Overview: A unique point guard with great speed and an aptitude for shooting an unreal percentage from the field. Decent size for the point guard position. Has a ridiculous first step. Very tough to keep him out of the lane. Changes directions on a dime with the ball in his hands. One of the fastest players in the League. His legs are what make the Spurs go. Has a pretty unusual style for a point guard. Gets a ton of points in the paint and can score in a number of ways from in close. Beats his man off the dribble frequently. Has a reliable midrange jumper, but is still try to find his range from deep. Good distributor. Great in transition. Capable defender. Cerebral player. Won NBA Championships with the Spurs in 2003, 2005, and 2007. Leads by example. Incredibly aggressive--has tremendous self-confidence, but is highly coachable. Gregg Popovich has done an amazing job maximizing his strengths and keeping him under control. Two time All-Star. Father Tony was a professional basketball player overseas, as are his brothers TJ and Pierre.
Offense: One of the most dynamic offensive players in the game today. Gets almost half of his offense running the pick and roll, but also functions as a spot up shooter as well. Displays a nice looking jump shot from mid-range, and is trying to incorporate the three ball into his game, but isnt consistent at all with it yet. Doesnt get much elevation, which makes him hesitant to shoot with a hand in his face. Wont get a ton of catch and shoot opportunities. Does most of his shooting off the dribble. Displays a quick release and has no trouble getting his shot off from the midrange. Makes a living in the paint. Gets in the lane at a simply ludicrous rate for a point guard. Is essentially impossible to stay in front off. Goes left or right equally well, which is impressive. Even when a defender does manage to cut him off, hell simply change direction and go right to the rim. Knocks down a ton of floaters and short range jumpers. Would much rather go to the rim than pull up. Finishes at an extremely high rate despite his size. Goes to the line at a high rate and shoots an improvable percentage from there. A unique player in that he scores a ton of points in paint for from the point guard position. Does a good job getting his teammates involved as well. Has gotten better and better at minimizing turnovers. Solid passer who can execute in the half-court, but doesnt have amazing court vision. Not a selfish player, just not as instinctive a playmaker as some of the other top point guards in the league. Catalyzes San Antonios offense by drawing defenders off the dribble before dishing the ball back out to the perimeter. While the player he passes to may not take the shot, he creates numerous spot up opportunities for the players who receive subsequent swing passes. The oil that makes the engine run.
Defense: A talented defensive point guard who will hawk the ball the length of the floor and make some plays. Does a very good job using his feet and not his hands. Always in front of the play. Can keep up with any point guard in the game. Doesnt create many turnovers despite his quick feet and fast hands. Not very physical, but sound nonetheless. Isnt going to effectively contest shots due to his lack of size. Wont over commit when he is closing out on the perimeter. Turns long rebounds into layups. Always gets into position to receive the outlet immediately after the ball is secured.
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