I had arguments with people last season when I said CJ's hot start was simply not sustainable. Adding last season to this season, CJ going bonkers while Dame defers has resulted in an 8-6 record; which is the same number of home games vs road games; which is the same number of losing teams vs winning teams
Portland was 7-5 last season when CJ AND Nurkic both went down. Dame assumed the #1 option again and the Blazers went 11-5 over the next 16 games while missing two starters
it's been OK so far because Dame has been cold from 3. But Portland is simply at it's best when Dame is dealing, not when CJ is dribbling and shooting
remember the chatter about Dame getting more off the ball action? For sure Portland is taking the ball out of his hands. But they ain't creating any offense for him. His assisted FG rate so far is 14%. Last season it was 28%. Last season, Dame averaged 82 touches a game. So far this year, he's averaging 51 touches a game.
I don't care what anybody says, Portland will not be the best team they can be by taking Dame out of the offense. It's a stupid plan, if that's what it is