Check Me: Marreese Speights
By Brian G.
Coming into the league after his 2007 sophomore campaign at the University of Florida, Marreese Speights can considerably be called a steal. Though his freshman year numbers won’t allow you to think that because he averaged little or next to nothing, Speights has proven to be able to handle the NBA game and playing in the City of Brotherly Love. In his freshman year at Florida, he played under the talents of Al Horford, Joakim Noah and Chris Richard. In his second year, Speights ended up averaging 14.5 ppg and the Gators finished the 2007-2008 season with a loss to Massachusetts at Madison Square Garden in the NIT Tournament.
Since allowing himself to be eligible for the draft, Speights has shown his raw athletic talent on a number of occasions playing for the beloved Sixers. How does Speights fit into an NBA rotation and produce like he has for the Sixers? Let’s take a look. First thing’s first. Speights is 6-foot-10 and possesses a rare commodity for a big man; the ability to get up and down the floor quickly. Speights has the ability to get out and run on the break and really put pressure on opponents by having the ability to finish strong and quick. By quick, I mean he has the ability to get up off his feet quicker than defenders, thus allowing for a much better chance of finishing before a block. With this in mind, the defender will usually be late in his timing or rotation, allowing Speights to finish sometimes with and one opportunities.
Next on the list of things I like about this kid is his ability to not just play the post. Speights can shoot the mid range jumper. This is a valuable asset for a player of his size and with his youth. At his age and experience in the league, it’s good to see that he “gets it.” Knowing he needs to have that jumper in his arsenal will be key in this youngsters development as he moves forward.
On the defensive side of the ball, Speights has a good sense of where he, his man and the ball are on the floor. I mean yes, everyone has their moments when they get beat or are not in the right spots all the time. With Speights, this type of mistake seems to be kept in check and at a minimum. Another great sense of basketball IQ for such a young, raw player who has come into the Sixers organization and raised some eyebrows in his young career. His ability to get up off the floor like was stated above, also allows for his defensive blocking ability to be showcased. On the year, Speights has played in 15 of the Sixers’ 29 games, suffering from an early injury. In the 15 games played, he has recorded 10 blocked shots and has gathered 95 rebounds. Not too shabby!
Finally, the most impressive asset that sticks out to me about this guy is his sense of fear. Oh wait did I say that? Yes I did because he seems to have none! Speights is not afraid to bang the boards, wrestle for a loose ball or step up on the defensive end. This alone will help this young gun grow and become more and more of a factor for the Sixers and in this league. There you have it, a look at Marreese Speights and how he balls.
Stay tuned for more from the “Check Me” saga as I will run down the whole roster and take a look at every single player from the beloved Philadelphia 76ers.
PEACE FROM THE 570!