The Z is an overrated defender take is a pretty interesting hill to die on ALL day.
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Teske was your top ranked defender. How would a team of 5 Teskes fare on defense?
On Winstonās NBA decision:
Pretty well, I think, if they were playing a team of five Nick Wards. 
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This decision must have been pretty surprising, both to Cassius and his family. But there are some things in life that are simply out of our control.
I think the thing that hurts Simpson defensively is that he doesnāt have the physical ability (read: height and length) to make up for a mistake. Great on-ball and 1:1 defender, but in basketball youāre always getting picked, switched, etc. so I think itās difficult for him to recover after a defender gets a step on him or gets into the lane and can shoot a 10-12-footer over him (see TT). I think I saw more players hit tough mid range shots over Simpson than anyone else. Still would consider him one of our top 2 defenders (think Matthews really made defense look easy).
Conversely, I think Livers was the poster child for just using his athleticism to make up for a half-step the wrong way or hips not squared type of situation. Think he had more blocks on guys who got a step on him than anyone else.
(Also, these are based on game observations - no advanced stats)
Heās got a 6ā4" wingspan, which is exceptional for his height.
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I was going to say 5 Teskes would do poorly but Iām wondering if a 2-3 Syracuse defense with 5 Teskes would actually do okay. Certainly 3 Teskes would be good, I think, heās not as quick as their usual skinny forwards like Grant, Warrick or Brissett types, but smarter and engaged.
Agreed. Simpson is pretty much as good as you can be at his size without being a ballhawk, but his size limits him on contests and switching.
I didnāt really factor in how much it matters to a college team to have a leader at the top of your defense who gives the team toughness and focus, though, that probably merits more consideration.
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Have talked to several coaches about how they play the pick and roll. Every one said: āDepends on how tough my point guard is. If heās tough I start with trying to bust the pick.ā
UM plays the high ball pick and roll one way; high hedge Teske and then pray for coverage. Simpson is either chasing the pg or chasing someone he has switched to. Neither is optimal.
Given his toughness Iād like to see Simpson do the stuff that shows a commitment to sticking with the guy he is assigned to; the point guard. Do some bracketing, pick up half court, frontnor deny etc. That though would require a reprogramming of somebody like Teske who hangs out top until his assignment is complete. He isnāt required to read much, his reactions are mechanical. When the pick guy slips heās often still engaged out too with the pg no matter how quickly the slip is. No attempt to jammed the picket, no aggressive hedge fake movements in attempts to disrupt the opponent. Some of that I assume is based on mobility limitations.
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Full video on YouTube, if preferred (little longer, not in separate tweets):
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NBA Combine should give Michiganās Brazdeikis, Poole and Matthews leg up in pro pursuits
The writer failed to mention Duncan Robinson and his two way contract last year. I believe he also signed an extension which is contingent on making the Heat. Show him some love!
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Looks like Nick Ward didnāt get an invite. Maybe heāll get one if/when some of these guys decline the invite (e.g., Zion Williamson).
These are people that accepted the invite, but itās possible some drop out.
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Ward didnāt get an invite to the G League camp. Thatās for the next 40 best prospects. Players of note that did get invites; Tyler Cook, Ethan Happ, James Palmer Jr, Amir Coffey and Aubrey Dawkins.
G League camp
Your link doesnāt seem to work. Iāll give it a whirl: LINK
Also of note: Zak Irvin will be there as part of the G-League contingent.
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