Exclusive Hezonja to the Blazers

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mook said:
Bigger, stronger, more multidimensional....just better at everything but catching lobs and three point shooting.

That highlight video answers so many questions about him. Everything in it he created for himself (except for the wide open three). If he can somewhat consistently replicate that video....man. What a steal.
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I really love Mario - he has been a real pleasure to watch this preseason - but I think Layman can be a much more explosive scorer than him. Mario is a better defender, has better handle (Layman is good too) and is a much better play-maker - but Layman is just explosive (but inconsistent, which is why he is a role player).
 
Wizard Mentor said:
So far, I'm liking the Hezonja/Collins pick and roll, pick and pop, and slip screen.
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Honestly Mario looks much more comfortable as the lead guard than Simons. He’s always directing guys and seems to make the proper reads. I hope Stotts lets him run the second unit instead of trying to force Simons out of his comfort zone. He’s still young, he should be allowed to focus on perfecting what he’s good at first before expanding his game. Just my opinion.
 
Another thing that stands about Hezonja is his ability off the ball. It’s as good as Layman. So even if he doesn’t have the ball in his hands he can still make an impact. That’s what I hated about Turner. He was completely useless off the ball because on top of not being a threat as a shooter, he wasn’t a threat to slash either. Clogged everything up, especially when he shared the court with Aminu.
 
mook said:
Bigger, stronger, more multidimensional....just better at everything but catching lobs and three point shooting.

That highlight video answers so many questions about him. Everything in it he created for himself (except for the wide open three). If he can somewhat consistently replicate that video....man. What a steal.
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Exactly, I have been on the bandwagon since the trade mainly out of HOPE. We need him (or someone like him) so desperately to be that guy in the video. He is not the same type of player that Draymond is for the Warriors on the defensive side, but he can be better than Green on the offensive side......a forward who can rebound and push the ball in transition so Dame and CJ (and the other forward of your choice) can run down court and get in position for the open shot. We know he can finish if no one picks him up.

I am trying to taper my enthusiasm for the guy, because it is still early, but the potential is there. I know a few have said he won't get many minutes, but I can't see that happening. We need him on the court. Now if he could just shoot around 35% from deep it would be gravy. I think he can if he eliminates the quick ones off the dribble. Like all these guys not named CJ or Dame.....stick to the shorter 3's and make sure your feet are set.
 
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Mario shows overall game and I didn't see that from Layman at all. Layman had trouble breaking down off the dribbling and his defense was subject majority of the time. Mario has very stat line especially coming off the bench 18/5/6 that's was his last night stats.
 
Mario is going to struggle at times for sure, he's certainly shown that throughout his career. What I'm excited about is how he makes his teammates better. He seems to have a very high BBIQ, something we've needed coming off the bench for a long long time. Simons is definitely going to benefit from his experience and leadership, allowing him to play off the ball at times while he gains game experience. Mario could be to Simons what pau could be to our bigs. Add the fact that he's one of Nurks best friends and we have a huge win-win.
 
Mario needs to stay aggressive and look for his shot on offense as much as he looks for the pass. That's what will make him dangerous.
 
AmirIcon said:
Mario needs to stay aggressive and look for his shot on offense as much as he looks for the pass. That's what will make him dangerous.
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I think you are right. Especially with the 2nd unit. He looked good with his post ups last night. He made them look easy.
 
Scalma said:
Honestly Mario looks much more comfortable as the lead guard than Simons. He’s always directing guys and seems to make the proper reads. I hope Stotts lets him run the second unit instead of trying to force Simons out of his comfort zone. He’s still young, he should be allowed to focus on perfecting what he’s good at first before expanding his game. Just my opinion.
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I'm not sure Simons will be a point guard and we will likely see Lillard and McCollum staggered to keep on of them on the floor at pretty much all times. If Simons can play aggressively and make shots then he will be a solid piece off the bench as a 2 leaning combo guard and maybe he can grow more into a facilitator.
 
I don't think Blazers are worried about having a "point guard" on the floor of the second unit as long as they have a couple guys who can bring the ball up the court and a couple guys that can initiate an offense.
 
Y'all catch Quick on 1080 yesterday?

He said Stotts is getting really frustrated with Mario as he keeps forgetting plays and coverages on both ends of the floor. Said Terry is forced to play others instead because of how often Mario is lost.
 
illmatic99 said:
Y'all catch Quick on 1080 yesterday?

He said Stotts is getting really frustrated with Mario as he keeps forgetting plays and coverages on both ends of the floor. Said Terry is forced to play others instead because of how often Mario is lost.
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I noticed this during the OKC game. If you cant remember Terry's stuff, then yikes.
 
illmatic99 said:
Y'all catch Quick on 1080 yesterday?

He said Stotts is getting really frustrated with Mario as he keeps forgetting plays and coverages on both ends of the floor. Said Terry is forced to play others instead because of how often Mario is lost.
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I kind of get the feeling Mario will eventually be traded like Nick was last year.
 
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