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What Can Dante Do This Summer To Crack The Rotation?
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  1. DHawes22
    DHawes22
    Posts: 6476

    Posted 06/04/2010 9:11 AM

    Here is a snippet from my blog-
     

    When a 54-win team selects a player in the second round, many fans and media members simply shrug it off as a bench warmer or Summer League roster filler, but right from the start, Dante Cunningham let it be known he would be no afterthought. Even after one quarter of Summer League play, it was evident Dante would find his way onto the court one way or another. Over the course of the summer and into his rookie campaign, Cunningham used his silky smooth mid-range jump shot, versatility to play either forward position and high basketball intelligence to absorb the absence of Travis Outlaw once he went down with a broken foot. Highlighted by a vicious, retaliation slam on Amare Stoudemire and a noteworthy .495 field goal percentage, the future looks bright for Dante in the Rose City, but how can he crack the rotation?

    1. Jump Shot

      2. Usually when something isn't broke, there isn't a need to fix it. Dante's jump shot is far from broke but like all role players, a niche must be carved out in order for them to thrive in this league. Last season his role was to only play sporadic minutes when needed, such as the case when injuries or foul trouble transpired, but if Cunningham wants to continue his growth and progression as an NBA player, he must master his craft. When people look in the dictionary under "mid-range jump shot", Dante Cunningham's picture should be shown. There's absolutely no doubt Dante will be hard at work this summer, trying to transform himself into the marksmen from the outside he's capable of becoming as shown from his pre-draft scouting report:

      His work ethic and desire to improve cannot be questioned ... He transformed himself from a scrappy, hustle, workingman's player into a polished offensive player and top scoring option on a final four team ...
    CONTINUE READING>>>
    Dante has shown a lot of potential for a 4 year college player taken in the 2nd round, but he still saw himself only getting action in dire situations or if an injury occurred. I said he should improve on his jump shot, because that's his role as a role player; come in off the bench and be a spot-up shooter, able to keep the defenses honest and provide a desperately needed scoring punch. To stick in the league, role players need to be able to find their niche and do it better than most. His jumper is already smooth, but it cam always get more accurate. What do yo think?
    I am a fan of
  1. Kim~
    Kim~
    Posts: 1137

    Posted 06/04/2010 10:16 AM

    Quickness on defense so he can get minutes at the back up 3 too??  Imo, there isnt anything he cant do.
    With Rudy being a question mark, using Martell at the back up 2 and Dante at the back up 3 could be an option, if they don't bring Blake back ;)
    I am a fan of scrapping !
  1. ClydeFrog
    ClydeFrog
    Posts: 975

    Posted 06/04/2010 11:37 AM

    I agree. Keep shooting jump shots over and over and over. We love running the pick and roll and this will open the lane up for a player such as Bayless, who does have great chemistry with Dante. Also, I think he needs to work on his free throw shooting. For such a great shooter, I was amazed to see he was a sub.700 free throw shooter. If he's going to be playing a lot, we need to count on him that he'll be able to step to the line and knock them down.
    I am a fan of Watching Elliot Williams Take Flight!
  1. alalande08
    alalande08
    Posts: 1

    Posted 06/04/2010 2:19 PM

    Andre Iguodala has to be the main focus for the Blazers this summer. He was on the market at this year’s trade deadline and it’s hard to imagine the Sixers not to listen to offers this summer as well. The Sixers are going to be in the rebuilding stage and most likely will take Evan turner as the number two overall pick. Evan turner will be the teams new shooting guard as well as the future all star to build around, which leaves iggy in an awkward role on the team. Possible players that could be worked in on the deal would be Rudy, Pryz, and our number 22 pick. Having a starting lineup that includes miller, Roy, Iggy, LA, Oden and then a second unit that features; Bayless, Webster, Batum, Dante, Camby. This improves the Blazers bench as well as a more balanced attack on offense. 

  1. kenny c.
    kenny c.
    Posts: 412

    Posted 06/05/2010 10:58 AM

    This sounds good. I like the first and second unit. I really don't want rudy to go though, I wish he would just step it up and be more consistent, I think he can if gets a fire lite under him.
    I am a fan of Winning
  1. BR7_Fan
    BR7_Fan
    Posts: 399

    Posted 06/05/2010 11:31 AM

    Playing solid D/playing better D will surely get you more minutes on Nate's team. DC is a very solid player and really can take his game anywhere he wants to using his jump shot as the base. I agree with Clyde that he should be able to up his FT% considering his stroke, and maybe work on overall quickness, and maybe another offensive move to complement his jumpshot.
    I am a fan of RIP CITY > LOB CITY
  1. Bertram
    Bertram
    Posts: 803

    Posted 06/05/2010 12:41 PM

    Better post defense and rebounding.
    I am a fan of B-Roy and LaMonster!
  1. ClydeFrog
    ClydeFrog
    Posts: 975

    Posted 06/05/2010 7:20 PM

    Perimeter D was listed in the article. I think his rebounding is actually pretty good and I'd take his rebounding skills over JP and Juwan.
    I am a fan of Watching Elliot Williams Take Flight!
  1. Kropf
    Kropf
    Posts: 20

    Posted 06/05/2010 8:20 PM

    if something like that were to happen with iggy, i think you would need to say he comes off the bench. offensively with roy, miller, and LA in there who need the ball to contribute there would be an offensive overload and batum is a tremendous role player with roy and andre
    I am a fan of proving those damn ESPN analysts wrong next year..
  1. teradasan
    teradasan
    Posts: 7

    Posted 06/05/2010 10:38 PM

    With his calm demeanor he will blossom.  \\
    I am a fan of Nate McMillan's unwavering faith and dedication.
  1. Bertram
    Bertram
    Posts: 803

    Posted 06/06/2010 10:24 AM

    I don't know man, sometimes those rebounds he goes for bounces off his hands. He gotta get some soft hands.
    I am a fan of B-Roy and LaMonster!
  1. DHawes22
    DHawes22
    Posts: 6476

    Posted 06/07/2010 12:28 PM

    I must disagree. His PER 36 statistics show 8.1 rebounds, compared to the best rebounder in the NBA, Dwight Howard's PER 36 minutes of 10.1 rebounds.

    Now PER 36 is not 100% indicative of the future, or the stat that ends all stats, but it is a good predictor and much better than PER 48 minutes, because no one plays 48 minutes or could sustain their performance over the duration of the game. But 8.1 boards for a 6-8 3/4 forward is pretty good, esp for a rookie.
    I am a fan of
  1. Bertram
    Bertram
    Posts: 803

    Posted 06/08/2010 12:20 AM

    Well if that is the case maybe he can turn into a 10.1 rebounds PER 36 minute guy, if he softens up his hands a little. Like I said, it looks like when he goes for boards sometimes it bounces off or can't get a hold of it.
    I am a fan of B-Roy and LaMonster!
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