How much better could we be if

[magnifier661]

1.) Claver could consistently hit a mid range shot and finish around the rim?

2.) Price could consistently play like he played last night?

3.) Freeland play productive minutes like he did last night?

4.) Aldridge can average 10 boards a game?

 

[BlazerCaravan]

In January (5 games so far) LA has been beasting on rebounds, even as he struggles offensively: 11.0 rebounds per game.

 

[magnifier661]

In January (5 games so far) LA has been beasting on rebounds, even as he struggles offensively: 11.0 rebounds per game.

I noticed that too. I also looked up his FG% since December 1st. It's at 49% now. That's much much better!

 

[Pinwheel1]

1.) Claver could consistently hit a mid range shot and finish around the rim?

2.) Price could consistently play like he played last night?

3.) Freeland play productive minutes like he did last night?

4.) Aldridge can average 10 boards a game?

I think those are all obtainable. or close to it.

I don't think Price played that well last night.He looked the same as he always does. Freeland has looked much better as of late and LMA can average close to 10 boards a game.

I too wish Claver could be more consistent finishing at the rim. He should be able to. He misses easy shots after getting to the basket. His mid-range shot.......have not seen it work yet. Not sure we will. But I like the rest of his game.

 

[magnifier661]

I think those are all obtainable. or close to it.

I don't think Price played that well last night.He looked the same as he always does. Freeland has looked much better as of late and LMA can average close to 10 boards a game.

I too wish Claver could be more consistent finishing at the rim. He should be able to. He misses easy shots after getting to the basket. His mid-range shot.......have not seen it work yet. Not sure we will. But I like the rest of his game.

I love Claver's energy and defense. And he has many opportunities to score around the rim. He just needs to finish. I think timing is more of the issue. I eventually think he's going to get it before the season's over.

Price played heady last night and didn't make the bone-headed mistakes he's been known for making. He is definitely not a "OMG can't wait for him to come in the game" type player. I doubt he will ever be that type. But I can see our coaching staff would love to put him in without worrying about him making so many mistakes.

Over the years I kept preaching that Aldridge has a 10 board a game ability and many disagreed with me. Most talked about the rebounding will effect his scoring. This season, he is averaging more points a game and the most rebounds a game his entire career. I think by season's end, he will be close to a 9.5 rebound per game player. And if he does, then I will be pleasantly surprised.

 

[Eastoff]

 

[bemac]

Our bench last night of Claver, Babbitt, Price and Freeland/Leonard will be just fine....As soon as we find a way to get a Jamal Crawford type player, our bench is looking good in my opinion.

Makes Elliot Williams all the more frustrating.

As for Aldridge...He has stepped up his rebounding, and definitely like what he's contributing.

 

[STOMP]

Our bench last night of Claver, Babbitt, Price and Freeland/Leonard will be just fine....As soon as we find a way to get a Jamal Crawford type player, our bench is looking good in my opinion.

Makes Elliot Williams all the more frustrating.

Thats what I was going to point to... an athletic wing who can create his own shot would help so much

STOMP

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

5. Leonard stays cheering from the bench

 

[HomerLovesKoolAid]

I think Claver will improve his shooting. He seems to have everything going wrong offensively right now, sort of a first-year player thing, but he looks like he belongs in the NBA at least.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I am surprised at how well Wes has played this year. (Aside from when he was injured) I have been a supporter of him from day one, but that was as an energy guy coming off the bench. I never thought he should be a long term starter.

Now I am having second thoughts. OK he still is not great at dribbling, but he seems to have slightly improved in most other areas. His three ball continues to be good (even when he is not open) and his pull up mid range shot (As ugly as it is) also has improved. He is finishing better and I also think his D has improved. Maybe because his ankles are healthy this year, he seems quicker.

Anyways props to Wes. He has stepped up this year. He seems to compliment Batum and Lillard.

 

[Mediocre Man]

So...how much better could we be with better players? Is that what you are asking?

 

[Eastoff]

So...how much better could we be with better players? Is that what you are asking?

This is you.

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

According to the rocket scientist sitting behind me last night, they would be much better if they would stop leaving "that guy" open. He said it every time someone white shot the ball.

 

[Mediocre Man]

This is you.

Haha. That is what he's asking though

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Not many Blazers in the last decade makes me cringe as much as Price.

 

[HailBlazers]

How much better would we be with a solid bench?

Good enough to win a playoff series

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

PG: Bo McCalebb
SG: Jimmer Fredette
SF: Will Barton
PF: Luke Babbitt

Scoring, scoring, scoring!

My best case scenario.

Our bench today sucks so bad.

 

[KingSpeed]

Price played great last night. I agree that if our players played better, we'd be a better team.

A few years ago, everyone said we needed a player like Crawford. Then we got him and everyone trashed him. Now people want him again?

 

[magnifier661]

So...how much better could we be with better players? Is that what you are asking?

Not what I'm asking. All that I've mentioned are things a little practice and coaching could help improve with the players we already have on our roster.


And all the players aren't incapable of achieving such goals.

 

[Natebishop3]

I'm still holding out hope that Freeland and Claver will eventually adjust to the NBA and become solid contributors.

 

[HailBlazers]

I'm still holding out hope that Freeland and Claver will eventually adjust to the NBA and become solid contributors.

+ 1 and that Leonard will develop sooner rather than later. Nikola Vucevic was awesome last night, if Meyers could reach that level he could become a starter moving Hickson to the second unit:

Proper Backup PG
Barton / Free Agent 6th Man
Claver
Freeland
Hickson

 

[Natebishop3]

+ 1 and that Leonard will develop sooner rather than later. Nikola Vucevic was awesome last night, if Meyers could reach that level he could become a starter moving Hickson to the second unit:

Proper Backup PG
Barton / Free Agent 6th Man
Claver
Freeland
Hickson

Hell, if Freeland could hit the mid-range jumper consistently I'd be psyched. Claver can just keep on hustling and I'll be happy.

 

[magnifier661]

Hell, if Freeland could hit the mid-range jumper consistently I'd be psyched. Claver can just keep on hustling and I'll be happy.

I've really become a fan of claver. I just wish he could finish

 

[Nikolokolus]

Not what I'm asking. All that I've mentioned are things a little practice and coaching could help improve with the players we already have on our roster.


And all the players aren't incapable of achieving such goals.

No, not really at all. If all it took was a little practice and a little coaching, then every marginal player in the NBA would be capable of marked improvement. Fact of the matter is our roster is about 5 players deep, with 3 question marks and a lot of flotsam. Maybe some of those question marks will turn into exclamation points, but chances are guys like Freeland, Leonard and Claver just can't play at this level. And at the same time, guys like Jeffries, Price and Pavlovic are probably lucky to be in the league.

 

[magnifier661]

No, not really at all. If all it took was a little practice and a little coaching, then every marginal player in the NBA would be capable of marked improvement. Fact of the matter is our roster is about 5 players deep, with 3 question marks and a lot of flotsam. Maybe some of those question marks will turn into exclamation points, but chances are guys like Freeland, Leonard and Claver just can't play at this level. And at the same time, guys like Jeffries, Price and Pavlovic are probably lucky to be in the league.

Freeland, claver and leanord are young. You honestly think they can't improve? Really?!