Mar 6, 2018
Thoughts on Miller's role, Thompson's injury and more
The coach Jack Armstrong checks in with his thoughts on Malcolm Miller's role with the Raptors, Frank Kaminsky's play wih the Hornets, Tristan Thompson's injury and more.
The coach Jack Armstrong checks in with his thoughts on Malcolm Miller's role with the Raptors, Frank Kaminsky's play wih the Hornets, Tristan Thompson's injury and more.
1. MALCOLM MILLER (Raptors): I found it interesting that he started on Sunday night vs Hornets. Clearly with OG Anunoby sidelined with an ankle injury, they’re exploring all options and searching for solutions at their three spot. I’ve mentioned it many times that I believe this is the position that they’ve got to figure out in the final 20 games how they’re going to divide the 48 minutes available there. They have lots of mixing and matching ahead. Miller has size and a sound shooting stroke, might as well find out now what he can and can’t do. Feel for Norman Powell, he looks like he’s struggling with his role. It’s never easy when there are expectations and things go awry. Bottom line, this spot needs attention and improvement down the stretch.
2. FRANK KAMINSKY (Hornets): Nice to see him be assertive on Sunday vs Toronto. When I saw him in Charlotte on Feb 11, he looked lost as far as his confidence is concerned turning down shots and playing with no zip. Good to see him play with firm belief and purpose again.
3. TRISTAN THOMPSON (Cavs): Out for approximately two weeks with an ankle injury. It has been an up and down year for him, I love his relentless effort, defensive approach and rebounding. With both he and Kevin Love on the shelf, this is a great opportunity for Larry Nance, Jr to establish himself considerably, which he did last night vs the Pistons.
4. BLAZERS & PELICANS: Who’d a thunk it? In the topsy-turvy West, these two squads are suddenly the three and four seeds in the conference. Damian Lillard and Anthony Davis have been absolutely brilliant of late. As you roll down the stretch, your best guys need to show the way—they’re doing that for sure.
5. NATE MCMILLAN (Pacers): He has his young squad in the fourth seed in the East right now and for a team that came into the season with low expectations for a playoff berth, they’re hitting their stride nicely. Former Raptor Cory Joseph has held the fort with Darren Collison banged up just like he did last year for Kyle Lowry. They are a fun team that plays fast and with energy. Mc Millan will be Raptors Coach Dwane Casey’s biggest opponent when you look at East Coaches for NBA Coach of the Year voting. Casey was Mc Millan’s assistant in Seattle. Job well done by both.