Luther Head Or Pooh Jeter?
by ThatFGuy916 on Sep 5, 2010 5:41 PM PDT
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Who has the better shot of making the team and being and impact?
Granted it's not "officially known" if Luther Head will in fact be on the Kingstraining camp roster I am glad that a move that made sense for what the Kings goals were in the offseason of bringing in a player like Luther Head has at least been extended. Now i'm not going to argue that him or Pooh Jeter will become impact players for the Kings this upcoming season if in the future at all but I do want to pose the What If factor.
While many of us have only seen Pooh Jeter play summer league ball and maybe a few of you some of his over seas games he is very much still a mystery against NBA regular season talent. Jeter does possess the elite level of quicks that you need ot make it in the NBA but size and consistency may be another story. I personally like some parts of his game that I've had a chance to see and have felt since his first stint on the Kings Summer League roster a few years back when he had to beat out the likes of Ronnie Pricefor a roster spot that he could be a decent backup in the league if he develops. Well now is our best shot at seeing how much he has developed in that time span. I am a fan of his potential as a pace changer and spark of the bench but I got to admit I've been following Luther Head for a long time and having chances to evaluate his talents and skill against multiple levels of talent I still feel he is the better of the two players. (Just look at his NBA roster experience vs. Jeter's if you think I'm just throwing stuff out there)
Many players could make NBA rosters given the exposure that other players who do make roster's get but lets be honest if a scout has you in for a workout and you are competing against other players of your or above your talent level and you still can't make it, the blame of exposure goes out the window. Which brings me to the actual breakdown of both players game. Luther Head on one hand has played against the bigger and quicker guards of the NBA and has a season of solid minutes under his belt. Given that Houston still brought in other Guards after he was there though has to make you think that some flaws in his game just can't be overlooked. I credit that to him being the true definition of a College combo guard. Decent enough ball handler to be considered a spot point guard on both the College and NBA level with a nice stroke on his jump shot both off the dribble and spot up. His strongest attribute has always been his defense and the ability to not only play solid D on smaller point guards but also the ability to defend some of the bigger 2's. Now don't get me wrong I think he too would be abused by a player like Tyreke given a full game of trying to guard him but with the defensive help that you have acquired (Wright, Dalembert and Whiteside) plus what you already had on the roster in Tyreke, Cisco, and an emerging Donte' Greene he won't have to take the assignment of Guarding the 2's and 3's as much unless its a small lineup situation.
Pooh Jeter however gives you a defensive dynamic as well with his quick hands and speed but I'd be lying to say his height doesn't worry me when it comes to contesting shots. Now the advantage that I'd give him over Head is that he is more of a Natural play maker than Head is but that isn't saying Head can't make plays as he has in his College Career with the then star studded backcourt of Dee Brown and Deron Williams. Jeter's speed is something that most teams covet as far as starting the break and picking up the tempo of a game. To be honest I still need to see more of him playing to have a better Idea of what his true strengths would be on this team. But let me ask you my fellow STR Fan's, What does Jeter bring to the team and what does Head bring to the team and which would you rather have for a full season to help the ball club?
(This is a FanPost from a member of the Sactown Royalty community. The views expressed come from the member, and not Sactown Royalty staff.)
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I don't see why this is a debate
As far as I know Jeter has a guaranteed contract, even if its only for about $500 k. Darnell Jackson and Donald Sloan both have unguaranteed contracts, and Jackson’s is for about $900k, while Sloan is an unguaranteed $500k contract. Head has a better chance of making the roster than either Sloan or Jackson in my opinion.
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by Aykis16 on Sep 5, 2010 6:03 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Luther Head
Just keep Head and not Jackson and sloan
Jeter is a PG, Head is a SG or Combo guard with a career aver of 2.2 asts per game.
As has been already pointed out your comparing the wrong two players. Sloan is the combo guard with only $10K of his contract guaranteed, while Jeter is a pure PG with a two year contract although only the 1st season is fully guaranteed.
But besides the money, we already have an undersized SG in Beno, and while Head may be a better defender, he’s not the ball handler that Beno is. Jeter is the 3rd string PG, and before we add another combo shooting guard like head, I’d rather see the KIngs add a pure defender at the 2. Some one with size to take on Kobe, Roy, & Ginobili’s, and allow Evans to defend the PG’s.
The problem with adding another undersized combo SG, is if Tyreke and Garcia start then Head will be in the same backcourt as Beno. Two 6-3 guards with marginal defense. If Tyreke starts with Beno then Cisco comes in at the 2 so we need another PG not a combo guard who never played PG in 4 years of college and only limited minutes in the NBA.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
by HighTops on Sep 5, 2010 7:37 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
They both make the team
Head is the better shooter, and when the team is at full strength, a good shooter is needed more than a good ball handler (Evans and Udrih can handle all of the PG duties). Head has a greater opportunity for non-garbage minutes, barring injuries.
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Even if Beno starts?
If Tyreke and Beno end up being the starting backcourt, then Jeter and Cisco are the backups and will get the rest of the backcourt minutes. Just like Sergio got his minutes last season, I think there is still a chance for someone to get some minutes at the 1.
I see very few oppotunities for the Kings to go with a backcourt of Head with Beno or Jeter. So, when Head plays he’d have to be paired up with Evans. And, I can’t see Head beating out either Cisco or Beno for those minutes
Head was a long range expert in college and with Houston his first 2 years when he was getting starters or 6th man minutes. But, over the last 3 season averaging 16 mpg he is only shooting .354 from beyond the arc. Cisco shot .390 and Beno .377 last season. Even Donte and Casspi shot better at .377 and .369 respectively. I just don’t see the need for another combo guard with only marginally better than average shooting skills.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
If Beno starts,
Evans/Udrih/Garcia take most of the 96 minutes. Evans and Udrih share the point when they are both in the game, so it stands to reason that one of them would run the point when the other is out of the game.
Remember, a lot of Sergio’s minutes came when both Martin and Garcia were out. I don’t see Jeter overtaking prime PG minutes from Evans or Udrih. Head, on the other hand, could get a small portion of prime minutes due to his shooting ability. Again, I don’t see him overtaking the prime three guys, but in spot situations he could fill a role.
Finally, this is predicated on the notion that Head rediscovers his shot. If he does not, then it is beside the point. But he was at one point a proven commodity in the NBA, something that Jeter has yet to prove.
I like Jeter better as a prospect, but given the Kings core rotation, Head has a better chance to contribute during important game minutes. I’m not saying that he is going to cash in that opportunity, just that he has it.
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I guess I don't believe that the Kings need another undersized combo guard at the 2.
So, I don’t think that Head will make the team. GP said he’s going to invite 5-6 extra players during summer camp and I can see the Kings starting the season with 13, so 6-7 of the invitees and/or current roster aren’t making the team. Also, I don’t believe that Head is the defensive help we need in the backcourt, and I don’t expect PW to change his priorities and go for a spot shooter unless no one else shows anything on the defensive end.
As far as Sergio is concerned, we played quite a few different players at the 2, (Martin, Donte, Cisco, Beno, Omri, Ime) so I don’t think the loss of Martin & Cisco was the only reason he got his minutes. If Tyreke had played more minutes at the 2 then I might agree. Sergio got the majority of his minutes with Beno in the backcourt, followed by Reke, then Ime, Martin & Casspi. And, there were even times when Sergio/Beno/Reke were on the court together.
Even with Evans/Udrih/Garcia taking the majority of the 96 minutes, there will be times when PW will need to rest both Beno & Reke at the same time, and as of right now there just isn’t another option other than Jeter. Where as the match ups at 2 might dictate PW’s options as far as playing Head. He’s going to be ok against teams like the Clips & GS, but some of the bigger backcourts not so much especially in the backcourt with Beno or Jeter.
Petrie is still looking for that starting or 6th man 2, but he’s going to be looking for him thru a trade not from cast offs from other sub .400 teams.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
I agree with both Section and Hightops
This is why I asked the question to get different views of the situation. I think the thing thought that needs to be pointed out is alot of the lineups we seen last years had more to do with learning his players and how they respond to different roles and senarios than just trying to win ball games even though PW stated that often througout the season. Example being with starting Donte’ at the 2 guard spot, Donte’s rookie year you would have cringed at the thought but after him making strides on the defensive end and decision making on offense we found out we have a very versital player which is why he wasn’t moved when Spencer and Noc were. PW found his upside and sees him as a player that can continue to grow and become something in this league. To get back on point though (pun intended) Head does have a value as a bench role player who is more or less a hired gun (if his shot returns) that can give you a few other advantages with his other assests. Ime was an important part to the team in the role he accepted and played pretty well even after his shot disappeared he still did the right things to win a game when he was in. I think Head has a chance to step into that role but more as a guard than what Ime did as a guard/Forward.
For the record I don’t think Sloan makes the roster nor should he as I wasn’t really impressed with his game. While he does have the body type I like for a back up combo His playmaking is marginal and defense seemed pretty non existant to me. Also Tyrese Rice had a better shooting stroke in Summer League so his offense to me wasn’t that great either. I do like the Idea of having both Jeter and Head on the Roster but just worry that Jeter may find it even harder to get on the court unless heaven forbid another injury occurs.
I would like to see how Jeter plays with the 2nd Unit but what the unknown is that we dont really know who will be the back up two and if Beno starts do you put the even smaller Jeter with him or try your hand with Wright or Head? I’d put Wright with Beno for defensive purposes and may try a quicker lineup depending if we are trying to change the pace or already have been dictating it to the opposite team. More or less preseason will have a very interesting look in who makes it and who may be looking at the D-League or another team if they want to take a chance.
I don't disagree with you
But here’s the thing – In his 2nd year in the league, Head made 177 3-pointers on 44% shooting. Udrih’s career high for 3-pointers made is 77 (last year), while Garcia topped out at 113 in 2007-08. Netiher have eclipsed the 40% mark for a season.
I think that your question has two answers. Jeter has the better chance at making the team, as the Kings definitely need a 3rd point guard for injury insurance. But if Head makes the team, it will be because he has reclaimed his shooting stroke, and that will make him more valuable to the Kings than Jeter, injuries notwithstanding. Again, I’m not seeing big minutes for Head, but certain spots where long range bench scoring is needed. That said, it all comes down to how he shoots it in camp.
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Agreed
I dont see him garnering large amount of minutes on this roster either I just think he fits into that “Shooting by committee” approach the organization has said they may have to go with. Perfect world we would be able to obtain a player that has all of what the multiple players we are looking at on this years Training Camp roster posses, (Jeter’s quicks, handle and playmaking, Wright’s size and defense, Heads shooting) but being that those players usually cost more than we want to spend or demand more minutes than we have available we have to roll with what we have and see who emerges as the best fits. Let me ask you though Section, your opinion when the regular season starts with the roster as is to pick from who do you see as the starting unit and the 2nd Unit first game of the year? (even if it may change)
Well, let's go with the 2nd game, since Evans is suspended for the 1st game
Dalembert, Landry, Casspi, Udrih, Evans
Cousins is the first big off the bench, though JT will get some burn, too. Greene and Garcia back the 3 and the 2, respectively, with Udrih taking sole run of the point when Evans is resting, and Evans taking sole run when Udrih is resting.
Out of the rotation but dressed is Whiteside as the 5th big, Wright as the 3rd wing, and Jeter or Head as the extra guard, depending on the opponent and team health. Darnell Jackson and Jeter or Head are inactive, and Sloan heads to the NBDL or Europe, no longer under contract with the Kings.
That’s one man’s blind-arse guess, anyway.
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by section214 on Sep 6, 2010 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I think Jackson is the one that will be cut
Since he’s making about 900k and shouldn’t see any playing time (any PT he would get would be better served for Hassan)
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"Perfect World"
Cisco becomes a more consistent 3 point shooter (that’s possible), his ball handling has gotten so much better (that’s trainable), I doubt he could be as quick as Jeter ( oh well, can’t have everything), his size and defense fit what Wright brings and with improved 3’s, his play making should improve. Like you said, “perfect world” but I’m betting this is the Cisco I heard about prior to his injury last season. It’s still pre-season, so dreaming still allowed, no?
If he regains his stroke, then I can agree.
After Williams left Illinois, Head picked up his scoring taking 11.8 FGA’s per game with 7.3 coming from behind the arc. But that was in 2004, and his great year with the Rockets was in 2006 and he average 5 FGA’s from beyond the arc. But, he was getting 33 mpg in college and 28 mpg in Houston. As a bench players getting 17 mpg his shooting isn’t that hot, which is probably why he’s moving around the last few years.
There’s no doubt that he can shoot at a high percentage from long range. I’m just not so sure that he’s that spark off the bench like Eddie House, who can come in and drain 4 or 5 in a row.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
Regaining your stroke in the preseason is nice
But he has to show he can stroke it in actual games.
Good points, HT. I’m not sure Head can be a streaky shooter of the bench like House is. Jeter, by the way, apparently has improved his long distance shooting. I think it would be interesting to see him play alongside Tyreke on occasions.
Dunking Dutchman
I totally agree Section.
Head is the missing link shooter the Kings need off the bench. I like the Eddie House, Bobby Jackson mold of mad chucker that Head possesses. I also like the idea of bring Jeter off the bench as a change of pace player. There is plenty of room for both of these players. It is the grouping of Jackson, Sloan and even Wright that may find a roster spot tough to come by.
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-Ziller
Out of those 3, Wright has to be the favorite. Sloan can be good, but he isn't now.
Jackson doesn’t even have enough good plays for one of his cousins to make a youtube mixtape of. That’s kind of sad.
"Cousins is the Blaster to Evans’ Master, the Hammer to Evans’ Sickle"- HP
by tomroadrunner on Sep 7, 2010 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't know yet.
At this point, I wouldn’t know either one of them if they ran up and bit me on the ass.
I’m told Head shoots very well from distance, and that Jeter is a born point and very tough to get past on defense. Assuming they both have decent training camps next month, I should think both make it.
Rocks are free, and slingshots easily stolen. And for a limited time, every third person who follows me on Twitter (andy_sims) gets a free ice cream cone.
Which I will eat.
Inclined to agree with you Andy
I know their names, but I don’t think either one has set the league on fire. I agree w/Aykis in that both may have a better chance to make the team than Sloan and Jackson.
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I was impressed with Jeter in summerleague
I watched him in several games. I’m not sure however where the ‘good defense’ comments are coming from. I thought he was only adequate in that part of his game and sometimes gave his man too much room or drifted off him. Now that was on one of those barely organized summer league rosters where they may have been trying to play some kind of mixed zone.
Training camp and pre-season will tell us more, but I see him as a more efficient Sergio type of player, on the court to change the pace of our offense rather than for defensive purposes. I’d be suprised if he didn’t make the team and think he’ll be very interesting playing with either Tyreke or Beno – for different reasons. With Tyreke he’ll pick up the pace of the game, with Beno we’ll play very fast indeed.
Defensively I’ll think he’ll struggle or be merely adequate.
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by lietothegirls on Sep 7, 2010 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions
a backcourt consisting of head and pooh . . .
blumpkin, anyone?
Hmmmmm...
Why not combine them? Pooh Head
by unCOOLest on Sep 6, 2010 4:40 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Head will be better for the Kings for a simple reason:
We don’t have another SG.
Whether he’s a better player than Jetter is another issue and it’s debatable.
If you go five days without Pooh,
you might change your mind.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
Then you will definitely need the Head.
If you go five days without Pooh
If we combined the two players and changed their names and added a lisp you get a disturbing image: Luther Pooh (which would make you a Head Jeter).
(my regression is obviously far from complete)
by betweentheeyes on Sep 7, 2010 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Ziller should Fan Post his article about Head
Luther that is… from Fan House’s “Not Being Injured Column”
High Hopes and Expectations for Jeter!
I like Jeter’s speed and desire to force the ball. He flows very well within the offense. Knowledgeable movement when he doesn’t have the ball and always in the right spot. It’s been noted he as leadership qualities which this young team could use more of. And it looks like his shot is solid. I like his shot selection. Smooth confident release with a dead center aim.
He IS short. And I am amazed any short players make it in the NBA. But I can’t argue, it does work well when they have the quickness and decisive play. He may be another Nate or Spud. And if so, super fun to watch and a game changer.
If Head get his 3 point range back, by all means, Welcome to the Kings. Hopefully both make the grade and the team.
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