Bonn1997 wrote:nyknickzingis wrote:KP hasn't been the same since the injuries have kept him out a few games every couple of games.
It's hurt his rhythm. It will come back when he has a consistent stretch of games.
Think our biggest problem right now is not having THJ. We need a shot creator and scorer out at the perimeter.
As good as Kanter is playing, it's actually hurting us on offense, as we're becoming a predictable feed the post team. Either go to Kanter inside or KP. Too predictable for the defense.
Didn't this happen the last 2 years too? He may simply be a guy who gives you 10 great games a year and then breaks down.
The difference is that each season even when he has these ruts, his play and production is better.
For example
Nov 2015 14.1 ppg 9.9 rpg
Nov 2016 21.8 ppg 7,3 rpg
Nov 2017 24.2 ppg 6.1 rpg
Dec 2015 12.6 ppg 6.4 rpg
Dec 2016 18.5 ppg 8.8 rpg
Dec 2017 21.6 ppg 6.4 rpg
You also see in the "poorer" more injury prone December month where he slows down that each year he plays better. I think he's much better than he was two years ago. He's essetially replaced Melo without any problem. Problem is what he gives you November especially this year makes you yearn for a MVP player. Then he plays like a top 30 player and you no longer like it. It's frustrating, but Shaq was saying that he is only getting stronger and physically better that it will take him some years to get where he should be. He's working with Shaq's trainer. We need this kid to get up to 250 eventually and be able to play closer and closer to the basket and midrange. We are seeing a huge step with that regard this year.. Before this year never saw that post and mid-range consistency from KP. This tear he is actually actively trying to use his size advantage and it will only get easier for him.
This year so far from what I've monitored
Elbow injury
Knee injury
Ankle injury
That's 3 within 30 games. They all affect him clearly. The fact is though, he's still playing and he's still a damn good player when injured. We need him to find a way to make his body stronger and his game enough smart that he's able to take the beatings in the post and still be ready to play.
It will also help a ton if he developed some chemistry with a point guard that could grow with him for years. We should be trying to work as many minutes as possible with Frank and KP to get that going, Easy baskets and good 2 man games will go a long way in getting good looks. Our offense the last few games have become too isolation heavy. The team is not working hard enough on offense to look for a better shot. They're settling for the easy play ... give it to Kanter or KP.
12/26/2017 2:04 PM