Oh, you moved Mirza Teletovic into the starting lineup. I completely missed that the first time I read through your press conference -- excellent press conference by the way. Lots of really good information and enjoyable to read.
That is a really offensively potent group.
Golden State, when is the last time a team starting two rookies was a legit contender?
My chief mistake so far, has been in neglecting Mirza Teletovic. I simply haven't had enough time to dedicate to a comprehensive post. But the more I consider him the more I feel that his basement-level production is akin to Channing Frye. (This is in fact the exact take of Jonathan Givony of Draft Express.)
I do acknowledge that handing him a starting role is my biggest gamble. (Roy may feel that it was reaching for Anthony Davis in the first round. But I felt confident I could land two late 1st round talents in the second round. And I did.)
That said, the Warriors will consider bringing Mirza off the bench, either to start the season, while he acclimates to the U.S. game, or indefinitely if my rivals feel his role is a major handicap?
Now please allow me to crib gratuitously, from the Painted Areas excellent scouting report.
Mirza has been a top player in the Euroleague and ACB over the last few years. He's a 6-9 power forward from Bosnia with good athleticism (good hops) and a solidly-built 240-lb. frame… averaged 22 ppg, 6 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1 bpg, 1.4 TOpg and 43.4% overall shooting in 34 minutes per game. His FG% is lowered because of high rate of 3PA - his eFG pct. is 52.7%... He shot 44% behind the arc in the EL, but only shot 34.5% on 3pt. attempts in ACB. But don't worry Nets fans, he's had plenty of other seasons where he shot around 40% on 3PA. Rest assured, this dude can drill it from deep… According to Synergy Sports Technology, he managed to produce .99 points per possession (PPP) on his offensive possessions this season, which is very good.
He's been advertised as a stretch-4, which isn't inaccurate, but I just think that description undersells his total game. He's much more than just a spot-up shooter who just plants himself behind the arc. He can hit shots coming off screens and quick dribble pull-ups in iso action. And he works out of the post, a lot.
Very capable of hitting shots with defenders right in his face (kind of reminds you of Peja for that). Gets nice elevation on his jumper, and also, has subtle fade-away action on many of his shots, which helps create space when needed. He's terrific in pick-n-pop action. He shot 48% on his pops this year, and when you factor in for 3PA, he shot a sizzling 63.4% eFG pct. as a popper. He's also a good finisher on rolls.
The good news for Nets fans is that Mirza's really not too bad of a defender. The simple fact is he guards the post really well. On 128 post possessions recorded by Synergy, held his opponent to 38.6% shooting and .727 PPP. His defensive post numbers were really good the previous season ('10-11) as well.
He's just a smart, physical defender. Holds his ground well thanks to a strong, wide stance. Seems to know his opponent well as he anticipates well and rarely bites on fakes. Moves feet well down low and usually gets his hands up to challenge the shooter. Expect him to hold up fairly well defending vs. NBA post players.
Mirza's main weakness is on the glass. Not a good rebounder for his position, though he did increase his rebound rate a bit this year.
Topic: 2012 CB Draft Pacific Division Press Conferences (Read 51725 times)