AROUND THE NBA THREAD. Sept 2021 edition

[Fairly-Hard]

this is a bit disappointing.

https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-power-rankings?justPublished=true

not sure why we are ranked worse than where we were last year with a slightly better bench and the same starters.

Ranking us below Memphis and NY? Eh come on, Stein.

18 has them finishing out of the playoffs and in the Lotto. 9th in the West.
That might be right? I'm willing to bet it's not. Injuries of course could derail the season but if Chauncey is that bad (He may very well be) it's going to be a tough year.
I have always been one to give any coach more than a year to figure things out. I wonder if Dame feels the same?

 

[tykendo]

18 has them finishing out of the playoffs and in the Lotto. 9th in the West.
That might be right? I'm willing to bet it's not. Injuries of course could derail the season but if Chauncey is that bad (He may very well be) it's going to be a tough year.
I have always been one to give any coach more than a year to figure things out. I wonder if Dame feels the same?

Rankings are just an opinion. They rarely stay the same through a given year. If they don't believe the Blazers will be good, fine. Blazers have had their best years being under the radar.

 

[KSF-ERIC]

I wish he was asking people to get vaccinated in this tweet. Prayers aren't going to get it done. IMO.

 

[Strenuus]

Lol Aldridge comes out of retirement to sign with the Nets.

Be more obvious lol

 

[wizenheimer]

this is a bit disappointing.

https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-power-rankings?justPublished=true

not sure why we are ranked worse than where we were last year with a slightly better bench and the same starters.

Ranking us below Memphis and NY? Eh come on, Stein.

in the West, I think there are pretty clearly 4 teams better: Jazz-Suns-Nuggets-Clippers. And if Klay Thompson returns to form, Warriors will be better. Also, if the Lakers stay relatively healthy, they should be better too

but Dallas? They weren't better last season and their only notable addition that I recall is Reggie Bullock; and they lost Josh Richardson

I've lost track of all the changes Memphis has made, but I really can't imagine they will be so much better they'll gain 5 games on Portland

I don't think it matters much where Portland ranks compared to EC teams, but I think the Knicks are rated too high

 

[SheedSoNasty]

Harry Giles to the Clippers. Should we start at appreciation thread?

 

[Chris Craig]

 

[Freshtown]

Yay

 

[royo]

in the West, I think there are pretty clearly 4 teams better: Jazz-Suns-Nuggets-Clippers. And if Klay Thompson returns to form, Warriors will be better. Also, if the Lakers stay relatively healthy, they should be better too

but Dallas? They weren't better last season and their only notable addition that I recall is Reggie Bullock; and they lost Josh Richardson

I've lost track of all the changes Memphis has made, but I really can't imagine they will be so much better they'll gain 5 games on Portland

I don't think it matters much where Portland ranks compared to EC teams, but I think the Knicks are rated too high

I am seriously amazed how changing Stotts for a coach haven't hit the radar.
Lack of effort and lack of ball movement was main problem of this team under Stotts. I say, trading Stotts for Billups is like adding an all star to the team.
I believe Blazers will be much better this season.

 

[BigGameDamian]

I wish him luck!

 

[BigGameDamian]

Rasheed Wallace Says LeBron Wouldn't Be As Successful in Sheed's Era | THE ODD COUPLE




“In my era, he probably would’ve done good with his physical stature, with him being a little bit bigger than the majority of the rest [of the players],” Wallace said. “So he probably would’ve held his own, but I don’t think he would be as successful as he is now. Now it’s…man, he’s doin it. Young bull doin’ it. It’s a whole different era back then… I think he would’ve held his own. I couldn’t necessarily say that he would’ve been a beast, but I think he would’ve held his own.”

 

[THE HCP]

I am seriously amazed how changing Stotts for a coach haven't hit the radar.
Lack of effort and lack of ball movement was main problem of this team under Stotts. I say, trading Stotts for Billups is like adding an all star to the team.
I believe Blazers will be much better this season.

What? You think THIS team will be better than last season??!! I just don’t see it FAMS! Wait til you see this bench hit the floor!!

 

[KSF-ERIC]

What? You think THIS team will be better than last season??!! I just don’t see it FAMS! Wait til you see this bench hit the floor!!

The new bench is much better defensively and the young pieces are more developed. Also- Larry Nance Jr is better than anyone on our bench last year. If everyone stays healthy, we should finish at least at 6th (last year’s finish). Time will tell. What we know is that you aren’t very good at preseason predictions.

 

[royo]

What? You think THIS team will be better than last season??!! I just don’t see it FAMS! Wait til you see this bench hit the floor!!

I am sure, they will be better. Good point with the bench tho. It would be nice if CJ could spend more time killing second units. Blazers could make GoldenState like runs with him. 12:0 run in few possessions and game over in 2nd q.

 

[Fairly-Hard]

I am seriously amazed how changing Stotts for a coach haven't hit the radar.
Lack of effort and lack of ball movement was main problem of this team under Stotts. I say, trading Stotts for Billups is like adding an all star to the team.
I believe Blazers will be much better this season.

Old saying that has been said over and over again.
The coach gets way too much credit for losses and way too little credit for wins.

 

[royo]

Old saying that has been said over and over again.
The coach gets way too much credit for losses and way too little credit for wins.

It wasn't even that much about coaching itself. Problem with this team under Stotts was lack of professionalism.
It was (in my eyes) about Stotts letting Lillard, CJ and Melo play heroball whenever they wanted. That was the reason of no ball movement. That was the reason Nurk had his head down and whole team lazy effort. That's what I think.
It is not about changing coaching schemes as much as about changing this team into actual team. Under Stotts it was 3golden boys that never did nothing wrong and rest of players, not important for Stotts at all.

 

[Fairly-Hard]

It wasn't even that much about coaching itself. Problem with this team under Stotts was lack of professionalism.
It was (in my eyes) about Stotts letting Lillard, CJ and Melo play heroball whenever they wanted. That was the reason of no ball movement. That was the reason Nurk had his head down and whole team lazy effort. That's what I think.
It is not about changing coaching schemes as much as about changing this team into actual team. Under Stotts it was 3golden boys that never did nothing wrong and rest of players, not important for Stotts at all.

Classic case of Blame the guy that’s no longer there.
Nurk was injured and out of shape most of the season.
Melo was playing because Collins wasn’t.
Dame played hero ball because CJ was also hurt then out of shape.
Blaming Stotts for being “Unprofessional” is something I have never heard to this point but you are more than welcome to your opinion.
Let’s hope Billups can do well here.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

What? You think THIS team will be better than last season??!! I just don’t see it FAMS! Wait til you see this bench hit the floor!!

So which of Kanter, Melo or Jones Jr. is it that we'll miss the most, according to you?

 

[Fairly-Hard]

So which of Kanter, Melo or Jones Jr. is it that we'll miss the most, according to you?

Well consider the source here?
Obviously it's the Legacy of Melo they will miss the most.
I think there was a thread about that guy coming here or something like that?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

So which of Kanter, Melo or Jones Jr. is it that we'll miss the most, according to you?

HCP has been quite vocal about his belief that we will greatly miss Kanter.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

I do think Kanter is being greatly underappreciated. He kept this team competent without Nurk and CJ. Yes he can be schemed out of playing in the playoffs, but that isnt as much of a negative in the regular season.

The Kanter + Melo duo off the bench is a disaster, but having just Kanter would've been a nice option.

Nance is much better than anyone we had on the bench last year.

 

[royo]

Classic case of Blame the guy that’s no longer there.
Nurk was injured and out of shape most of the season.
Melo was playing because Collins wasn’t.
Dame played hero ball because CJ was also hurt then out of shape.
Blaming Stotts for being “Unprofessional” is something I have never heard to this point but you are more than welcome to your opinion.
Let’s hope Billups can do well here.

I think I was in the very first group, that wanted him gone, long time ago. I believe you wrong, but season will show it and there is no reason to dig it longer now.

(and I probably used "unprofessional" along with "high school musical drama" about hundred times last few seasons)

 

[Rastapopoulos]

I do think Kanter is being greatly underappreciated. He kept this team competent without Nurk and CJ. Yes he can be schemed out of playing in the playoffs, but that isnt as much of a negative in the regular season.

The Kanter + Melo duo off the bench is a disaster, but having just Kanter would've been a nice option.

Nance is much better than anyone we had on the bench last year.

I agree that Kanter is seriously good on offense. But pretty much unplayable on defense. When I watch Nurk miss bunnies I will miss Kanter all the more. BUT: replacing him with Nance is a definite improvement.

 

[riverman]

I thought Kanter a good bench center but the reason he got 20 rebounds a game at times was poor shooting from our bench guards when he was in the game...he's great at offensive rebounds but that also means your jump shooters are throwing up bricks...great guy Enes though

 

[wizenheimer]

I am seriously amazed how changing Stotts for a coach haven't hit the radar.
Lack of effort and lack of ball movement was main problem of this team under Stotts. I say, trading Stotts for Billups is like adding an all star to the team.
I believe Blazers will be much better this season.

I have not one single clue how people can jump to that conclusion, other than wishful thinking. Please explain

I get that Stotts needed to go. His coaching peaked in 2017-18; his defenses were poor; his rotations were loopy; and his offense became remedial

but Portland isn't getting 28 year old Billups starting in the back court. They are getting 45 year old Billups in his 1st year of being a HC and only 2nd year of being a coach at any level. In fact, Billups moved from not a single game of coaching experience, to assistant coach, to head coach, in less than 7 months. That's it...he has less than 7 months of coaching experience. Not 7 years...7 months!

what in his resume as a coach makes anyone convinced he will be a good coach? I'm not saying he won't be....I'm just saying all the positive feelings about Billups seem to be based on his playing career, or maybe on things he's said...or simply that he's not Stotts. That's a real shallow cup to pour all the expectations for his greatness into

 

[James lamphear]

We miss kanter for his offensive rebounding. Yes nurk miss bunnies under neath but so did kanter. But this year I kind of scratch my head little bit how actually how good we will be. On paper our 2nd unit will be better defensely but offensive are we going still the same shit with CJ show looking for his shot to much and not getting into some kind of offensive. Plus will the 2nd be able to put points up on the board. 2nd point how well we rebound on both unit due to it look like we playing small in the 1st unit and even in the 2nd by the stats on those players there all average rebounders will this where we probably will miss kanter. 3rd is on Billups yes sitting here him talking sound really good but he still hasn't coach a game as a head coach. Will he be able hold all the team accountable of there play on both ends that's included Dame and CJ. To me I hope we have great year but before I going actually put down how many games we will win I have see them play to preseason games first just how Billups offensive goes and what he will try to do on defensive. I had them 44-36 range before Nance trade and I think Criss will have better chance making this team then Smith if there only going to keep 14 players.

 

[tykendo]

It wasn't even that much about coaching itself. Problem with this team under Stotts was lack of professionalism.
It was (in my eyes) about Stotts letting Lillard, CJ and Melo play heroball whenever they wanted. That was the reason of no ball movement. That was the reason Nurk had his head down and whole team lazy effort. That's what I think.
It is not about changing coaching schemes as much as about changing this team into actual team. Under Stotts it was 3golden boys that never did nothing wrong and rest of players, not important for Stotts at all.

Maybe if Nurk hit his layups, and didn't commit stupid fouls, and teammates hit open looks off Dame passes, he wouldn't need to play "Hero Ball". But he has to plenty, and the thing is, HE'S GOOD AT IT.

 

[royo]

I have not one single clue how people can jump to that conclusion, other than wishful thinking. Please explain

I get that Stotts needed to go. His coaching peaked in 2017-18; his defenses were poor; his rotations were loopy; and his offense became remedial

but Portland isn't getting 28 year old Billups starting in the back court. They are getting 45 year old Billups in his 1st year of being a HC and only 2nd year of being a coach at any level. In fact, Billups moved from not a single game of coaching experience, to assistant coach, to head coach, in less than 7 months. That's it...he has less than 7 months of coaching experience. Not 7 years...7 months!

what in his resume as a coach makes anyone convinced he will be a good coach? I'm not saying he won't be....I'm just saying all the positive feelings about Billups seem to be based on his playing career, or maybe on things he's said...or simply that he's not Stotts. That's a real shallow cup to pour all the expectations for his greatness into

Ok, I explain:

All you need to do for this team to work is keep CJ accountable, when he is changing into black hole. Stotts couldn't do it.

First thing I heard from Billups was talk about ball movement and looking for great shots.
And this is enough for me to be optimistic, but really fuckin optimistic about this team.
There is no reason for me to be pessimistic after I blamed Stotts for everything bad that happened in the team.
I know how dangerous Blazers are, when ball is moving and how hopeless they are, when they play ISO hero ball.

I believe that Billups won't be pushover for our stars and I think Stotts kinda was for CJ and for Melo.

If Billups can inject discipline into this guys I know they can beat anyone.

 

[royo]

Maybe if Nurk hit his layups, and didn't commit stupid fouls, and teammates hit open looks off Dame passes, he wouldn't need to play "Hero Ball". But he has to plenty, and the thing is, HE'S GOOD AT IT.

To clear this. I got nothing against Lillard style of playing. For me, he can shot from the half all night, if he feels it.
More ball movement will give him more looks, so it's even better.
As for Nurk. He was fourth guy in the team, but he was the only one from 4, that was punished by Stotts. Am not really sure where Nurk's head is, but Stotts didn't help him much.

 

[wizenheimer]

Ok, I explain:

All you need to do for this team to work is keep CJ accountable, when he is changing into black hole. Stotts couldn't do it.

First thing I heard from Billups was talk about ball movement and looking for great shots.
And this is enough for me to be optimistic, but really fuckin optimistic about this team.
There is no reason for me to be pessimistic after I blamed Stotts for everything bad that happened in the team.
I know how dangerous Blazers are, when ball is moving and how hopeless they are, when they play ISO hero ball.

I believe that Billups won't be pushover for our stars and I think Stotts kinda was for CJ and for Melo.

If Billups can inject discipline into this guy's, I know they can beat anyone.

ok. Apparently you believe that Billups will turn the same core that has averaged less than 46 wins and has a 22-40 record in the playoffs into a contender. Discipline is the magic beans

the problem with counting on ball movement is you need more than one consistently good passer on a team to make it work. Portland doesn't have that