Lazar To Thunder

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Wow...that doesn't sound at all like the Lazar I remember. Though I disagree that his defensive struggles are the biggest surprise. In college, he was usually quicker than the guys he was trying to defend, but smaller. Now, most NBA bigs are probably just as quick, but bigger, making 4s and 5s a bad match-up, and NBA wings are notably quicker.

What surprises me is the poor shooter. I realize it was the college line, but he could knock them down. Maybe it was because he was getting balls in comparatively better offensive situations from James and Acker than he did from the T-Wolves guards, or maybe because he was usually defended by a 4 or 5 which made him sliding outside a tough match-up.

Regardless, I hope Hayward can get a bit of a shot in the arm being in OKC. It seemed there was a logjam of players at his position in Minnesota, and despite drafting way too many PGs, I'm not sure he had near as good of PG play as he'll have alongside him with the Thunder. Minutes may be hard to come by, but I'd love to see him develop into a solid 8-12 mpg role-player in the NBA.

I also watch the T-Wolves a good amount, and yes, Lazar was pretty poor last year. I too hope that he finds a role at OKC. But if not, he'll have made his fair share of doe. Already making over $1M this season.

Your point on the 4s and 5s guarding Hayward in college was a good one. And remember..Lazar almost always shot his three-point attempts from the top of the key in college. Whenever he shot from there, it seemed to go in. He attempted very few of those opportunities last year...probably because he wanted to keep his team involved during his limited PT as a rookie.

Here is to hoping Lazar has a great year with OKC. It will probably be a much better environment for him.

[mu_hilltopper]

Stolen from Facebook: 

Would love to see Bulls vs. Heat in the Eastern Finals and Thunder vs. Blazers in the West.

A Marquette Final 4 so to speak.