Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee356  Ben once upon a time had extreme difficulties with lots of players. He learned. You can't expect Jason Maxiell to have experience playing guys, until you play him against those guys. Anyone needing examples, well, start with Antoine Walker. Basically, when we had Ben and Cliff, it was Cliff who could guard the better, bigger and stronger power forwards and centers in the league. Ben has one by one conquered many players; Maxiell can do the same-but only if he plays. |
He played 14 plus minutes a game last year. As his defense improved he got more minutes in certain situations.
However it is like you say a chicken and egg thing. He needs to get the minutes to improve but how can he get the minutes unless he improves and earns them.
I think his minutes will go up again this year, maybe closer to 18 or more. I however, think he can play small forward as long as he can continue to improve his foot work and anticipation (experience should help there) which will allow him a better chance of staying in front of small forwards. He certainly doesn't have a height disadvantage there, especially with his hops and reach.
He has developed a really nice post up game, which is more effective against 3s vs 4s.
