Nov 17, 2014
Armstrong: Thoughts on Vasquez, Butler, Favors and more
TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong weighs in with five quick thoughts for a Monday, including the Raptors' usage of Greivis Vasquez this season, Jimmy Butler's continued emergence for the Bulls, the continued growth of Derrick Favors for the Jazz, Bucks coach Jason Kidd and his influence on Brandon Knight, as well as what's going wrong for Brian Shaw's Nuggets
FIVE QUICK NBA THOUGHTS:
1. GREIVIS VASQUEZ (Raptors): This is a bit of an adjustment period for Vasquez, as he deals with slightly reduced minutes (21.5 to 18.5) and he's struggled with his shooting (.340 FG% and .250 3P%) and he's only averaging 2.5 assists per game. He seems to be pressing a bit when he's out there, because opportunities are tight with the addition of Lou Williams and James Johnson in the perimeter rotation. I look at it all as a positive problem team-wise, yet something to keep an eye on to see if Vasquez will earn a bigger role (he and Kyle Lowry were quite effective together last season) as the season progresses. I love his energy, guts and swagger, but this means there's lots of internal competition, which is good. Terrence Ross must be feeling it, too - if he's inconsistent, I have no doubt that Dwane Casey, with greater options now, won't hesitate to play a Vasquez, Williams or Johnson in his place, with which I agree. Again, this is a nice issue to have.
2. JIMMY BUTLER (Bulls): I love this guy and I'm sure Raptors fans are hoping that Terrence Ross can become this type of two-way player. Already a big time wing stopper, Butler's offence is sky-rocketing, averaging 21.3 PPG and 6.3 RPG, along with 3.4 APG. His shooting has improved greatly (.533 FG% and .391 3P%) and he's on his way to a big pay day, that's for sure. You can get better - a lot better - as a pro. Butler is case in point.
3. DERRICK FAVORS (Jazz): Favors is really coming into his own averaging 16.9 PPG and 8.3 RPG. He's a load to deal with in the post, can put it on the floor a little bit and has a decent game 12-feet and in. Favors plays hard and is consistent and is really starting to settle into a groove. The Jazz play through him in the post and he deserves the team's trust. He's a good one.
4. BRANDON KNIGHT (Bucks): I mentioned coach Jason Kidd last week and a fine example of his leadership (a future Hall of Fame point guard) and that pertains to Knight here. Knight is taking big steps with his game. I've watched the Bucks a few times already getting prepared on my off nights for upcoming Raptors' opponents and I love what he's doing. He's consistently putting up major numbers (18.3 PPG, 6.4 APG, 6.0 RPG, .449 FG%, .405 3P% and .875 FT%), while being in greater control of the team and putting teammates in spots to shine. Knight is a neat development to watch.
5. BRIAN SHAW (Nuggets): I'm watching this 2-7 Nuggets team and I don't see lots of life or competitive spirit, overall. This is a dangerous time and Shaw's got to get his team playing with greater urgency. I've watched them a few times and I'm shocked by how soft they're playing. I was stunned to watch them give up 84 first-half points the other night to Portland. It's never easy when the losses pile up, yet when you lose, there is a right way to go down and I'm not seeing enough of it. I'd say it's red alert time in the Mile High City. I like Shaw a great deal and hope he survives this, but, as we all know, there's not a lot of patience in today's NBA. They've gotta produce.