Billy Preston: Most likely the next LeBron James

[MirORich]

I think we've generally done well in talent identification, but I have no idea what people see in this guy. Most summer league guys look hopeless, but he looks especially hopeless.

You don’t put any stock in the idea that thinks are just moving way too fast for him at the moment? Given that he basically hasn’t played and actual game since HS? The three games at Kansas where all scrimmages.

The beauty of the two year Two Way deal is we have two full years of having his rights and the ability to evaluate and teach him both in the NBA and G League setting without having to use a roster spot on him and without treat of another NBA team poaching him.

The guy also bounced from HS to HS.

He’s never had the same coaching staff for more than 6-9 months at a time. I agree with you that at present he looks lost out there, especially on defense, but I think he has the size and skills that make a two year low risk investment a no brainer.

 

[Nathan S]

You don’t put any stock in the idea that thinks are just moving way too fast for him at the moment? Given that he basically hasn’t played and actual game since HS? The three games at Kansas where all scrimmages.

The beauty of the two year Two Way deal is we have two full years of having his rights and the ability to evaluate and teach him both in the NBA and G League setting without having to use a roster spot on him and without treat of another NBA team poaching him.

The guy also bounced from HS to HS.

He’s never had the same coaching staff for more than 6-9 months at a time. I agree with you that at present he looks lost out there, especially on defense, but I think he has the size and skills that make a two year low risk investment a no brainer.

Agree things are moving way too fast for him...I just don't understand the argument that because he wasted the last year or two of development, now he's going to develop extra-fast in the future. I think that's very unlikely. And if he's this bad in summer league, he'll have to improve an extraordinary amount to be good enough to play in the NBA someday.

 

[MirORich]

Agree things are moving way too fast for him...I just don't understand the argument that because he wasted the last year or two of development, now he's going to develop extra-fast in the future. I think that's very unlikely. And if he's this bad in summer league, he'll have to improve an extraordinary amount to be good enough to play in the NBA someday.

My excitement for him is what he might be ready to do in 18-36 months. And even that is just a role player in my mind.

I’m not one of those who thinks he’ll be ready to be an impact nba player over the life of his two way deal, if ever. So I’ll be watching him the same way I watch some Indians minor leaguers.

 

[Nathan S]

My excitement for him is what he might be ready to do in 18-36 months. And even that is just a role player in my mind.

I’m not one of those who thinks he’ll be ready to be an impact nba player over the life of his two way deal, if ever. So I’ll be watching him the same way I watch some Indians minor leaguers.

I'm on board with that...if everything goes right with him, he could be a roleplayer by the end of the 2019-20 season. I guess I'm just waiting to see some signs of improvement before I start to feel too optimistic about that possibility.

 

[CavsFanJapan]

I'm on board with that...if everything goes right with him, he could be a roleplayer by the end of the 2019-20 season. I guess I'm just waiting to see some signs of improvement before I start to feel too optimistic about that possibility.

Agreed. He still needs a lot of games under his belt and a steady coaching staff to show him the ropes. He really hasn’t played ANY tough competition in over 1-2 years. He is behind everyone but taking that into account, he looks like he could make big steps forward quickly.

 

[Mr. MacPhisto]

One thing to take into consideration is that Zizic struggled a lot last Summer League when he played for Boston. We saw his issues and how far he was early in the season and how much his time at Canton helped him.

I don't expect Preston to be ready for the day to day NBA play in the near future. I doubt the Cavs do either. They signed him to a two year 2-way deal for a reason. I could see calling him up occasionally this season to give him some time in real NBA games, especially any back-to-backs when extra bodies are helpful. Let him get to the point where he can dominate in Canton (happened with Zizic) and then give him a chance to see the differences between there and the NBA so he and the org can figure out what he needs to work on.

My hope would be that in year 2 he may be able to contribute more and even may be ready to have the 2-way deal converted and a full NBA contract signed. It's best to give him time, let him work at his game, and let him grow at Canton.

 

[Cavatt]

The guy isn't inept. He can shoot the ball and he is 6'10" and moves like a guard. He rebounded well in highschool and he was fighting under the basket.

I mean, you take a flyer on him and see if he develops.

He got better over the course of Summer league. Totally agree that he need the game to slow down.

His head is the thing that will keep him out of the NBA, not his talents. Let him play in Canton and see what happens.

Bare min he could be a stretch 4 off the bench who camps in the corner

 

[Sir'Dom Pointer]

One thing to take into consideration is that Zizic struggled a lot last Summer League when he played for Boston. We saw his issues and how far he was early in the season and how much his time at Canton helped him.

I don't expect Preston to be ready for the day to day NBA play in the near future. I doubt the Cavs do either. They signed him to a two year 2-way deal for a reason. I could see calling him up occasionally this season to give him some time in real NBA games, especially any back-to-backs when extra bodies are helpful. Let him get to the point where he can dominate in Canton (happened with Zizic) and then give him a chance to see the differences between there and the NBA so he and the org can figure out what he needs to work on.

My hope would be that in year 2 he may be able to contribute more and even may be ready to have the 2-way deal converted and a full NBA contract signed. It's best to give him time, let him work at his game, and let him grow at Canton.

Zizic didn't struggle in SL last season. In Vegas he was one of the best bigs.

The difference was that he came to SL right away after a tough, long European season, so it took him a game or two to get himself into game speed. He struggled with you know, being in game shape. After that, he killed it.

Again, Zizic would have been better had he stayed on the Cavs and actually played with our team to get himself into game shape. That was his issue, not his lack of skills or his basketball IQ.

Zizic had one start against Philly where he didn't perform all that well,, that's it. Other than that, he played garbage time minutes with shitty units. And because the Cavs didn't practice and he didn't get any real playing time, he couldn't get himself into game shape.

Don't just say stuff to make a point. Im tired of this nonsense thought that Canton developed Zizic lol. Zizic still has the same issue that he did to start the season, conditioning. That didn't change. He didn't learn all those post moves in Canton bro. He is just getting the ball more and has the trusts of his coaches and teammates. He is still not there on D and he still can't run for too long.

Their starting points are completely different. Zizic was an advanced, highly skilled and smart basketball player that lacked the conditioning, and Preston has the conditioning, athleticism but doesn't have the skills yet or full understanding of professional basketball.

Canton did nothing for him other than get him to a better starting point physically that he could have gotten to way faster had he played to start the season. And well, show that he is too good for the G-League...not that it mattered in the end since he was benched for the remainder of the season(and then he completely lost his conditioning that he had built once again) after a stretch in which he proved that he was our best center.


Bottomline, Zizic could have contributed greatly from the very first start had we built his conditioning through real game time. And Preston just isn't there yet, he needs time in Canton.

 

[chuck0609]

Zizic didn't struggle in SL last season. In Vegas he was one of the best bigs.

The difference was that he came to SL right away after a tough, long European season, so it took him a game or two to get himself into game speed. He struggled with you know, being in game shape. After that, he killed it.

Again, Zizic would have been better had he stayed on the Cavs and actually played with our team to get himself into game shape. That was his issue, not his lack of skills or his basketball IQ.

Zizic had one start against Philly where he didn't perform all that well,, that's it. Other than that, he played garbage time minutes with shitty units. And because the Cavs didn't practice and he didn't get any real playing time, he couldn't get himself into game shape.

Don't just say stuff to make a point. Im tired of this nonsense thought that Canton developed Zizic lol. Zizic still has the same issue that he did to start the season, conditioning. That didn't change. He didn't learn all those post moves in Canton bro. He is just getting the ball more and has the trusts of his coaches and teammates. He is still not there on D and he still can't run for too long.

Their starting points are completely different. Zizic was an advanced, highly skilled and smart basketball player that lacked the conditioning, and Preston has the conditioning, athleticism but doesn't have the skills yet or full understanding of professional basketball.

Canton did nothing for him other than get him to a better starting point physically that he could have gotten to way faster had he played to start the season. And well, show that he is too good for the G-League...not that it mattered in the end since he was benched for the remainder of the season(and then he completely lost his conditioning that he had built once again) after a stretch in which he proved that he was our best center.


Bottomline, Zizic could have contributed greatly from the very first start had we built his conditioning through real game time. And Preston just isn't there yet, he needs time in Canton.

My only issue with some of this is Zizic should be working on conditioning as a professional. I understand there’s a difference with game work vs training, but the gap shouldn’t be as sizable for a younger guy.
I also believe the Canton time helped Zizic. Game time conditions are invaluable if the player is focused on his tasks.
Preston will benefit from CAMP, and the playing time that Canton will afford. The hope is he really dives in and takes the mental side seriously.
The tools are there, and from what everyone seems to agree, he’s in shape. That’s a positive to the commitment. Hopefully the Cavs brass has a development plan in place for this kid. He’s a lottery type talent that they could have on their roster.

 

[DJTJ]

The guy isn't inept. He can shoot the ball and he is 6'10" and moves like a guard. He rebounded well in highschool and he was fighting under the basket.

I mean, you take a flyer on him and see if he develops.

He got better over the course of Summer league. Totally agree that he need the game to slow down.

His head is the thing that will keep him out of the NBA, not his talents. Let him play in Canton and see what happens.

Bare min he could be a stretch 4 off the bench who camps in the corner

I'll add in that the actually NBA game is less reckless/quick paced than SL. The reactions are quicker, but SL is very reckless. Good post.

 

[Mr. MacPhisto]

Zizic didn't struggle in SL last season. In Vegas he was one of the best bigs.

The difference was that he came to SL right away after a tough, long European season, so it took him a game or two to get himself into game speed. He struggled with you know, being in game shape. After that, he killed it.

Again, Zizic would have been better had he stayed on the Cavs and actually played with our team to get himself into game shape. That was his issue, not his lack of skills or his basketball IQ.

Zizic had one start against Philly where he didn't perform all that well,, that's it. Other than that, he played garbage time minutes with shitty units. And because the Cavs didn't practice and he didn't get any real playing time, he couldn't get himself into game shape.

Don't just say stuff to make a point. Im tired of this nonsense thought that Canton developed Zizic lol. Zizic still has the same issue that he did to start the season, conditioning. That didn't change. He didn't learn all those post moves in Canton bro. He is just getting the ball more and has the trusts of his coaches and teammates. He is still not there on D and he still can't run for too long.

Their starting points are completely different. Zizic was an advanced, highly skilled and smart basketball player that lacked the conditioning, and Preston has the conditioning, athleticism but doesn't have the skills yet or full understanding of professional basketball.

Canton did nothing for him other than get him to a better starting point physically that he could have gotten to way faster had he played to start the season. And well, show that he is too good for the G-League...not that it mattered in the end since he was benched for the remainder of the season(and then he completely lost his conditioning that he had built once again) after a stretch in which he proved that he was our best center.


Bottomline, Zizic could have contributed greatly from the very first start had we built his conditioning through real game time. And Preston just isn't there yet, he needs time in Canton.

Zizic was regarded as being disappointing last Summer League. He didn't really begin to shine until towards the end of it.

Please do STOP putting words in my mouth. I never said that Preston and Zizic were at the same level. Zizic requires patience. Preston will require more. Notice how I said he should pretty much spend the whole year in Canton? Zizic did not need the whole season.

And please STOP with this BS that Canton had no role in helping Zizic. Yes, conditioning was a problem. He wasn't going to get adjusted to playing a lot of minutes in Cleveland, so Canton deserves credit from playing him and giving him the opportunity to work on things. Stop with the BS that it didn't help.

Please don't say stuff just to make a point. You accuse others of that stuff and pull the same tricks out of the bag. Zizic came out of Canton with more confidence and in better shape. That's still something he needs to hammer down to be sure he can go long games, especially be ready for back to backs.

And, no, Zizic would not have gotten to that point faster if he played at the start of the season because he would have gotten few minutes in Cleveland. His opportunity in Cleveland is tied directly to his performance in Canton and the injuries that occurred on the roster.

Regardless of if they are different players, the reality remains that Canton played a role in helping Zizic contribute at the big club. Period. Now we get to see if it can help Preston develop a better understanding of the game and go beyond acting on his instincts.

 

[stowfan]

Zizic was regarded as being disappointing last Summer League. He didn't really begin to shine until towards the end of it.

Please do STOP putting words in my mouth. I never said that Preston and Zizic were at the same level. Zizic requires patience. Preston will require more. Notice how I said he should pretty much spend the whole year in Canton? Zizic did not need the whole season.

And please STOP with this BS that Canton had no role in helping Zizic. Yes, conditioning was a problem. He wasn't going to get adjusted to playing a lot of minutes in Cleveland, so Canton deserves credit from playing him and giving him the opportunity to work on things. Stop with the BS that it didn't help.

Please don't say stuff just to make a point. You accuse others of that stuff and pull the same tricks out of the bag. Zizic came out of Canton with more confidence and in better shape. That's still something he needs to hammer down to be sure he can go long games, especially be ready for back to backs.

And, no, Zizic would not have gotten to that point faster if he played at the start of the season because he would have gotten few minutes in Cleveland. His opportunity in Cleveland is tied directly to his performance in Canton and the injuries that occurred on the roster.

Regardless of if they are different players, the reality remains that Canton played a role in helping Zizic contribute at the big club. Period. Now we get to see if it can help Preston develop a better understanding of the game and go beyond acting on his instincts.

No practice and sitting on the end of bench was almost nothing. Canton was at least better than nothing. I hope he gets minutes this year and practice as well. Imagine if this guy seriously took up weight training?

 

[PIP]

Y’all are tripping me out with all this canton charge bullshit...

Preston will be 21 by the time the season starts— if he was a a freshman out of college or coming into the league out of high school and was a prized prospect — nobody would be saying this stuff..

Give him a year in the g-League and maybe he’ll be a rotational player in 2 years ?

Man throw him out there immediately...

 

[inliner311]

Y’all are tripping me out with all this canton charge bullshit...

Preston will be 21 by the time the season starts— if he was a a freshman out of college or coming into the league out of high school and was a prized prospect — nobody would be saying this stuff..

Give him a year in the g-League and maybe he’ll be a rotational player in 2 years ?

Man throw him out there immediately...

I agree. I would be bring him up anytime we have minutes for him. Let him get 10-12 minutes off the bench so he can get use to the speed and length of the NBA. I feel like he will adjust quickly to the g-league and he will just use his size and length to beat guys like he did in high school.

If he uses up all his 45 days by the deadline, I would call that a success.

 

[Nathan S]

What if he struggles in D League like he's struggling in summer league? Do we call him up and give him NBA minutes anyway? That sounds totally nuts to me.