In Summer League action, Didi Louzada far and away exceeded expectations, exhibiting the supreme lateral quickness that makes him an elite defensive prospect and showcasing new wrinkles in his game. While I previously anticipated that he would need to make some adjustments strength wise in order to contend at an NBA level, Didi appeared comfortable defending in summer league and was often tasked with shutting down the opposing team's top offensive weapon. He fought hard through screens, displayed active hands in passing lanes, did not overextend on closeouts, and generally proved that he is ready to compete on this end as soon as he enters the league. While he only recorded 1.5 steals per game in summer league action, he was responsible for many more deflections. As such, it is clear that Didi's defensive production (as measured by blocks and steals) clearly understates his impact on this end of the floor, with Louzada's on-ball disruption wreaking havoc and generating many more turnovers (than indicated by these metrics). Didi proved to be a capable help defender as well, utilizing great awareness and trapping the ball. After generating turnovers, Didi was able to leak ahead in transition and finish at the basket. Further, Didi was effective on the defensive glass, chasing down loose balls and pushing the tempo.
While Didi struggled finishing through contact during the NBB season, Louzada utilized his fast twitch quickness and elusiveness to drive by defenders out in transition in Summer League. Overall, he did a better job finishing strong at the rim, underscored by some rather acrobatic layups through multiple defenders. Didi was effective putting the ball on the floor throughout, and his ball protection was a lot better than most gave him credit for coming in. With that said, he still was rattled by NBA traps at times. In order to better equip himself moving forward, Didi should continue to develop his hesitation moves so that he can better create for himself and others at the NBA level. With that said, Didi unveiled two new wrinkles to his dribble drive game (which were not evident in the NBB) - an effective jab step and an in-and-out dribble move, both of which caught defenders off balance.
While he did a better job of passing in transition or off of a dribble drive, Didi noticeably improved operating out of the pick-and-roll, making some textbook reads. Considering how infrequently Franca utilized pick-and-roll, Didi's progress making plays out of these sets was extremely encouraging and much better than I had anticipated coming in. Look for him to continue to make strides in this area moving forward.
While he did a better job of passing in transition or off of a dribble drive, Didi noticeably improved operating out of the pick-and-roll, making some textbook reads. Considering how infrequently Franca utilized pick-and-roll, Didi's progress making plays out of these sets was extremely encouraging and much better than I had anticipated coming in. Look for him to continue to make strides in this area moving forward.
In terms of his shooting prowess, Didi Louzada continues to be a significant spot up shooting threat on kick outs. When he was not spacing the floor by camping in his favorite corner, Didi was run off of screens to free him for open 3pters off the bounce. To this end, Louzada did a much better job moving without the ball and I was impressed by his versatility on the offensive end. Finally, Didi Louzada proved to be very active on the offensive glass, utilizing excellent timing and athleticism to secure boards and finish around the rim.
All in all, Marcos Louzada - coupled with Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker - were a revelation for New Orleans in Summer League. Not only did Didi prove that he belonged on the defensive end, but he also demonstrated that his offensive game is far more advanced than most had imagined coming in. Look for Didi to continue to develop his pick-and-roll game, improve his handle, and lock down the opposing team's best player this season in the NBL. I continue to expect him to be one of the major steals of the 2019 draft class.
All in all, Marcos Louzada - coupled with Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker - were a revelation for New Orleans in Summer League. Not only did Didi prove that he belonged on the defensive end, but he also demonstrated that his offensive game is far more advanced than most had imagined coming in. Look for Didi to continue to develop his pick-and-roll game, improve his handle, and lock down the opposing team's best player this season in the NBL. I continue to expect him to be one of the major steals of the 2019 draft class.
(Photos courtesy of nba.com/pelicans)
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