Truthteller,
RE: Austin Daye. He wasn't one-and-done. He left after his Sophomore season.
To me, the MSM has a special fetish for black/half-Caste "small forward-types." All they need to do is chuck some 3-balls, grab some boards and block a few shots, maybe get a few fast-break dunks (that displays their "athleticism").. and they are "basketball Gods"... they don't even need to be "consistent!"
These types are usually very much deer-boned and thin, and we are told that they have "magical ball-handling abilities." In other words, they are somehow "redefiners" of the game and the "reason" few Whites are allowed to play small forward. Don't forget, they have "every skill in abundance"...
In my view, the gangly - Matt Barnes - has been another "hype-job" that really lacks consistency. Well, give me Danillo Gallinari and his 3s, rebounds and some blocks.. give me AK-47 and Birdman.. or how 'bout "Red Rocket" Matt Bonner?!
There was former Iowa State athlete Jamie Vanderbeeken, very tall and long, who could shoot the 3, rebound and block shots. There's Duke's Ryan Kelly. He's more athletic than given credit for. We will be told, though, that they can't "slash" to the basket with the basketball in tow.. Nope, Whites' can't be "Donte Greene's" (what exactly has he done for the horrid Sacramento Kings?).
Forwards' can certainly make cuts without the ball.. That's why you have a point guard, right..?! Because, do you really want your 6-10 guy "exposing" the ball in traffic? Yes, occasionally, it may work, but many of these "magical ball-handlers" are really turnover-machines. Rarely are they "as skilled" as the MSM would suggest.
---Naturally, one can slash-and-pass (create for others) or slash some and put up a shot, but it's quite tedious to get into everything in a single post.. and, of course, there are many Whites' that can slash-and-pop. It's about keeping the defense honest, and it can be a way to get to the foul-line.---
Edited by: Deadlift