Around the NBA - March 2018

[dviss1]

Which is 25% LESS than we did previously! But I should have specified that I meant on the P/R.
Yes, we're guarding the ball way better, because Dame has made it a focus and we're actually using Bazz (and Nurk/Ed are better than Plumlee/Meyers).
An increase in effort is not a change in scheme (although as we both pointed out, the scheme changed slightly in regards to P/R coverage).
As I said, Dame, Nurk, Ed, and Bazz are all SIGNIFICANTLY better than last season - I chalk up our improved D to this (along with FINALLY throwing different looks at the P/R).

First you're so wrong about our screen switching, it's not even funny. 2nd, you don't know what's going on behind the scenes.

Dame making Defense a focus had nothing to do with Stotts? I disagree.

You don't have all the info to properly make the assessment that we're good on D despite Stotts. And to me, that's a tired argument.

 

[blue9]

You don't have all the info to properly make the assessment that we're good on D despite Stotts. And to me, that's a tired argument.

And you don't have all the info to properly make the assessment that we're good on D because of Stotts. So, we should all just shut the fuck up, take our balls and go home, and Denny can shut down the site.

 

[dviss1]

And you don't have all the info to properly make the assessment that we're good on D because of Stotts. So, we should all just shut the fuck up, take our balls and go home, and Denny can shut down the site.

That's why I never made a definitive statement either way.

See how that works?

And no one said anything like that bolded part but I guess you need to create a narrative.

 

[andalusian]

They've got the #2 seed on lockdown pretty much. They need to just rest their starters. The playoffs this year are gonna be insanity.

Either that or they really suck at tanking.

 

[hoopsjock]

First you're so wrong about our screen switching, it's not even funny. 2nd, you don't know what's going on behind the scenes.

Dame making Defense a focus had nothing to do with Stotts? I disagree.

You don't have all the info to properly make the assessment that we're good on D despite Stotts. And to me, that's a tired argument.

Even if I disagreed with Stotts philosophies on defense I have to acknowledge that when he's had good defensive personnel the defense has been fine (this year and when we had the Dame, Wes, Batum, TT, RoLo lineup). The start of last year was it Stotts' coaching or the fact that the personnel were mostly horrible defenders, especially the bigs?

Edit: This kind of seemed like I was questioning you but it was meant as an agreement with that there isn't a true way to know for sure if it is because of Stotts or despite him.

 

[blue9]

It's interesting when the switches occur though. Nurk very rarely gets left on an island trying to defend a point guard on the perimeter. He usually hangs back when his guy picks which gives the guy being screened plenty of room to navigate through the pick. Even on TV I notice him screaming that the pick is coming well before the pick is actually set. Now because he hangs back it often leads to an open mid range shot but in the past that has been what Stotts wants to happen instead of a 3 or a drive to the hoop since a long 2 is the most inefficient shot in basketball. It used to be that the Blazers just immediately switched every time an opposing player breathed near them. It was so infuriating especially against the Clips and Mavs were you have to watch 48 minutes of Dirk or Griffin getting the ball at the free throw line with Dame or CJ on them or watching Chris Paul abuse Davis or Plumlee off the dribble.

I'm not so sure Stotts changed his philosophy. Over the summer he said he considered changing it but decided against it. Davis is not getting in those situations where he has to guard a smaller player on the perimeter anywhere near as much as previously though so maybe they did change it up. Collins still get switched on to a smaller guard pretty frequently but that might be because he is still learning the game. I really think Nurk should get a lot of credit for being a floor general on defense. Having a smart defensive center can completely transform a bad defense into a good one (see Boston with Garnett and Dallas with Tyson Chandler).

BINGO!
The philosophy hasn't changed (much). And honestly, it's not a bad philosophy - it's much better to get the opponent to take long-2s than 3s or dunks. What's been infuriating in the past is that:

(1) we gave up UNCONTESTED 2s
(2) we ALWAYS did the same thing on P/R coverage, so the opponent knew what to expect and how to exploit it, and
(3) we were taking the very same types of shots (long 2s) that Terry wanted the opponent to take (DUMB!)

I'd still like to see us throw an occasional trap into our P/R coverage. But I'll settle for no longer going under the screen on 3-point shooters, and Dame's improvement at getting over the top coupled with Nurk's ability to help contain the ball. The best thing is no longer having to watch LA switch with Dame on every damn P/R - that was murder.

 

[LayneStaley]

I found an upgrade at SF for next year.

 

[Strenuus]

View attachment 19409 I found an upgrade at SF for next year.

Eh. Not all that impressed with him.

 

[hoopsjock]

BINGO!
The philosophy hasn't changed (much). And honestly, it's not a bad philosophy - it's much better to get the opponent to take long-2s than 3s or dunks. What's been infuriating in the past is that:

(1) we gave up UNCONTESTED 2s
(2) we ALWAYS did the same thing on P/R coverage, so the opponent knew what to expect and how to exploit it, and
(3) we were taking the very same types of shots (long 2s) that Terry wanted the opponent to take (DUMB!)

I'd still like to see us throw an occasional trap into our P/R coverage. But I'll settle for no longer going under the screen on 3-point shooters, and Dame's improvement at getting over the top coupled with Nurk's ability to help contain the ball. The best thing is no longer having to watch LA switch with Dame on every damn P/R - that was murder.

My question then is Nurk just doing what others before him haven't been able to accomplish or does Stotts implement a slightly different style with him so he doesn't get caught on an island or a little of both? Why is Davis switching less if it isn't a philosophical change?

 

[illmatic99]

View attachment 19409 I found an upgrade at SF for next year.

And he would be happy here as a third option again?

 

[KeepOnRollin]

View attachment 19409 I found an upgrade at SF for next year.

1st, If he isn't happy behind Towns and Butler then why would he be happy being behind at least Dame and CJ (if not also Nurkic).
2nd, I think he is horribly overrated. He should not be on a max contract.

 

[hoopsjock]

View attachment 19409 I found an upgrade at SF for next year.

Not much of an upgrade, just signed a huge max extension that he is not worth, and why the fuck would someone complain about their role behind an injured player who isn't even a factor right now?

 

[blue9]

View attachment 19409 I found an upgrade at SF for next year.

Who?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Who?

Jimmy Butler, obviously, since the Wolves are committed to Wiggins for the next 5 years and will never be able to deal him, they'd better deal Butler to keep Wiggins from becoming a cancer, and to allow him the room to flourish.

Yeah, that's the ticket...

 

[blue9]

My question then is Nurk just doing what others before him haven't been able to accomplish or does Stotts implement a slightly different style with him so he doesn't get caught on an island or a little of both? Why is Davis switching less if it isn't a philosophical change?

I think Nurk (and Ed) is more mobile than Plumlee and Rolo (duh!). Even if mobility is equal to Plums, he has the length to both sag and contain the ball. He's much better equipped to handle someone attacking the rim off the screen.

 

[dviss1]

Edit: This kind of seemed like I was questioning you but it was meant as an agreement with that there isn't a true way to know for sure if it is because of Stotts or despite him.

My point entirely.

 

[dviss1]

View attachment 19409 I found an upgrade at SF for next year.

Then how's he gonna feel being behind Dame, CJ, and Nurk?

 

[blue9]

And no one said anything like that bolded part but I guess you need to create a narrative.

Sorry buddy, but I'm not "creating a narrative" - I'm extrapolating from your statement where you said "You don't have all the info to properly make the assessment...", which implies that if you don't have the info you shouldn't be talking. What's a "tired argument" is telling someone they don't have all the info, because nobody here has anywhere close to all of the info needed to make a fully informed opinion. Still love ya, though!

I gave some counter-examples to why we might be better at defense this year - you don't have to agree with them, but I think they're legit reasons why we might be better. And, my reasons for our improvement (players) don't exclude your reasons for improvement (coaching)...I just happen to think Dame/Nurk/Ed/Bazz are a larger reason for our improvement than Stotts.

 

[dviss1]

Sorry buddy, but I'm not "creating a narrative" - I'm extrapolating from your statement where you said "You don't have all the info to properly make the assessment...", which implies that if you don't have the info you shouldn't be talking. What's a "tired argument" is telling someone they don't have all the info, because nobody here has anywhere close to all of the info needed to make a fully informed opinion. Still love ya, though!

I gave some counter-examples to why we might be better at defense this year - you don't have to agree with them, but I think they're legit reasons why we might be better. And, my reasons for our improvement (players) don't exclude your reasons for improvement (coaching)...I just happen to think Dame/Nurk/Ed/Bazz are a larger reason for our improvement than Stotts.

All while completely ignoring my other statement:

That's why I never made a definitive statement either way.

and

I was pointing our that your statement of:

Honestly, I don't see anything in particular that Stotts is doing differently - aside from not switching EVERY screen...he doesn't deserve credit for NOT doing the dumbest shit (anymore).
Dame and Nurk (and Ed and Bazz) deserve the credit for our improved D. If Stotts ever decides to add depth to his playbook (on either end of the floor) then maybe he can get some credit too...but the bitch is basic.

Is just your bullshit narrative. You created it, and you don't have any info to call it fact. It's just you pulling shit outta your ass to take shots at Stotts.

It's Bush league.

 

[blue9]

All while completely ignoring my other statement:

and

I was pointing our that your statement of:



Is just your bullshit narrative. You created it, and you don't have any info to call it fact. It's just you pulling shit outta your ass to take shots at Stotts.

It's Bush league.

I expect better from you man.

 

[dviss1]

I expect better from you man.

So no defense? Just as I thought. You're usually a pretty informed poster.

I actually expect better from you when it comes to the assessment of our team.

You used conjecture to call Stotts a "basic bitch" and you expect better from me? Cool story.

 

[blue9]

All while completely ignoring my other statement: That's why I never made a definitive statement either way.

Yeah, I ignored it because it wasn't worth commenting on. You want a cookie for not making a definitive statement on something on a message board? That's what these shits are for, man!

I was pointing our that your statement of "...I don't see anything in particular that Stotts is doing differently - aside from not switching EVERY screen...he doesn't deserve credit for NOT doing the dumbest shit (anymore).
Dame and Nurk (and Ed and Bazz) deserve the credit for our improved D. If Stotts ever decides to add depth to his playbook (on either end of the floor) then maybe he can get some credit too...but the bitch is basic."

Is just your bullshit narrative. You created it, and you don't have any info to call it fact. It's just you pulling shit outta your ass to take shots at Stotts.

It's Bush league.

I shouldn't need to re-hash all the various reasons I think Stotts is basic every time I post about him. You know my opinion of him, you've read my critiques. Yeah, I'm gonna take shots at him. It's not (all) bullshit just because you don't agree with it.

I'm trying to talk ball, not get into Mags-level pissing contests over poor argumentative dialectics. I wasn't going to respond to the above because it's not about anything. Please don't follow the path of guys who want to take discussions off the rails into arguments about nothing other than trying to get the other person to walk away. I know it's the argument-style most used here, but it's boring and for stupid people. I expect better from people who aren't stupid (that means you!).

 

[THE HCP]

Eh. Not all that impressed with him.

SSSSHHHHHHEEEEEEEIIIITTTTTTTT!

 

[PtldPlatypus]

SSSSHHHHHHEEEEEEEIIIITTTTTTTT!

What, you are? What has he ever done at a high level? He's a great athlete, sure, but so far barely an average NBA player.

 

[dviss1]

Yeah, I ignored it because it wasn't worth commenting on. You want a cookie for not making a definitive statement on something on a message board? That's what these shits are for, man!


I shouldn't need to re-hash all the various reasons I think Stotts is basic every time I post about him. You know my opinion of him, you've read my critiques. Yeah, I'm gonna take shots at him. It's not (all) bullshit just because you don't agree with it.

I'm trying to talk ball, not get into Mags-level pissing contests over poor argumentative dialectics. I wasn't going to respond to the above because it's not about anything. Please don't follow the path of guys who want to take discussions off the rails into arguments about nothing other than trying to get the other person to walk away. I know it's the argument-style most used here, but it's boring and for stupid people. I expect better from people who aren't stupid (that means you!).

You admit you don't like Stotts.
You admit that you didn't have enough info to make your biased statement.

This is why I'm calling your shot at Stotts Bush league.
You literally created a strawman, burned it on Stotts head, and expected people to swallow that crap while not being called on it.

No one's in any contest. Pissing, shitting, or eating.

I'm simply calling your assessment exactly what it is:

Bullshit.

And you certainly weren't "talking ball" nor were you trying to.

You were just taking a bullshit shot at Stotts.

 

[Boob-No-More]

View attachment 19409 I found an upgrade at SF for next year.

Unhappy as the third fiddle behind two all stars in Minnesota tells me he probably wouldn't be happy being the third fiddle behind one all star in Portland. Sounds like the dude would rather be the batman on a shitty team than be a valuable part of a good team.

BNM

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Sounds like the dude would rather be the batman on a shitty team than be a valuable part of a good team.

BNM

LamAndrewcus AldWiggins?

 

[dviss1]

I'd still like to see us throw an occasional trap into our P/R coverage. But I'll settle for no longer going under the screen on 3-point shooters, and Dame's improvement at getting over the top coupled with Nurk's ability to help contain the ball. The best thing is no longer having to watch LA switch with Dame on every damn P/R - that was murder.

This has literally never been in the defensive gameplan.

 

[Boob-No-More]

LamAndrewcus AldWiggins?

Maybe I should add "delusional" to my criticism of Wiggins. Did LaMarcus REALLY think he was going to be The Man on a team that already had Kawhi and Duncan?

BNM

 

[THE HCP]

What, you are? What has he ever done at a high level? He's a great athlete, sure, but so far barely an average NBA player.

View attachment 19416

All those numbers confuse The HCP.