It isn't much but it's something to talk about other than Carmelo. Here's the quote. "Sergio Llull, a second-tier Spanish player behind the likes of Navarro, Rudy Fernandez, Gasol and Ricky Rubio, was also key with most of his nine points coming in the fourth quarter when Spain pulled away for the win. Llull seemed to be suggesting, as Rautins may have been suggesting, that once the games hit the knockout stage, Spain knows what to do." Here's the full article. http://www.torontosun.com/sports/basketball/2010/09/04/15250166.html I watched Lull during the US versus Spain game a couple days ago and he did look pretty good. More of an attacker than facilitator but that may be by design playing behind Rubio. Given more time I think he could be even better. I can't wait till he gets to join the Rockets.
More importantly for the Rockets is the amount of his buyout. IIRC correctly he should be readily available next offseason if the Rockets want to bring him over. Unfortunately, just as the article suggest, Llul is more of a combo-point or a SG than a pure point like Rubio. Which makes him somewhat redundant unless Brooks leaves.
This guy is nice. If Brooks demands too much next offseason, it's probably goodbye Aaron hello Sergio.
I watched the game Spain vs Greece. It was a closed game but it looked like Lull took over and he was the main reason Spain took the lead.
More than Brooks, do we need Lull if we have JT? Who would you rather have? If he's more of an attacker than a facilitator then I would just take JT because he's stronger, faster, and a better finisher. The only caveat is if Lull has a jumpshot and then it's a tougher decision.
Llull is a point, not a SG. And he is NBA caliber. We won't know what his ceiling is until he gets here, but just watching him in these games my opinion is: 1. He finishes well at the hoop. 2. He shoots the ball well. 3. He plays decent D, and it certainly helps to be a long-ish PG. His downside as previously said is that his court vision is not what you would like from a starting point, but then neither are Brooks' or Lowry's. There really are only ten or so PG's in the NBA with that pure point court vision; the rest are combo points like Brooks or Rondo or Parker, Beno Udrih etc. Just because he doesn't pass like Rubio doesn't mean he doesn't belong here. I expect to see him in a Rockets uniform next year.
Parker and Rondo combos? Rondo is one of the smartest PGs in the game, he has superb basket IQ and is a very good passer. Llull has been established as SG in Europe. Does not mean he can play as PG in NBA (like he has being doing all his career until last 2 years).---> this is the reason why he has also handling skills, a good court vision and basket IQ. Has signed a 2+2 contract this summer. The last 2 years are team options.
I'm investigating about the contract, couldn't remember. It seems there's no team/player options on his contract, it is for 4 years but with facilities to go to the NBA after 2011-12 season.
Yep, that's before the extension. The buyout probably will be more than $ 500,000, but nothing near the amounts of Rubio.
It's amazing how many of you continue to misspell his name when the article already spelled it for you. 4 L's, people!
Oh jeez! You're right! Gotta remember that. Also, I'm a better defending Goran Dragic (did I misspell Dragic as well?) vibe watching the kid. I like Goran Dragic.
Well considering AndersEn played here for a year and people still called him wrong, I doubt they'll be able to remember Llull's correct spelling.
I bet you haven't even seen Llull play. He's got size, he's quick and he can make plays. Though his form on his jumper isn't ideal, a little tweaks here and there and he's a starter in the L.