Best way to keep Oden in the game

[MrJayremmie]

I don't agree. i think a vast majority of his fouls come on the defensive end in help situations.

I think better perimeter defense would really help him. I also think him learning how to contest shots without fouling would help. And I think the refs not being assholes would help.

If anything, I think getting him involved on offense is beneficial for both him and the team. It seems that when he is involved on offense he is energized and plays better D. Not Lazy D.

 

[Kaydow]

The Blazers need to change their defensive philosophy. I have said this for 2 years now. They need to keep their centers more stationary, rather than have them darting out to "help."

We need our defense to funnel people to the weak side, or side that our center is not on. Most of the good defensive teams do this. You can watch it when you see Brandon having a hard time getting a good shot.

Take the pick and roll out of the picture. Press full court with one gurad, and force the PG to go to a certain side

I agree - spoken like a true former coach! I think to make this happen consistently they need a more physical PG. Somebody who can get through picks, somebody who's can pressure the ball and force the ball to one side of the court. I've seen Blake try and pressure the ball in the back court and he just doesn't have the speed or physicality to force the dribbler in any direction. Miller doesn't have the legs - can you imagine 'Dre picking up Tony Parker full court tonight? He's just blow right around him. This pick-n-roll defensive problem has been ongoing for us. Our guards have to be able to get through picks - point blank. And when they don't, I'd rather see us giving up open jumpers (at least early in the game) than our bigs picking up cheap fouls. Don't get me wrong, I hate giving up open looks. But the foul trouble is killing us. Not to mention we're often in the penalty half way through the quarter and giving the other team too many FT's.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

He's got to keep his hands straight up. He's getting better but still tends to bring 'em down.

 

[Mediocre Man]

I agree - spoken like a true former coach! I think to make this happen consistently they need a more physical PG. Somebody who can get through picks, somebody who's can pressure the ball and force the ball to one side of the court. I've seen Blake try and pressure the ball in the back court and he just doesn't have the speed or physicality to force the dribbler in any direction. Miller doesn't have the legs - can you imagine 'Dre picking up Tony Parker full court tonight? He's just blow right around him. This pick-n-roll defensive problem has been ongoing for us. Our guards have to be able to get through picks - point blank. And when they don't, I'd rather see us giving up open jumpers (at least early in the game) than our bigs picking up cheap fouls. Don't get me wrong, I hate giving up open looks. But the foul trouble is killing us. Not to mention we're often in the penalty half way through the quarter and giving the other team too many FT's.

Bayless is the ideal guy for this. He is strong, and with some consistant playing time, he should be able to guide a player to a side. Have Martell or LA jump out to help, and then "give" the other team open 20 foot jumpers, like they do to us. Most teams don't have 3 of the best offensive rebounders in the league on their roster like Portland does. We should be able to control the rebound with Oden and Roy, with LA coming in to get long rebounds with Webster. If we pushed the ball off misses, the other team wouldn't be able to send as many people to the glass either. If they get the ball to a player and choose to set up instead of taking the open shot, then switch to zone. It's like basketball 101, and I don't understand why our coach doesn't utilize this method?

 

[B-Roy]

I've always liked Bayless's man defense, but he takes too many stupid fouls and can't fight through a screen for shit.

 

[Idog1976]

Bayless is the ideal guy for this. He is strong, and with some consistant playing time, he should be able to guide a player to a side. Have Martell or LA jump out to help, and then "give" the other team open 20 foot jumpers, like they do to us. Most teams don't have 3 of the best offensive rebounders in the league on their roster like Portland does. We should be able to control the rebound with Oden and Roy, with LA coming in to get long rebounds with Webster. If we pushed the ball off misses, the other team wouldn't be able to send as many people to the glass either. If they get the ball to a player and choose to set up instead of taking the open shot, then switch to zone. It's like basketball 101, and I don't understand why our coach doesn't utilize this method?

Because his genius is beyond mere mortal reckoning. Witness the last 6 minutes of the Hawks game and his decision to continue to start Blake. I'm sure we will wisely stay away from LA or GO in the post as well. Everyone knows the game is won or lost with 20 foot jumpers.

/sarcasm

 

[Mediocre Man]

I've always liked Bayless's man defense, but he takes too many stupid fouls and can't fight through a screen for shit.

Bayless is our ONLY player who can fight through a screen. One of the problems I always saw last year was that his teammates were so used to jumping the pick and roll because of Blakey and Sergio that they often colided with Jerryd, who could get through the pick.


As for the fouls, you are right. I think with some consistant playing time, and some familiarity witht he officials, he should be fine.