Atlanta Hawks: Prospect focus: Vanderbilt’s Jeffery Taylor
Here’s something different: An NBA hopeful who’s about defense.
“I think it’s more of a mental thing,” said Vanderbilt wing Jeffery Taylor. “It’s more about how you approach the game. I think a lot of guys nowadays don’t really value defense. It’s all about scoring, the highlight plays and whatnot. My dad always instilled in me a defensive mentality. You need to be prideful in what you do on the court, and part of having pride is not letting someone score on you.”
Taylor was voted to the SEC’s all-defense team three times, joining Mississippi State’s Jarvis Varnado as the only players in league history to do so. He says he’s been a “big fan of [Thabo] Sefolosha for a long time.”
“I think defense is kind of like a lost art, almost,” Taylor said. “If you look at Sefolosha in the playoffs, he’s playing tremendous defense. He’s making a lot of key plays for them. A wing defender that’s good at what he does and can score the ball as well is a valuable asset.”
Taylor’s focus on defense has paid off. His potential at that end is what makes him a possible first-round pick in a league where perimeter scorers predominate and wing defenders are valuable.
Hawks assistant GM Dave Pendergraft said Taylor has the athleticism and basketball IQ to be an “above-average” defender but noted Taylor’s prowess didn’t jump out at him while watching video.
“He has that reputation of being one of the better defenders in the NCAA, and he looked like a good defender but it’s not like he strikes fear in you,” Pendergraft said. “We bring him here [for a workout] and watch his footwork and how quick he is, you can see it really up close. He’s got really quick feet and he’s very, very strong and very athletic.
“He is one of the better defenders in college basketball. Does it transfer over to the NBA? You’d like to think so because he does have quick feet and he has good size. I don’t think there is a lot of negatives. He does have average length but there have been a lot of good defenders with average length if they a have quick feet but he understands the angles.”
That’s where the comparisons to Sefolosha and Taylor end. Taylor is shorter than Sefolosha and not nearly as long–he has a relatively short 6-6 wingspan.
On the plus side, Taylor is more athletic than Sefolosha and potentially a better shooter.
“The surprising things is how well he shoots it,” Pendergraft said. “When you go from [22] percent to [43] percent as senior [on 3-pointers], he’s made great strides shooting the ball. Towards the end of season at Vandy I expected it to go in. It was the same thing here [for workouts]. In all the shooting drills he was at a high percentage.”
Even when Taylor wasn’t making shots he was still an efficient scorer because of a good free-throw rate (in spite of a poor free-throw percentage. A DraftExpress.com analysis showed that Taylor was a high-efficiency, low-usage scorer in transition at Vandy.
Taylor had a high turnover rate, however, because he’s a shaky ball-handler.
“It’s definitely something I need to work on,” he said. “That’s probably one of my main focuses right now.”
Taylor’s dad, Jeff, was a guard at Texas Tech and played 56 games in the NBA before starting a career in Europe. Jeffery Taylor was born and raised in Sweden and came to the U.S. when he was 17; he has dual citizenship.
“That was a bit of a culture shock,” he said. “The U.S. is a lot different from Sweden: culture, people, school. I was having a culture shock experience for the first five or six months but then I got used to it and it wasn’t a big deal.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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195 comments Add your comment
Astro Joe
June 27th, 2012
11:03 am
OB, I think Josh needs a hug and didn’t get one from Hawks execs. The wayhis contract was handled, feeling like he didn’t get support for the All Star game, being disproportionately blamed for bad basketball plays, etc. And all of that is personal stuff, not at all team related. Change all 13 players around him and those concerns potentially still exist. What happens if the Hawks extend Teague without making him sign an offer sheet?
BIG DOG
June 27th, 2012
11:06 am
Dalembert is a bust and Lowry a career FG .420
SMH
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Stephen
June 27th, 2012
11:14 am
Michael, thank you so much for the fantastic Q&A with Levenson. He answered everything and really sounded contrite.
Ra'mon
June 27th, 2012
11:20 am
O’Brien, for me it would take Lowery and their two draft picks, not Dalembert. I really don’t think that is enough value for Josh in Lowery and Dalembert. I think with Lowery and Dalembert, you’re going to be looking to find a way to score points, as neither are consistent scorers. The fact that Josh provides consistent scoring, rebounding, and elite defense, you want to make sure you get at least two of those back in a deal.
Melvin
June 27th, 2012
11:22 am
” Can Sefolosha create his own shot? Can Battier create his own shot?” – OB
Look at how those guys play next to, Leborn/Wade/Bosh and Durant/Westbrook/Harden. Those guys get wide open shots b/c they play next to superstars. If Sefolosha made his shots, OKC may have played a game 7 in OKC.
Just Joe
June 27th, 2012
11:23 am
Don’t forget that Houston owns the rights to Donatas Montiejunas. That’s a valuable trade chip.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 27th, 2012
11:26 am
“He is obviously a ME first kind of guy, which, is not necessarily bad, but when you already have a roster with two ME first guys (Josh and JJ)… we may be looking at a bad fit, even if came out at a good level.”
At #23 I don’t think you can worry too much about this. In the Hawks’ current situation, where they may be a year away from three of their highest paid players no longer being on the roster, I especially don’t think you can worry too much about this.
Best player available. Doesn’t matter if he’s me-first, can’t create his own shot, doesn’t fit well with other players on the team, or whatever. Best player available. I have no idea whether or not Wroten is that guy, but best player available should be the pick, regardless of position. “Fit” shouldn’t matter at all, especially since any player drafted probably isn’t going to start this year anyway unless he’s a small forward.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 27th, 2012
11:27 am
“Draft question for the day: Would you trade both Josh and JJ for the #2 draft pick? We could then draft Bradley Beal who I think will be great in the NBA to replace JJ and then draft a SF at #23. With money freed up, we could get some really good quality free agents to fill in at available positions. So what do yall blog family think??”
This is a very interesting idea. My biggest problem with it, though, is I’d rather not trade them to a team that the Hawks will play four times a year if I can avoid it. But I do like Beal a lot, and Teague-Beal-Horford would be a solid and affordable core to build around.
Melvin
June 27th, 2012
11:27 am
I don’t want any parts of Houston players. They are mediocre. Hawks would only swap places in mediocrity land with the Rockets if they trade for their players. I like the Rockets draft picks but I don’t like their players.
John Jenkins is no more than a stand still shooter. I would not use a 1st round pick on him. I would choose the guy with the best potential at #23 and use free agency/trades to address the remaining roster spots.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 27th, 2012
11:29 am
“He struggles on his jump shot, but we all know that is a skill that can be taught much easier than ball handling.”
I don’t know if this is necessarily true. Any former coaches out there care to weigh in on this? Seems to me like both can be developed with practice.
Astro Joe
June 27th, 2012
11:30 am
Ra’mon, Al and Josh (when both healthy) average around 18 boards/game together. I think Al and Dalembert could do the same. If they fall a little short, Lowry is probably the second best rebounder at PG in the league (second to Rondo only) and could easily give you 1-2 more than Teague. Horford and Josh probably average 4-5 blocks/game… I think Dalembert and Horford can do that. One player won’t re-produce the 15-18 pints you would lose, but that is where the other guys pick up the slack.
Said differently, if we trade Al or Joe for a player who doesn’t score what they score, everyone will expect the remaining players to get more FGAs to pick up the slack. That is what happens. It happened last year when Al went down and if we keep Josh and he suffers a bad injury, someone will take more shots to replace that offense.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 27th, 2012
11:30 am
“I don’t want any parts of Houston players. They are mediocre. Hawks would only swap places in mediocrity land with the Rockets if they trade for their players. I like the Rockets draft picks but I don’t like their players.”
Co-sign. The only Houston player I would want is Lowry, and the Hawks already have a younger and cheaper player at his position with a ceiling at least as high.
Ra'mon
June 27th, 2012
11:36 am
Another thing about Josh. I think Josh will see how Lebron dominated the Finals with his post up and driving the lane, and use that for motivation. I see Josh averaging 21 ppg and 10.4 rpg next season no matter what uniform he has on. Now we need to realize that if Josh produces those numbers, that will be the best individual season we’ve seen since Dominique was here.
tjhook
June 27th, 2012
11:40 am
Ms. Dee,
Thanks for checking out the links. I can see why you attached yourself to the quote that says Smith can undermind a staff. THAT is why Andre Miller or a strong veteran point guard is an appropriate response. Smoove can’t undermind a guy who is too skilled and smart to challenge. If you have a guy who been there, done that AND can still get his own shot there is less of a need for Smith’s “heroics”. Smith would be resigned to get along or get gone.
tjhook
June 27th, 2012
11:41 am
Najeh,
The player I wanted from Houston got traded. Budinger would have been a good pairing with Teague. Teague could do a lot of draw and kick with Budinger’s perimeter skills. Also would have been available for offensive rebounding.
BIG DOG
June 27th, 2012
11:43 am
A trade i would make if im GM
1. Josh for Brook Lopez
This trade make sense for both team, since Josh is being rumor to go Brooklyn why not trade him there, plus this trade would put more secure for Nets in keeping D william.
2. Josh for Rudy Gay
Will Josh sign and extension if traded here that the big ?
3. Josh and #23 for Tyreke #5
This trade make since because Josh could be the center piece and Mayor for Kings with a new Stadium.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Ra'mon
June 27th, 2012
11:44 am
Najeh, Take Al for example. When he came in the league he had a questionable mid range game and questionable handles. Now he has a mid range game, and questionable handles. There’s a fluid motion in dribbling and ball handling that a player should have by the time they reach the NBA. So many players are so quick or jump so high that they never have to shoot jumpers in high school or college, because they can get to the rim so easily. But no matter what level of basketball you’re in, you can’t do anything with out dribbling and handling the ball. So if after playing basketball for over 8-10 years, you still can’t dribble or handle the ball well, then the chances of that being coached are very slim to none. That’s why you hear about so many shooting coaches on NBA staffs, but never hear of a ‘ball handling’ coach’. 700 jumpers a day can improve your jump shot efficiently over a summer. Ball handling and dribbling takes years to develop at a pg/sg skill set level.
O'Brien
June 27th, 2012
11:46 am
Ra’mon,
No way Houston is giving up Lowry and 2 first round picks for what might be one year of Josh Smith, and if I was Houston, I wouldn’t either.
Lowry averaged 14 pts, 7 assists, and 5 rebs per game last year. And with Josh gone, that means Teague/Lowry would have more opportunities to lead the fast break (especially with Lowry being a good rebounder).
Down low, our rotation would be Dalembert/Zaza, and Horford/Ivan. And with Lowry or Teague coming off the bench, our bench would be strengthened immediately, because both of those guys are better than Willie Green and Pargo.
Astro Joe
June 27th, 2012
11:47 am
Cultural change. Lowry is exactly the kind of player the Hawks need to help drive cultural change. And he can coexist with Teague. But he would bring some things that Teague does not.
If you admire the Spurs and Thunder, then you have to consider that on-court talent is not the one and only way to evaluate players and build a roster.
MsDee
June 27th, 2012
11:49 am
So tjhook,
You want Andre Miller to come in and take over Teague’s position?
Ra'mon
June 27th, 2012
11:50 am
AJ, I don’t think Dalembert would average 9 plus rebounds. And I don’t think his and Al’s defense would be as good as Josh and Al’s. The thing that is underrated about Josh is he manages to block and alter so many shots while staying out of foul trouble. Dalembert isn’t as adapt to that when he gets his blocks. I’ve been lobbying for Dalembert for two seasons. But never to replace Josh. You trade Josh for Lowery and Dalembert, its deeper than just losing scoring. You only have one or two players who can consistently create their own shots (Joe and Teague). That is not enough when you get to a half court set and a play needs to be made. Josh stepped up with more attempts with the subtraction of JC and Al, because he could still manage to create his own shot and scoring. Lowery isn’t the pick and pop type of guy with Al, because his jumper isn’t that great right now. I’m for trading Josh or anyone on the team if it makes the team better. But I really don’t believe Dalembert and Lowery makes the team better. If they did, why would Houston be willing to trade them for ONE player who only has one year left on his contract, in hopes that he re-signs.
MsDee
June 27th, 2012
11:51 am
“This is a very interesting idea. My biggest problem with it, though, is I’d rather not trade them to a team that the Hawks will play four times a year if I can avoid it. But I do like Beal a lot, and Teague-Beal-Horford would be a solid and affordable core to build around.”
Dang Najeh, I love the sound of that, Teague-Beal-Horford..WOW!!
BIG DOG
June 27th, 2012
11:52 am
The trade i like the most since Josh is rumor to play in Brooklyn.
Josh for Lopez
Teague, Gerald Green, Joe, Horford, Lopez
Pargo, #23 Jefferey Taylor, Marvin, Ivan, Zaza
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Najeh Davenpoop
June 27th, 2012
11:53 am
“Take Al for example. When he came in the league he had a questionable mid range game and questionable handles. Now he has a mid range game, and questionable handles. ”
I strongly disagree with the suggestion that Al has questionable handles. For a player at his size and his position I can’t think of anyone else in the league who handles the ball better. Maybe Dirk, but that’s about it. Al’s weakness is shot creation and post skills, not ball handling.
MsDee
June 27th, 2012
11:53 am
BIg Dog,
Please, NO MARVIN ANYWHERE
O'Brien
June 27th, 2012
11:55 am
Melvin,
Dalembert averaged 8 pts, 7 rebs, and 2 blocks in 22 mpg last year with Houston (with career averages of 8,8 and 2 in 26 mpg), and you think he is mediocre? Zaza averaged 8 and 8 and 0.5 blocks in 28 mpg last year.
I think Dalembert and Zaza can combine for 15 pts, 15 rebs from the center position in 48 minutes).
Najeh,
Imagine how much stronger your bench would be with Teague or Lowry running the second unit.
One thing I would add is in addition to a trade, I would also amnesty Marvin Williams.
O'Brien
June 27th, 2012
11:56 am
Ra’mon,
One reason Houston wants Josh is because that would make the chances of re-signing Howard more likely.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 27th, 2012
11:58 am
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
Of the 125 players who defended at least 75 post-up plays this season, Andre Drummond allowed the fewest points per play. #NBADraft
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So if nothing else, he is at least as good as Jason Collins.
MsDee
June 27th, 2012
11:58 am
I think Al HAS post moves, he nor us has the opportunities to see many of them cause Josh is at the top of the key jacking up jumpers. Also, we would see more of Al’s post moves if Drew would run more plays thru him. This is one reason why Josh must be moved cause if I was Josh, yea, I would want more plays run thru me as well but having 2 ALLSTAR (Josh being one) PF’s wanting and needing the ball makes for a disaster in the long run.
BIG DOG
June 27th, 2012
12:04 pm
This trade could happen only if Josh sign and extension.
Josh for Rudy
Teague, Joe, Rudy, Horford, Zaza
Pargo, Gerald Green, Marvin, Ivan, #23 Fab Melo
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Jake
June 27th, 2012
12:09 pm
This draft is tricky because witch ever guy we draft will decide the lineup outcome. Draft a SF, then Al will play at the center position. Draft a C, Al will play at the PF position. Considering Al is a much better PF than a center, i say the hawks need to draft a C. I think we should trade Marvin to move up in the draft to get a guy like Meyers Leonard. If not go with a guy like Fab melo. Then if this lineup dosnt look like it can win a championship by mid season. We have no choice but to deal Smoove but a guy like Royce white could be a guy like Paul Pierce….Tough choice.
1.Teague
2.Johnson
3.Smith
4.Horford
5.Melo/Leonard
or
1.Teague
2.Johnson
3.White
4.Smith
5.Horford
BIG DOG
June 27th, 2012
12:09 pm
This trade make since for Josh he would become the Mayor and center piece for Kings with a new Stadium.
Josh and #23 for Tyreke and #5 Andre Drummond.
Teague, Tyreke, Joe, Horford, #5 Andre Drummond
Pargo, Gerald Green, Marvin, Ivan, Zaza
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Grandad
June 27th, 2012
12:12 pm
Najeh
“He struggles on his jump shot,
but we all know that is a skill that can be taught
much easier than ball handling.”
‘`Any former coaches out there care to weigh in on this?`’
Incorrect !
If one could be taught to shoot:
everyone would be Ray Allen;
Josh would be all-world on [game] experience alone;
D.howard would be an adept FT shooter.
Compare & Contrast:
*Ballhandling – anyone and everyone can improve their basic ballhandling;
footwork, passing, eyes, catching [not necessarily hands], stance,
staying low, fundamentals, etc.
**Still – one can never acquire elite pg skill as far as pure instincts.
*Shooting – one can do all the above, but, one can never reach elite
status as a shooter if the hand eye coordination is simply not there.
note – It`s much, much more than [just] hand eye coordination as well.
A dedicated player can spend hrs in the gym and improve his/her shot,
but if it ain`t there it just ain`t there.
I`ve seen players with the most beautiful stroke in the world;
but it just won`t go in the basket.
I`ve seen others with an ugly shot …and they don`t miss.
Kinda like being an elite pg; either one has it or not.
However, one can be an excellent ballhandler and -not-
be an elite pg. The entire SA Spurs team [sans Danny Green]
comes to mind.
I am a professional Shooting Instructor:
I can improve anyone`s shot … to a point.
An example:
Josh Smith`s problem begins with his feet.
Josh`s whole problem is he doesn`t prepare to shoot
until after he catches the ball.
… skip to my point …
I could fix all that and improve Josh`s jumper !
Josh would still be Josh;
he would still need to shoot from 16 ft and in.
Plus he will / would never be Dirk Nowitski, regardless.
_____________________________________________
Najeh
My apologies – I realize that was a bit wordy.
tjhook
June 27th, 2012
12:18 pm
By the way, I am a BIG Josh Smith fan. I recognize his flaws, but I love his skill set.
The Real cp
June 27th, 2012
12:18 pm
The blog monster doesnt like me today
The Real cp
June 27th, 2012
12:21 pm
I guess I have to change my name to post.. Well Melvin made the point I wanted to make in regards to Battier and Sefalosha. Ra’mon also made a great point about not enough guys who can create their own shot. Check out the video of Taylor showcasing his ballhandling. It makes Marvin look like Iverson. Also check out his numbers when shooting off the dribble. The numbers are not pretty.
Harkless, Q Miller, Nicholson, and Perry Jones (if he falls) are the guys I like at 23. I wouldnt be mad if they took Wroten.. In the second round I like Lamb, Cunningham, Thompson from Georgetown, and Machado.
darrell starks
June 27th, 2012
12:23 pm
BIG DOG, You always hating on Josh, with a new GM give him a chance and try keep this team together.
1. TEAGUE 23YEARS
2. JOSH 26YEARS
3. HORFORD 25YEARS
4. ZAZA 28YEARS
5. JOE 30YEARS
6. MARVIN 25YEARS
Stop hating Big Dog the Hawks are still young.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tjhook
June 27th, 2012
12:23 pm
Ms Dee,
Andre is 36 so that is a bit unreasonable. But Miller played behind Ty Lawson last year and said he was comfortable on the bench as long as the team was a championship contender. I primarily think he can teach everybody on the roster how to execute teamwork consistently and help them achieve a greater level of trust in one another. I want them to get what the Celtics have. The Celtics were depleted and old but they stay true to their offensive philosophy; when you play together it’s hard for someone to beat you because discipline and patient are necessary.
Astro Joe
June 27th, 2012
12:24 pm
Ra’mon, I am not assuming that the first roster change Ferry makes is the last one. If he trades Joe, that won’t likely be the end of his roster make-over and same with Josh. I don’t think we should expect a single magic transaction to fix all that ails the Hawks. Josh’s rebounding numbers increased with Al’s absence. Not a knock on Josh, that is just the way rebounding numbers typically work. That is why I suggested what guys typically do when together… Al and Josh are typically 18/game and yes, I absolutely believe that can be replicated with Sam and Al. Same with blocks. Here’s my guess, if Josh and D12 ever play together on a team, one of them will see a fairly sizeable drop in their average blocks/game. If they average around 6-7 on separate teams now, I’d predict 4-5 if they play together.
Tim
June 27th, 2012
12:24 pm
I really think the hawks should look into possibly getting the georgetown big man Henry Sims.He’s pretty good from the games i seen him play in,he really moves well and solid.I think the Hawks had him for a workout last weekend..nobody seems to be really mentioning anything about him.
darrell starks
June 27th, 2012
12:26 pm
STARTER TEAGUE, JOE, JOSH, HORFORD, ZAZA
BENCH PARGO, GERALD GREEN, MARVIN, IVAN, FAB MELO
RESERVE GREEN, ERIC GRIFFIN, COLLINS
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jake
June 27th, 2012
12:29 pm
Get Royce White
http://boston.sbnation.com/boston-celtics/2012/6/25/3116303/2012-nba-draft-rumors-royce-white-boston-celtics-promise
Astro Joe
June 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
Ra’mon, and OB nailed it, Josh is Dwight bait. They are willing to trade for Josh to lure D12 now (or next summer). And they have nothing else to lose at this point as they are stuck in a worse position than the Hawks, in that 7-10 slot in their conference. This is like when a major college offers a football scholarship to a very good high school player because he is best friends with the state’s very best player. I doubt seriously that Houston believes that Josh gets them from that 7-10 area to 4-7. He won’t (by himself).
PEDRO EL GITANO
June 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
Tener a Roy y JJ en el mismo equipo sería horrible de ver.Respecto a la elecciones del draft creo que Fab Melo y Kris Josehp sería unas adquisiciones muy buenas.GO FERRY GO!!!!
Hugo
June 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
I see some people having Horford traded. All I can say is if they trade him the Hawk franschise needs to be dismantled. He is one of the very few draft picks they made that actually was good.
Ra'mon
June 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
O’B, if they wouldn’t than I wouldn’t take that deal. And Houston is saying they will go after Josh IF THEY CAN’T get D12, not in addition.
The Real cp
June 27th, 2012
12:31 pm
Add Kyle O’Quinn as a guy I like in the second. I think he will turn out better than some centers that are going in the first.
Jake
June 27th, 2012
12:32 pm
Wait…….does anybody know what happened to Damion James??
Ra'mon
June 27th, 2012
12:33 pm
AJ, I know what you’re saying. I’m just saying I don’t like the deal. lol.
Jake
June 27th, 2012
12:34 pm
I mean Kieth Benson*********