Game Thread GAME# 19: THUNDER @ BLAZERS - NOVEMBER 27, 2019 - WEDNESDAY, 7:00 PM, NBCSNW

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Watching Melo at that 4 makes me think.... LaMarcus.
He is our first legit low post scorer SINCE him. And I love it. Our PF tonight got double teamed 4 times!!!! When in the hell have we had a low post player since LA left that demanded that. Opens up SO many options out there for the rest of the team.

My favorite was when they sent a double then half way into it bailed and left the defender thinking there was weakside help alone, Melo then drove right by him for a dunk.
Great defense there...

 

[THE HCP]

So who starts at PF when Collins comes back? And if the answer is Collins, does Melo move back to SF? He doesn't deserve to move to the bench.

Zac isn’t coming back this season bro.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Zac isn’t coming back this season bro.

Id be shocked if Nurk or Zach came back this year, I think Nurk will play some towards the end of the year, but my guess is we wont see him like we remember him til next season.

 

[THE HCP]

Id be shocked if Nurk or Zach came back this year, I think Nurk will play some towards the end of the year, but my guess is we wont see him like we remember him til next season.

There is just NO reason to rush them back, at all.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

There is just NO reason to rush them back, at all.

Even if they’re not in the playoff race, if Nurks healthy and ready Id like to see him get some minutes and get some confidence in his legs going into next season. I agree though, dont rush them back, dont even care if they’re the #1 seed and they think those guys give em a shot at a ring, dont risk their long term health.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Id be shocked if Nurk or Zach came back this year, I think Nurk will play some towards the end of the year, but my guess is we wont see him like we remember him til next season.

I really don't think there's much worth in speculating when they might be back. People like to say "this injury takes this specific amount of time to heal" but every body is different. Nurk could be back in
January or he might not play at all this year. Nobody really knows except maybe him and the trainers.

That said, I think if he's ready to play even just 10-20 minutes a game in January/February, it could have big implications on this season. And it's entirely possible.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

I really don't think there's much worth in speculating when they might be back. People like to say "this injury takes this specific amount of time to heal" but every body is different. Nurk could be back in
January or he might not play at all this year. Nobody really knows except maybe him and the trainers.

That said, I think if he's ready to play even just 10-20 minutes a game in January/February, it could have big implications on this season. And it's entirely possible.

Did you tell me not to speculate and then speculate. Heh.

I am not saying I have any information, or knowledge just saying what my expectations are that is I dont expect him back at full strength this seasonz

 

[HailBlazers]

There is just NO reason to rush them back, at all.

Nah. But personally having torn my labrum I think if they make the playoffs Zach and possible Nurk will be back.

 

[BBert]

Well now you know how all your wome.......errrrrrrr.........inflatable sheep feel. #BAM

At least inflatable sheep never talk baaaaack.

 

[jlprk]

Watching Melo at that 4 makes me think.... LaMarcus.

No similarity. Aldridge stands stiff as a board like a natural 5. Anthony's posture is loose and agile, like a natural 3. That's why Anthony dribbles downcourt and Aldridge can't.

 

[BBert]

So 5 games for Melo and he obviously is still a good offensive player....but I gotta say his defense has not been as bad as everyone thought it would be considering the limited time to adjust. What do you think?

I thought Melo was very engaged tonight and his defense was very good. I thought it was his best game as a Blazer. He also looks to be getting into game shape faster than I expected.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Did you tell me not to speculate and then speculate. Heh.

I am not saying I have any information, or knowledge just saying what my expectations are that is I dont expect him back at full strength this seasonz

Kind of, lol.

But I think there's a difference between speculating whether I think he/they will be back and speculating on what would happen if they were back.

 

[BBert]

if he’s good with being a backup sure.

He seems okay with limited minutes?

 

[BBert]

Id be shocked if Nurk or Zach came back this year, I think Nurk will play some towards the end of the year, but my guess is we wont see him like we remember him til next season.

Good thing we have The Haitian Sensation!

 

[Strenuus]

I want to see Moses, Hoard, Mario and Tolliver the last 6 minutes of every game...it means we've got this game and our stars are resting

Or were down big. There are two sides.

 

[THE HCP]

No similarity. Aldridge stands stiff as a board like a natural 5. Anthony's posture is loose and agile, like a natural 3. That's why Anthony dribbles downcourt and Aldridge can't.

Not comparing their post games whatsoever. Just saying he’s the best post player we have had since LA.

 

[BBert]

I think Melo looks better than he has over the last 5 years or so, mentally and physically. I didn't want him then. But now seems like the right time. That year off may have been the best thing for him. And us.

 

[BonesJones]

Id be shocked if Nurk or Zach came back this year, I think Nurk will play some towards the end of the year, but my guess is we wont see him like we remember him til next season.

Shocked if Nurk Vance back? He got hurt in March of 2019, and you don't expect him to be ready to play again within 13 months?

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Shocked if Nurk Vance back? He got hurt in March of 2019, and you don't expect him to be ready to play again within 13 months?

I think Nurk may and probably will play this year, I dont think he’ll be like we remember (Bosnian Beast), until 20-21 season.

 

[Portland2014]

The last two games have been so much fun, i love it.

I'm so happy for Melo too.

and the new jerseys are absolutely fire.

 

[crandc]

She asked Melo if he had any Thanksgiving plans. He said he didn't know but might go to Dame's house, she said she is cooking and he could come to her place.

Or mine

 

[James lamphear]

Nurk and Zach will be back when they are physically ready be back and if this starting 5 is clicking at that time I look at both of them coming off the bench until next year with limited minutes at first.

 

[kjironman1]

Keep Whiteside as Nurks backup. Use Bazemores contract instead.

With the energy Baze is bringing on defense something tells me he will not be easy to let go either?

 

[kjironman1]

My favorite was when they sent a double then half way into it bailed and left the defender thinking there was weakside help alone, Melo then drove right by him for a dunk.
Great defense there...

Anthony's eyes got all big and he was grinning before he got to the rim!

 

[kjironman1]

Zac isn’t coming back this season bro.

Certainly not the same player anyway. This injury derailed Meyers for a year and a half.

 

[Blazinaway]

if he’s good with being a backup sure.

I don't think any team is going to pay Whiteside all that much, maybe 5-8 mil per ay most?

 

[TBpup]

So 5 games for Melo and he obviously is still a good offensive player....but I gotta say his defense has not been as bad as everyone thought it would be considering the limited time to adjust. What do you think?

Melo's defense isn't terrible but still below average. Combine that with CJ and Dame perhaps being better but still below average as a combo and this group had better score because they aren't slowing anyone down on 'D'. Whiteside can block some shots but is very poor just a few feet from the rim. Rodney is probably the best over all of the group. They will need buckets.

 

[SIeepwalker]

Is Melo nice or what

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

if he’s good with being a backup sure.

And i don't think he would want that; so if he has value at the deadline, he should be traded.

 

[Propagandist]

I think Nurk may and probably will play this year, I dont think he’ll be like we remember (Bosnian Beast), until 20-21 season.

Can't be a Beast until he cuts that Mike-from-Stranger-Things hairdo anyhow...