum or Brown had an off night, the Celtics had trouble winning. With less reliance on those two, the offense should be able to cover for that.
Not sure I agree with PatBev, but I certainly like his jawwing. Perfect Philly guy.
Clowney was a nice pickup. Nets had a solid draft imo. Clowney and Whitehead are very young. Both will be players. And starters one day. Whitehead has the biggest upside. Both these guys are 2way players. Wilson had a solid career in Kansas. Considered a three level scorer. I’m surprised he lasted till pick #51. He’s not a big time athlete. But knows how to put the ball in the basket. And comes in at 23 ready to play. This is a solid group.
Why would you want Embiid. When you have Rudy and Wemby ….. France needs guards.