How did Semi do on defense -forget the threes

[rollie mass]

Just watched defensive highlites again seemed he guarded Lebron quite a bit-a rookie on best player in world
.Guarding Lebron and having wide open threes was just too much for him but he didn't hesitate
.He moved good and wasn't hesistant.
Forced Lebron to miss badly with his quick back peddling yet keeping in front of him.And his stance and bulk stopped Lebron cold and forced a kick out
I watched him keep Triston Thompson off the boards on weak side and had a couple of strip/steals inside.
His defense must have been good 22 minutes holding the Cav's under 90 and Lebron scored only 20 and mostly early in game.

[Donoghus]

I thought he looked decent on defense last night.  Played hard.

He was horrific on the offensive end, though.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

Yeah, probably the unsung play of the game was when James went into a half-post, half-drive against him, put his should into Semi's chest to bump him back a little bit, and Semi didn't move an inch. He kicked it out and the shooter missed, leading to a long rebound and the 180 dunk by Brown.

[hodgy03038]

All I remember was screaming for Brad to take him out of the game. I generally like Ojeleye but NOT last night.

[nickagneta]

Did well on defense but missed wide open threes. Good and bad. If he is going to be a 3 and D player, ya gotta hit those 3s.

[rollie mass]

I think the defensive end is something that can't be taught and can be complex and intuitive COVERING MULTIPLE POSITIONS is a formidable task for a rookie.
i think doing a competent job on Lebron and Tristan was applaudable  BUT those were wide open threes that had to be taken AND made at some point.
NO PRESSURE SEMI..

[bellerephon]

Semi was good on D, bad on O, as is usual for him. It's clear that Brad values what he brings on the defensive end enough to keep him in the lineup. I don't agree that D can't be taught. There are lots of aspects of defense that need to be taught. What can't be taught are physical attributes to play D and the desire and willingness to work hard.

[rollie mass]

Semi was good on D, bad on O, as is usual for him. It's clear that Brad values what he brings on the defensive end enough to keep him in the lineup. I don't agree that D can't be taught. There are lots of aspects of defense that need to be taught. What can't be taught are physical attributes to play D and the desire and willingness to work hard.

TP
I stand corrected it can be taught and drilled and commitment found with a strong enough desire-

[KGBirdBias]

I think Semi should stop settling for spot up 3s and drive the ball. He's a good ballhandler and can do more than just spot up. I rarely ever see him take any mid-range shots or layups. He's a physical guy and he's letting defenders off the hook be not driving.

[2short]

I think Semi should stop settling for spot up 3s and drive the ball. He's a good ballhandler and can do more than just spot up. I rarely ever see him take any mid-range shots or layups. He's a physical guy and he's letting defenders off the hook be not driving.

Agreed.  He's one dimensional on offense.  I like his 3 pt stroke and think it'll end up being good but he needs to add something else to his offense, driving would open up things for him and passing lanes for teammates.

[bellerephon]

I think Semi should stop settling for spot up 3s and drive the ball. He's a good ballhandler and can do more than just spot up. I rarely ever see him take any mid-range shots or layups. He's a physical guy and he's letting defenders off the hook be not driving.

Except that he's not a particularly good ball handler, nor has he shown he can finish around the rim in the NBA.

[feckless]

Not many players have the size and quickness to mark Lebron,  Semi does for short stints.  He is almost always a solid defender who can guard multiple positions.

He hit the 3 in summer league and does so more consistently when he gets regular minutes.  He takes the ball to the hoop when a clear path shows.  He is not turnover prone.

A useful rookie who earns minutes is always a good thing!

[nickagneta]

I think Semi should stop settling for spot up 3s and drive the ball. He's a good ballhandler and can do more than just spot up. I rarely ever see him take any mid-range shots or layups. He's a physical guy and he's letting defenders off the hook be not driving.

Except that he's not a particularly good ball handler, nor has he shown he can finish around the rim in the NBA.

He tried to drive to the basket once last night and had a turnover because of his handle and not being able to dribble around people in front of him.

[dreamgreen]

He was brutal, I was begging Brad to take him out.

[KGBirdBias]

I think Semi should stop settling for spot up 3s and drive the ball. He's a good ballhandler and can do more than just spot up. I rarely ever see him take any mid-range shots or layups. He's a physical guy and he's letting defenders off the hook be not driving.

Except that he's not a particularly good ball handler, nor has he shown he can finish around the rim in the NBA.

I guess you never saw him at SMU. Ballhandling isn't always used to score...sometimes you just want the defense to move to open up someone else.