I'd like to thank you all for reapproaching the topic.
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Originally Posted by ehmunro
As for Davis, I think he'll be fine with a couple of caveats. First, they have to impress upon him the importance of getting his *** into the gym and working on his strength. In college he got by on fat (using his bulk to protect his shot). That won't work in the pros, he needs power to add to his finesse. They also need to get him working with Ray on advancing his defense. He isn't a shot alterer in the way that Oden is, the blocks he gets are timing blocks. He's very good at recognising when his man will be exposing the ball and being at full extension before his man is ready to get his shot off. He won't alter a lot of shots, but he might still become an effective defender. Ray can help him with anticipation, teaching him how to read a play so that he positions himself properly to defend the rim, etc.. If he's willing to bust ***, he can be a good NBA player, and perhaps even an effective starter. But, he needs to start proving it in the gym and in the weight room.
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That sounds like someone who will alter shots. He isn't someone like Oden who will make you think twice about coming at him. But from what you're saying, it seems like he will make his man shoot at an angle that he didn't originally plan for.
I think a more appropriate comparison for Davis is Zach Randolph (minus legal issues we hope). Davis doesn't have Barkley's superior athleticism or freakishly long arms. He's just a big guy who knows how to use his weight to get his shot off. He definately needs to replace fat with muscle if he wants to achieve in the NBA. Randolph has changed some physically since being in the league and I think Davis can too. Clearly, we have the trainers in place to do it if you look at Perkins. Now if Davis could pick up Perks' work ethic to go with the skills he already has, that would be something.