I still like Fields. I think he needs to work on two things this summer.
a) Quick release pull up mid range jumper off the dribble and off the pass. Shot 150 of these a day each.
b) His concentration on the basket when in traffic. It seems he can get there (to the rim) but if he's surrounded by players on the other team he puts up some HORRIBLE looking shots.
Not as important but he could work on his handle some...
Confidence goes a long way in this game (and in most sports).
I was met with opposition from LJ4ptPlay on this when I stated (as Yogi says):
1/2 of the game is 90% mental!
That moniker was on full display with Fields in these playoffs, and why would anyone conclude different?
His skills were absolutely the same, his health was the same, and his experience was greater over time, so logically that leaves one obsevation as to why the drop off...
His confidence has plummeted. As was the case with Gallo, Chandler, and Douglas at some point. The real question is why? I'll offer my take...
Some say its the "spacing" effect of Melo
The implementation of Melo
The "rookie wall"
I say it's a combination of not knowing his role, realizing we aren't an underdog with 2 stars, so the spotlight is there, and he can't fall back on being a rookie when we faught tooth and nail to retain him.
He was probably as scared as any to be traded, made up in his mind he was a goner, and when he was told he wasn't part of the trade he imposed self-pressure knowing he couldn't hide in the background as a player with low expectations.
Him not seizing that opportunity is worrisome. The good news is he's still young. The bad news is maybe he reached his potential and the league has scouted him knowing his weaknesses.
But all in all, I think its a mistake to view him and our squad through the D'Antoni model glasses. Fields was marginal based on this flawed approach- in a conventional system he's a 12mpg bench player even with his three point shooting prowess, he's no starter.
I've learned to not trust D'Antoni's eye for talent and usage of players and to take the numbers produced by his system with a grain of salt.
That said, we MUST subtract or reduce Fields #'s by a certain % to account for this anomoly to really gauge his stats. Instead of a 10&7 line, in reality he's a 7 & 4 guy.
Not exactly starter material, and moreso we must analyze what the players he defended avg'ed. When we look at things from this realistic standpoint, we can't blame Denver for seeing him as the weakest player bt himself and Gallo & Chandler, because its true.
After C, his position is the next priority for upgrade. Those goals CANNOT be accomplished with the D'Antoni goggles on.
See above). :alert: