Scholarship table
I don’t disagree. That doesn’t equate to “lazy” however.
I agree that there were games he was bad. There always will be games like that, especially with a 19/20 year old. But to say he gave up is just a slap in the face IMO.In those 4 games:129 minutes (32.25 avg.)23-59 from the field61 points31 reboundsBad yes. Gave up. No chance.
I think it’s more his personality than anything. It did appear he coasted at points during the season and appeared disinterested, but compare the bad moments with the good moments - nova game winning shot - and he was very stoic after. Watching him for two seasons, he isn’t a lazy player, but is still learning how to be assertive on the offensive end. You can find knocks on him, but laziness is definitely not one of them.
I don't see Jae Crowder as a comp for Justin. Jae played with a tenacity and toughness that Justin (and few others for that matter) doesn't. Jae was an incredible defender. Justin? Average. Justin trumps Jae in overall athleticism - better jumper, better overall frame for the NBA, I'd argue a better shooter, and higher upside.I don't feel Justin was lazy as a player at MU, he's just a guy who is a fluid-type of athlete. I think it's easy to mistake a fluid player as not be hard working. Justin is 20 years old and has a lot of time to develop. I definitely like him as an early 2nd round pick if I'm a GM. Lots to work with/potential.
Justin wasn't lazy and I don't recall any games where he "gave up". However, there were moments here and there where there was a bad play or a lapse and he would put his head down, or have poor body language, or not hustle back. Those didn't happen often but that did occur. I think people put more weight on them and even incorrectly start to believe those instances were much more common than they actually were.I also have to imagine this was part of the feedback Justin received as he went through the pre-draft process and is something that is easily correctable.
Just my two cents, but I think the critique is that they wish Justin was more of a "high motor" guy which isn't to say he's lazy. Might be splitting hairs, but that's my take.
Justin was lazy in the same way Markus Howard was lazy in finishing 28-93 in his last 5 games of his Junior season.28-93 30% in what was supposed to be the most promising season in years. Too bad he was lazy too.
The only thing lazy here is your comparison. Howard was injured.
Comparable for Jae: Marcus Smart?
My comp for Justin is Kyle Anderson.With the potential to be more athletic.
Yes. And every other player did the same. In an ideal world, as the best player, Justin never would have relented or put his head down for one second, but that's simply not realistic. You miss a layup or throw a bad pass, and you're mad at yourself, and that can cause you to be a couple seconds late getting back. It happens to every player, including the best in the world.
Anyone that thinks his body language is not something of note is not being honest, IMO. I have watched a lot basketball over the years and I have not heard announcers single out guys on body language very often, yet it was mentioned more than once by an announcer last year. There are intangibles in life and I think it is always best to leave nothing to chance and I think Lewis left that to chance. Who knows, maybe he drops a few spots because of that and the team that gets him ends up an all star player.
Ah, the old “everybody does it” excuse. Almost never accurate. Or compelling.If “everybody” does it how come it’s not in everybody’s scouting report?
Read LAZAR's post.And yes, everybody does it.I also find it pretty humorous that some of those who defend Joey at every turn so easily criticize a first-team All-Big East player who has accomplished waaaaaaay more than Joey has. And that includes the 3 years after Joey left Marquette to be mentored by a Hall of Fame coach.