Enrique Freeman

[GP1]

42 minutes ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

Indiana not bringing him back hurt him. Instead of having an opportunity on a team that knows him, who was destined to not make the playoffs this season due to Haliburton's injury, he went to another contender that never gave him the time of day. He needs to find his way onto a non-contender that has the room to play him at the NBA level. He nearly averaged a double-double this past season (17 pts/9 reb) after averaging a double-double last year (17 pts/10 reb), which should almost certainly intrigue some NBA franchises. However, playing 2-3 mpg when he gets a shot in NBA games isn't going to get it done; nobody can get in a rhythm or make a true impact with such little playing time. 

I know a guy who had a completely unremarkable 7 year NFL career. His key to longevity was his professionalism. He showed up to work on time, kept his mouth shut and always did what he was asked to do. Enrique could be a guy like that. He's not the type of talent that's sets the NBA on fire, but not everyone needs to be a superstar either. Sometimes you just need some people to show up to work and do their job. I'm sure he'd be happy to play 7 NBA seasons playing only 2-3 minutes a night. 

[Zippy87]

3 hours ago, GP1 said:

Enrique has to make a splash quickly. The average NBA career lasts around 4.5 years. He is two years into his professional career. G League careers last around 2.5 years on average. Next year could be a make it break period for his NBA career. He's a smart guy. I'm sure he knows this. 

 

He could still make a very good living internationally. 

 

I'd be curious to know if he had any two-way offers aside from Minnesota last summer. It always seemed like a curious fit to me - a legitimate Finals contender with a deep, talented roster - instead of a rebuilding/tanking team where more opportunity may have been available. 

 

Before the Pacers drafted him, the Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz were among teams he interviewed with. Maybe he can find his way to Utah or to the Clippers and have more opportunity. 

[csims0917]

Enrique would benefit from an expansion draft if he can stay around long of enough for the rumored one

[Zippy87]

 

Wonder if Minnesota will consider Enrique. 

[Sergeant Zip]

 

[Zips1991]

5 hours ago, Sergeant Zip said:

 

I know some people want him to go somewhere other than Minnesota, and I understand the reasoning behind it. But who knows if he'd get a deal with another team. I'd rather see him in Minnesota than see his NBA career end ealier.

[Zippy87]

7 hours ago, Zips1991 said:

I know some people want him to go somewhere other than Minnesota, and I understand the reasoning behind it. But who knows if he'd get a deal with another team. I'd rather see him in Minnesota than see his NBA career end ealier.

 

I assume his agent will shop his services around, especially if someone would be willing to give him a standard contract, but you're 100% correct in that this is good news that he at least has a spot. 

[kreed5120]

This is probably a make or break it year for his NBA career. As I understand it players can only be on two-way contracts for a max 3 seasons and this would be year 3.

 

Theoretically I suppose if he doesn't make this NBA roster after this year he could just take a standard G-League contract to chase an NBA dream, but those contracts are significantly less than what he would earn overseas.

[Let'sGoZips94]

5 hours ago, kreed5120 said:

This is probably a make or break it year for his NBA career. As I understand it players can only be on two-way contracts for a max 3 seasons and this would be year 3.

 

Theoretically I suppose if he doesn't make this NBA roster after this year he could just take a standard G-League contract to chase an NBA dream, but those contracts are significantly less than what he would earn overseas.

 

Which is partly why I feel Minnesota did him such a disservice last year. 2 straight years he has averaged a double double in the G League. He can clearly play. Get him PT in the NBA so he can establish himself more. 

[Zips1991]

1 hour ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

Which is partly why I feel Minnesota did him such a disservice last year. 2 straight years he has averaged a double double in the G League. He can clearly play. Get him PT in the NBA so he can establish himself more. 

What we really need is for him to get on a team that sucks, so he can get more playing time. Especially late in the season when they're out of contention. That way, he can showcase himself.

[csims0917]

The wolves did trade away Naz Reid and Julius Randle which opens up a lot of room in the front court for Freeman to get minutes

[1981 grad]

The Summer league starts in about a week.  The best thing that could happen if Freeman stands out on the roster showing that he can hit the 3 ball, score and rebound.  He has always been a good defender but needs to jump start his offense from all over the floor.  I agree this is a make or break year for him in the NBA.

[Zippy87]