Overview: An emerging swingman who is going to be a borderline All-Star for the foreseeable future. Has good athleticism and extremely long arms. Didnt get a lot of hype after leaving Wake Forest as the reigning ACC POY in 2003. Played in his first All-Star game in 2007. Plays as hard as anyone on the Dallas roster, and is not bashful in the least bit about hoisting up shots. Skill development over the last few seasons makes him a player to watch out for. Comments about offseason marijuana smoking came back to haunt him in the 2008 playoffs.
Offense: A versatile offense weapon who improved dramatically from his college days. Gets a quarter of his touches from spot up opportunities, with another half coming from a rather equal distribution of isolations, fast breaks, and pick and rolls. Has all the tool of a very good offensive player. Shoots the ball well from mid-range. Great from the line. Not a great 3-point shooter--still working on his range. Takes a lot of shots for his position, but isnt inefficient. Displays very good footwork. Can create space and pull up from anywhere inside the arc. Great body control from the midrange. Good ball handler. Able to drive equally well with both hands and take what the defense gives him. Likes to simply get in the lane and then slow down until he finds a chance to pull. Pretty athletic finisher. Good with both hands when laying it up. Not a great passer, but doesnt turn the ball over very much at all for how much he handles it. Goes to the line at a good clip. Pretty good offensive rebounder for his position.
Defense: Draws the toughest perimeter matchup on the floor and brings a very solid effort to the defensive end. Defends taller small forwards better than he defends shorter and more explosive shooting guards. Has good lateral quickness, but gets stuck covering some elite athletes that he cant always keep out of the lane. Shows good footwork defending the perimeter, and considering his offensive abilities, it is hard to say anything negative about his defense. Very active player who doesnt take possessions off. Capable of darting into passing lanes for steals and surprising people with his length for blocks. Is more of a position defender than a risk taker. Great rebounder for his position.
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