Watching his IG it looks like he’s added some muscle this offseason. Still small statured but definitely seeing gains.
Defense and size may keep him off the court.
1 Like
I personally tend to think Kyle will end up in Europe after another year or two and have a very nice and lucrative career over there, but I certainly hope he finds the right fit in the NBA. At the end of the day though, there just aren’t many 6’2 light weight shooting guards who aren’t incredible athletes in the league. His shooting is certainly elite, but he’ll be abused on defense unless he puts on a ton of muscle. Look at Duncan Robinson - an absolutely elite shooter who is still viewed as a defensive liability while having 40lbs and at least 4 inches on Kyle.
That said, you never know. Will certainly be pulling for him.
2 Likes
He is definitely working on his strength. @BDragon is spot on about what the Kings had him work in in Stockton last year. He showed he can handle the ball and facilitate. Always thought his athleticism was under appreciated. He did struggle at times finishing at the rim in Stockton last year but additional strength can help there. I keep telling myself if JJ Reddick can play for years in the NBA Kyle can too. JJ isn’t much taller and isn’t as athletic. No reason he can’t carve out a Seth Curry role with time.
5 Likes
That’s totally fair. And I really want it for him. I just don’t know that his ability to facilitate is ever going to be that of a point guard. Maybe it’s good enough to see the floor and not be a pure off ball guard, but will have to see.
He really does need to put on weight though. I know JJ Redick is technically listed as only an inch or so taller than Kyle, but first, I’d guess that’s closer to two inches, and second, JJ weighs at least 30lbs more than Kyle. They are built noticeably differently and I think that matters. JJ’s never been a great defender, but he can at least avoid getting pushed around. But if Kyle can transform a little physically, could make it work.
5 Likes
Agree with @Hoohoohoo he definitely appears to have put on some weight. Last I saw he was listed at 167 and 6’1. It looks like he is probably around the 173-175 range now. If he can maintain at the 180ish range he will have enough bulk and strength to finish through that contact at the rim.
JJ is a great comparison @blguthrie. There’s a lot of similarities in their game and JJ had to go through some big transitions to get himself into playing shape first at Duke and then again once he reached the league. I remember playing him when he was in HS his soph and jr years and he always had the skill as a shooter, but his body transformed between his 2nd and 3rd yrs at Duke. Kyle is going through a similar transition I believe. If he can make that I think he sticks.
But he’s going to need a little luck kind of like Joe got.
2 Likes
Possible news for Malcolm.
https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine/status/1329827197993984005?s=19
1 Like
Think Howard turned down his last year player option (I cannot imagine saying no to $34 million dollars given he probably is going to get a 3-4 year deal “only” worth 50-60 million) so that he can have more freedom in choosing where to play. Still could be a sign and trade option for him though if he doesnt get the offers he wants
1 Like
How’s that lineup going to work? Someone has to get bumped right? Malcom, Victor, Hayward, Warren Sabonis at the 5?
1 Like
Why wasn’t Kyle able to add more weight in school? We’ve had so many players transform their bodies under Coach Curtis but Kyle just couldn’t either add or keep the weight on.
3 Likes
Have to think Vic is maybe gone in a sign and trade? At least based on some of the stories about him asking other teams to trade for him..
Not sure that would make sense for either team though.
Edit: Check that. Hearing Myles Turner in a sign and trade. Celtics want more and looking to add a third team. That is some offensive firepower right there if they keep Oladipo..
1 Like
Man that is some legit firepower there if they can add all of that.
1 Like
A lot of that has to do with the individual and their body comp. I’ve worked in strength and training for years and some people take longer and need more. By nature at 6’1 160 Kyle’s frame won’t naturally take to training and gaining weight. Esp as he continues to run and burn calories like crazy. Also have to remember he is very young still, and likely won’t grow into his full body until he’s 24 or 25. Look at Joe Harris at UVa vs. his body now. It takes time for some people . It’s not easy to eat to gain size esp if you’re not used to it.
6 Likes
Hate to hear that for him. Had wondered if they targeted Isaiah Joe for that two way slot.
2 Likes
Man what a downgrade…
1 Like
In case anyone missed it, earlier this week the Memphis Zoo named a new baby giraffe “Ja Raffe” in honor of Ja Morant. Apparently Ja Morant got to meet Ja Raffe today, documented in the link below (make sure to open with sound on). I always enjoy this kind of lighthearted stuff, so thought I’d drop it here in case others do too.
7 Likes
“Boop? Somebody give me some damn food.” - Ja Raffe
3 Likes
Man… Imagine if AG shot it like that when he was at UVA. He looks great.
3 Likes