Game Thread GAME# 72: PISTONS @ BLAZERS - MARCH 23, 2019 - SATURDAY, 7:00 PM, NBATV & NBCSNW

[stampedehero]

Trail Blazers
Starters MIN FG 3PT FT OREB DREB REB AST STL BLK TO PF +/- PTS
A. AminuPF 37 8-13 2-5 4-5 2 5 7 1 1 0 1 1 -2 22
M. HarklessSF 28 4-7 1-2 1-1 0 3 3 4 1 0 0 4 +0 10
J. LaymanSF 13 0-1 0-1 2-4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 +1 2
J. NurkicC 31 6-12 0-0 3-4 0 6 6 3 0 2 2 3 +4 15
D. LillardPG 37 9-16 6-10 4-5 2 4 6 9 0 0 4 1 +3 28
Bench MIN FG 3PT FT OREB DREB REB AST STL BLK TO PF +/- PTS
Z. CollinsPF 11 4-6 1-3 0-1 2 2 4 0 0 1 0 0 +7 9
E. KanterC 17 5-9 0-0 0-0 3 4 7 0 1 0 0 1 +1 10
S. CurrySG 32 5-9 1-3 5-5 1 4 5 1 0 0 0 0 +3 16
R. HoodSG 21 2-6 0-2 1-2 1 0 1 2 0 1 1 3 +5 5
E. TurnerSG 13 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 3 3 2 1 0 3 0 +3 0

 

[joeBlazers]

Has Turner become completely irrelevant on this team? Honestly, why do we even play him anymore? We would benefit by giving his minutes to rookies. I hope we cut him in the offseason.

 

[kjironman1]

Are you kidding me, Eric would've went and found her!!!!

(I don't know if I'm joking or not)

I guess i wasn't really sure about that.

 

[kjironman1]

Has Turner become completely irrelevant on this team? Honestly, why do we even play him anymore? We would benefit by giving his minutes to rookies. I hope we cut him in the offseason.

I totally understand the Turner issues. I also know his numbers suck. But i got a different feel when i was at the game last night. Turner gives the group he plays with a certain level of moxie that is really hard to explain. Seriously the guy plays hard and verbally lights people up on the court. He gets into opposing players heads in a weird way. Just can't quite explain it?

 

[kjironman1]

I think we have a shot if Zach busts out and we get some continued improvement from the rest of the team.

I'm usually on the "Let the Cake Bake" crew also. My point is if you get a chance at a impact player that does the things Griffin can do the Blazers better try to get that guy on the team. It's like if you get a chance at a one year rental on a guy like Anthony Davis. If that chance is there? They fucking better take that chance instead of waiting for Collins to get better. Could you imagine telling Damian Lillard "Nah..... We will just wait until Collins matures a bit and see what we got". That would be the first and best way to helping Lillard pack his bags.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

Do you need a tissue? Here.

Spoiler

Perhaps if you weren't a complete ass to other posters on the forum you wouldn't have new drama every couple months with different people.
You've had drama with @BonesJones @Orion Bailey @KingSpeed @Cippy @Dougnsalem myself and a few others.
The one consistent with all of it is you.

At the end of the day
I told you something truthful, then asked you to stop.
You refused and instead decided to reference 'back in the day'.
Someone NOT ME decided to chime in and tell you. When someone asks you to stop calling them names you should just do that. If you don't, you look like a bully.
Instead you made the decision to continue. Even claiming you receive special treatment on the forum and lied about not getting dm's from mods telling you to stop.
You forced a mod to come in to confirm they've sent you DM's telling you to knock it off.. Only for you to go MIA in that thread.
Only to the next day take subtle shots. Which again forced a couple different mods to DM you and tell you to stop.

When it's all said and done, I'm here to talk basketball and all the extra shit is not worth the time to read.
You go ahead and roleplay like certain posters do in the OT section. Then wonder why this keeps happening.
Clearly it's nothing you've done. You're just innocent John Lukrofka. You're really just a victim.

A. @Orion Bailey can screw a bucket of staples cuz he didn't show up to my painting party, thank goodness my wife helps.

B. The funny thing about his post is that it is more proof he just skims the forum looking for attention. Need a GIF? I COULDA DONE THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then he misses out on the thanks. Poor guy

 

[kjironman1]

I love the fact that the guy who could do it the easiest (me) he has on ignore. Classic.

Maybe the best way to get someone to take you off ignore would be to offer the service?

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

I totally understand the Turner issues. I also know his numbers suck. But i got a different feel when i was at the game last night. Turner gives the group he plays with a certain level of moxie that is really hard to explain. Seriously the guy plays hard and verbally lights people up on the court. He gets into opposing players heads in a weird way. Just can't quite explain it?

Turner does some things well. Especially in transition. Which is why I think if you’re gonna play Jake he needs ET. Their styles match, and ET does do a good job of keeping his head up while dribbling.

The problem is really on offense in the half court. He cant shoot, and the spacing for the whole team suffers, if he’s playing with another non threat in terms of scoring range the spacing gets really bad... Then theres the turn overs, he makes some stupidly bad plays here and there, and he doesnt take care of the ball. I think you could say Nurk is that way at times, the difference is Nurks so important to the team that you give him more of a pass then ET gets.

ET was never a great fit for Stotts system. So combine the fit, the turnovers and the Contract and he’s an easy target... I dont blame him for taking the contract but I cant believe NO offered it.

 

[James lamphear]

This what I think we are just as good offensely with or without CJ. Here my reasoning right now everyone is touching the ball and so that's putting them mentality in the game on both sides of the ball. Dame to me actually playing better overall and he shooting the ball better. He takes less shots but still getting his points and assist rate has gone up too. Stotts is right he controlling the offensive and the game better. But i thought our defense would be better. Last night we play defense in spurts I thought 2nd play it in 1st half and of course the last 2 minutes we played excellent defense.

 

[twobullz]

Has Turner become completely irrelevant on this team? Honestly, why do we even play him anymore? We would benefit by giving his minutes to rookies. I hope we cut him in the offseason.

I personally hope Jake is let go first. I know some can't get past his 10 or so good games he has had in 2.5 years, but his minutes should be given to the rookies. At least give them to someone who can make some sort of contribution.

 

[hoopsjock]

I totally understand the Turner issues. I also know his numbers suck. But i got a different feel when i was at the game last night. Turner gives the group he plays with a certain level of moxie that is really hard to explain. Seriously the guy plays hard and verbally lights people up on the court. He gets into opposing players heads in a weird way. Just can't quite explain it?

I was watching Turner last night on defense and if I was in charge of showing film to the team I'd show a 3 minute stretch where 6 plays in a row ET fell asleep or did something lazy on defense that led to an easy shot. I don't know if he's still injured or what but he definitely doesn't provide any moxie.

Our coach doesn't make the team watch any film though so it's a moot point.

 

[kjironman1]

Turner does some things well. Especially in transition. Which is why I think if you’re gonna play Jake he needs ET. Their styles match, and ET does do a good job of keeping his head up while dribbling.

The problem is really on offense in the half court. He cant shoot, and the spacing for the whole team suffers, if he’s playing with another non threat in terms of scoring range the spacing gets really bad... Then theres the turn overs, he makes some stupidly bad plays here and there, and he doesnt take care of the ball. I think you could say Nurk is that way at times, the difference is Nurks so important to the team that you give him more of a pass then ET gets.

ET was never a great fit for Stotts system. So combine the fit, the turnovers and the Contract and he’s an easy target... I dont blame him for taking the contract but I cant believe NO offered it.

Like i said. I totally understand the Turner issues. But there was just something he brings to the court.

 

[kjironman1]

I was watching Turner last night on defense and if I was in charge of showing film to the team I'd show a 3 minute stretch where 6 plays in a row ET fell asleep or did something lazy on defense that led to an easy shot. I don't know if he's still injured or what but he definitely doesn't provide any moxie.

Our coach doesn't make the team watch any film though so it's a moot point.

The one i really didn't like was where he was fouled and it caused a turnover. He was fouled so i can understand it but he spent about 5 seconds jawing and giving the ref a dirty look. Then was not only late getting back but pretty much gave up on the on getting there. Nurk did it a couple times also. The difference was Stotts pulled Nurk and put Kanter in almost immediately. Kanter then played a few more minutes than usual as he was playing well.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

I was watching Turner last night on defense and if I was in charge of showing film to the team I'd show a 3 minute stretch where 6 plays in a row ET fell asleep or did something lazy on defense that led to an easy shot. I don't know if he's still injured or what but he definitely doesn't provide any moxie.

Our coach doesn't make the team watch any film though so it's a moot point.

One time Stotts got really mad and made them watch film for 45 minutes!

 

[kjironman1]

One time Stotts got really mad and made them watch film for 45 minutes!

They actually watch video after every game from what i have read. They also go over individual video clips with assistants and have a guy named Johnathan Yim who works as their video coordinator.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

They actually watch video after every game from what i have read. They also go over individual video clips with assistants and have a guy named Johnathan Yim who works as their video coordinator.

Still absolutely comical to me that they made a big deal earlier this year that Stotts made them watch video for 45 minutes. Yes Im aware they have video guys like everyone else.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

Saw this blurb and it made me think that we play a little different when CJ is out; do some guys realize they might actually have the chance to get involved and so it improves their focus and decision-making?
"Aminu demonstrated perhaps his best court awareness of the season. He slashed to the hoop when his defender collapsed on a Lillard drive, he floated into the corner when his defender helped on the roll man, and, importantly, he made his shots in these scenarios."

 

[Propagandist]

I was watching Turner last night on defense and if I was in charge of showing film to the team I'd show a 3 minute stretch where 6 plays in a row ET fell asleep or did something lazy on defense that led to an easy shot. I don't know if he's still injured or what but he definitely doesn't provide any moxie.

Our coach doesn't make the team watch any film though so it's a moot point.

I sat row e last night (that game was high energy awesome), and the gripes about ET were loud and clear and about what you're referencing. He plays like it doesn't matter.

 

[CupWizier]

I was watching Turner last night on defense and if I was in charge of showing film to the team I'd show a 3 minute stretch where 6 plays in a row ET fell asleep or did something lazy on defense that led to an easy shot. I don't know if he's still injured or what but he definitely doesn't provide any moxie.

Our coach doesn't make the team watch any film though so it's a moot point.

I have heard the players talk about watching film. Where do you get the idea that Stotts doesn't have them watch film?

 

[hoopsjock]

I have heard the players talk about watching film. Where do you get the idea that Stotts doesn't have them watch film?

Earlier in the year there was a game with a really bad quarter. The comments the next day were that Stotts made them watch the whole quarter!!! Many players commented that they usually only watch a few minutes of film if any at all.

 

[CupWizier]

Earlier in the year there was a game with a really bad quarter. The comments the next day were that Stotts made them watch the whole quarter!!! Many players commented that they usually only watch a few minutes of film if any at all.

Hmmm? Seems odd as i know players have been interviewed and mentioned watching film.

 

[kjironman1]

Saw this blurb and it made me think that we play a little different when CJ is out; do some guys realize they might actually have the chance to get involved and so it improves their focus and decision-making?
"Aminu demonstrated perhaps his best court awareness of the season. He slashed to the hoop when his defender collapsed on a Lillard drive, he floated into the corner when his defender helped on the roll man, and, importantly, he made his shots in these scenarios."

Kind of think “he made his shots” was the biggest part. Wish it happened more.

 

[CupWizier]

Earlier in the year there was a game with a really bad quarter. The comments the next day were that Stotts made them watch the whole quarter!!! Many players commented that they usually only watch a few minutes of film if any at all.

Here is an exerpt from an article last year.

Stotts, who earlier this week declined an invitation to talk about coaching this season amid growing criticism, did say that a common misconception is that he is easy on the players. He pointed to the film session last week after the Blazers lost at Atlanta, the team with the NBA’s worst record,. “It wasn’t pretty,’’ Stotts said of the film session. The players agreed, noting that Stotts this season has become more direct and more forceful in calling out mistakes during film sessions. “He’s turned up the dial,’’ Meyers Leonard said. “And to be honest, I like it.

 

[hoopsjock]

Here is an exerpt from an article last year.

Stotts, who earlier this week declined an invitation to talk about coaching this season amid growing criticism, did say that a common misconception is that he is easy on the players. He pointed to the film session last week after the Blazers lost at Atlanta, the team with the NBA’s worst record,. “It wasn’t pretty,’’ Stotts said of the film session. The players agreed, noting that Stotts this season has become more direct and more forceful in calling out mistakes during film sessions. “He’s turned up the dial,’’ Meyers Leonard said. “And to be honest, I like it.

Last year being the key words.

 

[kjironman1]

Here is an exerpt from an article last year.

Stotts, who earlier this week declined an invitation to talk about coaching this season amid growing criticism, did say that a common misconception is that he is easy on the players. He pointed to the film session last week after the Blazers lost at Atlanta, the team with the NBA’s worst record,. “It wasn’t pretty,’’ Stotts said of the film session. The players agreed, noting that Stotts this season has become more direct and more forceful in calling out mistakes during film sessions. “He’s turned up the dial,’’ Meyers Leonard said. “And to be honest, I like it.

I absolutely doubt that there is an article anywhere that has a player saying they watch “Very little film if any at all”.
If there is one I most certainly would retract that statement.

 

[CupWizier]

Last year being the key words.

Not really as i have read it this year as well and i doubt after many years that he just changed this year. If you have something to show otherwise i would be interested in reading it.

 

[Scalma]

Turner shouldn’t be in the rotation but we have no one else to run the second unit. Finding a true backup point guard should be a priority this summer. Turner shouldn’t be anything more than a contract after this season.

It’ll be interesting to see if Portland continues winning without CJ. I think they will. Everyone looks more involved without him. The more dame has the ball in his hands, the better. CJ has shown he can be the lead guy of a team as well, just not on that level.

I see two options going forward; use CJ almost exclusively off the ball (think Klay, Redick, etc) or trade him. The first would require a pretty massive sacrifice by CJ. The second seems more realistic.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Here is an exerpt from an article last year.

Stotts, who earlier this week declined an invitation to talk about coaching this season amid growing criticism, did say that a common misconception is that he is easy on the players. He pointed to the film session last week after the Blazers lost at Atlanta, the team with the NBA’s worst record,. “It wasn’t pretty,’’ Stotts said of the film session. The players agreed, noting that Stotts this season has become more direct and more forceful in calling out mistakes during film sessions. “He’s turned up the dial,’’ Meyers Leonard said. “And to be honest, I like it.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&sou...aw3vZn4xlPWASgxkzKo_KgqI&ust=1553532625263986


Ive always thought this story was funny. I get they watch film, but the interviews around it all made it funnier.

 

[CupWizier]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjxpryTnpvhAhWsCTQIHVBwA9EQzPwBegQIARAC&url=https://theathletic.com/679734/2018/11/27/scary-movie-terry-stotts-holds-blunt-film-session-to-dissect-recent-loss/&psig=AOvVaw3vZn4xlPWASgxkzKo_KgqI&ust=1553532625263986


Ive always thought this story was funny. I get they watch film, but the interviews around it all made it funnier.

That is pretty funny. Also pretty much shows they do use team film sessions. I imagine a lot of individual film sessions as well.

 

[wizenheimer]

The point is though. They can do it if they want. And if the right player becomes available and the rules allow it. They might just take a chance while Dame has his game at this level. Why not bust out and try for a chip for a year or two? Honestly that is the only way Portland will compete for a championship. They need to spend and get a bunch of luck.

yeah, I know the point was the Blazers could pay lots of tax if they want. But the evidence is pretty substantial the Blazers don't want to pay lots of tax, even if doing so might make for a better team

I mean, the Blazers dumped Vonleh for a TPE to avoid tax last season. Then they let the TPE expire to avoid more tax this season. After all the chatter around here about the Crabbe TPE and it's value...Portland just let it expire too. Just about all the moves Portland has made since 2016 have been cost-cutting moves like letting Davis walk. Even the total of the 3 deals they made before the trade deadline ended up being essentially tax-neutral

so, I'm extremely skeptical that Portland would do a trade like we're discussing, especially not with the ownership questions. And once again, the trade idea we're discussing is one that makes CJ untouchable in a trade for a better player. That doesn't make sense to me, and staking out a position that Turner + Meyers is a worthy trade package makes even less sense