The UK-UL game should have a big TV rating for CBS. Looks like it might be #1 vs #2.

 

Lots of basketball to be played between now and then including what's shaping up to be a doozy of a game between UofL and UNC at a November event at the Mohegan Sun casino.

None of those stats measure athleticism. The NBA is a more free flowing game so I would guess Goodwin could have some success as a slasher. He would also be looked at as potentially a better defender at the NBA level if he dedicates himself to that role. Obviously, Smith is better at most facets of the game now, but Goodwin is very raw and I don't know how much better Smith could get for the NBA.

Russ Smith is faster than Goodwin, so any argument that the NBA style of play is going to benefit Goodwin is doing the same for Smith, except that when Russ gets to the rack he's much more likely to nail his free throws.

 

And why do we have to talk about his potential to play defense? Was he not effectively motivated to play any in college? Why can Goodwin's defensive mindset get better but Smith's point guard mindset can't?

Russ Smith is faster than Goodwin, so any argument that the NBA style of play is going to benefit Goodwin is doing the same for Smith, except that when Russ gets to the rack he's much more likely to nail his free throws.

 

And why do we have to talk about his potential to play defense? Was he not effectively motivated to play any in college? Why can Goodwin's defensive mindset get better but Smith's point guard mindset can't?

 

To part A: Smith is faster but the only scoring first guy around 6 feet tall the last decade plus that's had success is Allen Iverson. Smith is no where near AI.

 

To part B: because the NBA is a role players league. If you're not a star you have to find a role. It is easier to commit yourself to defense than it is to change from a shoot first wing to a point guard. The only guy that has done it is Russell Westbrook, one of the top 10 players alive who may be the worst pure PG in the leavgue other than role guys like Mario Chalmers. Westbrook is an incredible athlete and scorer, I don't see Smith being as successful at the next level.

 

Goodwin has the tools to be a good defender at the 2 guard position. I think Smith has none of the tools for the PG position.

Repost.

To part A: Smith is faster but the only scoring first guy around 6 feet tall the last decade plus that's had success is Allen Iverson. Smith is no where near AI.

 

To part B: because the NBA is a role players league. If you're not a star you have to find a role. It is easier to commit yourself to defense than it is to change from a shoot first wing to a point guard. The only guy that has done it is Russell Westbrook, one of the top 10 players alive who may be the worst pure PG in the leavgue other than role guys like Mario Chalmers. Westbrook is an incredible athlete and scorer, I don't see Smith being as successful at the next level.

 

Goodwin has the tools to be a good defender at the 2 guard position. I think Smith has none of the tools for the PG position.

 

I think at the very least Smith's defense will keep him around the league. You have to be able to at least do one thing well. Even Luke Walton has a high enough basketball IQ to still have him in the league. I can't think of the one thing that Goodwin brings to the table other than potential to be like Darius Morris.

To part A: Smith is faster but the only scoring first guy around 6 feet tall the last decade plus that's had success is Allen Iverson. Smith is no where near AI.

 

To part B: because the NBA is a role players league. If you're not a star you have to find a role. It is easier to commit yourself to defense than it is to change from a shoot first wing to a point guard. The only guy that has done it is Russell Westbrook, one of the top 10 players alive who may be the worst pure PG in the leavgue other than role guys like Mario Chalmers. Westbrook is an incredible athlete and scorer, I don't see Smith being as successful at the next level.

So now Russ Smith has to be on the level of Westbrook to be a success? I think Russ will have a career as a back up player with a defined role: energy, change-up scoring off the bench, and a pesky, committed defender. I don't think anyone is ever going to build a roster around Russ Smith.

 

Again, Russ Smith is selling something that you can't get everywhere else. Goodwin is selling the most overstocked product in the NBA. Both would be projects for whoever took them today.

 

Goodwin has the tools to be a good defender at the 2 guard position. I think Smith has none of the tools for the PG position.

 

I don't see how you can say that Goodwin has the physical tools to be a good defender, but you don't think Smith has the physical tools to be a point guard.

 

Mindset is the only thing that you can knock on Smith as a point. He has the skills you need in passing and ball-handling, he just approaches the game as a scorer. Smith could have added three assists a game to his average last year if he just decided "I'm never going to score on the fast break, I'm going to pass every time." That wouldn't have been what was best for the team. Not only did he frequently start the fast break as the closest man to the basket and with the ball already in his hands, he was the most likely to convert, most likely to draw the foul, and most likely to hit his free throws. So, Smith could have dropped the ball off more frequently and padded his assist numbers, but I don't have a problem with the fact that he didn't.

I think at the very least Smith's defense will keep him around the league. You have to be able to at least do one thing well. Even Luke Walton has a high enough basketball IQ to still have him in the league. I can't think of the one thing that Goodwin brings to the table other than potential to be like Darius Morris.

 

He's going to have to guard point guards. He's not the kind of athlete to guard someone like Rosé, Irving or Westbrook. He cannot score at a good enough level to play in the league IMO. If Smith was taller he could do both, but he's not a point guard. How often did Trey Burke struggle to handle Louisville's pressure? That's an average NBA ball handler. I'll go on record, Russ Smith cannot guard at the NBA level. Too small.

 

So now Russ Smith has to be on the level of Westbrook to be a success? I think Russ will have a career as a back up player with a defined role: energy, change-up scoring off the bench, and a pesky, committed defender. I don't think anyone is ever going to build a roster around Russ Smith.

 

Again, Russ Smith is selling something that you can't get everywhere else. Goodwin is selling the most overstocked product in the NBA. Both would be projects for whoever took them today.

 

 

 

I don't see how you can say that Goodwin has the physical tools to be a good defender, but you don't think Smith has the physical tools to be a point guard.

 

Mindset is the only thing that you can knock on Smith as a point. He has the skills you need in passing and ball-handling, he just approaches the game as a scorer. Smith could have added three assists a game to his average last year if he just decided "I'm never going to score on the fast break, I'm going to pass every time." That wouldn't have been what was best for the team. Not only did he frequently start the fast break as the closest man to the basket and with the ball already in his hands, he was the most likely to convert, most likely to draw the foul, and most likely to hit his free throws. So, Smith could have dropped the ball off more frequently and padded his assist numbers, but I don't have a problem with the fact that he didn't.

 

Mindset is the most important quality a point guard has at the NBA level. Take CP3, who is a below average athlete for the current PG position. Hi mindset allows him to be the best in the league. Ricky Rubio is one of the worst shooters and athletes in the NBA but has success because of the way he plays the game.

 

There is one successful NBA point guard who plays anything like Smith and that is Westbrook, who is probably one of the best 5 pure athletes in the league. Smith's only above average quality is scoring, which I don't think will translate to the NBA.

 

As for physical tools

A) Goodwin has prototypical size and athleticism for an NBA 2 guard.

B) unless there is an overwheing amount of athleticism or lack thereof, physical tools do not define an NBA pg. They come in all shapes and sizes, but very few of the play with the reckless abandon of Smith.

C) if you're looking at prototypical tools for an NBA pg, Smith's only redeeming quality is he's fast. Not tall or strong, below average shooter, not a great athlete by NBA standards. Very good college player, Jimmer Fredette caliber pro.

Ram watch some NBA this weekend and keep in mind how much young players struggle. Check out the 1 & 2 guards that are off the bench. They all have a role. I don't see a role for Smith.

 

For the record I think Goodwin will be an awful pro too.

He's going to have to guard point guards. He's not the kind of athlete to guard someone like Rosé, Irving or Westbrook. He cannot score at a good enough level to play in the league IMO. If Smith was taller he could do both, but he's not a point guard. How often did Trey Burke struggle to handle Louisville's pressure? That's an average NBA ball handler. I'll go on record, Russ Smith cannot guard at the NBA level. Too small.

 

 

 

Mindset is the most important quality a point guard has at the NBA level. Take CP3, who is a below average athlete for the current PG position. Hi mindset allows him to be the best in the league. Ricky Rubio is one of the worst shooters and athletes in the NBA but has success because of the way he plays the game.

 

There is one successful NBA point guard who plays anything like Smith and that is Westbrook, who is probably one of the best 5 pure athletes in the league. Smith's only above average quality is scoring, which I don't think will translate to the NBA.

 

As for physical tools

A) Goodwin has prototypical size and athleticism for an NBA 2 guard.

B) unless there is an overwheing amount of athleticism or lack thereof, physical tools do not define an NBA pg. They come in all shapes and sizes, but very few of the play with the reckless abandon of Smith.

C) if you're looking at prototypical tools for an NBA pg, Smith's only redeeming quality is he's fast. Not tall or strong, below average shooter, not a great athlete by NBA standards. Very good college player, Jimmer Fredette caliber pro.

 

But that is Goodwin at best also. Which is my point. If Russ isn't ready then neither is Goodwin.

 

Goodwin the 2 guard can't guard Wade, Kobe, Joe Johnson, Klay Thompson, shoot, he can't guard Ray Allen.

But that is Goodwin at best also. Which is my point. If Russ isn't ready then neither is Goodwin.

 

Goodwin the 2 guard can't guard Wade, Kobe, Joe Johnson, Klay Thompson, shoot, he can't guard Ray Allen.

 

He's big enough to guard those guys isn't point. If both players in questioned focused on the best role to stay in the NBA, Goodwin (defense) & Smith (backup PG), Goodwin would be the safer choice. Neither is a safe choice. Both are going to be horrible pros and will probably stay over seas. But Goodwin will have a longer leash to find a role. JMO.

Ram watch some NBA this weekend and keep in mind how much young players struggle. Check out the 1 & 2 guards that are off the bench. They all have a role. I don't see a role for Smith.

 

For the record I think Goodwin will be an awful pro too.

I watch plenty of NBA basketball. I said what role I saw for Smith, but you haven't really given me one for Goodwin.

He's big enough to guard those guys isn't point. If both players in questioned focused on the best role to stay in the NBA, Goodwin (defense) & Smith (backup PG), Goodwin would be the safer choice. Neither is a safe choice. Both are going to be horrible pros and will probably stay over seas. But Goodwin will have a longer leash to find a role. JMO.

 

Goodwin was one of the worst perimeter defenders in the country last year. Projecting him to a defensive role in the NBA is a reach at best...

Goodwin was one of the worst perimeter defenders in the country last year. Projecting him to a defensive role in the NBA is a reach at best...

 

Very true. But he has the capabilities. It is his best chance for success. If you have the natural ability it is the easiest thing to fix. See Tony Allen who was a scorer (and good, not great defender coming into the league). Some guys can't defend at the NBA level due to lack of athleticism or size. Neither is a problem for Goodwin, so it would be best if he changed his mindset.

 

Never said that he would do it, but worst case I think that's what an NBA team will attempt to turn him in to. If he wants to stay in the league that's his best shot IMO, because the NBA isn't an isolation, dribble 50 times and try for a layup league anymore. A coach like Thibs couldn't turn Goodwin into a good defensive player if Goodwin was set on becoming one? Seriously?

I watch plenty of NBA basketball. I said what role I saw for Smith, but you haven't really given me one for Goodwin.

 

Doesn't have one currently. He's the worst player in the draft as far as I'm concerned. But a team will take him thinking he could find a role. I'm looking at the history of NBA GM's actions, which would suggest they draft Goodwin on potential and try to see where he fits in. I'd fire anyone that drafted him for my team if I was an owner.

He's going to have to guard point guards. He's not the kind of athlete to guard someone like Rosé, Irving or Westbrook. He cannot score at a good enough level to play in the league IMO. If Smith was taller he could do both, but he's not a point guard. How often did Trey Burke struggle to handle Louisville's pressure? That's an average NBA ball handler. I'll go on record, Russ Smith cannot guard at the NBA level. Too small.

Louisville made a strategic decision not to press Michigan and Burke wasn't Smith's primary defensive responsibility so that's not a great example. Also, since when is Rose French?

 

Mindset is the most important quality a point guard has at the NBA level. Take CP3, who is a below average athlete for the current PG position. Hi mindset allows him to be the best in the league. Ricky Rubio is one of the worst shooters and athletes in the NBA but has success because of the way he plays the game.

 

There is one successful NBA point guard who plays anything like Smith and that is Westbrook, who is probably one of the best 5 pure athletes in the league. Smith's only above average quality is scoring, which I don't think will translate to the NBA.

Again, comparing Russ Smith to starting point guards is a fruitless endeavor. Russ Smith is never going to be a starting point guard. He can, however, be a backup and change of pace player.

As for physical tools

A) Goodwin has prototypical size and athleticism for an NBA 2 guard.

B) unless there is an overwheing amount of athleticism or lack thereof, physical tools do not define an NBA pg. They come in all shapes and sizes, but very few of the play with the reckless abandon of Smith.

C) if you're looking at prototypical tools for an NBA pg, Smith's only redeeming quality is he's fast. Not tall or strong, below average shooter, not a great athlete by NBA standards. Very good college player, Jimmer Fredette caliber pro.

Athleticism yes, size no. Goodwin is at best 6'4" and that is not 'prototypical size' for a shooting guard in the NBA. He's not a midget, but it is a few inches below average for starters at the position. And while Goodwin is athletic, athletic players are a dime a dozen on the wing. Is he more physically gifted than Terrence Williams, who is hanging onto an NBA career by his fingernails? I don't think so. And T-Will is a better shooter, a much better defender and a not-in-the-same-ballpark better passer than Goodwin.