by Dee4Three on Mon Nov 20, 2017 4:49 pm
He has shooting talent, look at his shooting percentages in college. He's shooting 47% from the line, which is the same distance in college that he shot a MUCH higher percentage (67%). He also shot 5.4 threes a game in college and shot over 40%, granted not the same distance, but it's safe to say he can shoot. I think it's a combination of nerves and just overall adjusting to the NBA game. I think he can be exploited more in the NBA by just a better talent base, but he CAN shoot. I look at Kevin Martin as a good example of a player with an unorthodox shot that succeeded, Lonzos release isn't as quick (and I think alot of it has to do with his feet), but maybe he can develop a quicker release with a different base.
And shooting talent isn't necessarily something you are born with, it's repetition and overall practice. I wouldn't be able to pick up the ball for the first time ever and just shoot and hit shots because I was "born with it". I would have to develop a form, practice it, practice it in different situations, etc.
The problem with his game is he can only pull from one side of the floor (unless he is wide open), and hes not confident getting to the hoop yet.
Also, numerous players have improved there shots or forms in order to achieve a better shooting percentage or overall just be more effective. Andre Drummond is a great example with his free throws, he completely changed his free throw style, practiced it, and became a much better free throw shooter.
Great pace by him in this game though, he was all over the place. Great energy and hustle. That was a Westbrook type triple double, where he was flying around the floor just basically getting his hands dirty. He had a couple nice drives to the hoop, and the one handed tip in on the alley oop showed nice touch. He also had a few hockey assists when he was leading fastbreaks.
Kuzma is crafty, so many different ways he can score. His ceiling as a player is a tough one. I've watched a number of Lakers games, and hes impressed me in every one. He certainly has the potential to be a multiple time all star. I like his intensity, and confidence. He has a great opportunity to shine this season with a team that's so young.
I want to watch him more this season to come up with a possible player ceiling comparison.
Another thing to keep in mind with this game, Jokic and Mike Malone were ejected in the second quarter, and Millsap exited with a sprained wrist. Yes, the Lakers were up by like 15 or 16 when the ejection happened, and I still think the Lakers win this game, but just something to keep in mind.