Closer look at: Shabazz Muhammad

[Tank God]

The stats might say this was his worst game in the last 3-4weeks but it was his best outside of the missouri game. He only had 11 point when cal got within 4points thats when he step up and showed his kill or be killed mentality he is known for. He got 7point in 3min and he did it without dominating the ball. He came off screens for a 3 and then a mid range jumper and got the next 2 at the free throw line. He is the perfect mate next to kyrie or both kyrie and dion he moves great without the ball as well as brad beal did at florida and this kid can shoot the ball another 50% from 3 game

The ending effort of his is important, but, if anyone remembers, we all would consistently protect LeBron against arguments of, for example, Kobe being better because of his clutchness despite being worse for the other 46 minutes per game. Despite LeBron sometimes in the past disappearing, he would still drop 30/8/8 with regularity. There's no way we would ever be in the game without that. Clutchness is nice, but it has to be balanced with the rest of the game. Every point is of equal importance whether it is the 1st minute or the last minute.

[randymoss1881]

If Shabazz Muhammad tests out well, and really does have that "killer instinct," I draft him and put Dion Waiters on the bench. I worry about a big man later, or via free agency or trade. The Cavaliers still need scorers and shot creators (preferably in the post, but Muhammad may be the closest thing to Kobe Bryant if his work ethic and demeanor are as advertised).

I still see Tyreke Evans 2.0 when I watch Shabazz, but I want to see how he improves by the end of the season and is fully in shape.

Shabazz Muhammad Uses Competitive Drive To Push Teammates
Jan 03, 2013 8:50 PM EST


Shabazz Muhammad credits his competitive temperament for pushing him to create high standards while at UCLA.

"I've always had a killer instinct," Muhammad says, "and that's what separated me."

Muhammad’s coaches and teammates laud his effort in practice and his drive to stay late at the gym.

"He's a really fierce competitor, with everything we do, everywhere," said freshman teammate Kyle Anderson.

Las Vegas Bishop Gorman coach Grant Rice raves about how Muhammad raised the intensity level of his teammates.

"If they didn't go 100%, they were going to get an elbow to the face or dunked on," Rice says.

Via Baxter Holmes/Los Angeles Times



Cant have enought high character great work ethic type of guys. We already have a great start with kyrie, tt, av, and gee

[Be Nimble]

You guys act like we just need to plug holes on the roster. The Cavs are tied for 2nd best record in the league. Even if Shabazz does project as a SG they should still take him. Take the best player that's not a point guard. Dion isn't good enough to warrant the Cavs not taking an SG. Moving Dion to the bench is not a big deal.

[Sawduzt]

So is it fair to say that Shabazz's NBA game will resemble a current kobes? Not a rookie kobe with all the athleticism but solid shooting and shot creation, bit of post game and killer instinct.

[KingChad]

We need Shabazz! I really think him and Kyrie would be a nasty combo.

[RTrees]

Never seen him play but from reading this thread I'm trying to figure out how "poor" rated defense and "killer instinct" could possibly be part of the same guy.

[Douglar]

Talk about a slide. He was a top 3 player a year ago. I think he might fall out of the lottery now. Just goes to show, Mock drafts can change a lot in a year.


http://www.nba.com/2013/news/feature...=iref:nbahpt6d

"Shabazz is going to have to figure out how to be a two," one Eastern Conference executive said in the story. "Because I don't know he's big enough at the small forward. He's not a great athlete. He plays bigger and stronger than most kids. I'm not gaga over Shabazz like some people. He plays hard. But there may be more hype than real substance for me. ..."

Another coach whose team played UCLA had a similar take: "I like him. I don't love him," the coach said. "I like him because he does have a good motor. He's gonna have to be a two guard in the NBA. He's not a great one-on-one player, taking you off the dribble. You bring him off screens, surprisingly, he can knock down shots. But other than getting it on the catch, he doesn't have anything to beat you off the bounce with."

If Muhammad is increasingly viewed as a two and not a three, that'd probably rule out Washington, Cleveland and New Orleans as possible landing spots among lottery teams. It's also make it more likely that Muhammad ends up at a place like Phoenix, Detroit, Portland or Minnesota -- all teams that could use help at shooting guard.

[Sawduzt]

I think he might climb during individual workouts as the guy can score. But the 2 guard market in the lottery teams is not high demand so i really see detroit being the best fit.

[Douglar]

I think he might climb during individual workouts as the guy can score. But the 2 guard market in the lottery teams is not high demand so i really see detroit being the best fit.

I could see that. He put up enough numbers that someone with a need will take a flier on him before too far in the draft, but his draft predictors don't look good. Teams that pay attention to such things are going to let him drop.

[Lumthemad]

You can see there are certain things this kid can do really well and then he's got clear cut hole's in his game which are bad for his potential positions. (no right hand)

His attitude to me is a MAJOR red flag. He just seems like he will be more trouble than his talent is worth, especially in a smaller market. Also, the last thing the Cavaliers need is a chucker and this kid will NOT pass the ball.

Just say no.