Everybody gets cooked by Angel when Angel is on. Reese double-doubled in the All-Star game in 15 minutes playing the paint between A'ja and Breanna. The woman has the mindset of a honey badger and the physical constitution of a hockey puck.
@@PatrickSchoenfelder On rebounding I agree with you, but she doesn't have an offensive post game outside of throwing herself at her defender and going for up-and-under layups. That's why she gets blocked so much, if you are getting cooked by her on offense, then you may need to work on your defense. Again, I'm not knocking Angel, I really like her game and she probably has the highest motor in the league, but she IS raw when it comes to offensive post moves.
@@patricklarson7564 I agree. Reese has always been an erratic shooter, which is why she fell to 7th in the draft (and why many thought even that was too high at the time.) But the key here is "erratic." She has regularly had games where she has shot in the 50% range, what would be expected for a power forward playing mostly deep, including most recently in the All-Star game. But she has also shot in the teens,, most notably when the Liberty was determined to stop her double-double streak but other games too. Part of that is that she can be successfully stopped by aggressive, especially double, coverage. But the problem for her opponents is that aggressive coverage of Reese causes, predictably, neglect of other Sky players, especially Camilla Cardoso, who is increasingly emerging as a factor following her late start due to injury. Reese does need to get to be a lot more consistent on shooting, especially on put-backs and other point-blank shots. Right now Reese is not a complete basketball player, mostly due to the erratic shooting. She is a pretty fair defender for a rookie, ranking in the twenties among WNBA players for defensive win shares, but she could certainly be better both in shooting and assists and better on defense. She is, as I noted above and as you said, one of the most gifted players in the league in terms of athletic ability, and she is one of the best performers in driving herself to play well despite opponents and be mentally and physically tough, especially despite facing very physical play -- the level of violence that regularly occurs under the basket for players like Reese, and earlier Brink (and of course also veterans like A'ja, Stewart, and Collier,) makes that physical game Clark faces on the outside appear like patty-cake, if you watch video of the play. But rookies are usually less fully developed players, as Clark has certainly shown with the multiple weaknesses in her game (defense, turnovers, poor shooting percentages.) The key is for them to improve, and for fans to give them the space to do so. I am pretty confident that both Reese and Clark will be playing much more developed and complete games in a year, two years, and three years than they are now.
If Temi Fagbenle would stay healthy then Indiana Fever was using her instead of NaLyssa Smith... NaLyssa supporting DiJonai Carrington more than ger own Indiana Fever team.
If no one is willing to trade for her, then waive her. In her place, hire Caitlin's former teammate Monica Czinano who has been in Europe the past year playing for Hungary. Watch the 2023 Final Four game of Iowa vs South Carolina to see the chemistry between Caitlin and Monica in action.
Man, you have this uncanny ability to break these things down in such a way that even I can understand them. Carter, you've literally quintupled the value I get out of watching the WNBA games because I get so much thanks to you. Up until this commentary, I was like, "Gee...Nalyssa Smith don't seem too bad." Then you break it down for me. Lol
Smith is more worried about getting rebound but she wont box out her player. Which is what got her in trouble last time we played Chicago. Her defense and lack of effort is what lost her the starting spot earlier in the season.
I think she’s definitely talented she’s just not mature enough yet. She needs a mindset shift. If she’d put in the work and be a bit more serious she could definitely be more a threat and more of an asset to her team.
Actually the stats this year show NS as the worst defender on the team (among players who play regularly) - she's last in both Defensive Rating and Defensive Win Share.
@@trickedouttech321 while that's true, a lot of stats are based on % so adjust for less playing time. The OP's statement was wrong. NS's defensive stats are terrible. Lexi's are much better than Nalyssa's on defense. For instance, for Defensive Rating, LH is 4th on the Fever while NS is 10th. However, Defensive Win Share is considered the superior stat to Defensive Rating and in that LH is only 6th on the Fever, though NS is still 10th. In both cases, only Victaria Saxton and Grace Berger have lower scores in both stats than Nalyssa. In both cases, Lexi's results are far, far superior to Nalyssa's.
just the fact that she is feeding CC info to her girlfriend (DiJonai Carrington) so she can use it as ammo to talk ish about CC is reason enough for her to gtfoh.
I think you are correct. Smith is more concerned about her bossy girlfriend’s affection. Smith could do better because Carrington’s negativity towards CC is getting into her head.
I think the key phrase of your entire video is "If Christie Sides keeps running this offense..." Nalyssa NEEDS coaching. Desperately. On several of those offensive possessions, she could have rolled to the free throw line for a 15-footer. That's a shot she can make. But she stands at the 3pt line because that's what Sides offense is about. There's no motion to it. Smith literally doesn't know what to do, because there is nothing to do within the offense if you're not involved with the P&R. I can't defend her defense though. I think she could be a good defender, but her heart's not in it. She looks disinterested.
On the CC drive or Boston Drive....She needs to be the dish from the 3 pt...cut to the basket and at LEAST draw a foul...(not that she'll make the FT...maybe one) but it's better than allowing a quadruple team in the paint... All the clips show the Defenders in the paint....3 Fever players on the 3pt line.... Do this with ANY other team and you are losing.
@@gummybeer119 Maybe. She's got a nice touch inside 10. I think it would translate to a 15' jumper. We'll never know, though, since she's been told to stand around at 21'.
@@nathandavis5099 I think it's a lack of confidence more than anything else. Several times a game she gets the ball wide open and hesitates or puts it on the floor. I think she needs to just let it fly and not overthink it, since her 3% suggests she could actually be decent from out there.
@@gummybeer119 100% agree. I didn't think there's anything wrong with her skills or athleticism. The issue is between her ears. She often looks like undiagnosed (or untreated) ADHD. As if the game is too fast for her. Maybe you're right that it's confidence. Either way, she needs coaching and probably a sports psychologist. The intensity, focus, confidence - it's all off.
I disagree, I think Lexie can shoot, she's got good form, a fairly quick release, and she hit them at a decent clip at Stanford. I think it's more of a confidence or repetition issue than anything. She obviously hasn't been shooting well this year, but in my opinion that's different than being a "bad shooter".
When Fever misses a three point shot, which happens 7 out of 10 times, we rarely get OBs. Fever opponents take those balls right into transition and often score. If you look at the paint when shots go up on offense, there's nobody hustling in for rebounds. This leads to runs for the opponents and Fever has to play from behind, or can't sustain nice leads.
@@Inokea A lot of WNBA players don't play fundamentals. Poor defense, poor rebounding, problems with turnovers, poor play away from the ball, inability to score over defensive coverage. A lot of them have been stars since the sixth grade, and their coaches didn't/couldn't make them care about fundamentals; they were too busy doing their own thing. Some college programs -- UConn, South Carolina, Stanford, for example -- turn out players who know fundamentals because the coaches make them. A lot of others take hot prospects and tell them "just cook." Then they surprise people with their uneven play at more elite levels.
She can make 3 pointers, her release time is just soooooo slow. She is the worst defender in the WNBA right now. She fouls so much at inopportune times.
I think you're missing the fact that Dallas is playing "Drop" defense. It's not just Smith's defender that's dropping, it's ALL defenders on the weak side.
Very impressive video. You gave fair assessments and were good about pointing out your own level of expertise, and limits thereof, and also by showing video examples everyone can see for ourselves and make our own assessments, all very high standards of journalism. I agree with your assessment of Nalyssa Smith, and also like you I don't personally dislike her. It's not that she doesn't try or doesn't have talent. She does. But she doesn't have defensive hunger or instincts. Objectively, if we exclude Saxton and Berger who don't play much, Nalyssa and Damiris Dantas are basically tied (within one-one-hundredth of a point of each other) for the lowest Defensive Win Share on the Fever. But Dantas can reliably hit outside shots. If you look at Defensive Rating, which is a lesser stat only focused on things like steals, defensive rebounds, blocks, opponent misses, etc. but not including things like the defensive ability of the teammates one is out on the floor with, then NS is dead last, then Dantas, then Kelsey Mitchell, then Kristy Wallace, then Caitlyn Clark (again excluding Berger & Saxton). But with Defensive Win Shares the bottom 5 are Dantas/Smith (tie), Wallace/Mitchell (tie), Lexie Hull. And Caitlyn Clark moves up even ahead of Katie Lou Samuelson. And Hull whose Defensive Rating is 3rd best on the team falls way down. So, to me, it's important to look at Win Shares not just Defensive Rating, to also factor in the defensive quality of the teammates one is on the floor with, and you see in doing so it really doesn't change NS's assessment but it shows that CC is actually a better defender than Defensive Rating alone would indicate, and that Lexie Hull is actually not as impressive a defender as Defensive Rating alone would indicate. Or said simpler LH is usually on the floor with the 4 of the best defenders on the team while CC is almost always on the floor so more often plays with weaker defensive teammates. There's two components to 3-pt shooting, one being ability to shoot them and there other being willingness to shoot them. One could point out that NS has the ability to shoot them because of her 34% 3-pt % on the season. But she only makes 0.5 3-pt shots per game, even though, as you showed, she's usually left wide open. This possibly shows a lack of willingness to shoot them, as you showed in your example where she chose to dribble instead (and double dribbled). Dantas will shoot from the outside and in limited play has shot 50% from 3-pt range so far (that will come down but she's a decent shooter). AB also on limited shooting has shot 41.2% from 3-pt range. Temi Fagbenli can't shoot the 3 well but she can run the pick and roll well. It's possible if Temi took AB's spot on the pick and roll, and AB took NS's spot as a spacer in that situation, that could work better. Or AB could stay down low where she's a problem for the opposition and would probably keep her defender tight. Kelsey Mitchell 36.8%, 2.3 per game + Katie Lou Samuelson 34.1%, 1.1 per game + CC 32.7%, 2.7 per game all both can shoot and will shoot. So that's probably the best the Fever can do to get a pick and roller and 4 shooters on the floor. Lexi Hull, Kristy Wallace, Erica Wheeler are unfortunately all shooting in the 20's %-wise, so not helpful in that situation. Last season Wallace shot 43.5%, 1.0 per game & Wheeler 30.9%, 0.8 per game, so if these players get out of their slumps, that might give an extra option. Grace Berger also shot very well %-wise from 3 last season (and this season in limited minutes), though didn't take a lot. However, rather than worrying too much about getting the optimum half-court offense on the floor, I hope the team will focus on getting a much better defense on the floor, because as you noted that then leads directly to transition scoring opportunities where the Fever are at their best. Even though Temi Fagbenli wasn't brought in with a lot of fanfare and originally was only signed to a training camp contract, Coach Sides did replace NS with TF shortly after the start of the season. But a few games later TF got hurt and hasn't been 100% since, coming back from the first injury only to break a finger. There was one game where NS was benched in favor of KLS, but the problem is KLS is a 3 and will give it her all if you put her at 4, but she's not a banger. With Dantas out for most of the 1st half of the season and Temi Fagbenli out with injuries, the only reliable bigs Coach Sides has had most of the season are AB and NS, with KLS doing her best to provide them some rest and play hard with the bangers. Victaria Saxton is also on the team but clearly the coaching staff thinks playing KLS at the 4 is preferable. Now Dantas is on the team but hadn't practiced and needed to learn a lot, so they were bringing her along with limited minutes before the break. Hopefully she'll get some significant practice and be able to play more significant minutes if needed. Also, hopefully TF will be back 100% healthy. It was commented in the video that NS played the entire 1st Q but who else was there? TF, who would be a preferable starter, was out. AB was also playing, at the 5. KLS was also playing, at the 3, and KLS is an undersized 4 not really built for that kind of punishment game in and game out (though she won't quit). Dantas was on limited minutes as they bring her into the team. So, really, there wasn't another choice but to play NS a lot. I do hope that after the break and for the playoffs that TF & AB will be starting, Dantas getting most of the minutes as the primary big backup, and NS can be safely moved near the end of the bench. I don't think Coach Sides wants to play NS any more than absolutely necessary, which is why both TF and even KLS for a game replaced her in the starting lineup, just due to injuries, etc., there's been no other option.
I think she's a sweet person but not competitive enough on the court. Interesting to see how many open looks she gets, if she can get the 3s that'd be helpful. Great breakdown, its cool to see the other teammates dynamic in game around CC.
I was not prepared for that ending but I actually agree with you. Even though team USA had nothing to do with that ridiculous opening ceremony, I just don’t know who that was for. Olympics is supposed to be an athletic competition, not whatever that was. The budget for that was over $150 million dollars.
Yeah, Smith out on the 3-pt line and in the corner serves no purpose at all. She should be at an angle closer in that she can at least try a bank shot or something. This is on Christie Sides.
With all due respect, nobody on this team play defense Their offensive isn’t a problem .. Smith needs to work on her free throws Smith shoots OK from the three-point line it not the worst
Nah, that's not true. AB plays solid defense, above average. Lexi is pretty good. Mitchell is average. Wallace is average. CC ranges from below to above average. She would be solid if she didn't ball watch so much. Smith is uniquely bad on D on this team. Problem is we don't have anyone reliable to replace her.
The thing that drives me NUTS about Smith is her lack of commitment to setting picks. She gets in position then roles away from it before the defender even reaches the pick. She does it ALL THE TIME. Horrible
I have not liked Smith the entire 17 games. Why is it that you have only noticed how bad she is right now? She is a horrible shooter from any place on the court, especially 3 pointers. And many times I have seen her trying to play defense with her back to the offensive player. I hate her form when she shoots too. It’s amazing that with all the instruction out there online that these young women still have horrible technique. And finally you can’t tell me that Sides isn’t seeing exactly what you are seeing or even Caitlin isn’t seeing this either.
I think that the big problem with many WNBA players is that they were never coached in basketball basics. 100% of the women who play in the WNBA -- the best women ball players of the last two decades -- were stars in middle school and high school, and their coaches left them alone to star for the team and ignored working on the flaws in their games.. Clark is the paradigm case. No one ever reacted to her in any way except to see her as the most amazing phenomenon ever. No one made her learn to play defense. No one made her work on her turnovers. Her team is paying the price for that now. The same continued in college. Smith stands out because she lacks, as Carter points out, a set of special tricks to compensate for her poor performances in other areas. Overall, you see a tremendous number of players who don't play defense well, who don't block out for rebounds, who don't move well without the ball. It is often amazing to see that these elite players never learned these basic parts of the game. This is particularly noticeable at the most elite levels. Both the USA and the WNBA all-stars played poor defense in the game -- the sky high score illustrates that. USA had some jaw-dropping defensive lapses against Japan, many repeating the same mistakes seen earlier. It is obvious that the players have been selected almost completely for their offensive games. But of course, offense is what the fans love, and also what fans can easily see. Basic paint play with rebounding does not get the attention. Defense is usually about what does not happen, since more dramatic defensive plays usually are so infrequent that they have no impact on the game. Long bomb 3's and Globetrotter assists are fun to watch, clogging passing lanes to prevent plays and sometimes cause turnovers and getting position for offensive and defensive rebounds is boring stuff. Smith is 6'4" and is reasonably athletic. No one who coached her before college ever saw anyone who could dominate a game like her. So they ignored the job of teaching her basic basketball in favor of having her dominate the opponents, and everybody loved it. Fever coaches and Fever fans are paying the price.
Great analysis. You're exposing the defense schemes that aren't working. The Fever are an intelligent fast group and the coach needs to draw up effective defense strategies for them. Again, good job calling it.
Nalyssa 34.3% 3pt percentage on season. Higher than Katie Lou, Caitlin, Lexi, Kristy, Erica, and Temi. Slightly higher than team average of 33%. I agree with your analysis of defense. And it would be great if the coach had several really good 3-point shooters on the team given the type of offense she wants to run ... but she doesn't. As always, I appreciate your knowledge, passion, and effort in putting these informative videos together.
I’m against getting rid of Smith for the same reason I’m against getting rid of Boston (at the beginning of the season ppl WERE saying she has to go), and the same reason I defend CC - NaLyssa is only in her third year. She was drafted 2022 Aliyah Boston has adjusted to playing with CC but Smith is still a little behind. I would love to see if she can grow with the team the rest of this season and next season. If not, then trade her. People act like this team is in a super rush to win a chip, the Fever understand its a gradual climb. This year them *making* the playoffs is an accomplishment. Next year, them being *real contenders* would be an accomplishment. The following year is when the rubber meets the road, so to speak
Back when Fever went on their initial run Nalyssa was one of the big 4 that could put up 20+ points per game. Back then Fever were beating teams (bottom of the table teams), but they were not good. Now that Fever finally plays CC's system more and actually looks like a playoff team, Nalyssa barely seems to be doing anything and is at points straight up losing her team games. She is not a horrible player, hell she could even be a star on a different roster, but she needs to go away from Fever. Especially when you consider all the things that are happening outside of the court.
I've been saying the same throughout the season "her defense sucks!" I mean she doesn't challenge anybody on defense. Whenever somebody drives towards the basket and she's in front of them all she will do is stand there with her hands straight up in the air and that's it. She will not try to block the shot And she let's players back her down without any resistance whatsoever. With a big body like her and she seems scared to get physical
Sides keeps giving Smith lots of minutes, but clearly can't tell her what she needs to be doing. Does Sides know how to help her? I do not believe so. That's bad news for both of them. And, for the Fever.
Just remember: Love hurts, love scars, Love wounds and marks. Any heart Not tough or strong enough; To take a lot of pain, take a lot of pain: Love is like a cloud, Holds a lot of rain: Love hurts Ooh, ooh, love hurts.
@@gummybeer119 it has been in a cast for weeks. It may be off when the break is over. That is why I was saying IF she is healthy after the break, which is about 3 weeks from now.
Why are all the offensive players dropping back to the 3 point line when CC, AB, or KM go to the basket, when they won't make the shot anyway or even get passed to. They should come within the arc for a simpler 2 pointer, like back in the day. smh
Haven't analyzed it as much as you but in the games that I've watched there are many problems like what you've mentioned. As an opposing coach, I'm leaving Smith out there and clogging the paint to prevent Boston from running the lane and stop penetration drives from Clark. You are 100% correct about this static 5 out offense, unless you have shooters, you can't run this and or you need Smith or someone to at least run to the freethrow area and pull that extra defender up. Even a basic motion in offense with picks would be way better than what they're running. She needs to hedge on that pick with Caitlyn and switch or go over the top out of the way and pick up the pick. Smith is not a good fit and they need some outside shooters to spread the floor.
Normally I agree with you, but N’alyssa is our best PF. Our best rebounder. Yes she needs to improve in defense but so do a lot of players on the Fever
AB leads the fever in total rebounds and rpg so lyss is not our best rebounder at all! the whole team needs to work on defense but she’s an active liability that does not make up for it offensively
Smith should of been gone long time ago, she trades teams secrets with her girlfriend. Fevers too incompetent to run an org correctly & too discipline players 😮
@@Iheartbaylor If you look at Defensive Win Shares, which is the most comprehensive defensive statistic there is, Lexie is only the 6th best defender on the Fever. Top 2 are Erica Wheeler (former WNBA All-Defense team btw) and Temi Fagbenli. They are also the top two using the simpler Defensive Rating statistic. 3rd is Aliya Boston, who has improved her defense from last season, posting monster #s like %blocks 45%!!, %def rebounds 29%, %steals 17%. 4th is Caitlyn Clark who has improved a LOT on defense since the start of the season (or since her entire career prior when she was never all that good a defender before but she's starting to become one). 5th is Katie Lou Samuelson, a talented and reliable player who always gives full effort. Erica Wheeler is top-50 in the league for Defensive Rating among players who have played 20+ games. Aliya is 5th in the league for %blocks among players who have played 20+ games; also NS 16th and CC 33rd. For %steals, the Fever have 4 players in the top-25 in the league among players who have played 20+ games, #9. Caitlyn Clark, #11. Lexi Hull, #20 Kristy Wallace, #23 Erica Wheeler. Lexie has improved her defense a LOT since last season, I'll give her credit for that. Last season, she was last on the team in both Defensive Win Shares and Defensive Rating, meaning the worst defender on the Fever, much worse even than Nalyssa Smith last year. But clearly Lexie is coachable on defense thus her dramatic improvement to 6th best this year, while NS doesn't seem to have the heart or instincts for defense (other than blocked shots where she does shine in that one respect).
I watched that game. The commentator is correct. Smith did nothing, and Caitlin was frustrated. CC is being careful not to get TF for her tantrums. Meanwhile, there are too many mistakes for a Pro-level team. It looked like a Division 3 team. I feel bad for CC bc she works endlessly on her skills, yet the other ladies must be tough to teach at practice. I'm sure these ladies do not fear getting replaced since their salaries are comfortable for them. Its will extremely difficult for the Fever to replace 3/4 of the team.
She needs coaching, something the Fever don't do. At college she was expected to be soft on defense because they couldn't risk her fouling out. She needs relearn her position from a defensive perspective or be traded to a team wanting to revolve around the forward position.
Following the Fever is frustrating because the coach keeps changing the rotation. That hurts the team because they have to constantly face a new learning curve all season long They can't gel and continue to improve. Catlin should be a player coach and get rid of Sides. They would have a much better run this season and next. The WNBA is messed up and they have little chance to fix that.
Much like you said, I don't think NaLyssa is a bad player overall, but she doesn't really fit what the Fever need from that position with the way the roster is being constructed. Temi can fill the role with better defense and basketball iq, I just wish she can stay healthy.
N Smith was the leading scorer on the team as a PF in 2023. She can ball but her issue is sometimes she doesn’t show up or out in the effort to win. If they had another 2 guard besides Mitchell next year they probably will play better team ball.
Smith is a free agent next season. Hopefully we can get someone in the offseason. Can you do a video on who you think would be a good, possible fit from the free agents next season?
Depends on if you're talking semi-realistic or not...in a perfect world it would be Satou Sabally or Nneka. In my opinion it's high risk but high reward with Sabally, because of her injury history which goes back to even when she was playing at Oregon; but on the other hand she is one of the most versatile players in the WNBA and would fit really excellent on this team. I really like Nneka too, but if Seattle does well this year, she may not be interested. I would say of the players that are Free Agents this upcoming season (not going to go into trades because that's a rabbit hole), here are the players that would work well on the Fever and would be in the realm of possibility: Sophie Cunningham Aerial Powers Satou Sabally Nneka Ogwumike (Re-sign Temi -- she is RFA) Alysha Clark (I know she is not what she used to be, but she's still a very solid vet who can defend and knock down the 3 pointer) Leonie Fiebich - NY will probably want to keep her since she's RFA, but suppose it COULD be possible in some scenario would also be. I'm honestly not as high on DiJonai Carrington as most others are for several reasons -- shes an RFA and Conn. will probably want to hold on to her and she is very similar in play style and role as Lexie Hull, and Lexie is still on a rookie contract.
I see where you are coming from but I disagree. Smith is a rebounder and shot blocker. She ranks in the top 10 for the WNBA in those categories. She is productive on defense. Her numbers could actually be better. The Fever should press more on defense. The WNBA should as a whole, really. The All Star game showed what pressure defense can do for productivity on offense. Honestly defenses look lazy in the WNBA like they are okay if the offense takes shots doing hands in the face to obstruct the line of sight instead of pressing the shooter to rush their release or going for the ball on jumpers. As for offense I agree Smith is being used wrong. She is a power forward not a guard. She is often outside of her comfortable shooting range. Get her closer to the rim and use her as secondary for pick and rolls behind Boston and the outlet for Boston if she gets in a crowd.
Um, not exactly. AB is top 10 for the WNBA in those categories. NS is top 20 (which given only 12 teams means 2nd-tier at both). But even with those two decent things NS does she's still DEAD LAST among Fever players with 10+ games in both Defensive Win Shares and Defensive Rating. Whereas AB is 3rd in Defensive Win Shares, vastly better. Really the offense discussion is irrelevant, it's NS's defense that is the reason she has to go. They improve their defense vastly with TF, that generates much more transition offense opportunities, and everything is much better. There's really no world where NS is a net positive to the Fever, no matter what reasonable offense, coach, or whatever you would imagine. She's only been playing because all other bigs (except 12th man Saxton) were hurt, and KLS playing out of position to give some breathers to AB and NS. TF already beat NS out and should be starting again after the break. TF vs NS gives up very little offensively but is a HUGE upgrade defensively. Also, TF is extremely familiar with the pick and roll, while NS is not.
She should be taking initiative and posting up. Why watch and hope for CC to drive on triple coverage? She'll get the ball to you if you position yourself to receive a pass. Cut across the paint post up a defender at the block, opposite block, in the middle, wherever. Those are fundamentals and coach isn't gonna be mad if you make it work and start scoring.
It is not a fact that Coach, Christie Sides is known for her knowledge of defensive play? If Smith's positioning is not effective, why aren't you holding Sides or the Fever training staff responsible? The entire team is considered having the worst defense in the leaghe. And who agrees that Smith can't sboot? Wait till you see what Smith can do under the guidance of an experienced coach and training staff when Smith leaves the Fever. She. has incredible potential!
If this goes like previous times Carter has called out a Clark teammate and asked for her being traded -- first Boston and then Mitchell -- Smith will come back from the break and go on a tear. Don't know if the word from Carter is getting back or if Carter just runs out of patience about the same time that the coaching staff lights up the player.
Agreed, I said it a month ago on Twitter she does not fit with CC & especially because of Boston. Two paint players is no-no for playing with CC. You need one post & shooters at every other position. The 3 & 4 positions have to be able to run, stretch the floor knockdown open 3’s & defend it’s not rocket science. This is the worst the Fever will be with CC leading them. I fully expect Dunne to assemble a super team next year because they will get their pick of the best Free Agents & top vet players looking to win on the cheap. They will all come running because of CC she’s every basketball players dream a superstar PG that is completely unselfish & will share the ball. She’s makes her teammates job so easy. Trust me these players see all the easy blown shots her current teammates are missing or dropping & are thinking to themselves damn! I wish that was me receiving those passes 😂 Also, the Fever will offer what no other team in the W can wish to offer which is the following: 1. The opportunity to win a championship every year going forward. 2. The opportunity to play in front of sold crowds home & away games. 3. The opportunity to play in many national tv game’s in front of large tv audiences which will give you opportunity to grow your own brand & get endorsement deals. Dunnes job is easy next year all she had to do get the following players: To replace Smith at the 4: 1. Satou Sanbally 2. Breanna Steward 3. Nneka Oguwmike To replace the 3 position: 1. Leonie Fiebich 2. Sophie Cunningham To replace Mitchell: 1. Kia Nurse 2. Or resign Mitchell To replace Wheeler: 1. Julie Vanloo She should easily get all of the #1 players l listed to sign. I think they should have (2) max contract available to get Satou & Brenna or Satou & Nneka for sure. Breanna is the interesting one because she is going to really test my theory that all the top players want to play with CC. Or she may want to compete against her & beat CC. She also has Sabrina currently so she will be the most interesting FA this off season but Satou is at the top of my list regardless for the Fever she’s the top FA to get but we shall see. I can’t wait 😊
So, Nalyssa Smith can't shoot? I disagree; FG% 49.2, 3P% 34.3. For an average per game of 26.7 min; 11.6 pts and 7.7 reb. The BIG reason to get rid of her is her relationship with girlfriend Carrington who hates CC.
He said "in a slow pace". Temi is better than Smith. We also need someone who can protect the rim. Smith was cooked by Angel Reese on their last game. If the Fever find someone who can shoot 3's or jump shots & a good defender they should trade her.
@@gocarlisle 12 out of 35 threes doesnt sound impressive to me. The reason why they got Dantas is because they will going to trade Smith eventually. If we're just talking percentages, Dantas is shooting 75% FG & 50% in 3pts. They need to improve their defense, Smith is a good asset so she's likely to get traded. They don't need another scorer. They already have Boston, Mitchell & Clark. They need defense.
@@LuKaa316 Does Clark shooting 3P% of 32.7 impress you? Dantas' shot 33.3% (2021) and 26.2% (2022) 3's, did not play in 2023. Yes, they need defense and should have kept Taylor!
She’s got to go. She doesn’t want to be with the Fever and when she goes to the rim, she can’t finish. Then, she can’t hit her free throws when she’s fouled, let alone hit them in critical moments. How you going to be a post player AND be a bad free throw shooter? 🤦♀️I hope she practiced her free throws over this break. Maybe CC can give her some shooting pointers.
Smith is clearly unhappy with the Fever, especially having removed the team from her social media. This is actually an act of gross ingratitude. There was a time when she was not a bricklayer on offense and a traffic cone on defense. C22 actually upped Smith’s game with expert passing, giving Smith solid scoring opportunities. And what’s her thanks? Smith yucking it up with her despicable girlfriend about Carrington’s vicious assault of Clark. Smith should be dumped by the Fever - the sooner the better, because she is a cancer on team solidarity.
Her defense is abysmal. And people think Clark is a bad defender
Nalyssa' s hustle is non-existent
She got cooked by Angel in their last game. All her minutes should go to Temi.
Temi can't stay healthy.
Everybody gets cooked by Angel when Angel is on. Reese double-doubled in the All-Star game in 15 minutes playing the paint between A'ja and Breanna. The woman has the mindset of a honey badger and the physical constitution of a hockey puck.
@@gummybeer119wearing a cast!
@@PatrickSchoenfelder On rebounding I agree with you, but she doesn't have an offensive post game outside of throwing herself at her defender and going for up-and-under layups. That's why she gets blocked so much, if you are getting cooked by her on offense, then you may need to work on your defense. Again, I'm not knocking Angel, I really like her game and she probably has the highest motor in the league, but she IS raw when it comes to offensive post moves.
@@patricklarson7564 I agree. Reese has always been an erratic shooter, which is why she fell to 7th in the draft (and why many thought even that was too high at the time.) But the key here is "erratic." She has regularly had games where she has shot in the 50% range, what would be expected for a power forward playing mostly deep, including most recently in the All-Star game. But she has also shot in the teens,, most notably when the Liberty was determined to stop her double-double streak but other games too. Part of that is that she can be successfully stopped by aggressive, especially double, coverage. But the problem for her opponents is that aggressive coverage of Reese causes, predictably, neglect of other Sky players, especially Camilla Cardoso, who is increasingly emerging as a factor following her late start due to injury. Reese does need to get to be a lot more consistent on shooting, especially on put-backs and other point-blank shots.
Right now Reese is not a complete basketball player, mostly due to the erratic shooting. She is a pretty fair defender for a rookie, ranking in the twenties among WNBA players for defensive win shares, but she could certainly be better both in shooting and assists and better on defense. She is, as I noted above and as you said, one of the most gifted players in the league in terms of athletic ability, and she is one of the best performers in driving herself to play well despite opponents and be mentally and physically tough, especially despite facing very physical play -- the level of violence that regularly occurs under the basket for players like Reese, and earlier Brink (and of course also veterans like A'ja, Stewart, and Collier,) makes that physical game Clark faces on the outside appear like patty-cake, if you watch video of the play.
But rookies are usually less fully developed players, as Clark has certainly shown with the multiple weaknesses in her game (defense, turnovers, poor shooting percentages.) The key is for them to improve, and for fans to give them the space to do so. I am pretty confident that both Reese and Clark will be playing much more developed and complete games in a year, two years, and three years than they are now.
If Temi Fagbenle would stay healthy then Indiana Fever was using her instead of NaLyssa Smith... NaLyssa supporting DiJonai Carrington more than ger own Indiana Fever team.
I don’t think Smith is loyal or committed to the Fever.
Agreed
Agreed - n there r better options talent wise for CC
She did go out and knock down Carrington when the coaches told her to. Carrington laughed and told her teammates not to retaliate.
She’s definitely not committed. She wanted to be traded last year and no other team wanted her.
If no one is willing to trade for her, then waive her. In her place, hire Caitlin's former teammate Monica Czinano who has been in Europe the past year playing for Hungary.
Watch the 2023 Final Four game of Iowa vs South Carolina to see the chemistry between Caitlin and Monica in action.
who else here is so annoyed by the way smith shoots free throws or misses easy lay ups and how slow she is when putting up the ball near the rim
Definitely. She has bad fundamentals. It is amazing she got this far without learning fundamentals and basic shooting form.
Man, you have this uncanny ability to break these things down in such a way that even I can understand them. Carter, you've literally quintupled the value I get out of watching the WNBA games because I get so much thanks to you. Up until this commentary, I was like, "Gee...Nalyssa Smith don't seem too bad." Then you break it down for me. Lol
Smith is more worried about getting rebound but she wont box out her player. Which is what got her in trouble last time we played Chicago. Her defense and lack of effort is what lost her the starting spot earlier in the season.
I think she’s definitely talented she’s just not mature enough yet. She needs a mindset shift. If she’d put in the work and be a bit more serious she could definitely be more a threat and more of an asset to her team.
Stats don’t show how bad Smith has been. The numbers look much better than her actual game.
Actually the stats this year show NS as the worst defender on the team (among players who play regularly) - she's last in both Defensive Rating and Defensive Win Share.
That works both ways. Lexi Hull has a good defense game on the floor but her box score is low. but her game is actually nice.
@@trickedouttech321 while that's true, a lot of stats are based on % so adjust for less playing time. The OP's statement was wrong. NS's defensive stats are terrible. Lexi's are much better than Nalyssa's on defense. For instance, for Defensive Rating, LH is 4th on the Fever while NS is 10th. However, Defensive Win Share is considered the superior stat to Defensive Rating and in that LH is only 6th on the Fever, though NS is still 10th. In both cases, only Victaria Saxton and Grace Berger have lower scores in both stats than Nalyssa. In both cases, Lexi's results are far, far superior to Nalyssa's.
You are spot on! She is iffy in translation catching and finishing. I’m disappointed in her play. Smith just gotta grow up and put in the work!!
just the fact that she is feeding CC info to her girlfriend (DiJonai Carrington) so she can use it as ammo to talk ish about CC is reason enough for her to gtfoh.
I think you are correct. Smith is more concerned about her bossy girlfriend’s affection. Smith could do better because Carrington’s negativity towards CC is getting into her head.
Great analysis. Keep telling it like it is.
This league is so messy.
Huh? Where’s the proof? I’ve never heard that before at all
@@WordsinSpanishSam That Smith and Carrington are together?
I think the key phrase of your entire video is "If Christie Sides keeps running this offense..."
Nalyssa NEEDS coaching. Desperately. On several of those offensive possessions, she could have rolled to the free throw line for a 15-footer. That's a shot she can make.
But she stands at the 3pt line because that's what Sides offense is about. There's no motion to it. Smith literally doesn't know what to do, because there is nothing to do within the offense if you're not involved with the P&R.
I can't defend her defense though. I think she could be a good defender, but her heart's not in it. She looks disinterested.
On the CC drive or Boston Drive....She needs to be the dish from the 3 pt...cut to the basket and at LEAST draw a foul...(not that she'll make the FT...maybe one) but it's better than allowing a quadruple team in the paint...
All the clips show the Defenders in the paint....3 Fever players on the 3pt line....
Do this with ANY other team and you are losing.
I don't think she can hit the 15 footer consistently.
@@gummybeer119 Maybe. She's got a nice touch inside 10. I think it would translate to a 15' jumper. We'll never know, though, since she's been told to stand around at 21'.
@@nathandavis5099 I think it's a lack of confidence more than anything else. Several times a game she gets the ball wide open and hesitates or puts it on the floor. I think she needs to just let it fly and not overthink it, since her 3% suggests she could actually be decent from out there.
@@gummybeer119 100% agree. I didn't think there's anything wrong with her skills or athleticism. The issue is between her ears. She often looks like undiagnosed (or untreated) ADHD. As if the game is too fast for her. Maybe you're right that it's confidence.
Either way, she needs coaching and probably a sports psychologist. The intensity, focus, confidence - it's all off.
Also Smith doesn’t even box out. She always compete with her teammates for the easy rebound.
Sides has seen this all season. No defense or offense. You need tami fenbegle to replace her.
How can she replace her when she's always injured?
Sexy Lexi can’t shoot either but she can defend . Her effort is definitely there when she’s on the floor
Right Lexi can create opportunities...Smith lacks Impact play.
I am fine with a player the plays great D which Hull does.
I disagree, I think Lexie can shoot, she's got good form, a fairly quick release, and she hit them at a decent clip at Stanford. I think it's more of a confidence or repetition issue than anything. She obviously hasn't been shooting well this year, but in my opinion that's different than being a "bad shooter".
This is all on the coach to scout and know these players that’s why Sides keeps playing Smith and wheeler. Coach incompetence at its finest
You can say the same thing about Hull, unfortunately. But at least she plays D. It was Caitlin Clark 5 on 1 in that one play.
When Fever misses a three point shot, which happens 7 out of 10 times, we rarely get OBs. Fever opponents take those balls right into transition and often score. If you look at the paint when shots go up on offense, there's nobody hustling in for rebounds. This leads to runs for the opponents and Fever has to play from behind, or can't sustain nice leads.
I've wondered many times why Coach Crusty Sideshow hasn't done anything about this.
Smith is probably being coached by sides to go to the paint, like everyone else on this team
She's so suspect, up one game then a complete liability the next game.
Fixing gambling odds
Very inconsistent. Which raises questions about whether it's intentional.
@adhdguy8403
Yup, my suspicion also.
Help me to understand what is Victoria Saxon’s roll on the Fevers?
Her lack of involvement is what I notice more than anything. I totally get what you're saying.
These players should’ve learned to box out and spacer in college already, this is supposed to be professional basketball
Fundamentals. Absolute fundamentals.
@@Inokea A lot of WNBA players don't play fundamentals. Poor defense, poor rebounding, problems with turnovers, poor play away from the ball, inability to score over defensive coverage. A lot of them have been stars since the sixth grade, and their coaches didn't/couldn't make them care about fundamentals; they were too busy doing their own thing. Some college programs -- UConn, South Carolina, Stanford, for example -- turn out players who know fundamentals because the coaches make them. A lot of others take hot prospects and tell them "just cook." Then they surprise people with their uneven play at more elite levels.
Thanks for covering the WNBA. TH-cam needs more people who do this.
Carter is the best.. doesn't bring race into every conversation.
@@scottjanes9074 And he's very good at what he does.
He has a wonderful voice !!! Great commentary...
She can make 3 pointers, her release time is just soooooo slow. She is the worst defender in the WNBA right now. She fouls so much at inopportune times.
AB a way better shooter than her
Smith cost them several games first half unfortunately.
Her mind really isn’t on basketball, it’s on other things like Harrington
I said the same thing. It's obvious' she needs to get out of the league and just follow Carrington around to her games!
Carrington* if you’re gonna diss someone at least get the name right 🤣
Completely agree, she’s a very lazy player that allows outside noise to control how she plays the game.
I think you're missing the fact that Dallas is playing "Drop" defense. It's not just Smith's defender that's dropping, it's ALL defenders on the weak side.
I love you Buddy! Sharing this now on X!!
Amen 🙏🏽🙌🏽
You are spot ON, with your ANALYSIS. You shud peruse this professionally, GREAT JOB. I look forward to your next video, keep up the good work.
Very impressive video. You gave fair assessments and were good about pointing out your own level of expertise, and limits thereof, and also by showing video examples everyone can see for ourselves and make our own assessments, all very high standards of journalism.
I agree with your assessment of Nalyssa Smith, and also like you I don't personally dislike her. It's not that she doesn't try or doesn't have talent. She does. But she doesn't have defensive hunger or instincts. Objectively, if we exclude Saxton and Berger who don't play much, Nalyssa and Damiris Dantas are basically tied (within one-one-hundredth of a point of each other) for the lowest Defensive Win Share on the Fever. But Dantas can reliably hit outside shots. If you look at Defensive Rating, which is a lesser stat only focused on things like steals, defensive rebounds, blocks, opponent misses, etc. but not including things like the defensive ability of the teammates one is out on the floor with, then NS is dead last, then Dantas, then Kelsey Mitchell, then Kristy Wallace, then Caitlyn Clark (again excluding Berger & Saxton). But with Defensive Win Shares the bottom 5 are Dantas/Smith (tie), Wallace/Mitchell (tie), Lexie Hull. And Caitlyn Clark moves up even ahead of Katie Lou Samuelson. And Hull whose Defensive Rating is 3rd best on the team falls way down. So, to me, it's important to look at Win Shares not just Defensive Rating, to also factor in the defensive quality of the teammates one is on the floor with, and you see in doing so it really doesn't change NS's assessment but it shows that CC is actually a better defender than Defensive Rating alone would indicate, and that Lexie Hull is actually not as impressive a defender as Defensive Rating alone would indicate. Or said simpler LH is usually on the floor with the 4 of the best defenders on the team while CC is almost always on the floor so more often plays with weaker defensive teammates.
There's two components to 3-pt shooting, one being ability to shoot them and there other being willingness to shoot them. One could point out that NS has the ability to shoot them because of her 34% 3-pt % on the season. But she only makes 0.5 3-pt shots per game, even though, as you showed, she's usually left wide open. This possibly shows a lack of willingness to shoot them, as you showed in your example where she chose to dribble instead (and double dribbled).
Dantas will shoot from the outside and in limited play has shot 50% from 3-pt range so far (that will come down but she's a decent shooter). AB also on limited shooting has shot 41.2% from 3-pt range. Temi Fagbenli can't shoot the 3 well but she can run the pick and roll well. It's possible if Temi took AB's spot on the pick and roll, and AB took NS's spot as a spacer in that situation, that could work better. Or AB could stay down low where she's a problem for the opposition and would probably keep her defender tight. Kelsey Mitchell 36.8%, 2.3 per game + Katie Lou Samuelson 34.1%, 1.1 per game + CC 32.7%, 2.7 per game all both can shoot and will shoot. So that's probably the best the Fever can do to get a pick and roller and 4 shooters on the floor. Lexi Hull, Kristy Wallace, Erica Wheeler are unfortunately all shooting in the 20's %-wise, so not helpful in that situation. Last season Wallace shot 43.5%, 1.0 per game & Wheeler 30.9%, 0.8 per game, so if these players get out of their slumps, that might give an extra option. Grace Berger also shot very well %-wise from 3 last season (and this season in limited minutes), though didn't take a lot.
However, rather than worrying too much about getting the optimum half-court offense on the floor, I hope the team will focus on getting a much better defense on the floor, because as you noted that then leads directly to transition scoring opportunities where the Fever are at their best.
Even though Temi Fagbenli wasn't brought in with a lot of fanfare and originally was only signed to a training camp contract, Coach Sides did replace NS with TF shortly after the start of the season. But a few games later TF got hurt and hasn't been 100% since, coming back from the first injury only to break a finger. There was one game where NS was benched in favor of KLS, but the problem is KLS is a 3 and will give it her all if you put her at 4, but she's not a banger. With Dantas out for most of the 1st half of the season and Temi Fagbenli out with injuries, the only reliable bigs Coach Sides has had most of the season are AB and NS, with KLS doing her best to provide them some rest and play hard with the bangers. Victaria Saxton is also on the team but clearly the coaching staff thinks playing KLS at the 4 is preferable. Now Dantas is on the team but hadn't practiced and needed to learn a lot, so they were bringing her along with limited minutes before the break. Hopefully she'll get some significant practice and be able to play more significant minutes if needed. Also, hopefully TF will be back 100% healthy. It was commented in the video that NS played the entire 1st Q but who else was there? TF, who would be a preferable starter, was out. AB was also playing, at the 5. KLS was also playing, at the 3, and KLS is an undersized 4 not really built for that kind of punishment game in and game out (though she won't quit). Dantas was on limited minutes as they bring her into the team. So, really, there wasn't another choice but to play NS a lot.
I do hope that after the break and for the playoffs that TF & AB will be starting, Dantas getting most of the minutes as the primary big backup, and NS can be safely moved near the end of the bench. I don't think Coach Sides wants to play NS any more than absolutely necessary, which is why both TF and even KLS for a game replaced her in the starting lineup, just due to injuries, etc., there's been no other option.
I think she's a sweet person but not competitive enough on the court. Interesting to see how many open looks she gets, if she can get the 3s that'd be helpful. Great breakdown, its cool to see the other teammates dynamic in game around CC.
I was not prepared for that ending but I actually agree with you. Even though team USA had nothing to do with that ridiculous opening ceremony, I just don’t know who that was for. Olympics is supposed to be an athletic competition, not whatever that was. The budget for that was over $150 million dollars.
Yeah, Smith out on the 3-pt line and in the corner serves no purpose at all. She should be at an angle closer in that she can at least try a bank shot or something. This is on Christie Sides.
Mr Carter, you are the man! Haven't seen you wrong yet!!
Smith is a physical specimen. Not sure what the problem is, but your analysis is as good as anything.
With all due respect, nobody on this team play defense
Their offensive isn’t a problem ..
Smith needs to work on her free throws
Smith shoots OK from the three-point line it not the worst
Lexi hustles...and CC is far underrated...CC isn't lock down, but SHOULDN"T have to be.
Nah, that's not true. AB plays solid defense, above average. Lexi is pretty good. Mitchell is average. Wallace is average. CC ranges from below to above average. She would be solid if she didn't ball watch so much. Smith is uniquely bad on D on this team.
Problem is we don't have anyone reliable to replace her.
The thing that drives me NUTS about Smith is her lack of commitment to setting picks. She gets in position then roles away from it before the defender even reaches the pick. She does it ALL THE TIME. Horrible
2:32 , she should be screening for the girl in the corner, or for clark. Just standing there is pretty useless.
I have not liked Smith the entire 17 games. Why is it that you have only noticed how bad she is right now? She is a horrible shooter from any place on the court, especially 3 pointers. And many times I have seen her trying to play defense with her back to the offensive player. I hate her form when she shoots too. It’s amazing that with all the instruction out there online that these young women still have horrible technique. And finally you can’t tell me that Sides isn’t seeing exactly what you are seeing or even Caitlin isn’t seeing this either.
I think that the big problem with many WNBA players is that they were never coached in basketball basics. 100% of the women who play in the WNBA -- the best women ball players of the last two decades -- were stars in middle school and high school, and their coaches left them alone to star for the team and ignored working on the flaws in their games.. Clark is the paradigm case. No one ever reacted to her in any way except to see her as the most amazing phenomenon ever. No one made her learn to play defense. No one made her work on her turnovers. Her team is paying the price for that now. The same continued in college. Smith stands out because she lacks, as Carter points out, a set of special tricks to compensate for her poor performances in other areas. Overall, you see a tremendous number of players who don't play defense well, who don't block out for rebounds, who don't move well without the ball. It is often amazing to see that these elite players never learned these basic parts of the game.
This is particularly noticeable at the most elite levels. Both the USA and the WNBA all-stars played poor defense in the game -- the sky high score illustrates that. USA had some jaw-dropping defensive lapses against Japan, many repeating the same mistakes seen earlier. It is obvious that the players have been selected almost completely for their offensive games. But of course, offense is what the fans love, and also what fans can easily see. Basic paint play with rebounding does not get the attention. Defense is usually about what does not happen, since more dramatic defensive plays usually are so infrequent that they have no impact on the game. Long bomb 3's and Globetrotter assists are fun to watch, clogging passing lanes to prevent plays and sometimes cause turnovers and getting position for offensive and defensive rebounds is boring stuff.
Smith is 6'4" and is reasonably athletic. No one who coached her before college ever saw anyone who could dominate a game like her. So they ignored the job of teaching her basic basketball in favor of having her dominate the opponents, and everybody loved it. Fever coaches and Fever fans are paying the price.
Great analysis. You're exposing the defense schemes that aren't working. The Fever are an intelligent fast group and the coach needs to draw up effective defense strategies for them. Again, good job calling it.
Nalyssa 34.3% 3pt percentage on season. Higher than Katie Lou, Caitlin, Lexi, Kristy, Erica, and Temi. Slightly higher than team average of 33%. I agree with your analysis of defense. And it would be great if the coach had several really good 3-point shooters on the team given the type of offense she wants to run ... but she doesn't. As always, I appreciate your knowledge, passion, and effort in putting these informative videos together.
if you call making 1 3-point shot every other game good, then yeah, she's great.
I’m against getting rid of Smith for the same reason I’m against getting rid of Boston (at the beginning of the season ppl WERE saying she has to go), and the same reason I defend CC - NaLyssa is only in her third year. She was drafted 2022
Aliyah Boston has adjusted to playing with CC but Smith is still a little behind. I would love to see if she can grow with the team the rest of this season and next season. If not, then trade her. People act like this team is in a super rush to win a chip, the Fever understand its a gradual climb. This year them *making* the playoffs is an accomplishment. Next year, them being *real contenders* would be an accomplishment. The following year is when the rubber meets the road, so to speak
Back when Fever went on their initial run Nalyssa was one of the big 4 that could put up 20+ points per game. Back then Fever were beating teams (bottom of the table teams), but they were not good. Now that Fever finally plays CC's system more and actually looks like a playoff team, Nalyssa barely seems to be doing anything and is at points straight up losing her team games. She is not a horrible player, hell she could even be a star on a different roster, but she needs to go away from Fever. Especially when you consider all the things that are happening outside of the court.
only star on a losing team
Wow 👍 Totally agree! Management needs a change quickly, or this season is over
I've been saying the same throughout the season "her defense sucks!" I mean she doesn't challenge anybody on defense. Whenever somebody drives towards the basket and she's in front of them all she will do is stand there with her hands straight up in the air and that's it. She will not try to block the shot
And she let's players back her down without any resistance whatsoever. With a big body like her and she seems scared to get physical
I think she tries to stay out of foul trouble cause she's prone to it.
Smith goes to the left side and shoots the layup right handed instead of left handed. and misses the layup.
Smith has no left hand.
Sides keeps giving Smith lots of minutes, but clearly can't tell her what she needs to be doing. Does Sides know how to help her? I do not believe so.
That's bad news for both of them. And, for the Fever.
12:15 "T-Rex Arms" 🤣🤣🤣
Just remember: Love hurts, love scars, Love wounds and marks. Any heart Not tough or strong enough; To take a lot of pain, take a lot of pain: Love is like a cloud, Holds a lot of rain: Love hurts
Ooh, ooh, love hurts.
Assuming Temi Fagbenle is healthy after the break, the Smith problem will be solved. Assuming Sides is smart enough to start Temi.
She's not healthy, her hand is in a cast, or was during the ASG anyway.
@@gummybeer119 it has been in a cast for weeks. It may be off when the break is over. That is why I was saying IF she is healthy after the break, which is about 3 weeks from now.
Even on that steal she double dribbled but the refs ain't call it. Idk what she be thinkin about
Actually, the ref did call double dribble, watch the ref on the sideline...
In the wnba only triple or quadruple dribble won't be called (A.Reese)😂
Why are all the offensive players dropping back to the 3 point line when CC, AB, or KM go to the basket, when they won't make the shot anyway or even get passed to. They should come within the arc for a simpler 2 pointer, like back in the day. smh
Proud of you for standing for our Lord God.❤
Yet another great breakdown! You'd think she'd at least crash the offensive glass. Also just highlights more of Coach Sides' incompetence.
First seen this video on Ben Daniel broadcast even though im subribed to you. But great coverage.
Your logic as always is impeccable. ✌
She is moonlighting and a compromise 😜
Great show!! CC for president!!
Haven't analyzed it as much as you but in the games that I've watched there are many problems like what you've mentioned. As an opposing coach, I'm leaving Smith out there and clogging the paint to prevent Boston from running the lane and stop penetration drives from Clark. You are 100% correct about this static 5 out offense, unless you have shooters, you can't run this and or you need Smith or someone to at least run to the freethrow area and pull that extra defender up. Even a basic motion in offense with picks would be way better than what they're running. She needs to hedge on that pick with Caitlyn and switch or go over the top out of the way and pick up the pick. Smith is not a good fit and they need some outside shooters to spread the floor.
Normally I agree with you, but N’alyssa is our best PF. Our best rebounder. Yes she needs to improve in defense but so do a lot of players on the Fever
AB leads the fever in total rebounds and rpg so lyss is not our best rebounder at all! the whole team needs to work on defense but she’s an active liability that does not make up for it offensively
If I was a coach, I’d make her do sprints every time she brings her arms in on defence. I want to see her get big on defence, come on!
Smith should of been gone long time ago, she trades teams secrets with her girlfriend. Fevers too incompetent to run an org correctly & too discipline players 😮
Amen about the Olympics. Love your breakdowns.
Thank you! Why is Smith playing? Miss too many shots under the basket!! Good analysis and insight!
She is playing because Temi is injured.
I still say don’t waste your time on the Olympics. Glad to hear your position on the opening ceremony. It was horrible!
At 12:45 when you show the Alyssa Smith steal? Not only does she take 4 steps at the end of the layup, she actually double dribbles right before that.
The ref called her for a travel , it was the first play of the game
@@foo2244you see Sides reaction? When she realizes the dribble, Sides does a pirouette and goes into a horse trot.
@@JonHenderson-tn4kw She's a maniac on the sidelines , after every score she's going crazy telling everyone to get back on d
@@JonHenderson-tn4kw Sides is a maniac on the sidelines
Excellent analysis as always!
Excellent analysis.
“She’s a cone.” “She’s literally useless.” Ouch.
You’re right. Great analysis.
Who on the team isn't besides Lexie on a good night??
@@Iheartbaylor If you look at Defensive Win Shares, which is the most comprehensive defensive statistic there is, Lexie is only the 6th best defender on the Fever. Top 2 are Erica Wheeler (former WNBA All-Defense team btw) and Temi Fagbenli. They are also the top two using the simpler Defensive Rating statistic. 3rd is Aliya Boston, who has improved her defense from last season, posting monster #s like %blocks 45%!!, %def rebounds 29%, %steals 17%. 4th is Caitlyn Clark who has improved a LOT on defense since the start of the season (or since her entire career prior when she was never all that good a defender before but she's starting to become one). 5th is Katie Lou Samuelson, a talented and reliable player who always gives full effort.
Erica Wheeler is top-50 in the league for Defensive Rating among players who have played 20+ games. Aliya is 5th in the league for %blocks among players who have played 20+ games; also NS 16th and CC 33rd. For %steals, the Fever have 4 players in the top-25 in the league among players who have played 20+ games, #9. Caitlyn Clark, #11. Lexi Hull, #20 Kristy Wallace, #23 Erica Wheeler.
Lexie has improved her defense a LOT since last season, I'll give her credit for that. Last season, she was last on the team in both Defensive Win Shares and Defensive Rating, meaning the worst defender on the Fever, much worse even than Nalyssa Smith last year. But clearly Lexie is coachable on defense thus her dramatic improvement to 6th best this year, while NS doesn't seem to have the heart or instincts for defense (other than blocked shots where she does shine in that one respect).
Best analysis that I have ever seen !!!
I watched that game. The commentator is correct. Smith did nothing, and Caitlin was frustrated. CC is being careful not to get TF for her tantrums. Meanwhile, there are too many mistakes for a Pro-level team. It looked like a Division 3 team. I feel bad for CC bc she works endlessly on her skills, yet the other ladies must be tough to teach at practice. I'm sure these ladies do not fear getting replaced since their salaries are comfortable for them. Its will extremely difficult for the Fever to replace 3/4 of the team.
She needs coaching, something the Fever don't do. At college she was expected to be soft on defense because they couldn't risk her fouling out. She needs relearn her position from a defensive perspective or be traded to a team wanting to revolve around the forward position.
Yes do some analysis on the Olympics ... Love your work.
Dang I'm going to need to keep my eye on Smith. Looks like they're playing 5 on 4
Some educated insights there
Its a coaching issue..
Following the Fever is frustrating because the coach keeps changing the rotation. That hurts the team because they have to constantly face a new learning curve all season long They can't gel and continue to improve. Catlin should be a player coach and get rid of Sides. They would have a much better run this season and next. The WNBA is messed up and they have little chance to fix that.
Much like you said, I don't think NaLyssa is a bad player overall, but she doesn't really fit what the Fever need from that position with the way the roster is being constructed. Temi can fill the role with better defense and basketball iq, I just wish she can stay healthy.
Coach her point ou all makes a player if she coach can learn all
N Smith was the leading scorer on the team as a PF in 2023. She can ball but her issue is sometimes she doesn’t show up or out in the effort to win. If they had another 2 guard besides Mitchell next year they probably will play better team ball.
And top 20 in the whole league. This is really just one game.
And #4 in rebounds like come on now
I’ve seen her get it done on the biggest stage in college by winning a Championship, I’ve seen her and Boston do that, show she knows how to win.
Smith is a free agent next season. Hopefully we can get someone in the offseason. Can you do a video on who you think would be a good, possible fit from the free agents next season?
Depends on if you're talking semi-realistic or not...in a perfect world it would be Satou Sabally or Nneka. In my opinion it's high risk but high reward with Sabally, because of her injury history which goes back to even when she was playing at Oregon; but on the other hand she is one of the most versatile players in the WNBA and would fit really excellent on this team. I really like Nneka too, but if Seattle does well this year, she may not be interested.
I would say of the players that are Free Agents this upcoming season (not going to go into trades because that's a rabbit hole), here are the players that would work well on the Fever and would be in the realm of possibility:
Sophie Cunningham
Aerial Powers
Satou Sabally
Nneka Ogwumike
(Re-sign Temi -- she is RFA)
Alysha Clark (I know she is not what she used to be, but she's still a very solid vet who can defend and knock down the 3 pointer)
Leonie Fiebich - NY will probably want to keep her since she's RFA, but suppose it COULD be possible in some scenario would also be.
I'm honestly not as high on DiJonai Carrington as most others are for several reasons -- shes an RFA and Conn. will probably want to hold on to her and she is very similar in play style and role as Lexie Hull, and Lexie is still on a rookie contract.
I see where you are coming from but I disagree.
Smith is a rebounder and shot blocker. She ranks in the top 10 for the WNBA in those categories. She is productive on defense. Her numbers could actually be better. The Fever should press more on defense. The WNBA should as a whole, really. The All Star game showed what pressure defense can do for productivity on offense. Honestly defenses look lazy in the WNBA like they are okay if the offense takes shots doing hands in the face to obstruct the line of sight instead of pressing the shooter to rush their release or going for the ball on jumpers.
As for offense I agree Smith is being used wrong. She is a power forward not a guard. She is often outside of her comfortable shooting range. Get her closer to the rim and use her as secondary for pick and rolls behind Boston and the outlet for Boston if she gets in a crowd.
Um, not exactly. AB is top 10 for the WNBA in those categories. NS is top 20 (which given only 12 teams means 2nd-tier at both). But even with those two decent things NS does she's still DEAD LAST among Fever players with 10+ games in both Defensive Win Shares and Defensive Rating. Whereas AB is 3rd in Defensive Win Shares, vastly better.
Really the offense discussion is irrelevant, it's NS's defense that is the reason she has to go. They improve their defense vastly with TF, that generates much more transition offense opportunities, and everything is much better. There's really no world where NS is a net positive to the Fever, no matter what reasonable offense, coach, or whatever you would imagine. She's only been playing because all other bigs (except 12th man Saxton) were hurt, and KLS playing out of position to give some breathers to AB and NS. TF already beat NS out and should be starting again after the break. TF vs NS gives up very little offensively but is a HUGE upgrade defensively. Also, TF is extremely familiar with the pick and roll, while NS is not.
She should be taking initiative and posting up. Why watch and hope for CC to drive on triple coverage? She'll get the ball to you if you position yourself to receive a pass. Cut across the paint post up a defender at the block, opposite block, in the middle, wherever. Those are fundamentals and coach isn't gonna be mad if you make it work and start scoring.
Everything is saying is the truth. I’ve been screaming. They gotta get rid of her. She can’t play.
Watch out her brother is going to come for you!
It is not a fact that Coach, Christie Sides is known for her knowledge of defensive play? If Smith's positioning is not effective, why aren't you holding Sides or the Fever training staff responsible? The entire team is considered having the worst defense in the leaghe. And who agrees that Smith can't sboot? Wait till you see what Smith can do under the guidance of an experienced coach and training staff when Smith leaves the Fever. She. has incredible potential!
If this goes like previous times Carter has called out a Clark teammate and asked for her being traded -- first Boston and then Mitchell -- Smith will come back from the break and go on a tear. Don't know if the word from Carter is getting back or if Carter just runs out of patience about the same time that the coaching staff lights up the player.
She makes lots of errors too!!!
Watch her clips, she rarely knows where she is on the floor and frankly awful under pressure
Agreed, I said it a month ago on Twitter she does not fit with CC & especially because of Boston. Two paint players is no-no for playing with CC. You need one post & shooters at every other position. The 3 & 4 positions have to be able to run, stretch the floor knockdown open 3’s & defend it’s not rocket science.
This is the worst the Fever will be with CC leading them. I fully expect Dunne to assemble a super team next year because they will get their pick of the best Free Agents & top vet players looking to win on the cheap. They will all come running because of CC she’s every basketball players dream a superstar PG that is completely unselfish & will share the ball. She’s makes her teammates job so easy. Trust me these players see all the easy blown shots her current teammates are missing or dropping & are thinking to themselves damn! I wish that was me receiving those passes 😂
Also, the Fever will offer what no other team in the W can wish to offer which is the following:
1. The opportunity to win a championship every year going forward.
2. The opportunity to play in front of sold crowds home & away games.
3. The opportunity to play in many national tv game’s in front of large tv audiences which will give you opportunity to grow your own brand & get endorsement deals.
Dunnes job is easy next year all she had to do get the following players:
To replace Smith at the 4:
1. Satou Sanbally
2. Breanna Steward
3. Nneka Oguwmike
To replace the 3 position:
1. Leonie Fiebich
2. Sophie Cunningham
To replace Mitchell:
1. Kia Nurse
2. Or resign Mitchell
To replace Wheeler:
1. Julie Vanloo
She should easily get all of the #1 players l listed to sign. I think they should have (2) max contract available to get Satou & Brenna or Satou & Nneka for sure. Breanna is the interesting one because she is going to really test my theory that all the top players want to play with CC. Or she may want to compete against her & beat CC. She also has Sabrina currently so she will be the most interesting FA this off season but Satou is at the top of my list regardless for the Fever she’s the top FA to get but we shall see. I can’t wait 😊
As always, brilliant commentary. I like NaLyssa, but she's got no dawg in her. 🤣
“She’s a cone”. LOL
You are exactly correct on all.
Wait a minute. Lexie is shooting lights out from 3 since Olympic break, although still missing layups.
She is a threat from 3
So, Nalyssa Smith can't shoot? I disagree; FG% 49.2, 3P% 34.3. For an average per game of 26.7 min; 11.6 pts and 7.7 reb. The BIG reason to get rid of her is her relationship with girlfriend Carrington who hates CC.
He said "in a slow pace". Temi is better than Smith. We also need someone who can protect the rim. Smith was cooked by Angel Reese on their last game. If the Fever find someone who can shoot 3's or jump shots & a good defender they should trade her.
@@LuKaa316 3P% of 34.3 is in slow pace!
@@gocarlisle 12 out of 35 threes doesnt sound impressive to me. The reason why they got Dantas is because they will going to trade Smith eventually. If we're just talking percentages, Dantas is shooting 75% FG & 50% in 3pts. They need to improve their defense, Smith is a good asset so she's likely to get traded. They don't need another scorer. They already have Boston, Mitchell & Clark. They need defense.
@@LuKaa316 Does Clark shooting 3P% of 32.7 impress you? Dantas' shot 33.3% (2021) and 26.2% (2022) 3's, did not play in 2023. Yes, they need defense and should have kept Taylor!
@@gocarlisle Not at all. She's struggling in the 3pt line.
She’s got to go. She doesn’t want to be with the Fever and when she goes to the rim, she can’t finish. Then, she can’t hit her free throws when she’s fouled, let alone hit them in critical moments. How you going to be a post player AND be a bad free throw shooter? 🤦♀️I hope she practiced her free throws over this break. Maybe CC can give her some shooting pointers.
🗣 AWFUL COACHING MENTIONED
Smith is clearly unhappy with the Fever, especially having removed the team from her social media. This is actually an act of gross ingratitude. There was a time when she was not a bricklayer on offense and a traffic cone on defense. C22 actually upped Smith’s game with expert passing, giving Smith solid scoring opportunities. And what’s her thanks? Smith yucking it up with her despicable girlfriend about Carrington’s vicious assault of Clark. Smith should be dumped by the Fever - the sooner the better, because she is a cancer on team solidarity.
temi would help so much this year