I'm looking for big things from Davonte this year! (also video interview)

#26
#26
Barnes has shown in the past he prefers a smaller rotation, so in a 8-9 man rotation who is Gaines ahead of? Gaines ahead of Pember, ORN, Plavsic and Walker? Definitely possibly, but I would lean towards ORN getting more minutes.
I don’t chime in as often anymore, but Gaines is going to get minutes. Probably from the freshmen. Barnes awards minutes to players who compete in practice and do what coach says. Gaines showed he can do that and was awarded minutes last year, expect the same again this year.
 
#27
#27
I don’t chime in as often anymore, but Gaines is going to get minutes. Probably from the freshmen. Barnes awards minutes to players who compete in practice and do what coach says. Gaines showed he can do that and was awarded minutes last year, expect the same again this year.

I agree with your overall sentiment and have stated the same about that philosophy in the past, it’s why I was higher on Bowden than many were in the sense of getting minutes under Barnes. The thing is from all reports Springer and Johnson both have similar “dog” in them on the defensive side of the ball as Gaines does. IF that is indeed the case then it’s hard to think Gaines is going to be above either of them, both are physically way ahead of Gaines and both have an offensive game that Gaines can’t even sniff, this is all without mentioning the NBA athleticism both possess that has them on NBA mock drafts. None of this is to discount Gaines, I’m a big fan of his, but unfortunately for him his biggest attribute (loving defense and not backing down) also happens to be a common trait in both Springer and Johnson.
 
#34
#34
Honest question, is there anyone in the league with his measurable? 6’7” 181lbs?

I scanned several of the NBA rosters, as I was curious. It's not actually unheard of to have close to that size in the NBA. Jordan McRae is listed at 6'5, 179. Gaines won't get too much bigger, but I'm sure he'll pick up a few more pounds. Size isn't what will keep Gaines from playing at the next level. I think we can agree on that.
 
#35
#35
I scanned several of the NBA rosters, as I was curious. It's not actually unheard of to have close to that size in the NBA. Jordan McRae is listed at 6'5, 179. Gaines won't get too much bigger, but I'm sure he'll pick up a few more pounds. Size isn't what will keep Gaines from playing at the next level. I think we can agree on that.

Unless his offensive game turns into Kevin Durant I definitely think it will be a major issue/question mark...if he’s going to be a 3 & D guy in the league, or defensive specialist, he’s going to have to get much bigger, those guys will bully him.
 
#36
#36
I scanned several of the NBA rosters, as I was curious. It's not actually unheard of to have close to that size in the NBA. Jordan McRae is listed at 6'5, 179. Gaines won't get too much bigger, but I'm sure he'll pick up a few more pounds. Size isn't what will keep Gaines from playing at the next level. I think we can agree on that.
If he doesn't become the offensive player McRae is, then I think you could theoretically say his size may prevent him from being an NBA player. If he were Pons's size, he could get by with elite defense and mediocre offense.
 
#37
#37
Unless his offensive game turns into Kevin Durant I definitely think it will be a major issue/question mark...if he’s going to be a 3 & D guy in the league, or defensive specialist, he’s going to have to get much bigger, those guys will bully him.
Right. I didn't word that very well. Like you said, if you're the size Gaines is, and he's not a dude that's going to gain much more weight, you better have elite speed or offensive skills. I like Gaines and what he brings at the college level, but I don't see even a remote chance of those offensive skills developing into a look from the NBA.
 
#38
#38
I don’t chime in as often anymore, but Gaines is going to get minutes. Probably from the freshmen. Barnes awards minutes to players who compete in practice and do what coach says. Gaines showed he can do that and was awarded minutes last year, expect the same again this year.
How’ve you been buddy?
 
#47
#47
Yeah, but NBA players, in general, are much bigger and stronger across the board, now. A lot has changed in 30 years since Cooper last played.
There's not been many defensive players like Cooper in those 30 years either. I just think with his energy, his defense and in all honesty his loyalty will earn him some minutes and I think he'll surprise some folks. I think we've got the best top to bottom defensive back court in the country and he's a part of that. Johnson is really good defensively and JJJ can be dominant at times. I bet Pons plays some 3 this year as well when we really want to clamp down on defense and the boards with a rotation of Fulky/Anosike/Pons/JJJ/Keon.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ClockworkOrange
#50
#50
I love the fire that he plays with and really want him to be successful...I just don't see a place for Gaines in this lineup that exceeds 5-7mpg currently. Barnes doesn't always clear the bench in blowouts and I'm not sure why someone who is at best the 8-10th man would get a ton of playing time.
 

VN Store



Back
Top