Re: The Master

[Kim Malo <kimmalo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 09:29 PM 3/24/2004, Theresa Mostaffa wrote:
> If I recall correctly, Mihm has already been to Pete Newell's camp twice.

Mmmm, I checked after reading that and he's listed among the alumni. So 
much for that idea, or else maybe he needs to make it an annual event for a 
while.

> ... I didn't see Mihm much in Cleveland, but I saw him a lot in 
> college.  He had a very nice post up game, albeit usually against smaller 
> defenders, but he also was very good facing the basket.  He had a very 
> reliable shot from about 15 feet in.  That's what is so confusing to 
> me.  I know the pro game is different, but that's not a skill you would 
> think someone would lose in the transition from one level to 
> another.   Maybe it's simply a matter of losing confidence in his shot and 
> being afraid to take it?

Yeah, I've been surprised at how bad his jump shot has looked, since I 
remember someone saying that he had a nice short range jumper when we 
traded for him. As you say, you don't expect him to lose the skill, even if 
he's in a slump on the shots falling. But he's looked really bad, like he 
has no business taking them. Confidence might do it, but since you recall 
him from college - has he maybe had a significant growth spurt since then? 
Some guys do, and dealing with a new body can really change things. That 
could also contribute to the awkward flailing style that gets him so many 
fouls.

>  Anyway, I think his problem right now is much more on the defensive end 
> of the court.   He is too slow to react.  This is really obvious when 
> defending the pick and roll.  He's slow to get out and then even slower 
> to get back to his own man.  I honestly think that is the main reason his 
> playing time!  has been  limited and I can't say I blame Carroll at 
> all.

Mmm, definitely the defensive end that's the problem. Obie and Carroll have 
both said so, and as you say, the evidence is visible there on the court. 
He's not inherently slow physically though, which was part of why I was 
wondering about it being an IQ/learning curve issue as much as anything.

Kim