On a similar note, IQ can’t get by anyone anymore and that floater game has essentially disappeared. His 3pt shot is also hiding and doing a good job of it. Can’t even confidently say that he will make a corner 3.

Both players are playing scared. Both players can be traded at this point.

Why are aome of these players regressing? IQ shot better as a rookie. RJ played better 2 years ago same with Randle.

We can change the entire team out for new players or change the coach and remove whoever was in charge of providing thibs a team he can coach and win. Too many disconnects from the top down to Harper on RJ and his slump. The FO drafted him and gave him his bag. He’s getting paid market price.

But this FO and or coach needs someone that can build a team.

Watched the redeem team for the first time and there is a great example of someone just adding individual talent and expected them to form as a team. But when dukes coach took over and was part of this team building process, they improved as a team and not as individuals. Granted they added kobe to help them get over the top. But it was the team that did it.

We don’t have a team, just a bunch of talented nba players. We need someone with a team building mindset. For example Leon will say wow Obi fell in the draft we should take him. Team manager will say, only if we plan on trading Randle. Maybe they would’ve traded down and actually got a player that fits with Randle instead of selecting a top 8 pick to be Randles backup.

There are fundamental issues going on that doesn’t seem to be a solution. And these things keep adding up. RJ is a hard worker. IQ the same. We all know drose and can’t say enough about Obi. But as a team these guys are regressing and it’s not just one category.

TheGame wrote:It has been clear to everyone, except Thibbs, that RJ is off and has been hurting the team. While he has continued the draw fouls, he cannot hit his 3s and cannot really finish his layups. The other players are starting to look reluctant to pass him the ball because he usually just jacks up a bad shot (or even if it is a good shot, he misses it). Reduce RJs minutes. It will be a good lesson for him to learn that efficiency is important. Grimes’ first extended game action results in 10 points and 8 assists (Grimes used to be a PG). Prior to the season, this was supposed to be Grimes breakout year. It is time Thibbs gets this kid on the court with regular minutes, and he needs to stop playing RJ 34-35 minutes. Reduce RJs minutes down to 20-25 minutes until he improves his efficiency and get Grimes in the game more.

IMHO the make or break moment for Thibs will be when Grimes is grooving and showing the team he is out of the injury zone AND Cam comes back and is playing well.

If RJ continues to suck at that time and Grimes/Cam performing and Thibs starts RJ (or plays him more than those guys), he will lose team.

Knixkik wrote:

Rookie wrote:I must sound like a broken record by now....but, RJ should be playing against other teams 2nd unit.

I won’t sell out on RJ until he’s got more shooting around him. He drives into a packed lane every game. Get grimes going and get a center who can shoot and watch a difference. RJ needs space to operate. Hartenstein was supposed to bring shooting and playmaking at the center and those things are nowhere to be found, so we are stuck with the same issues.

Tweet was deleted or there was problem with the URL:

https://twitter.com/JCMacriNBA/status/1594717036873146369

martin wrote:

Tweet was deleted or there was problem with the URL:

https://twitter.com/JCMacriNBA/status/1594717036873146369

Macri is a fan of UK...I've been saying Randle and RJ are a bad fit for years...You can add Robinson into the mix as well. Then we sign Brunson(who is our best player) who performs best in the midrange. So, that's 4 guys that play the most minutes together that are all most comfortable 10 feet and in.

All of these trade scenarios involving moving IQ, or Obi or Rose or even Evan are peripheral moves and wont fix the core issues. This core needs to be broken up if we are going to move this thing forward.

Not only do they not work on the offensive end, but the combo of Brunson, RJ, and Randle don't work defensively either...

I do think Thibs and Brunson need to make an effort to get him some easy buckets. I know he's missing point blank layups at a crazy rate but get him something slashing to the hoop. And RJ himself needs to put in the extra work and play smarter. Concentrate more on defense and playmaking. Especially on those drives where he's met and with 3 defenders. Kick it out!