Chris Copeland is Learning Defensive Skills as a Small Forward

Every game Chris Copeland did not play basketball fans on Twitter would wonder what was the point of signing him to a 2-year deal worth $6 million. The former New York Knick was assumed to come off the bench for 10-15 minutes a game and launch threes. The launching threes part happened occasionally but Frank Vogel did not allow him moderate minutes. Vogel clearly did not trust him.

There was confusion on what position he should defend. And I say defend rather than play because he can play either small or power forward on offense. He can spread the floor above the break or in the corner but he can’t keep up with mobile small forwards or get dirty in the post with big power forwards. We have the answer now. Chris Copeland is moving to small forward full time.

"“I look for Chris Copeland to get a lot more minutes at the wing spot,” Vogel said earlier this week, a pronouncement that would have brought applause had fans heard it."

It appears new acquistions Damjan Rudez and Shayne Whittington are the stretch fours. Both are close to seven-feet tall which is a lot more ideal for the position.

Scott Agness spoke to Cope about his summer workouts and his thought process of deciding between being a three or four.

"“I play all summer long,” he said, “so playing against bigger guys I was like ‘This isn’t going to work.’ I want to be able to play the 3 but I still want to be able to bang [in the post].”"

We knew this already but Copeland finally realized this summer that he can’t defend power forwards. George Hill spoke on Chris Copeland being a full time small forward and what defensive traits he’ll need to pick up.

"“Moving to small forward, he’s going to guard guys that are quicker, more athletic, more versatile, agile and things like that,” said Hill. “Just teaching him how to get smaller on screens, how to get through different flopping actions, and things like that.”"

It’s going to come down to can Copeland chase around guys like Luol Deng or Giannis Antetokounmpo. He can make three-point shots at an elite rate but will he able to balance his shot making with sufficient defense? We’ll find out soon to see if Vogel gained any trust in him. How many minutes do you predict Chris Copeland getting a game this season?