High/Low Expectations: Marreese Speights

by Jordan Sams on Oct 13, 2009 2:27 PM PDT

Best case: Marreese humbles himself, learns to play defense, and rebounds consistently. If M16 fulfills just 80 percent of his potential, he will be an integral part of what Stefanski is building for years to come. At 22 years old, one could argue that Speights is the most talented big on the roster. He has a soft shooting touch from anywhere on the court, he posses a good post-game, and ridiculous athleticism. He was made for the Princeton Offense.

Best case stats: 20 minutes, 10 points on 55% shooting, 5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.

Worst case: Marreese continues to settle for 20-footers jumpers, shoot every time he touches the ball, and fails to protect the paint. Regardless of how talented Speights is, he shouldn't see the floor if he can't play defense. Now that Brand and J-Smtih are back for injuries, M16 is going to have to earn his minutes via defense.

Worst case stats: 5 minutes, 3 points on 45% shooting, 1 rebound and 0 blocks.

Poll

Which is more realistic?

Best case.

117 votes

Worst case.

33 votes

150 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 5 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Progress, all I’m looking for

Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned

by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 7:37 PM PDT reply actions

He could end up surpassing your best case projections

It all depends on how many minutes he EARNS.

http://www.phillyarena.com - Philly sports forum/blog

by tk76 on Oct 14, 2009 7:25 AM PDT reply actions

If you read brians game summary from last night he’ll earn less than willie deserves

Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned

by jemagee on Oct 14, 2009 7:42 AM PDT up reply actions

I expect Speight to have a much better upside than you suggest.

Speights is an excellent offensive player, and with the strength he’s added over the Summer should be able to play inside more.

The real problem is on the defensive end of the floor, where his footwork is lousy. He needs to do a lot of work in this area, as he tends to reach, which is going to earn him a lot of fouls.

by RickoT on Oct 14, 2009 8:41 AM PDT reply actions

If only his pre season play reflected any of these ideas

Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned

by jemagee on Oct 14, 2009 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions

Network Bar

Liberty Ballers -

Where Jodie Meeks' dad makes us eat our vegetables.