Today I will be showing you why Milos Teodosic will win the rookie of the year award. Part 1 was on Ball’s play, which leads me to Part 2 where we will look at Teodosic’s similar play to Lonzo Ball. We saw how Lonzo stole the ball but then he lost it, and now we will see what Teodosic does after he grabs the ball. Let’s get right into this.
FreeDawkins – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYxzzqGhgEs
Here we see the start of the play. Milos Teodosic is currently guarding #55, Delon Wright close to the 3 point line. So far we see regular defense, but what will he do during the play?
FreeDawkins – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYxzzqGhgEs
Here we see the Raptors performing a screen, so Milos Teodosic calls for a switch. This shows his experience in games as he knows what needs to happen in this play. He tells his teammate that he will pick up the defender coming around the screen.
FreeDawkins – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYxzzqGhgEs
Here we see that Milos Teodosic has completed the switch and he has picked up another defender. You can see that it shows his composure and his ability on the defensive end of the court.
FreeDawkins – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYxzzqGhgEs
About a second later in this play, we see Milos Teodosic in the middle of the court after a screen from Lucas Nogueira. He knows to get back to his defender, who is now going to go back to Delon Wright after his Clipper teammate picked up the other Raptor.
FreeDawkins – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYxzzqGhgEs
I included this picture to show that he has completed getting back to the defender after the screen. Teodosic knows which defender to get back to, which shows his communication with the team is already very good.
FreeDawkins – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYxzzqGhgEs
Teodosic shows his reactions as as soon as the ball is released from the opponent, he sees this and runs toward the ball so he can get the steal and turn it into a fast break.
FreeDawkins – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYxzzqGhgEs
Right after the last part of the play, we see Milos Teodosic use his defensive skill set to grab the ball and force a turnover for the Raptors.
FreeDawkins – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYxzzqGhgEs
This play is why I believe Milos Teodosic can beat Lonzo Ball in the rookie of the year voting. We see a play almost identical to Ball’s turnover against Jeff Teague. Milos Teodosic has 2 options. He can try and take Delon Wright 1 on 1, with a high chance of forcing a turnover. His other option is to pass it to Wesley Johnson, the Clipper to the left of him running up the field. Lonzo Ball tried to force the play, we will see how Teodosic responds to the defense.
FreeDawkins – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYxzzqGhgEs
Milos Teodosic sees he will turn the ball over if he faces Wright 1 on 1. So he does what is smart, passes the ball to his Clipper creating a 2 on 1. Lonzo Ball had a Laker right next to him, but tried to force it. I think that the picture above shows the basketball IQ of Teodosic. His experience and knowledge for the game is what could win him rookie of the year.
FreeDawkins – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYxzzqGhgEs
And just to show you, this play resulted in a dunk for the Clippers as Wesley Johnson scored the bucket.
This play really does sum Teodosic’s skill set. He has the ability to see everyone on the court and make smart passes. A good comparison to him is a European style Chris Paul. Lonzo Ball just doesn’t have the composure, and it shows why Teodosic can help lead the Clippers to the playoffs.
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Four Foot Nuttin 