Jamison hasn't been put in position to flourish on the offensive end. It seems that he has been pigeon-holed into this role as a "stretch four" to hit three pointers, but that totally marginalizes all that he can contribute to a team offensively. You don't average 19 points over 12 seasons as a 6-foot-9 power forward if all you can do is shoot jumpers. Granted, Jamison does enjoy shooting jumpers, but I happen to recall seeing him work in the low block over the past few years, especially on the left side of the paint, where he can quickly spin around taller defenders and toss up floaters or one those Sanford & Son approved garbage shots.
Michael Lee on how the Cavaliers haven't fully utilized all of Antawn Jamison's offensive abilities. Even granting that Mike Brown hasn't had a lot of time to evaluate what Jamison can/can't do and how he fits in with the rest of the team, let's say that I'm less than surprised that he can't figure out what to do with Jamison.
about 2 years ago
Jon L
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I agree 100%
I was talking about this with Eric Freeman from The Baseline – his post-ups are way down and he’s shooting more spot-up shots less efficiently. Here’s a link.
That article misses the point
I’m sure the Cavs haven’t fully utilized all of Jamario Moon’s offensive abilities, or all of Delonte West’s offensive abilities, or all of J.J. Hickson’s offensive abilities, either. Jamison is no longer the #1 guy on a bad team. He is at best the #2 guy (more like #3 or #4 guy) on a team with the league’s best player. All roles revolve around and are structured around that best player. So Jamison’s inability to be a better complementary piece are highlighted in Cleveland.
There are ways to be a complementary player but still not one-dimensional.
“Role players” can do more than one thing. Look at the Lakers. Odom does all kinds of stuff for that team, but he’s a complement to Bryant. The same went for Ariza and now Artest. Gasol has a range of offensive moves that are put to use. I don’t think Lee (or Freeman) were suggesting that the Cavs give Jamison the ball in the post on every play, but they should be able to do something other than just tell him to spot up for threes.
Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.
But the problem is that Jamison’s game isn’t that complementary, so he isn’t a good role player. He is a terrible passer, and doesn’t handle the ball well. Doesn’t create for others. Doesn’t set picks well. Doesn’t defend. He can rebound, and can get junk points on plays not run for him, so that’s good. But why run a play where Jamison posts up when Shaq and LeBron are better options on the block? Maybe post-up opportunities are a possibility when Z is on the floor and Shaq isn’t. Overall, though, on a team with LeBron, drive and kick plays are going to be the main opportunity for Jamison.
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