Greg- last 10 home games vs last 10 away

[STOMP]

home- 24.8 Min -12.2 Pnts - 63% - 8.7 Rbs - 4.3 Fouls - 1.7 Blks

away- 21.3 Min - 7.1 Pnts - 58% - 4.5 Rbs - 3.9 Fouls - 0.5 Blks

STOMP

 

[maxiep]

So, GO likes the home cooking? That's interesting to see. Thanks for the analysis. Repped.

 

[e_blazer]

On a related topic, one thing I noticed last night that I don't think I've seen before with any regularity was that Greg's teammates were more active in taking fouls themselves when Greg was in a position where he was likely to draw a foul. In the past, when the guards have blown their defensive assignments (often) Greg was left exposed and ended up getting a foul. Last night I saw Brandon twice make sure that he committed the foul so that Greg wouldn't get hit with it and I saw Outlaw and I think Bayless do the same thing. I'm assuming that Nate has been coaching these guys to do this in order to keep Greg on the court longer. It would be nice if they'd improve their defense so they didn't have to do this too often, but it's nice to see them protecting the big guy. More minutes for Oden is a good thing.

 

[maxiep]

On a related topic, one thing I noticed last night that I don't think I've seen before with any regularity was that Greg's teammates were more active in taking fouls themselves when Greg was in a position where he was likely to draw a foul. In the past, when the guards have blown their defensive assignments (often) Greg was left exposed and ended up getting a foul. Last night I saw Brandon twice make sure that he committed the foul so that Greg wouldn't get hit with it and I saw Outlaw and I think Bayless do the same thing. I'm assuming that Nate has been coaching these guys to do this in order to keep Greg on the court longer. It would be nice if they'd improve their defense so they didn't have to do this too often, but it's nice to see them protecting the big guy. More minutes for Oden is a good thing.

I noticed it too. Even better, I noticed that the officials were LOOKING to give fouls to other players than Oden.

 

[MIXUM]

hes a rook.....it will change eventually

but man durant looks good

 

[Nikolokolus]

hes a rook.....it will change eventually

but man durant looks good

Here's your golden opportunity to switch allegiances. I hear the Thunder are desperate to add fans ...

 

[maxiep]

Here's your golden opportunity to switch allegiances. I hear the Thunder are desperate to add fans ...

Plus, there's the bonus that there's a lot more wrong with the Thunder than the Blazers. Think of all the rich material from which to mine endless posts about how much they suck!

 

[mook]

On a related topic, one thing I noticed last night that I don't think I've seen before with any regularity was that Greg's teammates were more active in taking fouls themselves when Greg was in a position where he was likely to draw a foul. In the past, when the guards have blown their defensive assignments (often) Greg was left exposed and ended up getting a foul. Last night I saw Brandon twice make sure that he committed the foul so that Greg wouldn't get hit with it and I saw Outlaw and I think Bayless do the same thing. I'm assuming that Nate has been coaching these guys to do this in order to keep Greg on the court longer. It would be nice if they'd improve their defense so they didn't have to do this too often, but it's nice to see them protecting the big guy. More minutes for Oden is a good thing.

Really good observation. I hadn't noticed it at the time, but in retrospect I remember exactly what you are saying.

I'm also noticing that players are lobbing it into him more lately. Throw it near the rim and let Oden do all the work it takes to give you an assist.

I never appreciated before Oden how much adjustment it takes for the rest of these players to learn how to play off a dominating interior presence. It's not like Roy or Aldridge or even Blake has ever had that kind of a teammate before. (Well, there was Randolph, but he was a complete black hole. You don't run an offense through Zach, you run an offense to him.)

Makes a pretty good argument for adding a veteran stud who knows how to play to that game....

 

[hasoos]

On a related topic, one thing I noticed last night that I don't think I've seen before with any regularity was that Greg's teammates were more active in taking fouls themselves when Greg was in a position where he was likely to draw a foul. In the past, when the guards have blown their defensive assignments (often) Greg was left exposed and ended up getting a foul. Last night I saw Brandon twice make sure that he committed the foul so that Greg wouldn't get hit with it and I saw Outlaw and I think Bayless do the same thing. I'm assuming that Nate has been coaching these guys to do this in order to keep Greg on the court longer. It would be nice if they'd improve their defense so they didn't have to do this too often, but it's nice to see them protecting the big guy. More minutes for Oden is a good thing.

Yep good call, me and my buddy who go to the games noticed that too. There was for sure 2 times where Roy just hacked somebody to ensure Oden didn't get a foul. I saw Bayless take one too. At some point the Blazers need to cirlce the wagons on Oden, because when he is in the game, he makes a big difference. Now if the coaching staff would just start to figure out that Greg plays better when he gets a rhythym going instead of being jerked in and out of the lineup, the team would start moving forward again.

 

[STOMP]

I'm pretty sure if I did the same comparison with LA the results would be similarly slanted in the home games favor. To my eyes, both LaMarcus and Greg play much less aggressively on the road then at home probably because of how the games are called. There is always going to be some banging amongst the Bigs, but stars, vets, and home teams get the calls. Those things should eventually shift more in Portland's favor, but it really bugs me that the officiating seems so biased towards things other then the play on the floor.

STOMP

 

[gatorpops]

Yep good call, me and my buddy who go to the games noticed that too. There was for sure 2 times where Roy just hacked somebody to ensure Oden didn't get a foul. I saw Bayless take one too. At some point the Blazers need to cirlce the wagons on Oden, because when he is in the game, he makes a big difference. Now if the coaching staff would just start to figure out that Greg plays better when he gets a rhythym going instead of being jerked in and out of the lineup, the team would start moving forward again.

Oden commands so much attention that it allows players the ability to slash to the basket to take a pass or help with rebounds. Batum does this very well and even Outlaw at times is learning. This team is now learning that a really big man is a great addition to the team. Look out NBA after the AS break.

 

[Natebishop3]

Yeah, it really seems like the guys are starting to learn how to play with Greg. I didn't get to watch the game last night, but if the boys are protecting him, I think that's a good thing. Now if we could just play better perimeter D

 

[LittleAlex]

As much I can't believe it, I think Mixum is correct about Durant. He IS blowing up. However, it is his second year. He looked horrid last year, and for the first part of this year (maybe it was the coach?). Oden is showing at least as many flashes of awesome as Durant did last year, while playing 10 minutes less a game.

Rookies do tend to play better at home. I don't think Oden will take the next step this year. Next year, though, he will be an absolute beast.

 

[Natebishop3]

We all knew Durant would be a scorer. There's no real surprise there. Analysts said he could be the scoring king in his rookie year (didn't happen). He's going to be a prolific scorer, but who will win more championships? That's the question.

 

[alex42083]

What Durant needs is a legitimate low-post scorer.. unfortunately Jeff Green isn't, and both those guys play basically the same position. If he doesn't get a big guy, I could see a career much like Vince in Toronto, McGrady in Orlando, etc..

 

[hasoos]

Oden commands so much attention that it allows players the ability to slash to the basket to take a pass or help with rebounds. Batum does this very well and even Outlaw at times is learning. This team is now learning that a really big man is a great addition to the team. Look out NBA after the AS break.

Yea and I have been thinking about the give and go play where the SF cuts up the baseline. Greg hasn't been handing it off...much. But it is there from time to time. When it will really start bearing fruit is when Martell comes back. He is the fastest guy on the team, and has been since he has been here. That first step will be key to making that play work. Now just to get him back in the lineup.

 

[andalusian]

The thing that worries me about Durant is that a smart defensive team that puts a body on him and makes it hard to get the ball to him will cause him problems and bring his efficiency down - happened in college and happened last night... (not that we are always a smart defensive team - but Nate at least knows how to explain the correct defensive plays - the players do not always have the ability to execute it or the will to do it, last night they did).

The advantage someone like Roy has is that he has the handle to initiate the offense - Durant is good - but would be a lot more likely to crumble under pressure than Roy because his handles are just not as good. On the other side of the spectrum you have someone who is as big and as strong as Greg - that once the other members of your team learn how to get you the ball - you will just not be denied.

Durant is fantastic, he really is - and he will be a prolific scorer - but there is a reason the most important ingredients for consistent and dominant offensive forces in the league were bigger-guys with fantastic handles (Kobe, LeBron, MJ, Wade, T-Mac when he cared, Vince, Roy) or guys that are too big and too strong to cover (Shaq, Yao, Duncan and hopefully one day - Greg).

 

[hasoos]

The thing that worries me about Durant is that a smart defensive team that puts a body on him and makes it hard to get the ball to him will cause him problems and bring his efficiency down - happened in college and happened last night... (not that we are always a smart defensive team - but Nate at least knows how to explain the correct defensive plays - the players do not always have the ability to execute it or the will to do it, last night they did).

The advantage someone like Roy has is that he has the handle to initiate the offense - Durant is good - but would be a lot more likely to crumble under pressure than Roy because his handles are just not as good. On the other side of the spectrum you have someone who is as big and as strong as Greg - that once the other members of your team learn how to get you the ball - you will just not be denied.

Durant is fantastic, he really is - and he will be a prolific scorer - but there is a reason the most important ingredients for consistent and dominant offensive forces in the league were bigger-guys with fantastic handles (Kobe, LeBron, MJ, Wade, T-Mac when he cared, Vince, Roy) or guys that are too big and too strong to cover (Shaq, Yao, Duncan and hopefully one day - Greg).

Yep right on. He reminds me a lot of a thin Carmello Anthony. Great scorer. Isn't going to take you anywhere without a lot of help.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I watched Durant against the Lakers and was very impressed. He is just an awesome baketball player. Running, shooting, rebounding, passing and a pretty good defender as well. (he is soooo long) But you still can find players who can "fill it up" a lot easier than a skilled Big Man. Tough comparison, but I would still go with Oden.

 

[STOMP]

What Durant needs is a legitimate low-post scorer.. unfortunately Jeff Green isn't, and both those guys play basically the same position. If he doesn't get a big guy, I could see a career much like Vince in Toronto, McGrady in Orlando, etc..

who is LaBron's legitamate low-post scorer? how about Jordan's? Wasn't it Kendrick Perkins and Leon Powe on the low block last year for the Celts? I'm sure that an addition the level of a Joel Pryzbilla would help Durant's chances of wins at least as much as a low post scorer. Durant should eventually be able to guard 3's or 4's effectively as he's got the frame for it. Green isn't an ideal fit next to him, but he's pretty all around talented and a 3/4 tweener sized guy too. Westbrooke looks like a stud but they could use an upgrade at the 2 guard.

Thabeet would round them out in a big way.

STOMP

 

[alex42083]

who is LaBron's legitamate low-post scorer? how about Jordan's? Wasn't it Kendrick Perkins and Leon Powe on the low block last year for the Celts? I'm sure that an addition the level of a Joel Pryzbilla would help Durant's chances of wins at least as much as a low post scorer. Durant should eventually be able to guard 3's or 4's effectively as he's got the frame for it. Green isn't an ideal fit next to him, but he's pretty all around talented and a 3/4 tweener sized guy too. Westbrooke looks like a stud but they could use an upgrade at the 2 guard.

Thabeet would round them out in a big way.

STOMP

Sorry... Kevin Durant is not LeBron James or Michael Jordan. And as for Boston, they had a guy named Kevin Garnett who was their low-post scorer to complement Pierce and Allen.

And LeBron has Big Z, who's a legitimate low-post guy who is better than anyone on OKC. LeBron also makes his teammates a ton better by passing the ball while Durant is more of a scorer who doesn't really set anyone else up.
Durant's going to be a great player, don't get me wrong, but if OKC can't get any points in the paint or have a post presence, or have a legitimate big man with him, the Thunder are not going to be contenders anytime soon.

 

[LittleAlex]

who is LaBron's legitamate low-post scorer? how about Jordan's? Wasn't it Kendrick Perkins and Leon Powe on the low block last year for the Celts? I'm sure that an addition the level of a Joel Pryzbilla would help Durant's chances of wins at least as much as a low post scorer. Durant should eventually be able to guard 3's or 4's effectively as he's got the frame for it. Green isn't an ideal fit next to him, but he's pretty all around talented and a 3/4 tweener sized guy too. Westbrooke looks like a stud but they could use an upgrade at the 2 guard.

Thabeet would round them out in a big way.

STOMP

As good an offensive player that Durant is, mentioning him the same sentance as LaBron and Jordan is nuts. Durant has a LONG ways to go before he gets to that level. Frankly, I doubt he ever will. That's no knock on him really, but King James and MJ are unique players that bring it on every level of the game. What evidence is there that Durant is that same type of player?

 

[STOMP]

Sorry... Kevin Durant is not LeBron James or Michael Jordan. And as for Boston, they had a guy named Kevin Garnett who was their low-post scorer to complement Pierce and Allen.

I'm fine with disagreeing about Durant's upside, but KG is not on the low block except for guest appearances... he's been a high post player his whole career.

And LeBron has Big Z, who's a legitimate low-post guy who is better than anyone on OKC.

thats not saying much, everyone has a better low post guy then OKC. But next time you watch the Cavs, notice how much time Z spends on the perimeter spreading the court with his J.

Durant's going to be a great player, don't get me wrong, but if OKC can't get any points in the paint or have a post presence, or have a legitimate big man with him, the Thunder are not going to be contenders anytime soon.

this isn't what I disagreed with. I agree better Bigs will help him be successful... again thats not asking for much. But Green isn't standing in the way of him succeeding nearly as much as Collison is, and I'd think a defensive 5 would help him out more then a low block scorer 5. I'm sure Sam Presti is aware of where his club is awful and would guess he'll be addressing it this coming offseason.

STOMP

 

[alex42083]

I'm fine with disagreeing about Durant's upside, but KG is not on the low block except for guest appearances... he's been a high post player his whole career.

Yeah, but when Boston needed to go the low block, KG was their man and abused Lamar Odom quite a bit in the Finals last year. As much as I hate the guy, he's a legitimate low-post threat.

thats not saying much, everyone has a better low post guy then OKC. But next time you watch the Cavs, notice how much time Z spends on the perimeter spreading the court with his J.

They'll go to Z on the block on occasion, but I agree he spends a lot of time outside. However, it's still LeBron James that they've got and Durant is not even close to him.

this isn't what I disagreed with. I agree better Bigs will help him be successful... again thats not asking for much. But Green isn't standing in the way of him succeeding nearly as much as Collison is, and I'd think a defensive 5 would help him out more then a low block scorer 5. I'm sure Sam Presti is aware of where his club is awful and would guess he'll be addressing it this coming offseason.

STOMP

We'll agree to disagree. I still think a low-post presence would help Durant out more, or else OKC will just be a jump-shooting team, which we found out last year, won't get it done consistently.
It doesn't necessarily have to be a center, a guy like a healthy Elton Brand would help them out a lot more than a Przybilla.

 

[STOMP]

As good an offensive player that Durant is, mentioning him the same sentance as LaBron and Jordan is nuts. Durant has a LONG ways to go before he gets to that level. Frankly, I doubt he ever will. That's no knock on him really, but King James and MJ are unique players that bring it on every level of the game. What evidence is there that Durant is that same type of player?

I didn't directly compare them... at least that wasn't my intention. More I was countering the thought that a great perimeter player needs a low post scorer to succeed. But since you asked I looked up their numbers...

2nd year KD vs 2nd year LJ
Min 39.9 - 42.4
Pnts 25.5 - 27.2
FG% 48% - 47%
Rbs 6.7 - 7.4
Assts 2.8 - 7.2
TOs 3.1 - 3.3
Stls 0.8 - 2.2
Blks 1.2 - 0.6

STOMP

 

[Webster's Dictionary]

I'm ready for Nate to just let Greg play. Forget about fouls. Just tell him before the game, "Hey you're playing this many minutes before I pull you out, be aggressive, don't worry about fouls." If he gets 4 in the first quarter, who cares. Just let the guy play, get into a rhythm and if we have to bring in Joel for extended minutes, heck, that's what we used to do anyway.

 

[Minstrel]

Durant is a fantastic player. He's proving to be the elite wing talent that I expected he would be.

I still would rather have Oden, but not because Durant is disappointing. Durant may not Jordan or LeBron James, but I think he'll be in the next tier of wing superstars, like Kobe.

 

[mook]

I didn't directly compare them... at least that wasn't my intention. More I was countering the thought that a great perimeter player needs a low post scorer to succeed. But since you asked I looked up their numbers...

2nd year KD vs 2nd year LJ
Min 39.9 - 42.4
Pnts 25.5 - 27.2
FG% 48% - 47%
Rbs 6.7 - 7.4
Assts 2.8 - 7.2
TOs 3.1 - 3.3
Stls 0.8 - 2.2
Blks 1.2 - 0.6

STOMP

Dang. I wasn't aware Durant was doing so well. Dude is flat out killing it.

The obvious hole there is assists--LeBron beats him hands down. But to compare so favorably.....man....I just wasn't aware....

 

[tlongII]

Durant is a great player. I'd still rather have Oden though. He's not there yet, but he will be one of the top 2 or 3 big men in the league.