fordham96 post=434286 said:
That is where I differ I don't do the player x can replace player y production. It usually doesn't neatly work out that way and furthermore SJU has players on the roster that individually or in combination can replace Dunn. Not worried about that. The current roster is not at a level where I think it can be an NCAA team at this point even if Champagnie comes back. They need another proven high level player. Walker is not it and my guess is if they go hard after him it means they do not think they will be adding someone like Alvarado.
Amaseinyourface post=434281
Not taking a shot at the BE but the American isn’t chump change. His numbers in conference are pretty solid. Certainly not on Alvardo’s level but could fill the playmaking role left by Dunn while maybe giving more of a shooting threat from outside. Not that his numbers say he’s a knockdown shooter though. Would also need the additional waiver.
Regardless of talent level, my opinion is we have lost a lot in terms of play making/facilitating. That’s where Dunn played a big part and Williams chipped in. I like the guards we have brought in but I’ve said it countless times they had more TOs than assists last year. So as of now, I don’t think we really have a group of players who even in combination can replace then play making ability that Dunn brought. Might not be Walker, but he’s a guy in that “mold”.
I don’t understand that though. Assists and play making are two different things. Yes Dunn averaged 4 assists while guys like Stef Smith averaged 1.6 and Mathis 0.8 but total difference is only 1-2 assists per game. As far as Play making goes, Stef and Montez do a heck of a lot of that and both have strengths that Dunn doesn’t have, like the ability to make shots. Stef is a very good shooter and playmaker but his role was more to score on that team as was Mathis. I think part of Dunn’s increased assists numbers were also because he couldn’t shoot at all from the outside so he had to pass or drive and kick.
I agree we could use another Combo guard and obviously we are looking to add one, but I think to say none of the guys can replace the 1 or 2 extra assists that Dunn has over Stef, Montez etc is unlikely to be true. Those guys will likely play different roles on this team than their former teams as well and their offensive abilities will create plenty of “playmaking” opportunities.
That said, let’s find one more combo guard that can play the point a bit and dish out a few assists to be sure.