Z = Jack Sikma?

[Spencer Hawes]

It's apparent that Z has been working on his 3 point stroke during his time off. Good lord, if he continues to stroke the corner 3's consistently and stretch out defenses, that would make me fear NO ONE! :gap:

 

[wuck]

So far, Z this year leads the team, shooting 50% (10-20) from three, with Sasha trailing at 45% (36-80). Z is shooting 26% for his career, but has specifically worked on integrating the 3 into his game this year and it's showing. The fact that he's spacing the floor that far has had a big impact on everyone else.

Sikma's career 3-pt average was 32.9%. Best year was 38%. (Was the line a little further away some of those years? I know it didn't exist at the start of Sikma's career.) I'll always remember Sikma's unique, strange release, and I think of him as a really effective jump shooter, perhaps more for long 2s than for 3.

But let's hope Z doesn't sink to Sikma's 3-point % this year anyway.

 

[Jon]

I'm so glad we've finally unleashed Z for 3. Those deep shots a step-in from the 3pt line annoyed me so much - albeit I suppose the distance was about the same as a corner 3.

 

[Cavatt]

I am glad he shoots it better than Manute! Oh the open space it creates. I can't wait to see the Lakers game.

 

[abuC]

Good, that means centers are going to have to leave the lane to defend him, LeBron will have an easier time inside.

 

[Hydroponic3385]

Doesn't this also mean we don't have to be overly concerned with having that "Donyell Marshall" type player (aka the big guy we hope stretches out the opposing defense, but in reality sucks at shooting the 3 anyway)? People were worried about losing Wally cuz they thought he'd be that guy (but I'll give credit to Wally stepping up the past couple weeks, let's just hope he can stay consistent if he stays here - both things that I doubt will happen though).

 

[Jon]

Doesn't this also mean we don't have to be overly concerned with having that "Donyell Marshall" type player (aka the big guy we hope stretches out the opposing defense, but in reality sucks at shooting the 3 anyway)? People were worried about losing Wally cuz they thought he'd be that guy (but I'll give credit to Wally stepping up the past couple weeks, let's just hope he can stay consistent if he stays here - both things that I doubt will happen though).

Still tbd, I think. Most defenses seem to prefer to just concede the shot to Z, and they're probably happy to see him so far from the offensive glass. If he starts knocking down shots, the D will be forced to at least hedge further out on him. But it's not like he has a quick shot, so they'll always give him some space.

 

[CleveRocks]

At 7'3" you don't need a quick release.

 

[jason436]

The other thing thing does is we can play Lebron at PF at times with Z at center and put three point shooters around Lebron. That would end up being crazy spacing when you consider when West is back we could have Lebron, Z, Sasha, West and Mo. In the mean time we'd have to settle for Wally or Daniel filling in for West. Actually if Daniel's shot is on he might be in there anyways.

 

[Jon]

At 7'3" you don't need a quick release.

It's not like he gets much lift, though. He'll shoot over a small guy easy, but if the D is going to commit a big, that big will have more time to get out on him and get a hand up.

If he can pull that big far enough that he can't recover in time to protect the hoop - then he's spreading the floor. I would have loved to see how Howard would have dealt it.

 

[Splitz]

Z= God would be more accurate. I love that man.

 

[-KingofKings23-]

At the begining of the season I said Z could shoot at least 40% from deep but the big guy is shooting it at 50%!. 3 Point Contest for Z?

 

[Typhoon]

Z= God would be more accurate. I love that man.

how bout Zeus

 

[Randolphkeys]

We can pull Z out to the three point line partially because Kleuster is drawing up some good plays, but also because the other bigs playing PF are physical. Secondly, we have guards who can hit jumpers.

Gooden was a pogo stick on rebounds, but he never boxed out worth a damn. We needed to pair Gooden with Z or AV to do the grunt work on the block. Now we can pair Z with another road grader like AV or Ben. Another key for Z to get out of the paint is guards who make jump shots. Back when Boobie was our best shooter by about 20%, we were very reliant on his "volleyball attack" after a miss... I remember being shocked when a jumper went in without Z batting at it a few dozen times. Now with decent shooting, we can occasionally take the risk and pull Z out.

 

[Trill Cosby]

yes indeed Z is awesome. it's hilarity just how much the talking heads underrate his importance to this team because when Z isn't dressed to play we look like a totally different team out there.


i swear i can't wait until we face the magic again.... lol @ dwight having to leave the boards to defend him for three.