The last rookie to go through the media session during this Training Camp, Rasheer Fleming talks to us about his defense, his strengths, and his inspirations.
Defensive Technique and IQ
RF has many defensive qualities. According
to him, his positioning would be his main asset:
“Really positioning like positioning on the floor, knowing where to be at different times when the ball is moving.”
He reflects on the impact his college coach had on his game. Physically, there is no doubt about his ability to keep up with the NBA pace.
Mentally, there may be a few more questions:
“So I think like five out spacing like we all Like. l’ve done that before at St. Joe’s the low all the all the shift spots on defense low man all the like I kind of the placement and stuff I kind of had a good idea already because I was at St. Joe’s. So I think my coach uh Billy Lang did a good job.”
Finally, he assures that Billy Lang has prepared him well for the demanding professional world of the NBA. It is under his guidance that he has been able to develop his defensive IQ and game reading.
Mindset and Inspiration
Rasheer Fleming already impresses with his mindset. Confidence in this half of the court, he insists and explains that he is already defending at a very high level, and that it is this consistency that will propel him onto the courts:
“I think especially right now uh guarding the way I do I think I’ve been guarding like at a super high level. So if I continue to do like do that and do that in the games and stuff I think that’s going to take me far.”
He builds on his learning — both technically and mentally — from a player like Ryan Dunn, who isn’t afraid to go into battle every night against the best scorer in the league:
“It’s been more like technique stuff like in terms of like placement and stuff. but I can see it in his game like how he’s just a fearless defender. Like he can guard one through five. I think I can be in that same level as that. So, I kind of just take heed to how he plays defense and just take heed to what he tells me and its just go from there.”
Rasheer Fleming knows what he needs to do to improve and earn playing time. He knows who he can rely on to progress (even if Ryan is just a sophomore).
Perhaps a little too humble and reserved, he could establish himself firmly in an NBA rotation if he lets loose.
Physical Assets and Concrete Impact
The transition from college to the NBA seems to be doing him good. His game has gained in mobility and confidence, which is reflected in the quality of his footwork:
“I’m moving my feet much better.”
Beyond this technical progression, Rasheer Fleming primarily highlights the positive impact he can have on possessions. He does not settle for being a mere positional defender; he wants to influence the course of the game:
“Like guarding multiple positions, high level, but like really getting us possessions like and not just being out there defending. Like if I can get steals because of my length, being able to get steals, offensive rebound like really rebound, I’m they like me at the rebounding area too because of my like attributes.”
This versatility, coupled with his physical attributes, allows him not only to contain different opposing profiles but also to turn his defensive efforts into opportunities for his team.
As he mentions at the start, it is thanks to his consistency combined with his defensive volume and statistical production (rebounds, steals, stops) that he will quickly make a name for himself in an NBA rotation.
In an NBA where every minute is precious, especially for rookies, Fleming knows what will enable him to prove himself: his defense. It is his foundation, his common language with the staff, and his ticket to gaining the trust of a group.
