James Michael McAdoo Is Using Summer League The Way It’s Meant To Be (Photo: Ryan Brown | LetsGoWarriors)
Despite the Golden State Warriors‘ 16-game Las Vegas Summmer League winning streak ending, James Michael McAdoo‘s defense was a bright spot in Tuesday’s 89-88 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
For much of the game, McAdoo was asked to defend the Lakers’ top pick, Julius Randle (No. 7 overall).
McAdoo held the bigger, stronger Lakers forward to just 14 points and 4 rebounds on 5-11 shooting, while also forcing 5 turnovers.
“That’s something I pride myself on, being able to guard multiple positions,” Mc Adoo said at Warriors practice Tuesday. “Going up against guys that are bigger than myself, I try to use my length and athleticism.”
At times, McAdoo’s presence prevented Randle from touching the ball at all, using his superior quickness and length to deny the post entry pass and generally making things difficult.
It wasn’t the first time the former UNC Tar Heel had out-played a lottery pick. He also was instrumental in forcing Noah Vonleh to go 0-13 and without a point in the Warriors 70-58 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
Despite stellar play defensively, McAdoo still thought he could have been better, after picking up seven fouls in 31 minutes.
” I wish I could have gotten a couple of those plays back last night,” I feel like I did a couple things wrong, but you know, you live and you learn. ”
McAdoo is using this Summer League to do just that. Learn. He said the Warriors coaches have been extremely helpful as he tried to develop his game, and specifically, his jump shot.
“It’s been great to work with the coaches here. You know, they have so much knowledge,” McAdoo said. “Shooting is an area of my game that I want to work on because I realize it’s not one of my strong suits.”
McAdoo said he’s happy with his progress so far, but knows he needs to continue to keep working.
“It’s been great. I’ve been able to knock down a couple shots in the game, but I’m just really looking to improve everyday.”
He said cutting down on turnovers was the next step, after he recorded 14 through the first three Summer League games.
“For me personally, it’s just trying to over think the game a little,” McAdoo said. “Especially trying to get into the plays that Coach (Steve) Kerr and the staff wants us to run, I think it’s just going to come with more time.”
Another area the Warriors’ forward wants to impress is rebounding the basketball. He had against the Lakers after just 6 in the teams’ first two games.
“Basketball is a game of possessions, McAdoo said. “So rebounding is something I realize that is really gonna help me get onto the floor and help contribute to any NBA franchise, but hopefully with the Warriors.”
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