Tim Legler says were legit

[MickZagger]

He was just on Olbermann and said we have no holes. Olshey did a great job assembling our team and there is no way we don't finish top 4 in the West and host a playoff series. Also said, Lillard can hang with any PG in the league.

 

[magnifier661]

Truth

 

[Strenuus]

He was just on Olbermann and said we have no holes. Olshey did a great job assembling our team and there is no way we don't finish top 4 in the West and host a playoff series. Also said, Lillard can hang with any PG in the league.

On offense? Yeah. Defensively? That's a different story right now. lol.

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

He was just on Olbermann and said we have no holes. Olshey did a great job assembling our team and there is no way we don't finish top 4 in the West and host a playoff series. Also said, Lillard can hang with any PG in the league.

It's amazing how complimentary they can be when they take the time to watch a few games and learn a bit about the team.

 

[magnifier661]

On offense? Yeah. Defensively? That's a different story right now. lol.

In the fourth, dame is pretty solid and that's when it matters

 

[HailBlazers]

Legler knows what's up. Always respected his opinion. Glad he thinks we're heading for HCA.

 

[Strenuus]

In the fourth, dame is pretty solid and that's when it matters

As I was writing that I was thinking that.

 

[magnifier661]

As I was writing that I was thinking that.

Yeah games are won in the fourth quarters and our defense is solid! I've seen and remembered dame with some key steals and blocks.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

OK, I'm all geeked out on the Blazers theses days like everyone else. But to say there is no way the Blazers don't finish top 4 is a little over the top. The Blazers will have to be very fortunate to finish top 4. Forget for a second SA, OKC, Clippers and Houston are in the West. The Blazers are where they are because every one of our starters (except maybe Lillard) is having a career year. We need the all these players to continue this all year, which if history is any indication of the future . . . consistency has been an issue for Batum and Aldridge and staying healthy issues for Matthews, Lopez. . . On top of that die hard Blazer fans know this team is thin and any injury could derail this team chemistry thing.

Not trying to be down on the Blazers. Right now I'm enjoying the ride and love the fact that I actually expect post season play this year. But to expect top 4 will be crossing our fingers and hoping everyone can continue this throughout the year . . . to say there is no way they don't make top 4 is media sensationalism, IMO.

It is fun the Blazers are a bit of the darling of the NBA right now . . .

 

[Draco]

[video=youtube;11Ee02WLxGk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11Ee02WLxGk[/video]

 

[cmeese47]

This team is still a mess defensively. It is also one injury away from not having a bench anymore.

Stotts design for this team has been smart very smart but his system certainly is not bullet proof.

 

[dviss1]

This team is still a mess defensively. It is also one injury away from not having a bench anymore.

Stotts design for this team has been smart very smart but his system certainly is not bullet proof.

Now that's a rookie post if I've ever read one. You sound silly. EVERY TEAM is one injury away from whatever.

Miami is one injury away from not winning a title. So is every team in the league...

 

[KingSpeed]

Now that's a rookie post if I've ever read one. You sound silly. EVERY TEAM is one injury away from whatever.

Miami is one injury away from not winning a title. So is every team in the league...

Exactly. Geesh.

 

[Draco]

Now that's a rookie post if I've ever read one. You sound silly. EVERY TEAM is one injury away from whatever.

Miami is one injury away from not winning a title. So is every team in the league...

Except the Jazz. They are one injury away from being exactly what they are now.

 

[OneLifeToLive]

One the other hand,What I found interesting when listening to the Bald Face Truth, John doesn't feel like they can win a series.

 

[Nikolokolus]

It's amazing how complimentary they can be when they take the time to watch a few games and learn a bit about the team.

This was a shitty team last year. I saw it with my own eyes. This year they haven't been shitty so people in the media usually say so when it becomes self-evident. Why was Legler (or anyone else for that matter) supposed to be complimentary of the team before it had earned compliments?

 

[magnifier661]

This was a shitty team last year. I saw it with my own eyes. This year they haven't been shitty so people in the media usually say so when it becomes self-evident. Why was Legler (or anyone else for that matter) supposed to be complimentary of the team before it had earned compliments?

I think blazerfanatic has it out for all media. I understand the frustration about how almost everyone nationally counted us out, but honestly, they had good reason.

We lost 17 in a row last season and on paper, we looked like we made minor adjustments. Only the fans that truly follow this team could see the good from these deals. A normal nba follower really couldn't.

It would be no different than us having an opinion on let's say "Brooklyn"?

 

[cmeese47]

Now that's a rookie post if I've ever read one. You sound silly. EVERY TEAM is one injury away from whatever.

Miami is one injury away from not winning a title. So is every team in the league...

Except the major premise of the OP was there was no way this team does not finish top 4 and host a playoff series. An injury is a very real concern for every team in the NBA.

Especially considering this team does not have very much quality depth on the bench.

I am sorry my very real yet obvious concern was not good enough for your eyes to behold.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I think blazerfanatic has it out for all media. I understand the frustration about how almost everyone nationally counted us out, but honestly, they had good reason.

We lost 17 in a row last season and on paper, we looked like we made minor adjustments. Only the fans that truly follow this team could see the good from these deals. A normal nba follower really couldn't.

It would be no different than us having an opinion on let's say "Brooklyn"?

The "No true Scotsman" fallacy Mags. Fact is, lots of "true" fans thought the team had made some minor moves and didn't expect them to be this good. This season so far is what just about any statistician would call an "outlier" ... that doesn't mean it's not real, but this team is playing way above most reasonable expectations.

 

[magnifier661]

The "No true Scotsman" fallacy Mags. Fact is, lots of "true" fans thought the team had made some minor moves and didn't expect them to be this good. This season so far is what just about any statistician would call an "outlier" ... that doesn't mean it's not real, but this team is playing way above most reasonable expectations.

Oh I feel you. I'm just saying that the ones that could actually see the improvement are the fans that watch them religiously.

 

[e_blazer]

The "No true Scotsman" fallacy Mags. Fact is, lots of "true" fans thought the team had made some minor moves and didn't expect them to be this good. This season so far is what just about any statistician would call an "outlier" ... that doesn't mean it's not real, but this team is playing way above most reasonable expectations.

I was thinking about this last night...wondering why not even the homeriest of we homers predicted that the Blazers would be anywhere near this effective this season. I'm way too lazy to go back and look for one of the record prediction threads, but I think that in October if anyone had said that the Blazers would be 18-4 at this point in the season, even Mags would have told them to put down their rose-colored glasses (should that be Moda-colored glasses now?). None of the NBA insider "experts" saw this coming either. So, what gives? A few thoughts, but no real conclusions:

1. I think the LMA factor is the biggest reason for the improvement. Playing along side a true center certainly has helped, but it just seems to me that we're seeing a guy who is now fully engaged in being the number one player on a contending team. He's worked hard to add to his game and I think that's showing major results, but I have to think some of it is just the psychological impact of now having the horses around him to really have a chance to excel. It couldn't have been easy to maintain focus the last few years without having more than 3-4 other NBA caliber players around him.

2. Wesley Matthews. I mean, damn, we knew he could shoot but this year he's just been money...well until the last couple of games. I don't know whether to attribute this to his hard work in the summer, just a pure hot streak that will fall back to norms, or perhaps the fact that he's always had this potential but has been limited the last couple of years by playing on constantly sprained ankles. Whatever, keep stroking the ball, Wesley.

3. Damian Lillard's maturation and natural progression is a factor. He was great last year and he's now even more in tune with the NBA and his teammates.

4. Nic's growth as a play-maker. Having a guy like him at the SF spot who can really set up his teammates is a huge benefit to the team. His Batman to Robin plays have been something I've really enjoyed.

5. Stotts' changed offensive and defensive schemes, coupled with having guys that can really defend the middle and block shots like Lopez, Freeland (talk about found money), and Robinson instead of J.J.'s matador defense is really changing things. No, we're not a defensive juggernaut, but light years better than last year.

Those are a few things I've noticed. Other ideas?

 

[magnifier661]

I was thinking about this last night...wondering why not even the homeriest of we homers predicted that the Blazers would be anywhere near this effective this season. I'm way too lazy to go back and look for one of the record prediction threads, but I think that in October if anyone had said that the Blazers would be 18-4 at this point in the season, even Mags would have told them to put down their rose-colored glasses (should that be Moda-colored glasses now?). None of the NBA insider "experts" saw this coming either. So, what gives? A few thoughts, but no real conclusions:

1. I think the LMA factor is the biggest reason for the improvement. Playing along side a true center certainly has helped, but it just seems to me that we're seeing a guy who is now fully engaged in being the number one player on a contending team. He's worked hard to add to his game and I think that's showing major results, but I have to think some of it is just the psychological impact of now having the horses around him to really have a chance to excel. It couldn't have been easy to maintain focus the last few years without having more than 3-4 other NBA caliber players around him.

2. Wesley Matthews. I mean, damn, we knew he could shoot but this year he's just been money...well until the last couple of games. I don't know whether to attribute this to his hard work in the summer, just a pure hot streak that will fall back to norms, or perhaps the fact that he's always had this potential but has been limited the last couple of years by playing on constantly sprained ankles. Whatever, keep stroking the ball, Wesley.

3. Damian Lillard's maturation and natural progression is a factor. He was great last year and he's now even more in tune with the NBA and his teammates.

4. Nic's growth as a play-maker. Having a guy like him at the SF spot who can really set up his teammates is a huge benefit to the team. His Batman to Robin plays have been something I've really enjoyed.

5. Stotts' changed offensive and defensive schemes, coupled with having guys that can really defend the middle and block shots like Lopez, Freeland (talk about found money), and Robinson instead of J.J.'s matador defense is really changing things. No, we're not a defensive juggernaut, but light years better than last year.

Those are a few things I've noticed. Other ideas?

Actually I honestly meant 18-2.

As for your assessment… I agree with all of them. Batum has become the facilitator and utility knife for this ball club. Lopez has become one of the biggest improvements to solidify offensive rebounding and defense. Matthews has been completely unconscious.

Lillard can still improve, shooting such a low % close to the basket. If that improves to a respectable level, he will be a monster!

 

[BlazerWookee]

One the other hand,What I found interesting when listening to the Bald Face Truth, John doesn't feel like they can win a series.

"Interesting," lol...

 

[crandc]

Damn, sorry I missed it - what did Olbermann say?

 

[Nikolokolus]

I was thinking about this last night...wondering why not even the homeriest of we homers predicted that the Blazers would be anywhere near this effective this season. I'm way too lazy to go back and look for one of the record prediction threads, but I think that in October if anyone had said that the Blazers would be 18-4 at this point in the season, even Mags would have told them to put down their rose-colored glasses (should that be Moda-colored glasses now?). None of the NBA insider "experts" saw this coming either. So, what gives? A few thoughts, but no real conclusions:

1. I think the LMA factor is the biggest reason for the improvement. Playing along side a true center certainly has helped, but it just seems to me that we're seeing a guy who is now fully engaged in being the number one player on a contending team. He's worked hard to add to his game and I think that's showing major results, but I have to think some of it is just the psychological impact of now having the horses around him to really have a chance to excel. It couldn't have been easy to maintain focus the last few years without having more than 3-4 other NBA caliber players around him.

2. Wesley Matthews. I mean, damn, we knew he could shoot but this year he's just been money...well until the last couple of games. I don't know whether to attribute this to his hard work in the summer, just a pure hot streak that will fall back to norms, or perhaps the fact that he's always had this potential but has been limited the last couple of years by playing on constantly sprained ankles. Whatever, keep stroking the ball, Wesley.

3. Damian Lillard's maturation and natural progression is a factor. He was great last year and he's now even more in tune with the NBA and his teammates.

4. Nic's growth as a play-maker. Having a guy like him at the SF spot who can really set up his teammates is a huge benefit to the team. His Batman to Robin plays have been something I've really enjoyed.

5. Stotts' changed offensive and defensive schemes, coupled with having guys that can really defend the middle and block shots like Lopez, Freeland (talk about found money), and Robinson instead of J.J.'s matador defense is really changing things. No, we're not a defensive juggernaut, but light years better than last year.

Those are a few things I've noticed. Other ideas?

I would say that Wesley's shooting is due for a regression to the mean ... maybe that means he falls all the way to about 40% on threes and 45% overall (which would still be good compared to his career averages) but I don't think his hit rate is sustainable and when that dip happens (because shooters almost always have ups and downs) it might change the spacing on the floor and trim some points from the final tally.

Defensively I think might be where I see the biggest difference. I wouldn't call them a "good" defensive team, but their strategy of surrendering the mid-range and focusing on denying the three isn't a bad way to play the numbers when you don't have a lot of great defensive players.

On the other hand, this is maybe a good demonstration of the limits of statistical projections and models. Discreet phenomena can and will defy probability at times because small sample sizes aren't governed by the "law of large numbers."

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I was thinking about this last night...wondering why not even the homeriest of we homers predicted that the Blazers would be anywhere near this effective this season.

5. Stotts' changed offensive and defensive schemes, coupled with having guys that can really defend the middle and block shots like Lopez, Freeland (talk about found money), and Robinson instead of J.J.'s matador defense is really changing things. No, we're not a defensive juggernaut, but light years better than last year.

This is the biggest IMHO. Having a coherent system with parts that fit and getting guys to buy into that (even to the detriment of their own stats) is HUGE.

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

I think blazerfanatic has it out for all media. I understand the frustration about how almost everyone nationally counted us out, but honestly, they had good reason.

We lost 17 in a row last season and on paper, we looked like we made minor adjustments. Only the fans that truly follow this team could see the good from these deals. A normal nba follower really couldn't.

It would be no different than us having an opinion on let's say "Brooklyn"?

I compared the differences between those end-of-season losses and this season's team in another thread. In gist:

LA, Wes, and Batum missed a combined 20 games in the final 13, and only played together in 2 games.

Maynor's on/off the court numbers this season are garbage, and playing only 10 min instead of the 20 something he did for Portland.

Babbit, Jeffries, N. Smith, Pavlovic aren't even NBA players this season.

Freeland was the MVP of training camp and showed vast improvement in the pre-season.

Meyers, Baton, and Claver were starting games for Portland in the last 13 games and averaging 36+ minutes at times. They each haven't played in more than 3-4 games where they played more than 1 minute.

The Blazer are playing a completely different style of pick-n-roll defense.

Wright, TReb, Mo weren't on the team and play vital back up minutes this season.

Portland didn't have a legit starting center last season.

These are all variables that I accounted for, and anyone who took 1 minutes to look at a cue card with those points written on it would not keep repeating the same crap and looking at the way last season ended as a barometer for how the Blazers would fair this season.