Maxey gives scouting report on Victor Claver

July 11, 2012, 5:23 pm

International basketball writer Wendell Maxey joined The Bald Faced Truth with John Canzano on Wednesday to talk about the newest Blazer Victor Claver. Maxey also discussed Joel Freeland and some of the differences, he sees, between international and NBA basketball.

Maxey began by talking about the mystery, in regards to international players, “there are a lot of unknowns, with both Claver and Freeland, really anytime A Euro guy comes over there are comparisons, who are they like? But it’s really not fair”. 

He continued by focusing on Victor Claver and the impact he may have on this Blazers roster. Maxey believes Claver’s role is unknown, as there are many holes in this roster.  However he doesn’t see Claver as a starter, believing he will be more affective coming off the bench as a role player or rotation guy. Maxey touted Claver's athleticism, “he can spot up, take it outside, spread the floor, he’s a good pick up”. Maxey questioned Claver’s game in transition, but thought he would be ok because of the half court game in the NBA.
 
Maxey shifted his focus to potential Blazer Joel Freeland, drawing comparisons between him and LaMarcus Aldridge,  “Both players are long, and can run the floor well”.  Maxey asserted his belief that the Blazers could have a top notch pick and pop game, between Freeland and Lillard. Maxey continued by discussing some of the unknowns, focusing on the fact that Freeland is coming off an injury. Maxey, an American and former Oregonian, talked about some of the differences in-between International and NBA basketball.  Maxey notes a big difference, mainly equating it to what the game means to the fans, “The NBA is the big show, whereas overseas it’s all about the game”. Some on the court differences include, the NBA is more of a team game and internationally it’s more of a one on one game. Maxey finished up by offering his belief that now is the right time to bring Claver and Freeland into the fold..

 

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