Ryan Kelly Discussion

I would still take it

 

The way he hit all of the shooters in rhythm - Kelly, Lou and Nick - was just stunning. I think he needs to have some time with that second unit on a regular basis because their offense is deadly with him on the floor. I know we are hoping Huertas can run that second squad, but man, did they look good with Russell at the helm. He just makes it all look so easy and effortless and the timing on his passes is just perfection. The kid is the real thing. Color me super impressed.

I also liked the fact that he called his own number when he was feeling it and drained a three with a defender in his face. I am really looking forward to his development.

Sorry didn't mean to hijack Kelly's thread. He looked great out there! Healthy and contributing. Keep him, ditch Sacre.

 

It's gorgeous to watch. It's more impressive to me than the razzle dazzle stuff, which is also sweet to see in the highlights like the no look to Black. But hitting the shooters in rhythm is a rarity I feel like with many of the PG's out there today. Seems like the trend is towards athletic, get their own PG's who are ball dominant. It's a throwback to see a guy so proficient at feeding the shooters. Beautiful. Sorry again, R. Kelly for the hijack.

 

I was all for cutting him, but if he's playing like this there's no way I do it. Offensively he's very unique. He can attack and get to the rim in 2-3 long strides. He can knock down open threes, and he's a decent passer to boot. Defensively he leaves a lot to be desired, but so far he's proven an effective role player like we hoped he'd be a year ago. As long as he's playing the PF spot, I'm fine with keeping him.

In fact I keep him so far ahead of Jabari, Frazier, Holmes, Upshaw, Sacre, and Jabari. Yes I said Jabari twice because I'm sick of seeing him on the floor.

 

Most? Defensively and on the boards. He doesn't box out and his help defense has been disappointing. His timing is off helping to drivers. Put him in the D-League and let him get used to NBA speed because so far he isn't there.

 

Honestly I'm not that concerned. He's shown great promise, but at the same time that project looks to be 2-3 years long if you want to dedicate the time/resources/roster spot to it. Right now we've got Hibbert hitting his prime, Black who is active and only 23-24 years old, and guys like Kelly, Sacre, and Bass who can fill in there if need be. I'm not sure any other team is looking at what Upshaw has done so far and thinking "oh we must have that".

 

I'll happily admit I look wrong on Kelly at the moment. He still has faults and can't play D, but his experience and shooting touch is making our camp signings look raw, and bad. There's nobody I really see that I would cut Kelly for now. As long as we keep Black, Upshaw and MWP, I'm good. Sacre still needs to go though, he doesn't impact a game, while Kelly can.