Niels Giffey working out with three teams this week

[tcf15]

EuropeanProspects ‏@ChristopheEPcom Jun 8
Working on his jump shot before others arrived to the gym: Niels Giffey #adidaseurocamp pic.twitter.com/ZBSK5ezMjy

 

[intlzncster]

Pulling for Giff. He's got a shot. A couple of years from now, he might be able to stick.

He's willing to do all the things you have to do to be a grinder in the league.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Teams in NBA do a lot of switching. Giffey can can offer some defense for a few seconds on a switch. He's not going one on one against Wall or guarding Duncan down low for entire quarter. But he has a chance to hold his own as the shot clock winds down or help arrives.
He has done it consistently in college. He did it against Kentucky. Against Michigan State. These are NBA athletes.

And most of those kids from those games are not going to play in the NBA, athletes or not. You don't make an NBA roster because you can "offer some defense for a few seconds on a switch."

I like Giffey. He's been more loyal to the program than anyone had any right to expect, he won two rings, and he was one of the tougher guys we've had in recent years. I hope he has a long and lucrative professional career. I don't think it's impossible that he catches on in the NBA, but I think it's pretty likely his success comes in Europe.

 

[pnete]

And most of those kids from those games are not going to play in the NBA, athletes or not. You don't make an NBA roster because you can "offer some defense for a few seconds on a switch."

I like Giffey. He's been more loyal to the program than anyone had any right to expect, he won two rings, and he was one of the tougher guys we've had in recent years. I hope he has a long and lucrative professional career. I don't think it's impossible that he catches on in the NBA, but I think it's pretty likely his success comes in Europe.

Along with being a knock down three point shooter and not doing stupid things while on the court and being a great practice player.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

I think Giffey may make a team based on his 3 point shooting and his ability to play solid D on small forwards.

Everything else is white noise.

 

[Dynasty]

EuropeanProspects ‏@ChristopheEPcom 1h
After the eurocamp, Niels Giffey is already back in the US to work out for the Dallas Mavericks tomorrow via @assitency

 

[alfonse]

I noticed Giffey is on some talent boards now. On one he was the number 100 prospect out of 100

http://www.draftexpress.com/rankings/Top-100-Prospects/

A couple of comments on this talent list. I know we all think Shabazz should not be so low but there is no way he should go below 20. I mean Garry Harris who is supposed to be so great got a bunch of 3's shot in his face in the MSU game. Obviously he can get his shot off if he is shooting over 6'5" guards. So the nba likes size which is why Bazz might go lower. Then why are Kilpatrick and Deandre Kane so low? Both are big athletic guards who can play and carried their teams through the season. Just curious what peoples thoughts are.

 

[ford82]

I think they are both older than Harris and not as athletic.

 

[Chief00]

I believe Neil's wl be drafted now.

 

[intlzncster]

I believe Neil's wl be drafted now.

Chief has spoken.

 

[champs99and04]

I don't think Giffey is quite good enough as a shooter to play in the NBA. As great as he was from three last season, it took him three years to get to that point, so I don't think backing up another couple feet at the next level will be as smooth a transition for him as it will be for somebody like Shabazz. He also needs more time and space to be an effective shooter than most guys. It worked out great in college, but in the NBA those windows close a lot faster.

Defensively, I think he's definitely capable of playing at the next level. He proved as much last summer when he was with the German national team.

 

[Dynasty]

Niels is working out with the Celtics today.

 

[intlzncster]

I don't think Giffey is quite good enough as a shooter to play in the NBA. As great as he was from three last season, it took him three years to get to that point, so I don't think backing up another couple feet at the next level will be as smooth a transition for him as it will be for somebody like Shabazz. He also needs more time and space to be an effective shooter than most guys. It worked out great in college, but in the NBA those windows close a lot faster.

Defensively, I think he's definitely capable of playing at the next level. He proved as much last summer when he was with the German national team.

It may take a couple of years, but I don't see why he can't do it. Work ethic won't be a problem. Athleticism/coordination won't be a problem. Given the opportunity to work on his game 24hrs per day without distractions, he should progress enough.

For him, the biggest thing is mentality. Being able to take a quick shot with a hand in your face and have the focus/concentration/killer instinct to take/hit the shot.

 

[pj]

Neils will be drafted. He'll also have a long pro career much like KO's. Don't know how much will be in Europe and how much in the NBA -- he would be a star in Europe and maybe a bench player in the NBA. But he'll be the kind of player coaches love and want on their team.

 

[2UCONN04]

I would love to have the Spurs pick him up with one of the two 2nd round picks they have.

 

[johnhuskies95]

I never once thought that lateral quickness was a problem for him.

 

[intlzncster]

I never once thought that lateral quickness was a problem for him.

On defense, I'd agree. On offense, not so much. His handle isn't yet strong enough to give him the lateral quickness to drive effectively on his man. Sometimes, yes, but it's not consistent nor common.

 

[champs99and04]

It may take a couple of years, but I don't see why he can't do it. Work ethic won't be a problem. Athleticism/coordination won't be a problem. Given the opportunity to work on his game 24hrs per day without distractions, he should progress enough.

For him, the biggest thing is mentality. Being able to take a quick shot with a hand in your face and have the focus/concentration/killer instinct to take/hit the shot.

In the NBA you have to either be able to create your own shot or be a three and D guy. I think Giffey can handle the defense part, I'm not sure if he's good enough from three. It has nothing to do with work ethic, some (most) guys just aren't able to get to the point that they're automatic from NBA three. Giffey's release - which is extremely methodical by NBA standards - isn't going to help him. I'd love to be wrong, I just think it's more likely he heads to Europe.

 

[intlzncster]

In the NBA you have to either be able to create your own shot or be a three and D guy. I think Giffey can handle the defense part, I'm not sure if he's good enough from three. It has nothing to do with work ethic, some (most) guys just aren't able to get to the point that they're automatic from NBA three. Giffey's release - which is extremely methodical by NBA standards - isn't going to help him. I'd love to be wrong, I just think it's more likely he heads to Europe.

But he's got good form and nice touch. I just don't see why it can't develop over time. All he has to do is quicken up his release. And that's a correctable problem. How you shoot in college isn't a permanent condition for how your career plays out shooting wise.

 

[champs99and04]

But he's got good form and nice touch. I just don't see why it can't develop over time. All he has to do is quicken up his release. And that's a correctable problem. How you shoot in college isn't a permanent condition for how your career plays out shooting wise.

I would say quickening a players release is something easier said then done, though I'm certainly not a shooting coach.

Giffey took 3 threes a game last season. Rashad Anderson took 6 threes a game his senior year, Michael Frazier of Florida took 7 threes a game this season. Those guys - to use just two examples - shot more than twice as often as Giffey because they were more comfortable getting off a shot in tight, quickly closing windows. If Giffey wants to play in the NBA, he's probably going to have to get close to that level. Not saying it can't be done, but it's a tall task - as much as shooting is a correctable problem, some of this stuff is natural.

If I had to guess how this plays out, I'd say he probably goes undrafted - partially because teams are always looking for young projects at that point in the draft - but gets invited to play in the summer league. How he performs there probably will determine whether or not he makes a roster.

 

[Walker11]

I would say quickening a players release is something easier said then done, though I'm certainly not a shooting coach.

Giffey took 3 threes a game last season. Rashad Anderson took 6 threes a game his senior year, Michael Frazier of Florida took 7 threes a game this season. Those guys - to use just two examples - shot more than twice as often as Giffey because they were more comfortable getting off a shot in tight, quickly closing windows. If Giffey wants to play in the NBA, he's probably going to have to get close to that level. Not saying it can't be done, but it's a tall task - as much as shooting is a correctable problem, some of this stuff is natural.

If I had to guess how this plays out, I'd say he probably goes undrafted - partially because teams are always looking for young projects at that point in the draft - but gets invited to play in the summer league. How he performs there probably will determine whether or not he makes a roster.

I agree with your main point that Niels likely wont be drafted but I don't agree with the logic. The league is littered with players who have vastly improved their 3 point stroke in the NBA, especially the 3 and D types. Take a look at the finals MVP who couldn't shoot a lick in college and is now a knock down corner 3 guy.

 

[BearJWS]

I agree with your main point that Niels likely wont be drafted but I don't agree with the logic. The league is littered with players who have vastly improved their 3 point stroke in the NBA, especially the 3 and D types. Take a look at the finals MVP who couldn't shoot a lick in college and is now a knock down corner 3 guy.

3 & D is spot on... Giffey is all hustle. His defense is underrated since he'll guard anyone he's asked to guard. He's guarded 2Gs, SFs, PFs & some Cs in his career. He gives it his all & he moves his feet quick enough to make it difficult for them. His 3 Pt shooting came alive this past year after playing for the German team last summer. Think his confidence was the strongest it ever was. Nobody expects him to be a star, but he is similar enough to fill a Danny Green, Sefolosha, Battier type mode.

 

[champs99and04]

I agree with your main point that Niels likely wont be drafted but I don't agree with the logic. The league is littered with players who have vastly improved their 3 point stroke in the NBA, especially the 3 and D types. Take a look at the finals MVP who couldn't shoot a lick in college and is now a knock down corner 3 guy.

I'm not arguing that players can't improve their shooting stroke in the NBA. It happens all the time. In fact, Giffey's shooting ability isn't what I'm questioning (though I do wonder how he'll adjust to the deeper three point line). All I'm saying is, 23-year-old's who are naturally hesitant shooters usually don't transform into reliable NBA offensive players over night, even in a specialized role. For instance, I don't think Giffey is going to turn into a Danny Green type player simply by working on his stroke - there is a certain art to being able to hit contested, highly pressured shots that I think you either have or don't. Giffey's a tireless worker and he has a beautiful stroke, but I've never seen him explode into a shooting motion half a second after receiving a pass. That's a skill that I'm not sure can be taught.

Granted, perhaps I'm overselling the transition from college to the NBA as it relates to shooters. There are definitely players - like Shane Battier, for example - who are able to skate by on defense and limited offensive ability, but those guys are few and far between, and Battier was considered one of the best defenders in the entire league in his prime.

Is it possible that Giffey develops into a better shooter than he is now? Sure. Unfortunately for him, NBA teams aren't going to wait around and see like they would for somebody like Kawhi Leonard. They're going to watch him out of the corner of their eye in the summer league, and if he's not lighting up the nets from deep, he's not going to make a roster regardless of how good of a defender he is. Giffey has a shot at the league - which is more than anybody possibly could have imagined two years ago - and I'll be rooting like hell for him, but it is going to be a long uphill climb.

 

[intlzncster]

I'm not arguing that players can't improve their shooting stroke in the NBA. It happens all the time. In fact, Giffey's shooting ability isn't what I'm questioning (though I do wonder how he'll adjust to the deeper three point line). All I'm saying is, 23-year-old's who are naturally hesitant shooters usually don't transform into reliable NBA offensive players over night, even in a specialized role. For instance, I don't think Giffey is going to turn into a Danny Green type player simply by working on his stroke - there is a certain art to being able to hit contested, highly pressured shots that I think you either have or don't. Giffey's a tireless worker and he has a beautiful stroke, but I've never seen him explode into a shooting motion half a second after receiving a pass. That's a skill that I'm not sure can be taught.

Granted, perhaps I'm overselling the transition from college to the NBA as it relates to shooters. There are definitely players - like Shane Battier, for example - who are able to skate by on defense and limited offensive ability, but those guys are few and far between, and Battier was considered one of the best defenders in the entire league in his prime.

Is it possible that Giffey develops into a better shooter than he is now? Sure. Unfortunately for him, NBA teams aren't going to wait around and see like they would for somebody like Kawhi Leonard. They're going to watch him out of the corner of their eye in the summer league, and if he's not lighting up the nets from deep, he's not going to make a roster regardless of how good of a defender he is. Giffey has a shot at the league - which is more than anybody possibly could have imagined two years ago - and I'll be rooting like hell for him, but it is going to be a long uphill climb.

There's also the "euro for 2/3 years then back to the NBA route". If he shows enough over there, no reason someone wouldn't give him a tryout in the future.

 

[champs99and04]

There's also the "euro for 2/3 years then back to the NBA route". If he shows enough over there, no reason someone wouldn't give him a tryout in the future.

True enough, though I can't recall many players who have worked their way back into the league from abroad. The D-League would probably be a better option.