codeunknown wrote:

nixluva wrote:
As for Shump I think people misunderstand the importance of him working on some PG skills and his BB IQ. It's only going to help him as a player. As a PG he's handling the ball FAR more than he would as a SG. He also gets to learn the offense from a higher level since he has to know what everyone else is doing and where to hit them with the pass. Shump will gain confidence handling the ball and eventually he'll get better running the PnR, which will be a big help. This wont' hurt his ability to be a scorer. It's going to enhance that, by allowing him to be used more. Shump will get a lot of extra looks off PnR where he can drive to the hoop. This won't stop him from getting off the ball looks as a SG, it's only going to add more looks when he has the ball as a PG. NO ONE handles the ball more than a PG. THINK ABOUT THAT!

Generalizing the overlap between the positions as "handling the ball" is not insightful. The point guard dribble is aimed at court survey and trap evasion, often near the top of the key. The flavor of the shooting guard dribble involves quick bursts, often at varying wing angle positions where the defensive kernel is less adaptable. Because of these considerations, it requires a separate array of moves and a different notion of ball protection. That isn't to say that cross-position innovation is impossible, but rather that, collateral terms like "handle" and "BBIQ" are probably overstating the relevance of one to the other.

All in all, it would be fantastic if Shumpert could play PG well. It would also be awesome if he could play center, coach and replace Mike Breen. But empirically, we know that few players are successful at multiple positions and, given Shumpert's baseline, investing conservatively here long-term may be prudent. That said, this is summer league. Its already an added effort to attend on his part and probably wise to give him some freedom to learn what he wants. His motivation is as important a variable towards his success as the others discussed above.

Great post.