BonesJones
https://www.youtube.com/c/blazersuprise
- Joined
- May 7, 2015
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It has been evident lately that the Blazers desperately need to upgrade their role players. This is even more evident with Turner starting because Lillard, Crabbe, and McCollum are never on the court at the same time.
This means that we never have more than 2 shooters on the floor at one time. Harkless' percentage has dipped. Turner is below average. Aminu airballs more than he makes. Plumlee and Davis can't shoot outside of 2 feet, and Meyers thinks he can shoot... Only one of those players can create his own shot. Only Aminu and Turner are solid defenders.
It's been a miracle that Lillard and CJ have done what they've done this year with the players they have surrounding them. They've had to grind so hard on the offensive end to create baskets, and it's reflected by CJ running the most miles this year out of any NBA player.
With all they have to do on the offensive end, it's going to negatively affect their defense. I've seen flashes of good defense from both these guys, and I think that if they had less pressure to create on offense, they'd be better defenders.
We saw how things get bogged down at the end of last nights game if Lillard and McCollum don't dominate the ball each possession. We had Turner, Plumlee, and Aminu trying to find a denied Lillard and McCollum, with Aminu and Plumlee not looking to attack (because that's not their skillset) and Turner getting sagged off of.
Lillard and McCollum have to cut all over the floor then run back for a handoff in order to try and do things offensively, because are role players aren't a threat (or are a very limited one at that). This kills their energy, and hurts them defensively. Therefore, having a guy like Aminu on the court has a negative effect on Lillard's and McCollum's defense because his offensive ineptitude makes McLillard expand so much more energy trying to create decent shots.
My Conclusion:
My conclusion is that we need to acquire as many two-way role players, not trade one of Lillard or McCollum.
Imagine if we had just ONE or TWO more players that could help Lillard and McCollum offensively, thus helping them expend more energy defensively, while also being solid defenders themselves. Lately, Turner's stepped up and been a two-way player, and all of a sudden we're competing with good teams.
The problem with this team is it's limited role players. Someone like Serge Ibaka would do wonders for this team, and even Wesley Matthews (someone who can shoot and play defense) would be an upgrade in terms of two-way play over anyone we have.
It simply looks like CJ and Dame can't work because of who they're surrounded with, and how much energy they expend trying to get the team good shots. If you add some offensive talent, you save their energy for the other end, and if that offensive talent can defend, then you'll see massive improvements. Yes, CJ and Dame will never be good defenders, but I still believe they can be at least average, and just need a little help.
This means that we never have more than 2 shooters on the floor at one time. Harkless' percentage has dipped. Turner is below average. Aminu airballs more than he makes. Plumlee and Davis can't shoot outside of 2 feet, and Meyers thinks he can shoot... Only one of those players can create his own shot. Only Aminu and Turner are solid defenders.
It's been a miracle that Lillard and CJ have done what they've done this year with the players they have surrounding them. They've had to grind so hard on the offensive end to create baskets, and it's reflected by CJ running the most miles this year out of any NBA player.
With all they have to do on the offensive end, it's going to negatively affect their defense. I've seen flashes of good defense from both these guys, and I think that if they had less pressure to create on offense, they'd be better defenders.
We saw how things get bogged down at the end of last nights game if Lillard and McCollum don't dominate the ball each possession. We had Turner, Plumlee, and Aminu trying to find a denied Lillard and McCollum, with Aminu and Plumlee not looking to attack (because that's not their skillset) and Turner getting sagged off of.
Lillard and McCollum have to cut all over the floor then run back for a handoff in order to try and do things offensively, because are role players aren't a threat (or are a very limited one at that). This kills their energy, and hurts them defensively. Therefore, having a guy like Aminu on the court has a negative effect on Lillard's and McCollum's defense because his offensive ineptitude makes McLillard expand so much more energy trying to create decent shots.
My Conclusion:
My conclusion is that we need to acquire as many two-way role players, not trade one of Lillard or McCollum.
Imagine if we had just ONE or TWO more players that could help Lillard and McCollum offensively, thus helping them expend more energy defensively, while also being solid defenders themselves. Lately, Turner's stepped up and been a two-way player, and all of a sudden we're competing with good teams.
The problem with this team is it's limited role players. Someone like Serge Ibaka would do wonders for this team, and even Wesley Matthews (someone who can shoot and play defense) would be an upgrade in terms of two-way play over anyone we have.
It simply looks like CJ and Dame can't work because of who they're surrounded with, and how much energy they expend trying to get the team good shots. If you add some offensive talent, you save their energy for the other end, and if that offensive talent can defend, then you'll see massive improvements. Yes, CJ and Dame will never be good defenders, but I still believe they can be at least average, and just need a little help.
