Donnie needs to stop playing small

[tptcuse]

Yeah, that's Sadiq all day. Donnie? Not so much.

Donnie is clearly a bit more skilled than White at this point, but not remotely the freak athlete, nor does he seem to have that relentless motor and nasty streak 'Diq does.

Sadiq is definitely going to get in a fight or get T'd up at some point in his career here. But only because of intensity and other players getting frustrated, not because he is a bad kid.

 

[Irt4su]

Judah punched Sadiq destroys

 

[Yeti]

Donnie set a pick and got the ball on the roll to the rim exactly one time last game. It was perfect and I think fits his skill set.

Instead he gets the ball too far from the basket and fails at backing down whoever is guarding him, or faces up and drives while throwing up an out of control shot (which has worked!). Or he shoots a catch and shoot 3 which is probably my least favorite despite him making a couple. I think the team needs him closer to the rim. But I have no idea what I’m talking about.

I don’t know. It’s not like any of them are bad options for someone who… finishes better? If Donnie could hit a 1 legged midrange fadeaway there wouldn’t be any issue.

The worrying part is that he hasn’t been able to dominate physically against the players we’ve played.

 

[DomeHolmes]

Needs to play off of two feet. Will help himself be more balanced and stronger going to the basket. Gets out of control once he goes flying to the basket and it would also allow him to utilize pump fakes to continue to go to the line. Would’ve liked to see him get a couple of and 1s last night instead of chucking it up

Agree. I have commented on the fadeaway jumper he takes that is not necessary. Yesterday his first two drives to the hoop he did a jump stop, extended his arm and swished in two five footers. They were smooth and under control. From that point on, I believe he was one for eight from the floor. And Including the shots that he did not make, that he got fouled on, he was 1 for 15. Hats off to him for hitting his free throws, but with his size and athleticism should be finishing stronger, and getting a few and ones as you said.

 

[007]

I like Donnie, but he makes himself so small. Even when he is right under the hoop. Keep the ball high! He has an NBA body, that’s about it.

Donnie has NBA length, not the same as having an NBA "body." He needs to add strength to be able to play through contact to succeed at the next level. That's also likely why he tends to prefer to play more like a wing. He has the skills and athleticism to be a big.

 

[hoopsupstate]

Donnie is more effective getting the ball around the foul line. It’s an easier drive to the basket. He has a hard time trying to get by his man on the wing beyond the three point line.