Hendrickson: Five Things To Improve

[Reep]

Columbian

So as the Blazers head into the All-Star Break, here are five areas that, if improved, could solidify their position:

1. Defense, defense, defense
. . .

2. Oden’s consistency
. . .

3. A healthy Martell Webster
. . .
The argument can be made that the Blazers would receive more from Webster’s return than from most mid-season trades they could make. . . .

4. Consistent starts
. . .

5. Committing to Bayless

 

[MrJayremmie]

1. Defense, defense, defense

Agree. Definitely the number 1 priority if we want to take it to the next level.

2. Oden’s consistency

Also a huge priority for the big guy. His consistancy and staying out of foul trouble are the 2 things I really want him to improve upon. He is the wildcard for us in the post-season, in my eyes. If he comes to play and beasts it up, averaging like 20 and 12 in a series, I think we can move on to at least round 2.

3. A healthy Martell Webster -- The argument can be made that the Blazers would receive more from Webster’s return than from most mid-season trades they could make.

I agree that Webster is a need, but I don't agree that it is the #3 biggest need to improve upon. I also don't agree that getting him back would be more helpful than most mid-season trades. Not just because of the fact that we could get better players, but because him coming back further jams our SF position and our rotation, extending it farther than I want it, as we would be at 11 (once him and Blake come back). A trade would not only bring in a defensive vet (hopefully) but also (hopefully) help consolidate the rotation.

4. Consistent starts

Yes. Not much more to say about this... We need to not dig ourselves in a hole to start games and fight from behind the whole time. While we may be able to pull it off verses sub-par teams, it simply isn't going to cut it while we are battling for the playoffs and playoff positioning. Hopefully bringing back Blake, and maybe by the end of the year having Webster starting instead of Batum who isn't too consistant (can't blame him, he is, what, 19? Maybe just turned 20?) yet will help. Also, Oden being more consistant, and Nate making sure to play through him will help this in my eyes.

5. Committing to Bayless

I agree with this. I think we need to give him about 20mpg once Blake comes back. You can play him on or off the ball, I think he is most effective as the PG as you could tell vs. the Knicks when he came in and suddenly we broke open the game before he got 2 quick fouls. He went +13 in his first 5 minute stretch, playing D, running the break, hitting a 3 and getting the open man the ball. I'm not for committing to Bayless as the starter though, but I think a Blake/Bayless rotation of about 25mpg for Blake, 20 for JayBay and then 3 for a Rudy/Roy backcourt or Sergio or w/e in certain circumstances would be what I do. I think playing the kid not only gives us the best chance to win now, but playing him now will pay dividends in the future big time.

... Good points by him.

 

[Minstrel]

My five points for Blazer improvement:

1. Defense

2. Perimeter Defense

3. Team Defense

4. Point Guard Defense

5. Defense

 

[Nikolokolus]

My five points for Blazer improvement:

1. Defense

2. Perimeter Defense

3. Team Defense

4. Point Guard Defense

5. Defense

I can't shake the feeling that you left something out

 

[Ed O]

I can't shake the feeling that you left something out

Free throw defense. Our opponents shoot too high of a FT%.

Ed O.

 

[Ed O]

Interesting how much love Webster gets in the column. I am a big Martell fan, but I think Hendrickson might be overstating his impact a bit.

I hope not, of course.

Ed O.

 

[LittleAlex]

My five points for Blazer improvement:

1. Defense

2. Perimeter Defense

3. Team Defense

4. Point Guard Defense

5. Defense

You missed First Quarter Defense. Also, Team Defense should be 1 through 4.

 

[oldmangrouch]

Free throw defense. Our opponents shoot too high of a FT%.

Ed O.

I blame Zach Randolph.

 

[andalusian]

I blame Zach Randolph.

You are so out of touch man. It's all Jarret Jack's fault.

 

[<-=*PdX*=->]

You are so out of touch man. It's all Jarret Jack's fault.

Oh shit, I thought it was D-Miles fault.

 

[Minstrel]

Oh shit, I thought it was D-Miles fault.

Old-timers know that it's really Rasheed Wallace's fault.

 

[andalusian]

Sheed was a good guy. It was Damon that pulled him into the dark side.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Man, that is so old time Blazers . . . keep up with the times, everyone knows, it is Outlaw's falut.

 

[B-Roy]

Free throw defense. Our opponents shoot too high of a FT%.

Ed O.

I can't remember where I read this, whether it was on this forum or another forum.

Anyways, this guy had a theory, that other teams shoot a high FT% against us because we allow so many open jumpshots, and we allow other teams to get into a rhythm. That once they step to the line, they can just knock it down in rhythm because they've been knocking down a lot of their field goals. Sounds kind of sketchy, but it's something to consider. Mike and Mike always talk about how missed free throws for the Blazers are usually contagious. Could free throw shooting be such a mental thing?

 

[Minstrel]

I can't remember where I read this, whether it was on this forum or another forum.

Anyways, this guy had a theory, that other teams shoot a high FT% against us because we allow so many open jumpshots, and we allow other teams to get into a rhythm. That once they step to the line, they can just knock it down in rhythm because they've been knocking down a lot of their field goals. Sounds kind of sketchy, but it's something to consider.

I think it's much more than just "sketchy"...I think it's substituting nonsense for explanation. Random variance seems to explain it much better. Looking at the numbers, Portland has the worst "free throw percentage against" at 80.8% and the best is 74.4%. So the variation is pretty large, and Portland's lead over #2 (Dallas at 80.1%) is pretty insignificant.

Further, Portland was at 76.6% last year, and I don't think they played any significantly tighter defense. Also, the teams with the best "free throw defense" this season are Charlotte and New York. If you can't get in rhythm against them, you can't get in rhythm against anyone.