Blazers’ Offense Must Be More Than Roy, Aldridge...

[ABM]

From: Brian T. Smith - Columbian

TUALATIN, Ore. — While an improved defensive focus is still the Portland Trail Blazers’ primary goal right now, coach Nate McMillan acknowledged that the team’s offense also needs to step up.

The Blazers’ 94.2 points-per-game average ranks 24th out of 30 NBA teams. And while guard Brandon Roy is ninth in the league in scoring (25.4 points), forward LaMarcus Aldridge has been the only other Blazer to show any sign of consistency on the offensive end.

In addition, three of Portland’s starters — Steve Blake, Greg Oden and Martell Webster — are averaging less than double digits in scoring. And reserve forward Travis Outlaw — who is averaging 12.4 points, but has long been known as a streaky shooter — is the only other Blazer averaging more than 10 points a game.

On the surface, McMillan said Portland’s (2-3) offense is not pushing the tempo as much as it needs to, and the team is missing open shots.

More importantly, though, McMillan drew a direct connection between the Blazers’ early offensive struggles and the squad’s defensive woes.

McMillan said he is trying to get his team to change its train of thought and place an increased emphasis on defense. However, as soon as Portland starts missing open shots during games, the Blazers carry their frustration over to the defensive end.

"Most defenses are pretty good when you’re making shots," McMillan said Thursday, following a morning workout at the team’s practice facility. "And we’ve been up and down. We’ve had a few guys knock down some shots. But as a unit, shooting well for a game, we haven’t seen that."

While McMillan said that improved execution and playing off the openings from opposing defense are keys to igniting the Blazers’ offense, Roy and Aldridge could also use a little help.

The duo combined to score 39 points in Portland’s 97-91 home loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. However, 28 of their points came in the first half. And as the game unfolded, Atlanta clamped down and focused on Roy.

The Blazers’ star guard was often seen trying to fight and weave his way through traffic as he attempted to create his own shot. And he was held to 2-of-10 shooting from the field in the second half.

McMillan said that when opponents double team Roy, the ball must be immediately passed on to an open teammate. That player then has to take advantage of their opportunity...............

 

[KingSpeed]

Outlaw is the third guy. If he had played to his potential in Game 6 against Houston, we would've won the series in 7 and probably taken the Lakers to a 7th game. Outlaw had a bad game so we lost. But throughout the season, Outlaw delivered. I especially remember the game against Phoenix when Brandon scored 52. Brandon was on fire but we needed one other guy to step up and make tough shots. Outlaw did that and we won the game. Someone recently posted everyone's PER so far this season and Outlaw had the second highest.

 

[B-Roy]

Outlaw's offense, though nice, ruins Portland's flow even more than Roy 1v5 and Aldridge 1v5.

 

[blue32]

Outlaw's offense, though nice, ruins Portland's flow even more than Roy 1v5 and Aldridge 1v5.

If he was more consistent, I would have as much of a man-crush on him as you Kingspeed.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Yes, more jump shots Nate. That is exactly what we need to do is knock down shots. How about attacking the fucking rim, and drawing fouls?


Assclown!!