Manny

[Manny @MannyG342]

@BenchwarmerBran I remember those days, for different reasons (mostly salary cap) they are over. All about the trade market these days.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@KeithSmithNBA LeBron told Lakers he is leaving AFTER Lakers guaranteed Bronny's contract. 🤣

[Manny @MannyG342]

@whatshesaid_x She knew nothing about playing basketball 6 years ago. First 4 years of basketball was in Africa. Only 2 years of college ball. Any player with that background is developmental. Giannis went through the same thing entering the league.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@_Alexisss_ Agreed. Not only do they attack the rim less when tired the 3's they take are tired jumpers which comes with a lower shooting percentage.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@whatshesaid_x Medina is a developmental player this year. No amount of practices & run time is going to change that, I believe in her but don't expect a big jump until next year after a full off-season. If they can get her to be a reliable backup to Bri by playoffs that would be a plus.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@_Alexisss_ Okot is a developmental player trying to learn the game. Think they're trying to get her there slowly with the goal of being ready come playoffs.
You will see more of Angel/Okot once Bri comes back into the starting lineup though, especially if Bri is on a minutes restriction.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@Aytiel_ We just gotta agree to disagree on this one:
- I think Okot is mostly a developmental player this year, you don't.
- I don't think 15-20 practices in camp plus about 5-10 more in season practices as a backup is enough to catch her up, you do. 🤝🏾

[Manny @MannyG342]

@Aytiel_ @thepostwire I have no proof, just guessing. I think they thought Bri was going to be back sooner, tried to just rehab before deciding surgery was needed.
Regardless I was advocating signing a vet big in free agency until Bri was ready to go moreso than throwing the rook to the Wolves.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@Aytiel_ @thepostwire I was afraid of this & would've started Kone or Borlase. Fam is tall but mostly a perimeter player. I really want to avoid Okot guarding perimeter bigs who can shoot right now. Really missed Naz today.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@thepostwire @Aytiel_ Using this past week as an example. I guarantee they've had zero practices in the past week plus. They didn't even do a walk thru before tonight game.
I think they'll get their first proper practice this week after a couple days rest.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@Aytiel_ @thepostwire I think they will be in lineups together, likely matchup dependent. Probably have some Naz/Angel/Okot lineups to give Rhyne a few more minutes rest also.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@Aytiel_ @thepostwire Angel's role is still expanding as the season goes, Borlase is beginning to get more PT. It takes time. You don't want to hear this but there will be an adjustment period when Bri comes back also. It'll be good but there will be bumps along the way.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@Aytiel_ @thepostwire You're trying to make up for years of experience in a few practices. I've seen progression but it'll take time. The goal for Okot is to get her ready for the end of the season off the bench, not the beginning as a starter.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@Aytiel_ @thepostwire Something a lot of people don't realize.
Training camp super short, couple weeks focused on top of rotation.
Because of the number of games very few opportunities to get a proper practice in season.
Add to that Okot is a BBall pup & it shows. Only hooped for 6 years.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@uchedev_ If so scheduling lost, that's why that last game vs. GS hurt. Also maybe people will now chill with the Okot over any current starter stuff & understand she is still in development, goal is to get her where she could be a factor off the bench by the end of the season.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@coleman2469 @iriscentral_ Beginning of this game is unfortunately proving me right. Bigs don't want to guard at the 3 line & Awa taking advantage, need a big game from Kone.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@coleman2469 @iriscentral_ Don't want Medina on the perimeter guarding Awa or Dom & they're both capable out there. Just depends on how Seattle use them tonight.
More concerned about the offensive end. Shooters have to be more locked in because rim finishing will be tough.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@thepostwire That said, Angel at the 4 with a post presence to get the ball to & another rebounder should open things up for her passing & efficiency scoring at the rim.

[Manny @MannyG342]

@thepostwire I'm remembering things differently. With Kamilla in the paint & defenses sagging off Angel there was no path to the paint for G's. Everybody was 3 point shots or bad offensive game (many bad offensive games)
Current team is leading in points in the paint due to open driving lanes