mreinman wrote:martin wrote:mreinman wrote:martin wrote:I've really liked what I have seen from Early. He's gotten stronger and is obviously more confident and focused. The coaching staff has seemed to have gotten through to him: play D, play consistent and with energy and Early has taken it to heart. Rotation guy for sure if he can keep it up. Doesn't seem to have the highest IQ but if he can focus on being scrappy and take what's given to him, he'll do quite nicely.
why do you think he does not have a high IQ?
the easiest, most glaring example: shot went up for the Knicks and I think Ndour did his best Tyson impression and batted it out to the perimeter for a rebound, ball went too far and over half court line and Early didn't know you could go into backcourt to retrieve ball, caused a turnover instead of just scooping up ball. Ndour and perhaps Grant went over to him after play to remind him of the rule.
I remember that play though mistakes happen especially with young guys. He had one really sweet pass to NDour in OT.
I think that his IQ is good and he just needs experience.
Even last season when he was bad, he was one of the only players who seemed to move the ball smartly.
Early been in the league for a year, Ndour and Grant have not and knew the rule. I'll watch more closely and point out some other stuff about Early and his IQ.
Mostly I really really really like what I have seen from Early. The fact that he has accepted his role of a 3 & D type of guy indicates to me that his focus about his role is locked in and he can concentrate on his strengths within a limited scope, telling for a young player who came off a disappointing year. It's obvious that he has taken the time off after the season to improve both his role and his body, something that I have not seem from either Gallo or Wear (Ledo may have taken strides but either hasn't been able to put it together or is still a ways away and Antetokounmpo has a long way to go).
