Game Thread GAME# 55: BLAZERS @ SPURS - APRIL 16, 2021 - FRIDAY, 5:30, NBCSNW

[Tince]

So here's the main question - will this team turn things around and make a deep playoff run with Stotts?

Sub question- is this roster good enough to turn things around this late with a new coach?

No and no.

 

[Scalma]

So you think if we lose the next two he'll be fired next week?

My questions was: What will be different?

I mean if I had a gun to my head, no, but I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility either. He’s not gonna make it to the end of the season unless they actually start beating decent teams imo.

As for what will be different, someone will finally be held accountable. That’s a good first step to addressing a problem.

 

[Tince]

I mean if I had a gun to my head, no, but I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility either. He’s not gonna make it to the end of the season unless they actually start beating decent teams imo.

As for what will be different, someone will finally be held accountable. That’s a good first step to addressing a problem.

Fair enough, thanks.

So you think if we win the next two Stotts will be back next year? I'm just trying to figure out why these next two games are going to change the course of anything. It feels to me they're going to ride this out and make a change this offseason unless we make a WCF run (which won't happen).

 

[MickZagger]

So you think if we lose the next two he'll be fired next week?

My questions was: What will be different?

There’s quite a few times coaches have been fired mid season and an assistant takes over and it sparks a fire in the team and they finish out the season strong. It’s happening just this year with Atlanta and McMillan.

If the front office knows the coach won’t be back next season why not try and spice things up

 

[Natebishop3]

I just don't think we're going to see any significant changes in the team until there's a combination of people gone.

Stotts
CJ
Melo

 

[Tince]

There’s quite a few times coaches have been fired mid season and an assistant takes over and it sparks a fire in the team and they finish out the season strong. It’s happening just this year with Atlanta and McMillan.

If the front office knows the coach won’t be back next season why not try and spice things up

I never said coaches haven't been fired mid-season and got more out of there new coach. My question is: If we lose the next two - how will that likely change the outcome of the coaching situation? Do you believe Stotts will be fired mid-season?

Yes, Lloyd Pierce got fired this year when his young team was 6 games under .500. That situation appears much different than a Blazers team who is 8 games over .500. I could be wrong, Stotts could be fired tomorrow, but I doubt anyone would want to bet he'll be fired this month.

 

[tester551]

I just don't think we're going to see any significant changes in the team until there's a combination of people gone.

Stotts
CJ
Melo

OLSHEY

 

[Tince]

OLSHEY

That would be the person in charge of signing and resigning all 3 of the people listed.

It's still strange to me that people who strongly dislike our coach and some of the players we've signed, and resigned, still don't think Olshey is the main issue.

I'm worried Olshey is going to be able to sweet talk his way into one more run, hire a coach that Dame likes (Vanterpool), and continue to snow ownership (and some fans).

 

[Scalma]

Fair enough, thanks.

So you think if we win the next two Stotts will be back next year? I'm just trying to figure out why these next two games are going to change the course of anything. It feels to me they're going to ride this out and make a change this offseason unless we make a WCF run (which won't happen).

it’s not two games, it’s a culmination of a season. Usually you want your team getting better as you get closer to the playoffs. If there’s no progress, and you can’t even beat teams that are hovering around .500, like the next two opponents, somethings gotta give. It usually starts with the coach.

 

[Tince]

it’s not two games, it’s a culmination of a season. Usually you want your team getting better as you get closer to the playoffs. If there’s no progress, and you can’t even beat teams that are hovering around .500, like the next two opponents, somethings gotta give. It usually starts with the coach.

I agree with your first statement, which is why I questioned what difference the next two games is going to make in the grand scheme of things.

I don't think going 2-0 will save Stotts' job and I don't think going 0-2 will cause him to get fired mid-season. That leaves us with him getting fired this off-season, which is exactly where we're at now. From your previous posts, it sounds like you agree with my prediction as well.

 

[Chris Craig]

We’ll be closer to 13 wins than 5 wins which was my point.

I appreciate your optimism. Keep it going.

We will likely be closer to 13 than 5, but it's going to take winning most of these last 18 games to stay out of the play-in

 

[Chris Craig]

So you think if we lose the next two he'll be fired next week?

My questions was: What will be different?

If Stotts does get fired it will be in the offseason

 

[Chris Craig]

So here's the main question - will this team turn things around and make a deep playoff run with Stotts?

Sub question- is this roster good enough to turn things around this late with a new coach?

Anything is possible

Depends on the new coach

 

[DDolla]

Another L...

 

[Tince]

If Stotts does get fired it will be in the offseason

That's my assumption as well.

 

[Mr. Robot]

dame is injury prone, blazers should trade him

 

[Chris Craig]

Another L...

Damn....

Well that means CJ and Powell can have it. More Little too

 

[Tince]

Damn....

Well that means CJ and Powell can have it. More Little too

If he's out. Seems like he plays a lot more than not when listed as "questionable".

I hope they do what's right, whatever that is.

 

[Chris Craig]

Another L...

Not good if this is chronic. Takes a few days to feel better, but could take 6-12 weeks to fully heal

 

[Chris Craig]

If he's out. Seems like he plays a lot more than not when listed as "questionable".

I hope they do what's right, whatever that is.

The Blazers/Lillard will do what they think is right. We will see if he plays.

 

[Chris Craig]

dame is injury prone, blazers should trade him

Ha

You would be too if NBA opponents were allowed to batter you.

 

[kjironman1]

Ha

You would be too if NBA opponents were allowed to batter you.

Lets see who is injury prone!

 

[James lamphear]

Might be a good thing for him he needs the rest anyway

 

[Chris Craig]

Lets see who is injury prone!

You call that batter

 

[Chris Craig]

Might be a good thing for him he needs the rest anyway

Blazers need to build confidence without him to depend on so the offense can open up.

 

[Natebishop3]

Not good if this is chronic. Takes a few days to feel better, but could take 6-12 weeks to fully heal

Which is why they should shut him down until he's healthy. It has been obvious for maybe a month now that he's not playing like himself. This team is going to lose with or without him right now. Just shut down Dame and let things run their course with CJ and Stotts. Maybe CJ will drive his trade value up.

 

[TBpup]

Dame out for tonight's game. (Hamstring)

 

[James lamphear]

Well we will see how value CJ really is remember we had a winning record without CJ and Nurk. So let see if CJ can drive the train like Dame did with CJ absent.

 

[Scalma]

Great another built in excuse if they lose.

 

[B-Roy]

It's a strain, which means it's most likely rest to be sure. I am fine with this. He's not been himself for awhile.