Joseph Treutlein
Ryan Wittman didnt have the most impressive showing here, looking a bit uncomfortable outside of Cornells incredibly well organized offense, not entirely surprising given his skill set. While he managed to hit some shots on the week, he wasnt able to get in much of a rhythm and wasnt hitting shots with the efficiency he normally does, despite getting some nice looks. We already knew going in that hes a super perimeter shooter with NBA range, but would have liked to see how capable he is of getting his shot off on his own merits, something he might have to do from time to time at the professional level. Hes surely the type of player that will need plays run for him to really thrive in the NBA, but its questionable if someone will actually him that opportunity.
Regardless, he did help himself by affirming that he is a very smart player on both ends of the floor, doing a good job keeping offensive flow going with simple passes and off the ball movement, while showing good positional defense and being vocal on that end of the court as well. His athletic limitations certainly will hurt him on the defensive end in the NBA, but he appears to be a player coaches will love.
While there arent many players in his mold in the NBA (Jason Kapono being the obvious and perhaps only example), he should have opportunities to catch on in summer league and training camp, and also as a D-League call-up candidate later in the season should he decide to go that route. If not, he should have a successful career in Europe, where his outstanding shooting and team-oriented approach will definitely be valued in a disciplined, half-court system.
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