Gani Lawal ready to make impact for the Suns next season

by 7footer on Jul 6, 2011 11:28 AM MST

Here's a nice piece from Paul Coro written a few days ago that gives us a little insight into Lawal's return from injury next season, and what he (Gani) believes we can expect from him.

Of course every player will have mostly high expectations of himself combined with a positive outlook on his own potential, but the story and interview with Gani gives us a hopeful outlook in an area that has plagued our team since the departure of Amare Stoudemire. Gani talks about getting stronger and working on his 15-footer to help him get better. Any help in and around the paint from our 4 would be a welcomed addition, so I am happy to hear about his dedication and progress.

I came away from this piece with the impression that Gani is a very hard worker who is taking his opportunity seriously and doing all of the right things. There's also a nice quote in the article from our GM Lance Blanks about how people shouldn't think that Lawal and Markeiff offer similar skill sets, and that Gani would basically be viewed as a rookie coming into this season (assuming his non-guaranteed salary is picked up).

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Source: Paul Coro & Arizona Republic

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2011/07/01/20110701phoenix-suns-gani-lawal-return-injury.html

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At the same time, I don’t want to beat up Gani but I think he’s a little younger in his basketball life than Markieff is. They’re very different styles, very different players."

Seems like Gentry acknowledges the differences in their games, but doesn’t think Lawal is as ready as he thinks he is. Seems like he expects more from Markieff.

It would be great if both those players could have good rookie years. I mean not because they’re only getting minutes because our team sucks, but because they’re better than Robin Lopez and Hakim Warrick. That would mean that our team would have improved in a couple positions. Of course that’s quite a lot to hope for. It would only work if Frye could go back to the bench as a center meaning that either Morris or Lawal would be capable of starting in their first season. There was Fields though, so there is some hope. We really need one of these guys to be able to contribute right away.

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jul 6, 2011 12:40 PM MST reply actions

I would add a couple words to the title of this:

Gani Lawal ready to make impact for the Suns next season but totally won’t

Fixed.

Founder of the Coalition to Light Vince Carter On Fire (CTLVCOF)
RIP Seasons of Discontent

by Scott Howard on Jul 6, 2011 1:12 PM MST reply actions

You don't think

Our 4th team PF, who is a former #46 pick, is coming off a major knee injury and has played a grand total of 2 minutes of NBA basketball will make an impact this season?

You’re such a pessimist, Scott.

"I’ve come to look at it philosophically, seeing the Suns as friendly companions on my life’s journey who always seem to fall into some weird misadventure."
~suns68

by East Bay Ray on Jul 6, 2011 1:25 PM MST up reply actions

Gani Lawal's expected impact:

by waxmonkey on Jul 7, 2011 7:05 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs

Haha!

Well, I can’t make a logical argument against the most likely outcome…which is exactly what you stated. All I can say is that I have a good feeling about Gani and always have since his days playing for Georgia Tech. He was the guy before freshmen phenom Derrick Favors came to town, and was a big factor on their team even afterward.

During last year’s summer league, Gani showed very good instincts and technique around the basket. His biggest weakness was his outside shooting, which simply wasn’t consistent. However, his physical play in the post and effective defense and rebounding in the paint are his biggest strengths, and all of those areas are aspects we desperately need in our lineup. With his continued development (hopefully including an improved jump-shot) and added strength, I believe he at least has a chance to be a solid addition to our team His salary of under $800k certainly makes keeping him a worthwhile gamble; I just hope he is given the opportunity.

by 7footer on Jul 6, 2011 1:59 PM MST up reply actions

Eh, he has a long way to go 7footer,

according to Scott Schroeder. And I agree with him. As Alex has said, Gani is a C in a PF’s body right now. It’s true he’s a tough player who’s not afraid to mix it up, but he’s also not used to the increased size and athleticism in the NBA. He got in foul trouble a lot even in the D-League. He still has to learn NBA technique, and that includes more than just a jumpshot.

I also like him though and hope he can make a contribution next year, however small. Even if he’s nothing more than a sparring partner for Kieff next year, that still means he is on the team and working to get better.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jul 6, 2011 2:39 PM MST up reply actions

I feel the same way...

If he can give us something…anything…to help out our front court next season then I’ll be pretty happy with it. I also think he still has a way to go, but the more he gets to play and practice against viable competition then more it will help him.

by 7footer on Jul 6, 2011 4:11 PM MST up reply actions

gani

Was the guy even when favors got to Georgia tech. Gani outscored and outrebounded favors

by iamorng on Jul 7, 2011 11:07 AM MST via mobile up reply actions

He was APPALLING in the D-League

http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/gani_lawal/

He played ten games – http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/gani_lawal/game_by_game_stats.html – and the one I watched, he did nothing. He rebounded OK, but man, those splits – he was SOOO inconsistent!

http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2010/11/28/1839958/gani-lawal-and-his-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-game is a really damning review of one game titled: Gani Lawal And His Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Game. Scott wrote:

(Gani) may have had the worst game any NBA-assigned player has ever had in Friday night’s game against the Tulsa 66ers… That sounds like hyperbole, but his box score read as follows: In 10 minutes and 17 seconds of playing time, he made his only field goal attempt, missed both of his free-throws and grabbed one rebound before fouling out with 9:33 left in the game.

by MMotherwell on Jul 8, 2011 11:21 PM MST up reply actions

Holy crap

how do you foul out in 10 minutes?

Voted most likely to say "I told you so"

by jc79 on Jul 15, 2011 3:12 PM MST up reply actions

7footer killing it with the fanposts..

And that’s not sarcasm font. I’m trying to catch up after a long vacation. Good stuff.

Re-sign BAMF.

by brian13 on Jul 6, 2011 2:21 PM MST reply actions

Is there really a sarcasm font?

by Purple Palace on Jul 6, 2011 2:27 PM MST up reply actions

no

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jul 6, 2011 2:36 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs

lol, how did you do that? >It has been my dream to speak in Sarcasm<

by Purple Palace on Jul 6, 2011 6:20 PM MST up reply actions

wow, I messed it up

by Purple Palace on Jul 6, 2011 6:22 PM MST up reply actions

I think I got it this time

by Purple Palace on Jul 6, 2011 6:24 PM MST up reply actions

well done

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jul 6, 2011 9:22 PM MST up reply actions

testing

yes, I’m a boob

Voted most likely to say "I told you so"

by jc79 on Jul 8, 2011 11:45 AM MST up reply actions

how do you guys do that?

I don't know what to put in my sig.

by shawndy on Jul 8, 2011 9:55 PM MST up reply actions

you have to be a boob

"Maybe I’m old school," Nash said, "but I signed a contract to play here and I want to honor it. I feel like I owe it to my teammates and the city and everybody to keep battling until they tell me it’s time to go." STEVE (God of Basketball) NASH

by 2NASHTY on Jul 9, 2011 12:10 AM MST up reply actions

(.)(.)

I don't know what to put in my sig.

by shawndy on Jul 9, 2011 8:04 PM MST up reply actions

WRONG!!!!!!

a boob …not breasts

by 2NASHTY on Jul 9, 2011 8:30 PM MST up reply actions

lol

I don't know what to put in my sig.

by shawndy on Jul 11, 2011 3:25 AM MST up reply actions

You seriously still don't know?

I told you how below.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jul 10, 2011 9:04 PM MST up reply actions

I still don't know how.

I don't know what to put in my sig.

by shawndy on Jul 11, 2011 3:25 AM MST up reply actions

@You're really smart shawndy@

Oops, I mean you're really smart shawndy

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jul 11, 2011 9:21 AM MST up reply actions

I give up. haha

I don't know what to put in my sig.

by shawndy on Jul 12, 2011 6:43 AM MST up reply actions

Sigh...

Type at sign, then your words, then at sign. Like I did in the title there. It doesn’t work in the title though.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jul 12, 2011 10:28 AM MST up reply actions

thanks

I don't know what to put in my sig.

by shawndy on Jul 13, 2011 2:01 AM MST up reply actions

woah. haha there. Thank you Omaha

I don't know what to put in my sig.

by shawndy on Jul 13, 2011 2:02 AM MST up reply actions

I know. I'm really noob.

I don't know what to put in my sig.

by shawndy on Jul 13, 2011 2:02 AM MST up reply actions

Thank you sir!

by 7footer on Jul 6, 2011 4:11 PM MST up reply actions

Man 7footer, these days all I see are your fanposts.

I really like this one and your Flighty post. Gani Lawal had completely slipped my mind over the past year. I remember being very happy about the way he played.

Am I doing it right?

by lixuec on Jul 6, 2011 7:24 PM MST reply actions

How do you do the sarcasm font?

I don't know what to put in my sig.

by shawndy on Jul 7, 2011 4:19 AM MST reply actions

You type in a sarcastic manner.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jul 7, 2011 8:20 AM MST up reply actions 2 recs

And then the computer just knows.

Founder of the Coalition to Light Vince Carter On Fire (CTLVCOF)
RIP Seasons of Discontent

by Scott Howard on Jul 7, 2011 10:35 AM MST up reply actions 2 recs

@computers is smart@

Oops. ;-)

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jul 7, 2011 11:09 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs

lol !!!!!

I don't know what to put in my sig.

by shawndy on Jul 8, 2011 2:32 AM MST up reply actions

What song is playing

On the beasly bandwagon now?

"BALL"- Turkish poet Hedo Turkeyglue

by stevedavis_ on Jul 7, 2011 11:25 AM MST reply actions

Definitely something by Cypress Hill.

"I’ve come to look at it philosophically, seeing the Suns as friendly companions on my life’s journey who always seem to fall into some weird misadventure."
~suns68

by East Bay Ray on Jul 7, 2011 11:27 AM MST up reply actions

I'm hearing

sublime

by 2NASHTY on Jul 7, 2011 11:30 AM MST up reply actions

That works too.

I was gonna suggest Bob Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women #12 and #35”, but thought the youngsters might not get it. As if referencing Cypress Hill didn’t date me enough.

"I’ve come to look at it philosophically, seeing the Suns as friendly companions on my life’s journey who always seem to fall into some weird misadventure."
~suns68

by East Bay Ray on Jul 7, 2011 12:36 PM MST up reply actions