He is not elite. He’s a good defender. He can’t hit threes. There will be few minutes.
Care to make a minutes prediction?
I take it you would at least agree that he’s elite at staying in front of his man and getting a hand up to contest (i.e.: quick hips and shoulders combined with anticipation), and that those are the most important skills for a defender. If not then we don’t need to waste time getting into the finer points.
You may remember after a game with Phoenix this past season that Brad remarked on his defense, saying something like he was on his way to being an elite defender, “and I’m not sure he isn’t there already.”
Semi is not elite or even near elite in any facet of the game. He’s a pretty good defender, which is impressive given he was drafted in the second round, but calling him elite is a major exaggeration. As for a minutes prediction, I’d guess five minutes per game or so, with a lot more dnp-cd’s than a lot of people think unless an injury opens a spot for him. If Smart stays he is the 11th man on the roster at best, maybe 12th if Wanamaker can contribute. Hard to see a guy that far down the roster who can’t shoot, pass, dribble or finish at the rim getting a lot of time. The Celts have much better options.
I don’t think much of your scouting. You’re going to be surprised.
Maybe, I've never claimed any special insight. I just haven't seen enough to make me think he's going to be anything more than a defensive sub off the bench. I don't understand why so many people think he's going to be a big time player. What have you all seen in NBA action that gives you such confidence.
His defense will get him on the roster, it will get him some spot minutes when rotation guys get in foul trouble or need a night off. It makes him playable when a rotation guy goes down with an injury. But unless he finds a way to contribute on offense, I don't see why they would put him in the rotation. Hayward, Tatum, Brown, Morris, Theis and even Smart should get minutes before Semi.
He's the 11th man on the roster at best, maybe 12th. How many minutes can we expect the 11th or 12th man to get?