semi working with Hanlon on his shooting

[hodgy03038]

Semi gets swallowed up inside. I have never seen so many strips and blocks for one player. Stick to the 3s.

[RockinRyA]

I have no problem with his shooting, I think it will come, he was decent in college. My problem with him is his lack of motor and awareness on team D. The playoffs gave me hope though, hope he builds from that.

[bellerephon]

I disagree, the shooting is a real problem. If he can't hit close to league average on threes then he is nothing more than a defensive sub for when the rotation wings get in foul trouble. He's not going to get much time on this team if he can't shoot at least a little bit.

The fact that he shot well in college is meaningless. Those stats are useful when we are trying to project what a prospect might be able to do, but once we have actual NBA games to look at college stats become obsolete. The NBA three point line is farther away, the defenders are bigger, faster, and just plain better. The pressure is higher. As of right now he is a bad shooter. Remember when people worried that Jaylen couldn't shoot based on his college stats, no one worries about that anymore. It's the same thing.

Maybe he can turn it around, I hope he does. But until he shows it over an extended period in the NBA I will remain skeptical.

[RockinRyA]

I disagree, the shooting is a real problem. If he can't hit close to league average on threes then he is nothing more than a defensive sub for when the rotation wings get in foul trouble. He's not going to get much time on this team if he can't shoot at least a little bit.

The fact that he shot well in college is meaningless. Those stats are useful when we are trying to project what a prospect might be able to do, but once we have actual NBA games to look at college stats become obsolete. The NBA three point line is farther away, the defenders are bigger, faster, and just plain better. The pressure is higher. As of right now he is a bad shooter. Remember when people worried that Jaylen couldn't shoot based on his college stats, no one worries about that anymore. It's the same thing.

Maybe he can turn it around, I hope he does. But until he shows it over an extended period in the NBA I will remain skeptical.

Shooting in college isn't meaningless. As with practice. It shows you a good foundation that you think something is fixable.

Motor and awareness- those two factors doesnt improve as much as shooting. Which is also my main worry with Williams right now.

[bellerephon]

I disagree, the shooting is a real problem. If he can't hit close to league average on threes then he is nothing more than a defensive sub for when the rotation wings get in foul trouble. He's not going to get much time on this team if he can't shoot at least a little bit.

The fact that he shot well in college is meaningless. Those stats are useful when we are trying to project what a prospect might be able to do, but once we have actual NBA games to look at college stats become obsolete. The NBA three point line is farther away, the defenders are bigger, faster, and just plain better. The pressure is higher. As of right now he is a bad shooter. Remember when people worried that Jaylen couldn't shoot based on his college stats, no one worries about that anymore. It's the same thing.

Maybe he can turn it around, I hope he does. But until he shows it over an extended period in the NBA I will remain skeptical.

Shooting in college isn't meaningless. As with practice. It shows you a good foundation that you think something is fixable.

Motor and awareness- those two factors doesnt improve as much as shooting. Which is also my main worry with Williams right now.

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on that. Shooting threes in the NBA is a lot different than in college. Semi played in a lesser conference, with players who were far below NBA level. The NBA three is farther away, it may simply be outside of his range. The defenders are bigger, faster, more skilled. The defensive schemes are better, the rotations quicker. Semi was always a borderline prospect, it may simply be beyond him.

With respect to college stats, I would argue that once there are NBA stats to look at, the college stats mean pretty much nothing. The NBA stats tell the real story. That doesn't mean he can't improve, guys do all the time. I haven't seen anything yet to make me think he will.

[droopdog7]

So I’ll obviously believe in Semi as a true perimeter threat when I see it, but man would that ever be a huge development for our team going forward.

There is nothing wrong with Semi's shot.  I think he'll improve from last year just by being more comfortable with the NBA game.

Well, there is the whole thing of the shots not going in, but other than that...

But in all seriousness, I'll believe Semi can shoot when I see it in real games over an extended period of time. Making shots in practice doesn't mean anything, making shots in college doesn't mean anything. The defense is not there, the pressure is not there, so shooting is much easier. His form is okay, but until he can do it when it counts it means nothing.

As far as getting more comfortable, I really don't think he's going to play all that much. I expect his mpg to plummet to almost nothing. Looking at the roster as it stands now, Kyrie, Jaylen, Jayson, Heyward, Horford, Smart, Rozier, Morris, Baynes, Theis, Wanamaker, then maybe Semi, or maybe not if Williams is ready to play a little bit. Semi could realistically be the 13 man on this roster.

I understand that there is a possibility that some of those listed won't be around for next season, but it is also possible that there could be a new addition too. Even if he is the 10th man on the roster he would barely play. I just don't see him even getting a chance to show he has improved, unless of course there are injuries.

I don’t disagree that the casual fan can be fooled by pratice shooting, where seemingly every guy can look amazing.  But you can certainly distinguish between good and bad shooters if you know what you’re looking at.  Semis shot mevhcnics are fine and they’ll translate with more work and him getting comfortable.  Similar to Avery, who could always shoot but looked atrocious in his first couple of year.  In his case, he didn’t magically get better.  He didn’t get better with hard work.  He was already good and just needed to get comfortable and confident.  I see similar things for semi and am not at all concerned about his first year shooting numbers.

[Chief Macho]

percentage wise he shot just a hair under browns rookie year from 3 with less attempts.  And I actually think he has a better stroke.  he just nees more reps and court time.  he isnt a first rounder that gets the benefit of ths doubt.  for a second rounder i think he is ver promising and would expect a jaylen like jump in shooting.

[Hoopvortex]

Semi gets swallowed up inside. I have never seen so many strips and blocks for one player.

That’s unlikely, though I have to admit I don’t know how long you’ve been watching organized basketball.

Semi had a grand total of seven lost-ball turnovers for the season.

I’m tempted to reply that “I have never seen so many erroneous claims and assertions for one player” as I have for Ojeleye - but that’s almost as exaggerated as your claim.

[bellerephon]

True enough, but there are also lots of guys who have great form, but still can't hit a good percentage from NBA three. It's not just about form. And in any case, Semi's form is okay, not bad, but certainly not great. Take a look at the video of Jayson shooting to see what I mean.

I'm not saying there is no chance he can get better. Of course it's possible. To say one is not worried however, is overly optimistic. Right now he is very bad. He might get better. It is by no means a sure thing, or even a likely thing.

One factor working against him is playing time. He's not likely to get much. It is hard to improve without real game action and I don't see him getting more than a few mpg. He looks to be the 12th or maybe even the 13th man on the roster next year. When is he going to play?

[bellerephon]

percentage wise he shot just a hair under browns rookie year from 3 with less attempts.  And I actually think he has a better stroke.  he just nees more reps and court time.  he isnt a first rounder that gets the benefit of ths doubt.  for a second rounder i think he is ver promising and would expect a jaylen like jump in shooting.

I think that's overly optimistic. Jaylen's jump is unusual, and he was a top prospect. It's a bit much to expect a fringe prospect to make that kind of jump. I also think the rookie year distinction is a bit bigger than you suggest. 34% is just below league average, 32% is getting close terrible. Keep in mind that most of Semi's shots are of the wide open variety only, while Jaylen was more confident, taking some tougher shots.

And once again, I think he simply won't play enough to make the needed jump.

[Chief Macho]

percentage wise he shot just a hair under browns rookie year from 3 with less attempts.  And I actually think he has a better stroke.  he just nees more reps and court time.  he isnt a first rounder that gets the benefit of ths doubt.  for a second rounder i think he is ver promising and would expect a jaylen like jump in shooting.

I think that's overly optimistic. Jaylen's jump is unusual, and he was a top prospect. It's a bit much to expect a fringe prospect to make that kind of jump. I also think the rookie year distinction is a bit bigger than you suggest. 34% is just below league average, 32% is getting close terrible. Keep in mind that most of Semi's shots are of the wide open variety only, while Jaylen was more confident, taking some tougher shots.

And once again, I think he simply won't play enough to make the needed jump.

Maybe, but the %i is silly.  Its like less than 10 makes.  Do I think Semi can make 4 out of ten next season?  After watching him play in college and last year, yes I do.  He just needs a defined role and confidence

[Hoopvortex]

So I’ll obviously believe in Semi as a true perimeter threat when I see it, but man would that ever be a huge development for our team going forward.

There is nothing wrong with Semi's shot.  I think he'll improve from last year just by being more comfortable with the NBA game.

Well, there is the whole thing of the shots not going in, but other than that...

But in all seriousness, I'll believe Semi can shoot when I see it in real games over an extended period of time. Making shots in practice doesn't mean anything, making shots in college doesn't mean anything. The defense is not there, the pressure is not there, so shooting is much easier. His form is okay, but until he can do it when it counts it means nothing.

As far as getting more comfortable, I really don't think he's going to play all that much. I expect his mpg to plummet to almost nothing. Looking at the roster as it stands now, Kyrie, Jaylen, Jayson, Heyward, Horford, Smart, Rozier, Morris, Baynes, Theis, Wanamaker, then maybe Semi, or maybe not if Williams is ready to play a little bit. Semi could realistically be the 13 man on this roster.

I understand that there is a possibility that some of those listed won't be around for next season, but it is also possible that there could be a new addition too. Even if he is the 10th man on the roster he would barely play. I just don't see him even getting a chance to show he has improved, unless of course there are injuries.

I don’t disagree that the casual fan can be fooled by pratice shooting, where seemingly every guy can look amazing.  But you can certainly distinguish between good and bad shooters if you know what you’re looking at.  Semis shot mevhcnics are fine and they’ll translate with more work and him getting comfortable.  Similar to Avery, who could always shoot but looked atrocious in his first couple of year.  In his case, he didn’t magically get better.  He didn’t get better with hard work.  He was already good and just needed to get comfortable and confident.  I see similar things for semi and am not at all concerned about his first year shooting numbers.

Nor am I. In fact his shooting mechanics are picture perfect, a continuous, smooth movement from ankles to fingertips. He elevates effortlessly, and you might say that effortlessness and ease are the hallmarks of his game.

percentage wise he shot just a hair under browns rookie year from 3 with less attempts.  And I actually think he has a better stroke.  he just nees more reps and court time.  he isnt a first rounder that gets the benefit of ths doubt.  for a second rounder i think he is ver promising and would expect a jaylen like jump in shooting.

And like Brown he had a big uptick after the all-star break.

Burying one three after another-can be seen over on Reddit--he is jacked
There was token pressure that Semi swatted away

He shot .440 after the all-star break, so there’s a lot of reason to be optimistic.

Last season he showed evidence of a paint repertoire, too, including finishing through contact and drives with both hands - we may hope for more of that next year! - and hope that he’s drilling that stuff too.

He has been since pre-draft. It's not a matter of hitting shots, he was doing the same last summer, it's mental now.

I think you’re right.

He will probably look a lot better next season because he seems more confident and you could see it in the playoffs.

I saw the same. Credit to Brad Stevens for finding Semi rotation minutes throughout the season, letting him play through shooting slumps and the inevitable rookie mistakes.

On 0.5 3PM/Game...

11/25 shots. I assume that you’re pointing to the small sample size - if so, point taken - which is why I said that there is reason for optimism, rather than calling him a finished product. And 3pt%s are notoriously volatile.

[Hoopvortex]

One factor working against him is playing time. He's not likely to get much. It is hard to improve without real game action and I don't see him getting more than a few mpg. He looks to be the 12th or maybe even the 13th man on the roster next year. When is he going to play?

You raise an important point, though it works both ways, doesn’t it? - i.e., you also get floor time for playing well.

He may have to bide his time and play irregular minutes early in the season, but it’s also likely that injuries will open up an opportunity for him later on. His main competition is for swing minutes, meaning mainly Tatum and Morris; if Baynes doesn’t return we might not see as many two-big lineups, which would give him some opportunities. 

Then, too, he’s a gifted defender, with superb anticipation, lower body strength, spring, and laterals. That’s, in the end, what his playing time hinges on. 

[wiley]

We'll have to wait and see.  I agree that shooting threes should be his current practice priority.  Most of the other things he needs to learn on offense come with experience...he can try to learn the game (improve offensive IQ) but you can't walk into a practice gym and say ok today I learn the game of basketball.

So that leaves shooting.  Keep shooting Semi!

It's very interesting how some guys come into the league with reputations as great shooters, but never do become good shooters in the NBA, while others who were labeled as challenged in the shooting deprartment end up thriving. 

I'd like a stats person (or anyone...I'm tired...maybe tomorrow) to start a thread on shooters who couldn't shoot in the NBA and non shooters who could eventually shoot.

Leonard...could he shoot from distance in college? 
Rozier...nothing but improvement

Stauskas and RJ Hunter...perfect strokes...but the ball doesn't go in...at least not in this league.

Hopeful Semi's shot isn't one of those perfect strokes to nowhere type shots....

I guess that's why the last instruction should be not to aim...the best shooters have mastered the art of not aiming imo... well, not just aiming...even more importantly I mean divorcing from the mechanics of shooting at the time of letting the shot go...at that point a higher brain function should take over....but  some guys can't turn off the part of the brain that is attached to mechanics so the higher function is blocked...RJ Hunter?  Stauskas? 

Ray Allen made a good career out of repetition and perfect mechanics...but he also knew how to just let it fly..

[rollie mass]

Semi practicing his 3’s while fighting through defenders: https://www.instagram.com/p/BkeNbndjm1l/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1n79l5i1u6o95

TP for that
A ROOKIE tasked with guarding some of the superstars a tireless worker and a rookie who started in NBA playoffs.
This season maybe the ref's will stop calling breath fouls on Semi, while allowing him to be mugged at the rim.
What is with motor criticism.I thought i picked up indecision at times on how to use physicality
from lack of experience and fear of the whistle.
Hanlon will wind up training Williams-His guy Tatum put him on the top of his class.