Game Thread GAME# 33: MAVERICKS @ BLAZERS - DECEMBER 23, 2018 - SUNDAY, 6:00 PM, NBCSNW

[PtldPlatypus]

Well technically KingSpeed has a case. Doncic only hit 1/3 of his shots while CJ hit half of his.

Doncic also got to the line a bunch, which CJ didn't. Doncic also hit a better percentage from 3 than CJ. The only numbers that are in CJ's favor for the game are 2-point percentage and percentages that follow along with it. But since there's SOOOOO much more to paying basketball than just shooting, I'd hope a knowledgeable fan (like Eric is) would know better than to claim that FG% alone indicates that one player "outplayed" the other.

 

[PHXBlazer1]

Donkic fucking sucks..he's not a Blazer (and save your breath with the bullshit I already know what you're gonna say)

 

[kjironman1]

Not to nitpick, but Nurk is in his 5th season, and the first 3 he averaged under 18 MPG. In his 2 seasons as a full time player he has been inconsistent as a scoring threat - but some of that is on Stotts and his team-mates not consistently getting him the ball where he feels comfortable. IMHO, the Blazers could establish Nurk as a scoring threat - but it isn't a priority for them.

Typo-Supposed to say "5 years in the league" 5th season yes. But you seem to have missed his best number are here? The point however is they are not getting any better. He is what he is.
Did you also miss the whole point that the Blazers need a real threat other than Dame and CJ?

Nit Pick Yes...

 

[kjironman1]

I don't know, some of that is on Nurkic. His offensive evolution will come if he can learn to take and make those mid range shots that he gets dared to shoot. If he becomes a threat away from the basket, he'll be real problem. It'll also open lanes for guards. Right now he's really hesitant to pull the trigger. I'm not saying I want him to be one of those bigs who's out jacking up a bunch of 3's and not dominating in the paint. I just think having that as part of your game changes the defenses so much in favor of your team.

He will never be the threat that the original post was talking about.

This is what i said.
"The Blazers need another player that will make teams pay if they don't take that player seriously. A player that will absolutely destroy them if they don't guard him. Until they get that player any team at any time can beat the Blazers. Just my take on things."

 

[kjironman1]

I predict a win for the Blazers. If I'm wrong, I'll eat my Blazer hat. If I'm right, somebody owes me beer.

Edit: I think that's fair.

Don't eat the hat Lanny. I tried that once. Didn't go down well at all.

 

[oldmangrouch]

Typo-Supposed to say "5 years in the league" 5th season yes. But you seem to have missed his best number are here? The point however is they are not getting any better. He is what he is.
Did you also miss the whole point that the Blazers need a real threat other than Dame and CJ?

Nit Pick Yes...

I didn't miss your point at all. My point is that Nurk never had a chance to fully develop in Denver (inconsistent minutes). Since coming here he has improved - but the team has not prioritized developing him into that 3rd threat you (correctly) point out the team needs.

For that matter, I'm not convinced they are paying much attention to Collin's development either. Simons and Trent aren't even on the radar.

 

[kjironman1]

I didn't miss your point at all. My point is that Nurk never had a chance to fully develop in Denver (inconsistent minutes). Since coming here he has improved - but the team has not prioritized developing him into that 3rd threat you (correctly) point out the team needs.

For that matter, I'm not convinced they are paying much attention to Collin's development either. Simons and Trent aren't even on the radar.

Do you think Nurk can become the dominant player that this team needs to take them to the next level? I just don't see it happening whomever is coaching this team. Way too many lazy shots and lackluster movements. He also has a case of the drops it seems? Who on earth has let that guy continue to grab a rebound and immediately take the ball down to his waist to try to jump again? This is where i totally side with @BonesJones . Stotts needs to get his head out of his arse on the big men. Either he has to coach them correctly? Or man up and have the balls to say that is not something he can do and hire a true "Bigs" coach. Half of the argument for it not being Stott's fault the offense doesn't work is "Missed Shots". When your Bigs are missing close range shots at the level these guys are it's tough to make an argument for them. Honestly i would like to see Nurk at 55% or better. Players like Deandre Jordan sit above 60% and have even approached 70%. Nurk is currently at 48% and Collins is at 49%. Meyers is at 51%.

Collins might still have a chance? Lets see how much work he puts in this next summer. IMO he needs to add a solid scoring move every year. (At least one) Two if at all possible and then he needs to become a better shooter from range. That kid is young. Book has yet to be written on him.