Game Thread 2025-26 GAME #50 - BLAZERS VS CAVALIERS - FEBRUARY 1, 2026 - SUNDAY - 6:00 PM - KUNP - BLAZERVISION

[Graduate32]

Top 3???

I think he could be a top 3 on a contender right now at 22 years old. If you think he's going to get worse then I don't know what to tell you.

I get it that he's been extremely inefficient tonight but that's because he's being asked to be the number 1 guy. I agree with the idea that his mentality will have to change to be the number one guy on a winning team but number three?!? Seriously?

Seriously. I entirely disagree with your take; in no way would he be a top three player on any team in the top six in either conference right now. He gives up as many points as he gets. I'm not saying he can't become a solid player, and he certainly is a spectacular player and easy to root for, but I'd be willing to bet he's not going to be a top three player on a team that actually is competing for a championship. Top 3 scorer? Maybe. Player? I just don't see it. Hope I'm wrong.

 

[Cugel]

CLE with 40 assists. That is insane.

 

[Irish Trader]

Wash rinse repeat another loss

 

[Chris Craig]

Disappointing

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

#11 in the Tankathon and only one game behind Charlotte, who have won 6 in a row. https://www.tankathon.com/

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

40/17 and no turnovers

Not even Hakeem accomplished this

Pathetic effort from DC to start the game

 

[SharpesTriumph]

Crazy that we just had the biggest winning streak in the NBA the other week. All of the sudden we're flirting with the biggest losing streak.

 

[B-Roy]

I’m not actively shopping him, but I’m firmly in the camp that we should listen on offers for Shaedon.

 

[blazerkor]

I’m not actively shopping him, but I’m firmly in the camp that we should listen on offers for Shaedon.

I'm obviously a Shaedon fan and I think we would be selling low on him right now. So unless someone is willing to overpay, I wouldn't move him.

Moving him for what would be the likely offer would be a great way to look like the Wizards look right now in relation to Deni.

 

[PCmor7]

Clingan's in a real funk. Allen absolutely abused him. That shouldn't happen. Clingan ended up with an OK game stat-wise, until you look what his opposite number did. Just a lot of empty stats for Donovan.

This was an opportunity for Shaedon, with neither Jrue or Deni in the lineup. He played too passively. No free throws. 20 points on 21 shots. Just wasn't assertive. Hopefully he learns that. Sometimes taking it at a shot blocker can lead to good things even if you miss or get your shot deflected; one time in the 2H he took it at Allen and was blocked but it took Allen out of the play and Donovan scored on the follow. But Shaedon has this force field around 22 points that he has such a hard time getting over and, even when he does, he doesn't surpass it by much.

Nice games for Love and Cissoko. They played with an edge Shaedon lacked. I thought Grant and Timelord played with an edge, too; Grant had an OK game and Williams was pretty effective. Wesley also played with confidence coming back and I thought played positively.

 

[Graduate32]

I'm obviously a Shaedon fan and I think we would be selling low on him right now. So unless someone is willing to overpay, I wouldn't move him.

Moving him for what would be the likely offer would be a great way to look like the Wizards look right now in relation to Deni.

Firstly, I think the difference in mentality between the two players you just named is a canyon. Secondly, I certainly don't think you should trade him just to trade him or take a bad deal, but if his inclusion in a deal is needed for the team to acquire an upgrade, I don't think he's a player you need to go out of your way to hold out of talks.

 

[B-Roy]

Clingan's in a real funk. Allen absolutely abused him. That shouldn't happen. Clingan ended up with an OK game stat-wise, until you look what his opposite number did. Just a lot of empty stats for Donovan.

This was an opportunity for Shaedon, with neither Jrue or Deni in the lineup. He played too passively. No free throws. 20 points on 21 shots. Just wasn't assertive. Hopefully he learns that. Sometimes taking it at a shot blocker can lead to good things even if you miss or get your shot deflected; one time in the 2H he took it at Allen and was blocked but it took Allen out of the play and Donovan scored on the follow. But Shaedon has this force field around 22 points that he has such a hard time getting over and, even when he does, he doesn't surpass it by much.

Nice games for Love and Cissoko. They played with an edge Shaedon lacked. I thought Grant and Timelord played with an edge, too; Grant had an OK game and Williams was pretty effective. Wesley also played with confidence coming back and I thought played positively.

Shaedon wasn’t passive, he simply can’t create consistently against good defense. His handle is not good enough to beat his defender most of the time, when he gets in the lane he’s prone to turnovers. The only thing he can consistently get is a midrange, which is a low efficiency shot that teams will give him. I’m not hating on Shaedon, but he’s simply not good enough to be in a primary option.

 

[B-Roy]

Firstly, I think the difference in mentality between the two players you just named is a canyon. Secondly, I certainly don't think you should trade him just to trade him or take a bad deal, but if his inclusion in a deal is needed for the team to acquire an upgrade, I don't think he's a player you need to go out of your way to hold out of talks.

Of the players projected to be starters for the future, Shaedon is the obvious place I’d look to upgrade. I think that’s the best way to put it.

 

[blazerkor]

Firstly, I think the difference in mentality between the two players you just named is a canyon. Secondly, I certainly don't think you should trade him just to trade him or take a bad deal, but if his inclusion in a deal is needed for the team to acquire an upgrade, I don't think he's a player you need to go out of your way to hold out of talks.

I agree with all of that. If he's getting good value back then sure, he's definitely not untouchable but I think a like mid first, future first and expiring contract for him... like we paid for Deni would have a very good chance of looking extremely stupid as soon as next season.

 

[Graduate32]

Of the players projected to be starters for the future, Shaedon is the obvious place I’d look to upgrade. I think that’s the best way to put it.

Yeah, it's for that reason that I can see the potential value in a Bridges or McDaniels acquisition (though not for all three picks, at least on their own).

 

[Graduate32]

I agree with all of that. If he's getting good value back then sure, he's definitely not untouchable but I think a like mid first, future first and expiring contract for him... like we paid for Deni would have a very good chance of looking extremely stupid as soon as next season.

Fair enough. I don't think the organization is at the place of swapping a guy like Sharpe for pure picks anyway. I would assume if he were to move it'd be part of a bigger move (Giannis, JJJ, Murphy, etc.).

 

[wizenheimer]

Clingan has been played off the floor in 4 of the last 5 games

wut? I've seen you trash Clingan in game threads several times, but you might want to check your bias a little. In those last 5 games:

1 - 29 min...13 points; 16 reb
2 - 28 min...9 pts; 15 reb's; 5 blks
3 - 30 min...14 pts; 20 reb; 2 ast; 1 blk
4 - 22 min...7 pts; 6 reb
5 - 27 min....8 pts; 12 reb; 5 ast; 4 blks

to summarize, in the last 5 games you claim Clingan has been "played off the floor", he's averaged

27min (same as season average)
10pts (1 less than season average)
14reb (3 more than season average)
2ast (more than season average)
2blk (more than season average)

right....played off the floor except for the part he stayed on the floor

I get he got boat-raced by Allen, but, Allen got boat raced by a lot of veteran C's when he was in his 2nd season

 

[B-Roy]

wut? I've seen you trash Clingan in game threads several times, but you might want to check your bias a little. In those last 5 games:

1 - 29 min...13 points; 16 reb
2 - 28 min...9 pts; 15 reb's; 5 blks
3 - 30 min...14 pts; 20 reb; 2 ast; 1 blk
4 - 22 min...7 pts; 6 reb
5 - 27 min....8 pts; 12 reb; 5 ast; 4 blks

to summarize, in the last 5 games you claim Clingan has been "played off the floor", he's averaged

27min (same as season average)
10pts (1 less than season average)
14reb (3 more than season average)
2ast (more than season average)
2blk (more than season average)

right....played off the floor except for the part he stayed on the floor

I get he got boat-raced by Allen, but, Allen got boat raced by a lot of veteran C's when he was in his 2nd season

Cool stats. Tells me you didn’t watch the games.

 

[wizenheimer]

Cool stats. Tells me you didn’t watch the games.

those cool stats showed he didn't get played off the floor like you said

 

[PCmor7]

Shaedon wasn’t passive, he simply can’t create consistently against good defense. His handle is not good enough to beat his defender most of the time, when he gets in the lane he’s prone to turnovers. The only thing he can consistently get is a midrange, which is a low efficiency shot that teams will give him. I’m not hating on Shaedon, but he’s simply not good enough to be in a primary option.

I beg to differ. I think his mindset was a problem tonight.

I agree with you about his handle, though. I've been beating that drum all season.

 

[1 Eye Jack]

Clingan's in a real funk. Allen absolutely abused him. That shouldn't happen. Clingan ended up with an OK game stat-wise, until you look what his opposite number did. Just a lot of empty stats for Donovan.

This was an opportunity for Shaedon, with neither Jrue or Deni in the lineup. He played too passively. No free throws. 20 points on 21 shots. Just wasn't assertive. Hopefully he learns that. Sometimes taking it at a shot blocker can lead to good things even if you miss or get your shot deflected; one time in the 2H he took it at Allen and was blocked but it took Allen out of the play and Donovan scored on the follow. But Shaedon has this force field around 22 points that he has such a hard time getting over and, even when he does, he doesn't surpass it by much.

Nice games for Love and Cissoko. They played with an edge Shaedon lacked. I thought Grant and Timelord played with an edge, too; Grant had an OK game and Williams was pretty effective. Wesley also played with confidence coming back and I thought played positively.

Pretty disappointed with Sharpe really thought with Deni out last few weeks he’d be way more assertive. As much as I like him and his unlimited potential I just don’t think he has the “it factor”. Hes a guy who will give you 20 every night with subpar defensive effort. Hes 22 so theres still slim possibility he might flip a switch but typically you’d see signs that his competitive motor would kick in and I’m just not seeing it.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

One issue is Deni and Jrue have had a secondary and third scorer like Sharpe to take pressure off them. But the games Sharpe is our leading option he doesn't have that secondary scorer. Having him be the sole primary offensive option is just something he's not really capable of right now. The opposing defense can key in on him.

I do think the Deni in Washington example is a good one. I could certainly see Sharpe improving significantly in a few years. A bonus he is locked into a reasonable contract too.

If we're getting a star, or a move to contend, then sure explore trading him or anyone on the team outside Deni. But I just find that to be extremely unlikely. The far more likely path to contending is he or Scoot or someone else makes a big leap. We shouldn't count on that happening - but there certainly a non zero chance one of them do.

 

[THE HCP]

wut? I've seen you trash Clingan in game threads several times, but you might want to check your bias a little. In those last 5 games:

1 - 29 min...13 points; 16 reb
2 - 28 min...9 pts; 15 reb's; 5 blks
3 - 30 min...14 pts; 20 reb; 2 ast; 1 blk
4 - 22 min...7 pts; 6 reb
5 - 27 min....8 pts; 12 reb; 5 ast; 4 blks

to summarize, in the last 5 games you claim Clingan has been "played off the floor", he's averaged

27min (same as season average)
10pts (1 less than season average)
14reb (3 more than season average)
2ast (more than season average)
2blk (more than season average)

right....played off the floor except for the part he stayed on the floor

I get he got boat-raced by Allen, but, Allen got boat raced by a lot of veteran C's when he was in his 2nd season

So DC putting up those stats is a way to measure if he’s playing well or not, but NOT a 25/15/14 game by Westbrook…….. so confusing.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

So DC putting up those stats is a way to measure if he’s playing well or not, but NOT a 25/15/14 game by Westbrook…….. so confusing.

I don't think anyone ever said Westbrook wasn't playing well with a 25/15/14 game. Playing well for a 2nd year bench/starter like Clingan is a different barometer than a player with a decade of allstar selections living up to his hype.

The Westbrook critics often said how he wasn't helping his team win as other All-NBA players with similar stats normally do. Jokic has periods with similar stats but the amount each contribute to their team winning is worlds apart.

Just go watch the playoff that Dame broke the Thunder - yeah Westbrook put up stats but the amount of stupid plays he made that cost his team on both ends of the floor is astounding. There's about a decade of those with a prime Durant before that, and Westbrook flopped with elite MVP talented teammates in LAL, Houston, Washington, LAC, etc too.

Although not sure why I spend so much time trying to explain this to someone who thought Ant was the Blazers best player the last few years and that Ayton was a good center for the Blazers.

 

[wizenheimer]

So DC putting up those stats is a way to measure if he’s playing well or not, but NOT a 25/15/14 game by Westbrook…….. so confusing.

the difference is: fuck Westbrook

 

[Graduate32]

One issue is Deni and Jrue have had a secondary and third scorer like Sharpe to take pressure off them. But the games Sharpe is our leading option he doesn't have that secondary scorer. Having him be the sole primary offensive option is just something he's not really capable of right now. The opposing defense can key in on him.

I do think the Deni in Washington example is a good one. I could certainly see Sharpe improving significantly in a few years. A bonus he is locked into a reasonable contract too.

If we're getting a star, or a move to contend, then sure explore trading him or anyone on the team outside Deni. But I just find that to be extremely unlikely. The far more likely path to contending is he or Scoot or someone else makes a big leap. We shouldn't count on that happening - but there certainly a non zero chance one of them do.

I generally agree. Though I'm sure to be in the significant minority, I think that Scoot is still more the likely of the two players to take a leap (though I don't like the chances for either). I'm just a big believer that the difference between contributor and star at this level is far more about the mental makeup and personality of a player than skills.

I'm becoming more accepting of the idea that Sharpe's future on the Blazers (if he's not moved and assuming the team is ascending to a contending team in the west) is as a still relatively high-minute, secondary/tertiary offensive option, preferably off the bench. I realize that's not what the majority of fans may have hoped for, but I actually don't think that's a terrible outcome and I'd argue he'd still be worth the contract in that role given the changing cap landscape. To your point, I think he could be far more effective as a second action scorer, shooter, and playmaker.

 

[THE HCP]

the difference is: fuck Westbrook

Oh that’s right . Forgot on here if you don’t LIKE a player or the team they play for you can’t acknowledge greatness. And on the flip side if they play for your favorite team, we can make up stats to justify their ineptitudes. My bad!

 

[wizenheimer]

Oh that’s right . Forgot on here if you don’t LIKE a player or the team they play for you can’t acknowledge greatness. And on the flip side if they play for your favorite team, we can make up stats to justify their ineptitudes. My bad!

wrong....what you forgot is that when you're busy gargling the gonads of one of your favorite non-Blazer players in a Blazer forum, over and over and over, some posters are going to give you shit about it because they like to give you shit....reciprocity for the win!

 

[kjironman1]

wut? I've seen you trash Clingan in game threads several times, but you might want to check your bias a little. In those last 5 games:

1 - 29 min...13 points; 16 reb
2 - 28 min...9 pts; 15 reb's; 5 blks
3 - 30 min...14 pts; 20 reb; 2 ast; 1 blk
4 - 22 min...7 pts; 6 reb
5 - 27 min....8 pts; 12 reb; 5 ast; 4 blks

to summarize, in the last 5 games you claim Clingan has been "played off the floor", he's averaged

27min (same as season average)
10pts (1 less than season average)
14reb (3 more than season average)
2ast (more than season average)
2blk (more than season average)

right....played off the floor except for the part he stayed on the floor

I get he got boat-raced by Allen, but, Allen got boat raced by a lot of veteran C's when he was in his 2nd season

You gotta admit DC has had a rough last few games. The stats don't tell the story here.

 

[AldoTrapani]

Clingan might be one of those centers who has great numbers on paper but come out to be empty stats.

His paint defense use to be so good. He’s terrible at it now