HoopsHype Blazers Season Preview

[Pinwheel1]

Yeah, that's why I'd lean more towards fourth than second--because I think power forward will be a major hole. I don't have faith in Vonleh and Swanigan/Collins are unproven and likely won't hit their stride as rookies. But if either can give the Blazers much, they'll be significantly better. They have talent, but how quickly they develop into good NBA players is a big question mark.

So basically I think we are both saying that we can get away with one of the two positions (this year) with who we have, but not both....
I think Collins will be our PF of the future. I think Swanigan will provide offense and rebounding off the bench at both C/PF depending on the opposition. The question for me is if Harkless the SF of the future? We will know by the end the year....and I think he needs to improve for that to happen. He s only 24, it could happen. (assuming he is working hard in the of season)

 

[Minstrel]

So basically I think we are both saying that we can get away with one of the two positions (this year) with who we have, but not both....
I think Collins will be our PF of the future. I think Swanigan will provide offense and rebounding off the bench at both C/PF depending on the opposition. The question for me is if Harkless the SF of the future? We will know by the end the year....and I think he needs to improve for that to happen. He s only 24, it could happen. (assuming he is working hard in the of season)

Well, I think you may be lower on Harkless than I am. He's not a star, but he's a good player. The chances of upgrading on him are low--you're not going to have a star at every position. He's currently good and I think he still has a little upside. He's a perfect long-term complementary player. I see him as a Nic Batum without the passing ability (and I like Batum a lot).

 

[BonesJones]

You really didn't tho. He asked you about your job and how that's suppose to influence you in some form of fashion to be a homer

And what are you predicting?

 

[Boob-No-More]

Yeah, that's why I'd lean more towards fourth than second--because I think power forward will be a major hole. I don't have faith in Vonleh and Swanigan/Collins are unproven and likely won't hit their stride as rookies. But if either can give the Blazers much, they'll be significantly better. They have talent, but how quickly they develop into good NBA players is a big question mark.

If only we had a big man coach..

Collins = 19-years old
Swanigan = 20-years old
Vonleh = 21-years old
Nurkic = 22-years old
Leonard = 25-years old

That's a HUGE part of this organization's present and future. The organization has already invested a lot in these young men, and that investment will balloon as they come off their rookie contracts. It makes zero sense to me that we don't have the absolute best big man coach money can buy. Hell, if I owned the team, we'd have two dedicated big men coaches on the payroll, one for offense and one for defense, and they would have been hired the day after the draft.

BNM

 

[THE HCP]

I don't even know why you explain yourself bro

Some ppl are straight homers and no matter what u say nothing will change their mind.

The knowledge is strong with this one! #RookLove

 

[THE HCP]

I hope Denver isn't this year's version of last season's Utah, where nearly everyone on this forum was united in contempt of them and the idea that they could be better than Portland and then they ended up being much better.

I don't think Denver will end up smoking Portland like Utah did, but we should keep things in perspective a little rather than every single off-season predicting greatness for Portland and having no tolerance for anyone who predicts less than total global domination.

If I knew it wouldn't go to your head...... I'd LIKE this post.

 

[Boob-No-More]

I don't think Denver will end up smoking Portland like Utah did, but we should keep things in perspective a little rather than every single off-season predicting greatness for Portland and having no tolerance for anyone who predicts less than total global domination.

But, just maybe, we could have a small amount of tolerance for those predicting we will finish higher than 4th in a 5 team division. That's not exactly the same thing as global domination.

Global domination will require dragons. I know it will. I saw it on TV.

BNM

 

[THE HCP]

I'm not referring to anyone's post specifically, though there are people saying that the Blazers could very well be the best in the division. There are also people finding the idea of Denver finishing ahead of Portland ridiculous, which bears eerie resemblance to how this forum (not every individual) treated Utah predictions last year. People get way too high on the team every off-season, which leads to a crash when/if they're not that great during the regular season which can make this board hard to read as people are putting fists through walls and others are talking about how Lillard is a loser. I find that cycle (overhype->kill all the players when they don't meet it) to be a little annoying, but that's just my view of things. If people were just overly high during the off-season, that would be fine ("fan" is short for "fanatic" and all that) but since it directly leads to trashing the team all year for not meeting their own poor predictions, that's a bit less cool for me. It just makes the forum less enjoyable to read then if people were a bit more level from start to finish.

Been saying this for years man. When Jinx and these guys predict 65 wins every season and then are absolutely killing our guys when we win 40 it blows my mind. I'm not being negative or psseimistic, I'm being real. To expect this roster with this talent level to finish first in our division is delusional. You are setting yourself up for failure and disappointment.

 

[THE HCP]

We will have a full season of Nurkick.

BNM

I am really looking forward to watching him for a full season healthy. I really think we will miss AC's ability to stretch the floor for our guards and create space. I'm worried about our bench man.

 

[THE HCP]

Regardless, I think, top to bottom, the NW Division will be the toughest in the NBA, with no easy wins against any opponents in that division.

BNM

Agreed those three team got much better and we didn't really in my opinion. That's why I think 4th is about right. That's what adding 2 superstars and an all star will do.

 

[Boob-No-More]

I am really looking forward to watching him for a full season healthy. I really think we will miss AC's ability to stretch the floor for our guards and create space. I'm worried about our bench man.

I said it in another post, but I don't think Neil is done, yet. He's obviously keeping all his options open. He's holding onto Andrew Nicholson as long as he can and has extended Patty Baseball's guaranteed contract date twice, just in case either can be used to match salaries in a trade.

And, we have that big, juicy $12.9 million TPE from the Crabbe trade. That can easily be used to replace Crabbe's production with a guy like Courtney Lee or Jared Dudley. Both of those guys would replace Crabbe's shooting and give us much more - like defense.

BNM

 

[THE HCP]

Huh, that's interesting. To me, PF is going to be the key. I like Harkless as a two-way wing, so long as he keeps shooting around 35% from three. He's not a star, but he plays good defense and can provide spacing. He's a good player. I don't think Vonleh is a good player and Swanigan and Collins (assuming he's given significant time at PF--Olshey's comments after the draft suggested they saw Collins, for now at least, as Nurkic's backup) are unproven. If they can get good play from the power forward spot, their starting five will be solidified.

The bench would still concern me.

I think during all the Nurk fever, one thing got overlooked. How Noah played. I am not sure what his averaged pre Nurk vs with him, but just by what I saw out there I was impressed. Nurk demanded just enough attention that it left Vonleh open or at least in better position to snatch some rebounds and get easier shots. Looking forward to Noah growing more this season playing along the big man. I think some people forget how young he is. I do know he's one of the hardest working guys on the squad.

 

[BonesJones]

Been saying this for years man. When Jinx and these guys predict 65 wins every season and then are absolutely killing our guys when we win 40 it blows my mind. I'm not being negative or psseimistic, I'm being real. To expect this roster with this talent level to finish first in our division is delusional. You are setting yourself up for failure and disappointment.

The first part makes sense, and 60 wins is delusional, but how is winning our division delusional? Utah finished ahead of us and lost Hayward&Hill while Nurkic is a more impactful addition for us than George is for OKC. MIN will be average on both sides of the ball, and has no depth. Denver seed Millsap who's declining and already struggling offensively, and they still don't have a competent PG.

 

[BonesJones]

I think during all the Nurk fever, one thing got overlooked. How Noah played. I am not sure what his averaged pre Nurk vs with him, but just by what I saw out there I was impressed. Nurk demanded just enough attention that it left Vonleh open or at least in better position to snatch some rebounds and get easier shots. Looking forward to Noah growing more this season playing along the big man. I think some people forget how young he is. I do know he's one of the hardest working guys on the squad.

Nurks impact is why I feel like you and others see overlooking our team. Dude is such a difference maker, and will only be better.

 

[Boob-No-More]

Agreed those three team got much better and we didn't really in my opinion. That's why I think 4th is about right. That's what adding 2 superstars and an all star will do.

Well, we played 75% of last season without Nurk. So, having him for a full year is a huge upgrade. The nice thing is we already know Nurk is a GREAT fit with the rest of this roster.

On paper, OKC and MIN got better, but the games aren't played on paper. It will take a while for their rosters to adjust to the changes and adding more great players doesn't always lead to a better result (see LAL adding Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, or NOP adding DeMarcus Cousins).

Cousin's (so far) is a shining example of why adding more talent doesn't always add more wins. Yeah, small sample size, but NOP was actually worse after the Cousins trade than before. Best case, they will eventually figure it out. Worst case, they won't and will have a shit ton of money locked up in a team that can't make the playoffs.

It is yet to be seen how Paul George will mesh with Russell Westbrook and how Jimmy Butler fits in with the young kids in MIN. The potential is there, but there are no guarantees, That's why they play the games and that's what makes it exciting.

BNM

 

[Blazinaway]

Nurks impact is why I feel like you and others see overlooking our team. Dude is such a difference maker, and will only be better.

as long as Nurk stays healthy and can play like he did late last yr I am solidly, not wildly optimistic. I think we can be a dangerous team and certainly fun to watch, also would like to see Vonleh make a move up or I think Caleb could replace him as the season progresses. Zach is a wild card, probably should not expect much as he adjusts to the NBA, but I am thinking he just might be able to show us something before the season ends and he gains experience at this level. Should be a fun season, my main hope is that Nurk can stay healthy!

 

[Boob-No-More]

Nurks impact is why I feel like you and others see overlooking our team. Dude is such a difference maker, and will only be better.

Yep, he made such a tremendous impact on both sides of the ball. Post trade, our scoring went up by 2 ppg and our opponents's scoring went down by 5.1 ppg. That 7.1 improvement in scoring margin is huge. Our average margin went from -2.8 to +4.3 and we went from a team on pace to win 34 games to a team playing at a 57-win pace.

Yeah, small sample size, strength of schedule, blah, blah, blah...

Still, I've been following the NBA since 1968 and that's one of the biggest late season turnarounds I have ever seen - and it was because of adding one 22-year old, out of shape, Bosnian Beast. I REALLY look forward to seeing a full season of this team with Jusuf Nurkic. I don't know that 57 wins is practical, given how tough the West and the NW, in particular, are going to be, but I would not be stunned if we won 50+ games.

BNM

 

[Boob-No-More]

I think during all the Nurk fever, one thing got overlooked. How Noah played. I am not sure what his averaged pre Nurk vs with him, but just by what I saw out there I was impressed. Nurk demanded just enough attention that it left Vonleh open or at least in better position to snatch some rebounds and get easier shots. Looking forward to Noah growing more this season playing along the big man. I think some people forget how young he is. I do know he's one of the hardest working guys on the squad.

Noah absolutely played better after the Nurk trade. After the all star break he scored in double figures 8 times and had 6 games with at least 11 rebounds.

'That's the thing with Nurk, his addition made things so much easier for EVERYONE. The entire team shot so much better from 3-point range. Plumlee was a great passer out of the high post, but Nurk sets bigger, better screens and demands the defensive attention Plumlee did not.

Look at these pre and post all star 3-point percentages:

Aminu:
Pre All Star Game - 3FG% = .307
Post All Star Game - 3FG% = .373

Harkless:
Pre All Star Game - 3FG% = .346
Post All Star Game - 3FG% = .371

Lillard:
Pre All Star Game - 3FG% = .347
Post All Star Game - 3FG% = .413

McCollum:
Pre All Star Game - 3FG% = .411
Post All Star Game - 3FG% = .452

Napier:
Pre All Star Game - 3FG% = .339
Post All Star Game - 3FG% = .417

We went from an average 3-point shooting team to an elite one.

We were also a top 10 defensive team with Nurk.

Yeah, I know the Debbie downers will want to play the small sample size, weak schedule excuse cards, but I'll counter that that was also with an out of shape Nurk who was getting used to a new system and new teammates. Ultimately, there is no denying Jusuf Nurkic makes this team significantly better at both ends of the court. I can't wait to see a full season of that.

BNM

 

[lawai'a]

I think during all the Nurk fever, one thing got overlooked. How Noah played. I am not sure what his averaged pre Nurk vs with him, but just by what I saw out there I was impressed. Nurk demanded just enough attention that it left Vonleh open or at least in better position to snatch some rebounds and get easier shots. Looking forward to Noah growing more this season playing along the big man. I think some people forget how young he is. I do know he's one of the hardest working guys on the squad.

it was encouraging to see that he continued to play at that higher level even after Josef went down with his injury

 

[Boob-No-More]

it was encouraging to see that he continued to play at that higher level even after Josef went down with his injury

His confidence increased playing next to Nurk, and that seemed to carry forward.

BNM

 

[e_blazer]

Highest scoring trio in the NBA in March?

 

[lawai'a]

Highest scoring trio in the NBA in March?

And a top ten defense as stated by BNM? I'll take as much of that as I can get thank you. The pundits are sleeping.

 

[Minstrel]

If I knew it wouldn't go to your head...... I'd LIKE this post.

You liking my post just means I need to re-think some things! I didn't say anything nice about the Lakers in my post.

 

[theprunetang]

Highest scoring trio in the NBA in March?

Is there a diamond in my pants? Because I'm a 10 on the Moh's Scale after watching this.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I posted this a couple of weeks ago but seems relevant for this discussion:

Noah shot over 57% after the all star break. And even when Nurk did not play, Noah had some good games. In those last 7 games he averaged 57% from the field and 9 rebounds. (93% from the line) This is why I am more concerned with the SF position than I am with the PF spot moving forward. Especially when you include the rookies down the road.

Looking at the depth chart of all teams in the NW, I can't say any team scares me right now. We all seem to missing that one player who can make us a contender. Although OKC is obviously the best team...unless westbrook gets hurt

 

[THE HCP]

Is there a diamond in my pants? Because I'm a 10 on the Moh's Scale after watching this.

Somebody please tell me what this post means!

 

[Boob-No-More]

Somebody please tell me what this post means!

He's got a boner.

The Moh's scale is a scale for measuring the hardness of minerals. The diamond has a rating of 10 on the Moh's scale, the hardest naturally occurring mineral.

BNM

 

[theprunetang]

Somebody please tell me what this post means!

Rock hard bruh.

 

[e_blazer]

He's got a boner.

The Moh's scale is a scale for measuring the hardness of minerals. The diamond has a rating of 10 on the Moh's scale, the hardest naturally occurring mineral.

BNM

It's the reason Mrs. HCP has the nickname "Bling".

 

[theprunetang]

It's the reason Mrs. HCP has the nickname "Bling".