Definitely this team. The bench on that team was pretty good though. I would take these starters over that team though.
Is the question: Which one would win in a game with the other or which is more likable? If it's the former then I think I'd have a pretty hard time betting against Brandon Roy at the height of his powers and that bench would run circles around this year's. If it's the latter, this team is much more unselfish and much better coached and a lot easier to watch.
I disagree Nik. If the two teams played against each other, I think Stotts shuts down Nate's one-dimensional iso offense, takes Roy out of the game, and frustrates that Blazers team. We saw Houston do it. Who on that team would guard current Aldridge? Who would guard Dame? I think Wes and Nic would give Roy trouble. The bench on that team was much better than our current bench, but McMillan was such a horrible offensive coach, I think the current Blazers shut them down.
At this point I wouldn't want to bet against this team. They have a lot better chemistry than the 08-09 team, and the starting 3 and 4 are much more experienced . . .
That 08 team, I still had doubt before games if they could win. This team I have confidence can beat anyone. There isn't a team I fear and I doubt they fear any team either. That 08 team can't say that
I felt for a while that McMillan was holding back the team. Nic looks significantly better without Nate. Aldridge looks better without Nate. I think he milked every ounce of talent from Roy, but he certainly didn't get the best out of guys like Martell or Jack. His offense was so predictable, and all it took was doubling Roy out of the pick and roll. It was so easy to stop. Roy had to completely go off in order to punish teams, but I wonder how much better that team would have been with a decent coach who understand how to make adjustments. Would Nate have ever put Wes on Westbrook?
Nate would have probably used Nic ... or maybe Lamarcus, but only because one of them got switched on to him after Blanky got hung up on a pick.
I think that type of defense can have a place, but it requires 5 guys with great mobility and length and above average to great defensive instincts to pull it off (the Olympic squads he helped coach for instance) it didn't really add up with the personnel he was coaching.
The 2008-09 team was all about hope for future seasons and long term potential. They were happy to just make the playoffs as a young group. This team has a blend of veterans that are hungry and greedy but don't get too high right now and will stay positive when losses eventually come. I think having a dominant big man as the main offensive threat keeps a team more balanced. When Roy played he would dominate the ball and the rest of the team would be left standing around watching. With Aldridge he always needs a guard to be involved in the offense to get the ball to him in a pick and roll, pick and pop, or an entry pass. That sets a better stage for balance offensive teamwork.
