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**mcHAPPY** · Wed May 21, 2014, 05:40 PM

Joey wrote: View Post

Lets try and remain respectful adults throughout all of this please.

Sorry Joey.

Just having a bit of fun with an otherwise now painful discussion.

I do believe two pictures did save 2000 words in response though all with the same meaning in the end.

**imanshumpert** · Wed May 21, 2014, 06:46 PM

white men can't jump wrote: View Post

I really don't understand what the point of your comparison was though.

That's ok man

**Puffer** · Thu May 22, 2014, 07:49 AM

DanH wrote: View Post

I completely agree. His IQ on both sides (and effort on D quite often) is the main issue I have with him. The issue there is, sometimes there's just no improving that IQ. At this level, after so much basketball, there's a limit to how much a player can improve in that area. Sure, as guys gain experience they improve, but I've seen no sign of this on the defensive end. He still loses his guy around screens, or sagging into the paint for no reason, as much as he did in his rookie year. His improvement offensively in terms of IQ (minimal, with all the crappy jumpers he still takes, but at least he's improved in looking to pass) is a positive sign, but hardly evidence of impending greatness.

If you are right and DD has plus-defender in his future (any additional efficiency is a bonus - if he can defend, his current offensive game is more than sufficient), I have no problem keeping him on. I just don't personally see it.

I think Gladwell's "Outliers" has some application here.
DeMar hasn't been seriously challenged to play D at a high level until relatively recently. And he hasn't put the effort into it or practiced the requisite skills to operate at a league average level. Now, when he is seen and acknowledged as operating at at somewhat elite level offensively, with the constant "but not up to par defensively" qualification, I think we see his personal pride take over.

He has given every indication throughout his career that he aspires to be the best he can be. And that he believes he can reach the upper levels. I think that if he can improve his defense through work, he will work on it. If he can improve his decision making through work and study (seven playoff games of video to watch) then he will improve his decision making.

DeRozan has turned me into a believer over the last season and a half. And I think Casey will be sitting down and watching the tapes of those seven games and thinking about how he can help DeMar through better team options. Everybody in the league now has definitely proof of what is required to stop DeMar. It's now on Casey to ensure that an outlet pass is available for DeMar, and to also ensure he gets the ball in a position for him to succeed.

**Joey** · Thu May 22, 2014, 05:04 PM

I'll just leave this here:

Drew League 2014!

**Jamshid** · Thu May 22, 2014, 05:17 PM

We need to Sign Ed Davis

**white men can't jump** · Thu May 22, 2014, 05:17 PM

Jamshid wrote: View Post

We need to Sign Ed Davis

Why? We really don't....

**Jamshid** · Thu May 22, 2014, 05:24 PM

white men can't jump wrote: View Post

Why? We really don't....