Mercer's Summer

["Meninno, James A." <JMENINNO@PARTNERS.ORG>]

There's an interesting little discussion brewing about whether Ron
Mercer needs to work on his three point shot over the summer.  I'd like
to see him extend his range, but not necessarily to three point
distance, and there are other things I think are far more important for
him.  Here's my list of things to do on your summer vacation Mr.
Mercer...

1. Ball handling.  Ever notice why Ron comes off screens so much?
Because he just catches and shoots.  No dribbling.  Have you seen him in
the open court?  As soon as a man gets to him he turns his back and
protects the ball.  Give Ron a crossover he can use to blow past guys
and he could be the next....pick a name.  Without it he'll just be a
really good shooting guard who can't get open with the game on the line.

2.  Defense.  He's got size, strength and quickness.  This should be
just a matter of working hard and learning.

3.  Finishing.  I know, he had some amazing dunks last year.  But, in
traffic it's always double clutch float under reverse and get fouled and
miss the shot (but usually make the free throws).  I don't think he
realizes that he can dunk over just about anyone out there.

4.  Extend that range on your jumper.

I think the biggest question is his ball handling.  I hope he can
improve, but I also think that's something you either have or you don't.
It's hard to learn.  Don't get me wrong, he's pretty good now, but this
could be the difference between 'pretty good' and 'Kobe Who'?

Jim