Ok I deleted my post from the other stupid shit thread. It's a good post so I'll put it here:
Blazers are #1 in offense and #19 in defense per 100 possessions.
#1 in offense while Dame is hitting 12% threes and 19ppg.... Impressive!
Now yes CJ won't stay at the % he is at, nor will Simons keep up his 70% twos, 50% threes, nor Nance 67% 3's...
But as the team gets more used to the defensive rotations and transition D they could get much more crisp there. I also expect to see Billups add more schemes and variations. Maybe after 20ish games we even see exploring drop coverage or other alternatives strategies for brief periods. The team should be prepared to play multiple styles in the playoffs depending on matchups. So far I'm enjoying what Billups is saying and more so, what I'm seeing on the court.
I really see the success of the season being a result of 3 primary areas;
#1 Solid Bench rotational player performance - Nance was expected to be a great 6th man. Zeller has been a very nice backup center in 2 games. But the key may be what season we see from Simons and Little. If they can continue to provide ~20 minutes of useful play all the sudden we go from one of the weakest benches in the league the last few years to being in the discussion for the best bench.
#2 Team offense without Dame/CJ - We are seeing a combo of the team pushing pace to get easy buckets, as well as Ant Nurk Little others creating more offense. When the shot clock is low we can always give the ball to Dame/CJ for a hero ball respectable shot. However getting other players comfortable initiating offense, getting the team easy buckets, having Dame/CJ available to expend energy on defense, less susceptibility to defensive traps could be a huge benefit over 82 games, and even more so into the playoffs.
#3 Defense - New scheme, new accountability, having Dame/CJ carrying less offensive load, and hopefully less minutes for all the starters have looked great the first 2 games. How will this work over 82 and into the playoffs?
Haven't been as excited for the Blazers since either the WCF, or the hot start of the first Rolo season.
