Hoops Don

Contributor @KnickFilmSkool | @GiveMeSport

[Hoops Don @99thBasketball]

AJAY MITCHELL SUMMER LEAGUE THREAD ⬇️🎥

Through three games, Ajay is averaging (per 36):

- 22 points on 72.9 TS%
- 7.3 assists
- 4.4 rebounds

Let’s dive into the Belgian’s deceptive driving techniques, versatile passing, and understand why OKC may have found another gem 🇧🇪⬇️

[Shax @ShaxNBA]

There's passing and then there's Tyler Kolek level of passing:

45 cut from Pacome draws LaMelo's attention but it's not because he sees the actual cut

Kolek eyes the cutter mid-air before getting it to Deuce

[Finn Kuehl @finleykuehl]

I'm watching Ajay Mitchell's tape from last night and it has me thinking he might be a future star hiding in plain sight

I don't feel confident in him reaching that outcome on this OKC roster but if he ever gets traded...

[Joe Viray @JoeVirayNBA]

Welcome to the new age of inverted PnRs.

Suns and Lakers run inverted PnRs back-to-back. Book sets the ballscreen for KD, two to the ball, Book in the short roll, kick to Beal for the corner 3.

Lakers run step-up ballscreen action in response, with Gabe Vincent playing the role of the step-up screener for Bron. Bron finds Gabe on the slip, layup and-1.

[Shax @ShaxNBA]

5-out spacing got Jalen Brunson attempting dunks in the half court

League is so cooked

[Hoops Don @99thBasketball]

@Mathketball1 Awesome work, as always!!

[Shax @ShaxNBA]

Precious seems to be a great Empty drag screener. The more I've watched it's become a common theme.

He's so quick and athletic for a 5 to where he can screen and be available in space to feed. Brooklyn went small too, and couldn't defend it. What a pass btw

[Hoops Don @99thBasketball]

In less than 200 minutes on the court, Kobe Bufkin showcased a great variety of passing chops.

Deadly-precise on lobs using his soft touch + height, strong velocity on kickouts, & weaponizes his 6’8’’ wingspan through wraparound passes in the paint.

Will be a hell of a player.

[Hoops Don @99thBasketball]

@DJAceNBA Off-ball movement/relocation and screen assists.

Defensively, I’d say stunts, pre-switches, and overall physicality.

[Hoops Don @99thBasketball]

The Spurs shot 7% better at the rim with Wemby on the floor vs. off the floor (2nd best in the league).

[Hoops Don @99thBasketball]

Vertical threat/roll gravity doesn’t get any clearer than this.

Watch how Porzingis backpedals away from Vassell’s path to the rim because he’s concerned about Wemby cutting towards the paint.

[AOP_NBA @aop_nba]

Went through all of the Knicks' regular season ATO plays and plotted every shot attempt

Here's what they look like 🧵

[Hoops Don @99thBasketball]

Thank you for reading this thread! I hope I effectively captured some ways in which Julius has the potential to propel this team to another level.

I adapted this thread from an article I did. I’ll have some Knicks stuff on here too so check it out!! https://t.co/QlzIQOBYEM

[Hoops Don @99thBasketball]

Heading into the 2024-25 season, Julius Randle will be the Knicks’ ultimate X-factor.

From pressuring the rim to elevating his defense in a redefined role, here are 3 crucial adjustments Julius must perfect to propel the team’s title hopes.

[THREAD] ⬇️🎥

[Hoops Don @99thBasketball]

If he doesn’t, his time in NY may end with a trade for a more intuitive fit. But if he rises to the occasion, Julius has the potential to elevate this team in ways no other player they might realistically acquire could.

No pressure, Julius — just a legacy-defining season ahead.