Jason Quick on Courtside

[Kaydow]

Nah. I think he actually gets it more than most ... it's just tough to be patient and change. Especially when that change means playing worse in the short run (both as an individual and as a team) on nothing more than the hope that the new way will eventually be more productive than the old way.

I think of this situation being a bit like trying to solve a rubiks cube. Doing it the old way Brandon was able to solve two sides (pretty good!), now somebody has come along and tells him that he needs to solve the whole thing ... but the only way to solve the whole thing is to scramble the two completed sides first. The hope is that the new way works and in a similar way right now Brandon is operating on faith that what's good for Oden (and Lamarcus) will eventually be good for him.

That is a great analogy. Especially when you consider that the two sides he solved earned him 2 all star appearances. Now he has to blow the hole damn thing up. Question . . . if he figures out that he can pull the colored stickers off the cube and stick them back so that it APPEARS he solved it . . . does that mean we win a championship?

 

[MARIS61]

I think it's odd we don't have Roy and Oden running the pick and roll.

That should be our deadliest combination.

 

[Kaydow]

I think it's odd we don't have Roy and Oden running the pick and roll.

That should be our deadliest combination.

Honestly, I've thought they don't use Greg as much in pick and roll is because he gets called for moving picks a lot. It's another foul or two/game waiting to happen.

 

[mook]

If you really want to get the offense to run through Roy again, start Bayless. Let Roy bring the ball up the court much of the time and initiate the offense. Leave Bayless on the wing to drive or shoot. Run pick and rolls with Oden and Aldridge repeatedly.

Oden worked a lot on his low post moves over the summer, which is great. But he and Roy really need to work together on executing quality pick and rolls. Right now Oden sets bad picks. Roy more often than not looks to dish to a perimeter shooter. Neither guy really focuses on working on executing with the goal of helping the other.

An Oden/Roy pick and roll should be absolutely terrifying. Yet it's barely part of the offense. That's Nate's fault, Oden's fault and Roy's fault.

 

[Minstrel]

So, if it's about the long term, why sign an aging, yet established (somewhat), Andre Miller to what is basically a two-year contract?

It's about the long-term and present term. Trying to compete this season without sacrificing the future. I think Miller fit into that concept well...Portland didn't have to give up any future assets of value to add Miller, a player I think should be expected to help this season and next.

Because Miller is jacking up shots at his career rate, while assisting at a much lower rate.

He has been worse this year than in the past. On the other hand, I think his role has been very unstable, so there's a decent chance that that's the reason. It might not be, but I still think that if the Blazers tried a stable starting rotation of Miller/Roy/Webster/Aldridge/Oden, and let Fernandez, BLANKY, Przybilla and Bayless fill in around the edges, there's a solid chance that the performances of Miller, Roy and Aldridge would start to look like last season's. And, hopefully, Oden's would continue to improve.

 

[Kaydow]

If you really want to get the offense to run through Roy again, start Bayless. Let Roy bring the ball up the court much of the time and initiate the offense. Leave Bayless on the wing to drive or shoot. Run pick and rolls with Oden and Aldridge repeatedly.

Oden worked a lot on his low post moves over the summer, which is great. But he and Roy really need to work together on executing quality pick and rolls. Right now Oden sets bad picks. Roy more often than not looks to dish to a perimeter shooter. Neither guy really focuses on working on executing with the goal of helping the other.

An Oden/Roy pick and roll should be absolutely terrifying. Yet it's barely part of the offense. That's Nate's fault, Oden's fault and Roy's fault.

That's a good idea. We should see more pick and roll/pick and pop with Roy and LA. Especially late in games when our offense has really sputtered at times. If the pick setter can knock down 18'ers, it puts pressure on the defense. Whether LA rolls towards the basket or pops out to the perimeter he's a threat - you can't say that about Oden & Pryz.

 

[Public Defender]

Great recap. It all makes me very interested in seeing what changes/improvements we'll see tonight against Miami. These next two games are huge. Two quality teams at home, separated by a few days' rest.

I think as everyone as pointed out, the big question surrounds how/whether Brandon Roy can adapt to an offense that no longer revolves around him 100% of the time that he's on the floor. I think back to Steve Jones' constant carping about "ball movement, player movement" and can't help but thinking that if Roy feels like he's always standing around waiting for a play to develop, then he's doing the wrong thing. Move! Get open! Crash the boards! Don't just stand there!

Bring on the Heat, bring on the Rockets.

 

[Boise Blazer]

As I read through this thread a lot of people seem have a lot of good points but to me it really seems to come down to one thing, the Blazers have to run more. The issue here is that we have trouble scoring.

So how do you score more? You get more shots and you get easier shots. So what are the easiest shots? Lay-ups and dunks. Where can you get more of the those? By running. I dont know it just seems to make so much sense that it baffles me why we arent doing it more.

Frankly I dont care if its Nate or the team preventing it from happening its Nate job to insure that it happens. If certain players arent on board then they sit. Period. So is Nate full of crap about running or does he not have control of the players cuz I dont know which one is worse.

It makes no sense that we have one the youngest teams in the league and we dont run. Yes, there are going to be turnovers but thats cuz there are going to be more possesions. AND THATS THE WHOLE POINT!

At the same time this gets LMA more shots because he is easily one of the fastest PF's in the league. So that means we can give less touches in the half court set. That leaves Oden and Roy to take care of. If we establish Oden down low to start then that opens up Roy to do more damage after that. If Roy is our star and leader and the quality of player that I believe he is then there should be no reason that he cant wait till after the low post is established to take over in the half court sets.

And finally I will say this, I really really want Nate to be successful here. He has earned it. And there should be a reasonable amount of patience involved but the time for change is here and that patience is only going to last for so long. Nate needs to get it done. If he isnt on board with running or if he cant get the players there then he isnt going to work with this group which leads to either changing the coach or the team. And I really really dont think this team is going to be drastically changed as far as the big 3 are concerned.

So the ball is in your court Nate. What are you going to do?

 

[BrianFromWA]

I think it's funny that Brandon Roy is telling the world that the SF in Nate's offense doesn't do anything but stand around and wait for an open three. Amazingly enough, it's something that people on here have been telling the world for a couple of years now, only to be silenced with claims of "best offense in the NBA" and "54 wins". But now that it's Roy instead of Webster or Batum it's a problem? (To be sure, I agree that it's a problem.)

There have been at least 5 times this year that Andre Miller or Steve Blake has cut down the lane when Oden was doubled in order for Greg to get them the ball, on the run, at layup distance from the hoop. I can't remember (though I've missed a couple of games) ever seeing Roy cut through the paint to get a dumpoff pass from Oden. I've seen Brandon wide-open at the three point line more than a few times, and getting the assist from Oden. I've seen him come running off of screens ReggieMiller-style a couple of times, but nothing regular.

Many of these things could be fixed if/when (a) Roy starts at PG or SG, with either Miller or Rudy at the other backcourt position; (b) offense is allowed/forced to run after blocks and defensive rebounds and free throws; (c) more motion is incorporated into our offense; (d) starters play more, or same amount with stifling D. It seems as if the players don't control many of those things at all.

 

[blue32]

Thanks for the recap - I thought it was insightful. The one thing it doesn't address is that when Brandon DOES have the ball, he's not as effective as he was last season. Actually, MB touched on it, but Quick didn't respond to the point. His handles have been sloppy at times, he looks slower and less explosive most nights, and even when he has tried to take over he doesn't seem to have that extra gear. It's hard to believe that it's all attributable to this lack of team ying/yang offensive cohesiveness. When the team's offense stalled in the past, it was Brandon to the rescue - he looked unstoppable at times. Haven't seen that this year. Is he nicked up? Did taking the whole summer off hurt his game? I don't think he'd have to be making sacrifices if his game was where it was at last season. His teammates are going to defer to him when he's "in the zone". A lot of times, he's passing up shots and I don't think it's 100% unselfishness - the confidence just isn't there. Why? I have no clue. I'd love to hear Brandon comment on this. Where's your handles? Where's your explosion? How come every night I hear MR & MB say "____ is doing a great job defending Brandon tonight." (fill in the blank with Monta Ellis, Trenton Hassell, or a number of other guys who have succeeded in making Brandon look, well, fairly easy to check)

I have a hunch (and I could be wrong) that taking the summer off hurt him. When he came to camp, it looked like he hadn't touched a weight all summer. His body looked thin - some said he wanted to "lean up" for quickness. Really? Because he looks SLOWER. He had a bad pre-season, and it just hasn't gotten better. I've sort of thought this all year, but I also thought that by game 19 he would be back to last seasons form.

This. I notice this too when watching Roy play this year.

 

[STOMP]

I agree, but right now only one of the players on the team is actually a star.

I guess, though I'm for the focus be on spreading the touches rather then keeping the focus on one guy. Having Roy as the focus would probably serve the club better this year, but I think their ultimate ceiling is much higher with a spread the wealth approach. As such, it's best to start working towards that end today

STOMP

 

[LittleAlex]

Roy does compare himself to Wade. Their games are somewhat similar, though Wade is the better player right now.

That being said, perhaps Roy should ask himself just how well Miami is doing with the offense being exclusively initiated by Wade. The short answer is not very good.

To be more precise, Wade won his only title along side Shaq. Kobe was only capable of winning a title with an inside pressance on his team (either Gasol or Shaq).

The pattern is clear. Roy can win all the accolades he wants and get a title if, and only if, Portland has a legitimate post threat.

Though it might be nice if his buddy LMA became that threat it sure doesn't seem very likely right now.

So the other option would be Oden. It turns out Oden is making great strides toward become just the player Roy needs to achive success. Oden isn't there yet but the signs are encouraging.

Roy needs Oden to be great to achive the type of success Roy craves.

If Roy is the leading scorer on an NBA champion I would have to imagine he would be satisfied. Certainly he would be immortalized in Portland.


The real odd man out on the team would be LMA, not Roy or Oden. Perhaps that is what concerns Roy the most?

 

[gatorpops]

I think it's funny that Brandon Roy is telling the world that the SF in Nate's offense doesn't do anything but stand around and wait for an open three. Amazingly enough, it's something that people on here have been telling the world for a couple of years now, only to be silenced with claims of "best offense in the NBA" and "54 wins". But now that it's Roy instead of Webster or Batum it's a problem? (To be sure, I agree that it's a problem.)

There have been at least 5 times this year that Andre Miller or Steve Blake has cut down the lane when Oden was doubled in order for Greg to get them the ball, on the run, at layup distance from the hoop. I can't remember (though I've missed a couple of games) ever seeing Roy cut through the paint to get a dumpoff pass from Oden. I've seen Brandon wide-open at the three point line more than a few times, and getting the assist from Oden. I've seen him come running off of screens ReggieMiller-style a couple of times, but nothing regular.

Many of these things could be fixed if/when (a) Roy starts at PG or SG, with either Miller or Rudy at the other backcourt position; (b) offense is allowed/forced to run after blocks and defensive rebounds and free throws; (c) more motion is incorporated into our offense; (d) starters play more, or same amount with stifling D. It seems as if the players don't control many of those things at all.

The big advantage of this it gets Blake less tiem and the other team has the difficult task of adjusting to two different styles of play all including Roy.

 

[illmatic99]

There have been at least 5 times this year that Andre Miller or Steve Blake has cut down the lane when Oden was doubled in order for Greg to get them the ball, on the run, at layup distance from the hoop. I can't remember (though I've missed a couple of games) ever seeing Roy cut through the paint to get a dumpoff pass from Oden. I've seen Brandon wide-open at the three point line more than a few times, and getting the assist from Oden. I've seen him come running off of screens ReggieMiller-style a couple of times, but nothing regular.

Great observation. Brandon doesn't cut hard like he should.

Check out what happens when he does @ the 1:55 mark:
[video=youtube;pwAooChCkSo]

 

[hasoos]

Honestly, I've thought they don't use Greg as much in pick and roll is because he gets called for moving picks a lot. It's another foul or two/game waiting to happen.

If you are going to play your whole career being scared of a foul then you might as well leave the league now. That is bullshit, and if we have to go through some growing pains as he learns how to run the play correctly, then that is something we have to do.

 

[gatorpops]

Great observation. Brandon doesn't cut hard like he should.

Check out what happens when he does @ the 1:55 mark:

How easy is that!!! The whole team does not do this well actually. Some have been doing it better of late, except for the last couple of games. There is very little motion in our offense.

 

[gatorpops]

If you are going to play your whole career being scared of a foul then you might as well leave the league now. That is bullshit, and if we have to go through some growing pains as he learns how to run the play correctly, then that is something we have to do.

Maybe with some practice this week we will begin to see this getting perfected. Should of, could of happened in Pre Season however.

 

[hasoos]

What I want to know is, has there been any discussion about starting PG? I would have loved to have been a fly in the wall of that room.

 

[hasoos]

For a long time now I have been advocating going big at the guard position, and just making Roy the PG. Putting somebody like Rudy or Bayless that can play off the ball at SG. I think this article actually gives me more ammunition for such an argument. Roy wants involved more in the plays for Oden. The way to do that is to make him the PG. Roy wants to handle the ball more. The way to make that happen is to make Roy th PG. Every play would involve Roy then. Plus he would be comfortble because he would not be playing off the ball, which he doesn't seem to like. That duty would fall to a Rudy/Bayless type.

 

[blue32]

For a long time now I have been advocating going big at the guard position, and just making Roy the PG. Putting somebody like Rudy or Bayless that can play off the ball at SG. I think this article actually gives me more ammunition for such an argument. Roy wants involved more in the plays for Oden. The way to do that is to make him the PG. Roy wants to handle the ball more. The way to make that happen is to make Roy th PG. Every play would involve Roy then. Plus he would be comfortble because he would not be playing off the ball, which he doesn't seem to like. That duty would fall to a Rudy/Bayless type.

Having Rudy/Bayless play two, and getting rid of Blake/Miller?

hmmmm....... I wouldn't mind seeing the line-up at least.

 

[BBert]

For a long time now I have been advocating going big at the guard position, and just making Roy the PG. Putting somebody like Rudy or Bayless that can play off the ball at SG. I think this article actually gives me more ammunition for such an argument. Roy wants involved more in the plays for Oden. The way to do that is to make him the PG. Roy wants to handle the ball more. The way to make that happen is to make Roy th PG. Every play would involve Roy then. Plus he would be comfortble because he would not be playing off the ball, which he doesn't seem to like. That duty would fall to a Rudy/Bayless type.

Clearly. Roy/Rudy/Martell/LaMarcus/Oden. Roy can handle, dictate and create as he sees fit. He can get a rhythm and involve his teammates. Roy will stop pouting and start cutting hard to the hoop. That lineup has great outside shooting good passing and two post scorers. Perimeter defense isn't good, but it already isn't good. Miller and Bayless play the guard positions off the bench. Sorry Blankey, you've been blanked. Which is why Nate will never go for it.

 

[RoyIsClutch07]

How easy is that!!! The whole team does not do this well actually. Some have been doing it better of late, except for the last couple of games. There is very little motion in our offense.

Too much work

 

[RoyIsClutch07]

Maybe with some practice this week we will begin to see this getting perfected. Should of, could of happened in Pre Season however.

Greater question, why as professionals do we grow stupid to doing this?

Why does it take practice to rectify it?

 

[Nikolokolus]

For a long time now I have been advocating going big at the guard position, and just making Roy the PG. Putting somebody like Rudy or Bayless that can play off the ball at SG. I think this article actually gives me more ammunition for such an argument. Roy wants involved more in the plays for Oden. The way to do that is to make him the PG. Roy wants to handle the ball more. The way to make that happen is to make Roy th PG. Every play would involve Roy then. Plus he would be comfortble because he would not be playing off the ball, which he doesn't seem to like. That duty would fall to a Rudy/Bayless type.

I guess we're sort of assuming that the Miller acquisition has been a big dud (I tend not to point the finger at Dre though).

In the situation above I'm at a loss for who would be the better off-guard to pair with Roy. Rudy certainly has better bonafides as a shooter from distance, and sees the floor better, but his ball-handling is pretty poor (the ability to only go right makes it tough for him to be handling the ball for more than a few seconds) and defensively I think he'd really struggle with covering quick point guards (which pretty much covers the top 2/3 of the league). On the other hand, with time I think Bayless would be the better defender; allowing him to cross-switch and cover the 1, while Roy handles the 2, but I'd be a little concerned about his ability to spot up and shoot or catch and shoot since there's been very little game evidence in the pros that he'd be good at this. In either case, both players seem like they'd be more efficient and dynamic than Blake as the starting 1 (or 2 as the case may be when he's on offense).

The only reason I can see for Blake to be playing is that he's able to handle the ball OK, is hitting from the outside OK, and seems to play adequate team defense (most nights) -- hardly some ringing endorsement.

Maybe this is why I see it being advisable to consolidate some players in a trade and turn them into a clear starter. Find someone that you think will compliment Brandon (preferable a veteran, a good ball-handler, a good point guard defender, good shooter from distance, but better than average playmaking abilities 'optional') and package up some of these other guys to get him. I'm really anxious to watch the game with the Heat tonight because I think Mario Chalmers could be that guys (minus the vet stuff).