Semi Ojeleye isn't on the bubble, but should he be?

[IDreamCeltics]

For your consideration...

Semi Ojeleye is 24 years old and entering his third year in the NBA.  He was just outplayed badly in the preseason by 20 year old Rookie Grant Williams. 

[BitterJim]

No, he shouldnt be on the bubble. He has a well-defined NBA skill (defense), which is what you need from deep bench guys

Being outplayed offensively by someone we drafted in the first round because of his versatility on the offensive end doesn't somehow change that. He and Grant Williams are not the same, and aren't filling the same role, so comparing the two is meaningless

[Muzzy66]

For your consideration...

Semi Ojeleye is 24 years old and entering his third year in the NBA.  He was just outplayed badly in the preseason by 20 year old Rookie Grant Williams.

He has also played in 23 playoff games, in which he has played productive minutes, made meaningful shots, and defended MVP caliber players (like Giannis and Lebron) and has done a pretty darn good job of it. 

Williams has played a couple of preseason games, and even on those games I barely noticed he was on the court.

In this league if you want a role you need to earn it.  If Williams can prove, in meaningful NBA minutes, that he can have more impact on the team *consistently* then Semi, then im sure Brad will give him that role.  Until then It's Semi's to lose.

[ManUp]

I agree.

His defense is solid, but he's not a disruptive playmaker on that end like Smart or Jaylen. His offense is non-existent at this point. Semi doesn't make open jumpers at a respectable clip, he can't drive or attack close outs, he doesn't move well off the ball and he's shown no passing ability. Oh, and he doesn't rebound particularly well.

I had high hopes for Semi after we drafted him, but he should definitely be on the bubble.

[bellerephon]

I actually think he is on the bubble. He could be cut if someone better becomes available.

[Hoopvortex]

No, he shouldnt be on the bubble. He has a well-defined NBA skill (defense), which is what you need from deep bench guys

Being outplayed offensively by someone we drafted in the first round because of his versatility on the offensive end doesn't somehow change that. He and Grant Williams are not the same, and aren't filling the same role, so comparing the two is meaningless

So interesting that they were being played together for long stretches in Pre-Season.

[trickybilly]

No, he shouldnt be on the bubble. He has a well-defined NBA skill (defense), which is what you need from deep bench guys

Being outplayed offensively by someone we drafted in the first round because of his versatility on the offensive end doesn't somehow change that. He and Grant Williams are not the same, and aren't filling the same role, so comparing the two is meaningless

Meaningless?

Would you say that Semi's D, is significantly better than GWills at this stage?

[Scottiej23]

I don't hold Semi in very high regard at all. I think his defensive ability is significantly overstated. Even if it were as good as some claim it is negated and perhaps then some by his anaemic offisive talent (the anti IT). We are always referred back to that Bucks series two seasons ago as the example of his NBA defensive prowess. Apart from picking up a couple of charges here and there, he didn't really do a lot to stop Giannis that I can recall.

Giannis averaged almost 26ppg on 57% shooting for that series (and 10 boards & six assists). He was a monster.

If that's what we're justifying him being a viable NBA player by, then it may be time to reconsider.

[droopdog7]

I don't hold Semi in very high regard at all. I think his defensive ability is significantly overstated. Even if it were as good as some claim it is negated and perhaps then some by his anaemic offisive talent (the anti IT). We are always referred back to that Bucks series two seasons ago as the example of his NBA defensive prowess. Apart from picking up a couple of charges here and there, he didn't really do a lot to stop Giannis that I can recall.

Giannis averaged almost 26ppg on 57% shooting for that series (and 10 boards & six assists). He was a monster.

If that's what we're justifying him being a viable NBA player by, then it may be time to reconsider.

First, not everyone needs to score.  In fact, we need more role players, not fewer of them.

As for his defense on giannis, it’s not about stopping him.  As you noted, he’s a minster.  It’s about making the guy work and more importantly, about not being overmatched.  At this point, if you look at this team we dont have a single other player that can guard someone like giannis AT ALL.  I mean, guys would have zero shot and they would foul out in a matter of minutes.  Not semi.  Hed hold his own and wouldn’t need constant doubles.

So heck yeah semi has a role.  And of course, I’m not saying you keep semi just for giannis.  But specialist with experience can certainly be valuable. 

[gouki88]

I feel like if he makes no offensive steps this season he definitely will be. All we ask of him on the offensive end is to be at least respectable from three. Don't need him to drive very much. Don't need him to playmake for others. Don't need him to post up, or draw fouls. It's really just hit the three at ~35% or so. Hopefully that comes.

The one big upside from his year 1 to year 2 development was his 2P%. Massive jump from 40% to 57%. Let's hope his three point shooting hits the mid-30's, and Semi continues to just stand in the corner.

[ozgod]

I think it's fair to say that time will be ticking on Semi if the current rookies outperform expectations this season and he does not. Everything is relative after all.

[SHAQATTACK]

should be eating same chinese buffet as sully

[Celtics4ever]

His defense has always been legit how quickly we forget...

[saltlover]

Semi is fine.  He’s a 10th-12th man who plays top-level defense on wings and can capably switch 1-5.  He is what he is on offense, and that’s why he’s a 10th-12th man.  He doesn’t play every game, but when he comes in he’s in the right place and picks up all his assignments.  He’s a terrific teammate, and has been since literally his first NBA game when he led his teammates in prayer on the sideline after Hayward’s injury.  He makes the minimum, hasn’t complained about his role, and gives 100% when he’s on the court.

His upside is low, but you need players who are ready when their number is called, even if there are nights when it won’t be called.  Semi is that type of player — I don’t get the hate.  We saw what happens when too many players think they should be the focal points on offense when they’re on the court, and who only give their defensive assignments secondary consideration, especially if they’re not scoring.  Semi is the exact opposite of that, and you need 1-2 on a team.

[tstorey_97]

If, over time, other bench players need minutes and somehow, Semi is standing, or sitting, in their way, I suppose management will move him.

In the meantime, if needed, this player can get put on the floor and pretty much defend anybody anywhere anytime and there aren't a lot of players out there at this point in the pay scale that can do that.

I wish he could light it up on offense too, but, dang, we've already got 6 or 7 guys who can do that. Somebody has to do what Semi does for his team and he's been doing it for years now.

Playoff game: "Hey Semi? Get out there and guard their best big and actually, do a really good job."

Ham and eggers always have a target on their back during a roster discussion.