Game Thread 2024-25 GAME #31 - BLAZERS VS MAVS - DEC 28, 2024 - SAT - 7:00 PM - CHARGE - BLAZERVISION

[Rastapopoulos]

What exactly is this asst coach doing that Chauncey didn't do?

He definitely played some unusual lineups. He also tried to play Murray and Rupert, but they were so stunned that it went South quickly.

 

[SharpeScooterShooter]

Fantastic game and win. What team ball. I love it!

 

[Mediocre Man]

Do we want Cooper Flagg or what?

I think the problem is that the organization is going in multiple directions. Chauncey wants to win so when they let him go he can get another job. The players all want to win or play well for a multitude of different reasons. Some to get the next contract. Some because they want out and to raise their stock. And some to just win. Then there is management who needs to win to keep their job, but also know Flagg is a franchise player.

 

[inconceivable]

I think the problem is that the organization is going in multiple directions. Chauncey wants to win so when they let him go he can get another job. The players all want to win or play well for a multitude of different reasons. Some to get the next contract. Some because they want out and to raise their stock. And some to just win. Then there is management who needs to win to keep their job, but also know Flagg is a franchise player.

Yeah, coach and players don't give a damn about the draft. When healthy, we're too good to have a high chance at number 1 pick. This could mean vets will be traded by feb deadline

 

[kjironman1]

Hawks competed all last season and won the lottery. Something to think about. You can have the worst record in the league and the odds are still stacked way against you. Let the season play out and see where we’re at the trade deadline.

It's an interesting way to look at it.
Last year picks 1-4
#1 Hawks 36-46 record. 10th seed in the east.
#2 Wizards 15-67 record 14th seed in the east.
#3 Rockets 41-41 record 11th seed in the west.
#4 Spurs 22-60 record 14th seed in the west.

The worst record picked 5th (Pistons). We all know the Blazers were the worst in the west and picked 7th.
I still think it's pretty important the Blazers don't win more than 20 games. Right now it looks like they are heading for 25-30 wins. That will still get them a Lottery pick.

 

[wizenheimer]

I think the problem is that the organization is going in multiple directions. Chauncey wants to win so when they let him go he can get another job. The players all want to win or play well for a multitude of different reasons. Some to get the next contract. Some because they want out and to raise their stock. And some to just win. Then there is management who needs to win to keep their job, but also know Flagg is a franchise player.

I don't think management needs to win to keep their jobs. In the last 3+ seasons the Blazers are 92-185 and the managers still have their jobs

other than that quibble your description of confusion and apathy seem pretty accurate

 

[kjironman1]

I don't think management needs to win to keep their jobs. In the last 3+ seasons the Blazers are 92-185 and the managers still have their jobs

other than that quibble your description of confusion and apathy seem pretty accurate

Agree 100% with the management take.

 

[Pinwheel1]

There was a 5-minute stretch in the 1st quarter when Scoot, Ant, and Shae were all in there together which was very entertaining. The defense was actually pretty good. In that stretch, they outscored the Mavs 16-7. I think it can work in small stretches. Ayton was in there for most of that as well.

Interestingly, neither Ant nor Ayton held back the development of Shae and Scoot in this game. They all played well.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

dumb wins

Grant - 42 minutes/Simons - 40 minutes/Ayton - 36 minutes (Clingan 12 minutes). Those 3 averaged 39 minutes, for fuck sakes. Contributed 57 pts; 28 rebs; 12 ast. Seems kind of like this is the kind of season Cronin and the coaches want. 5 games out of the 10th seed, but hey! only 3 wins from being 11th in the lottery odds, and 4 wins from being 13th. Ride those 3 vets huge minutes for the worst possible outcome....good plan!

Think of this as good advertising that sets up a trade. One step back so we can take two steps forward.

 

[wizenheimer]

Think of this as good advertising that sets up a trade. One step back so we can take two steps forward.

that would sure be better than the 2-steps-back/1-step-forward we've seen over the last 3 years

 

[KingSpeed]

You got your wish, very good games buy Scoot/Shae/Deni/Ayton. Sharpe definitely looks to be "emerging" and if Scoot can maintain these last few games then Scoot is far from "busty", his D and steals looked good last night and if he can keep those turnovers down he's solid at least.

We want him gone but Simons had a very good game too.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

I think the problem is that the organization is going in multiple directions. Chauncey wants to win so when they let him go he can get another job. The players all want to win or play well for a multitude of different reasons. Some to get the next contract. Some because they want out and to raise their stock. And some to just win. Then there is management who needs to win to keep their job, but also know Flagg is a franchise player.

Great, let's continue with the two timelines.... We've only been doing it for 4 years and its been so successful

 

[Pinwheel1]

Great, let's continue with the two timelines.... We've only been doing it for 4 years and its been so successful

Does it really matter? We had the worst record in the West (tied for third overall) last year. Wasn't that the goal?

 

[Phatguysrule]

Does it really matter? We had the worst record in the West (tied for third overall) last year. Wasn't that the goal?

It matters if we're hanging onto mediocre players hoping they're part of the future...

 

[SharpesTriumph]

Does it really matter? We had the worst record in the West (tied for third overall) last year. Wasn't that the goal?

The goal is to eventually add talent. Yeah Cronin is able to tank for picks.

He's not able to use vets or salary space to add assets as good GMs for teams like the Thunder, Jazz, and Spurs do. That makes the rebuild super slow.

Thunder had two years of heavy losses. At Cronin pace it might take a dozen.

 

[Pinwheel1]

It matters if we're hanging onto mediocre players hoping they're part of the future...

But if they have ending contracts in the near future, it's not that big of a deal. Having vets on the team is not a negative. IMO Grant's age/contract is the only one that is essential to move.
Ending contracts for Ayton and Ant can be just as valuable as they can be negative. So IMO this whole "2 timeline" concern is over-scrutinized. Other than Grant, everyone else is 26 or younger.
(except Williams who doesn't play and is 27) It is laughable to me that they are considered on a different timeline when they haven't even hit their prime.

And as we saw last two games, Scoot and Sharpe are progressing just fine alongside the "older players".

Trade them or keep them, it makes very little difference. (other than Grant)

 

[KingSpeed]

But if they have ending contracts in the near future, it's not that big of a deal. Having vets on the team is not a negative. IMO Grant's age/contract is the only one that is essential to move.
Ending contracts for Ayton and Ant can be just as valuable as they can be negative. So IMO this whole "2 timeline" concern is over-scrutinized. Other than Grant, everyone else is 26 or younger.
(except Williams who doesn't play and is 27) It is laughable to me that they are considered on a different timeline when they haven't even hit their prime.

And as we saw last two games, Scoot and Sharpe are progressing just fine alongside the "older players".

Trade them or keep them, it makes very little difference. (other than Grant)

I disagree. I think Grant works with the youngsters but Ant/Ayton are holding back Scoot/DC.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I disagree. I think Grant works with the youngsters but Ant/Ayton are holding back Scoot/DC.

Personally, I don't any of them are being held back by anyone but themselves. Scoot is improving and is getting 30 minutes per game.

Clingan needs more than 14 minutes but has zero offensive game right now. Regardless he needs at least 20 minutes. I think an Ayton-Clingan duo would be pretty effective if they can get DA to take a pay cut in 18 months. You can tell that he likes his teammates and they like him. But if someone else is willing to overpay him.....then let him walk. And since the consensus is that no one will trade for him, maybe he will have to take a pay cut.

I do think Grant's skill set fits in well with both Deni and Camara, but if anyone on the team has a bad contract then it is Jerami.
But to be honest, the main reason any of the 3 should even be considered being moved is because of their salary. If they were all making 18-20 million per year then they would all be a good fit.
Even Ant would be great to have if he was coming off the bench at SG. (playing next to Dalano and Deni) I guarantee his shooting percentage will go way up once that happens, no matter who he is traded to.