Matthews Role in Portland

[Hunter]

Wesley Matthews may have gotten a nice payday from the Blazers for a player that's only been in the league one year, but that doesn't mean he's guaranteed a starting spot next season.

According to Brian T. Smith of the Columbian, that's "Nicolas Batum's job to lose, but Matthews will have every chance" to get a starting spot.

Smith also notes that Matthews signed a five-year deal in hopes he'd eventually start for the Blazers.

So while Matthews may have started in Utah after Ronnie Brewer was traded to the Grizzlies, the depth Portland's roster has on the wing -- remember rookie Luke Babbitt is now a member of the team as well -- means no such certainty can be afforded to Matthews in Portland.

Of course, the quality depth Portland has at the position should suit them well heading into next season.

Seems unlikely, but if the Blazers get a deal they like for Rudy Fernandez -- who's on the trade block -- that also includes Batum, it could open up more room for Matthews.

- Ryan Corazza

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

If we make no trades, I think the depth chart at SG and SF looks like this:

SG: Roy, Rudy, Matthews, Bayless, Williams

SF: Batum, Cunningham, Babbitt, Matthews (or maybe flip the last two around)

I think we grossly overpaid for Matthews considering he's a duplicate player at each position.

 

[Nikolokolus]

If we make no trades, I think the depth chart at SG and SF looks like this:

SG: Roy, Rudy, Matthews, Bayless, Williams

SF: Batum, Cunningham, Babbitt, Matthews (or maybe flip the last two around)

I think we grossly overpaid for Matthews considering he's a duplicate player at each position.

I think you grossly underestimate the old adage, "money talks and bullshit walks." After shelling out 32.5 million for the new toy, Matthews will play 28-30 minutes a night because he can do two things: hit the three ball and play defense. That makes him primary reserve behind both Roy and Nic.

And you really think Rudy -- after sandbagging throughout the season and shitting the bed in the playoffs -- is really going to be the first option off the bench? Good luck with that.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

If we make no trades, I think the depth chart at SG and SF looks like this:

SG: Roy, Rudy, Matthews, Bayless, Williams

SF: Batum, Cunningham, Babbitt, Matthews (or maybe flip the last two around)

I think we grossly overpaid for Matthews considering he's a duplicate player at each position.

.... Wow.

 

[tlongII]

I think you grossly underestimate the old adage, "money talks and bullshit walks." After shelling out 32.5 million for the new toy, Matthews will play 28-30 minutes a night because he can do two things: hit the three ball and play defense. That makes him primary reserve behind both Roy and Nic.

And you really think Rudy -- after sandbagging throughout the season and shitting the bed in the playoffs -- is really going to be the first option off the bench? Good luck with that.

Agreed 100%

 

[ripcity67]

No way Rudy plays in front of Mathews after Rudy last showing. I am not worried since I am sure that Rudy will not be on the Blazers opening day roster. Bayless plays before Rudy does even if Rudy is still here.

 

[mgb]

Rudy may not be here, but if he is TC and preseason should determine who gets what mins.

 

[mook]

If we make no trades, I think the depth chart at SG and SF looks like this:

SG: Roy, Rudy, Matthews, Bayless, Williams

SF: Batum, Cunningham, Babbitt, Matthews (or maybe flip the last two around)

I think we grossly overpaid for Matthews considering he's a duplicate player at each position.

That's crazy talk. Matthews is going to get pretty much all available minutes at backup SG and SF. He's a Nate McMillan wet dream for a backup swing man--all defense and three point shooting.

I really like Bayless, but I see him getting pretty pissed off this season if Batum, Roy or Williams don't get injured. There's just no reason to play him more than 15 minutes or so at backup PG. In that second unit playing next to Williams and Camby and Przybilla, he should be able to play his summer league shoot-first PG role. But he's going to be really stuck.

 

[lakeblazer]

I think we are going to need to let things unfold for a few weeks and see how our roster gets trimed down before understanding Mathews role. Another thought is what if you move Brandon or Batum to the point and run a line-up of Roy, Mathews, Batum, Aldridge and Camby until Oden is ready

 

[Harry's Raincoat]

Sorry Prophet; you blew it. Not even!!

SG: Roy - Matthews - Rudy - Bayless - Williams
SF: Batum - Matthews - Cunningham - Babbitt

Matthews will get significant PT backing up both positions, if not kicking out a previous starter.

 

[Harry's Raincoat]

I think we are going to need to let things unfold for a few weeks and see how our roster gets trimed down before understanding Mathews role. Another thought is what if you move Brandon or Batum to the point and run a line-up of Roy, Mathews, Batum, Aldridge and Camby until Oden is ready

Do you think Matthews can bring the ball up and initiate offense (i.e. hand it to Roy)?? That could be an interesting development!!!!

I also agree with you that I'd like to see Oden backup Camby until he's ready to earn the spot and PT back with his play not his potential.

 

[tlongII]

I think we are going to need to let things unfold for a few weeks and see how our roster gets trimed down before understanding Mathews role. Another thought is what if you move Brandon or Batum to the point and run a line-up of Roy, Mathews, Batum, Aldridge and Camby until Oden is ready

I like that line-up, but I think Oden will be ready from the get go.

 

[lakeblazer]

No Red I don't think Mathews can but I do believe Roy and Batum can

 

[Ed O]

I expect Matthews to be primarily the backup small forward this season, assuming the roster stays as it is. If Rudy is moved, then he might share backup 2 duties with Bayless (who will also be the backup PG).

Ed O.

 

[Minstrel]

I expect Matthews to be primarily the backup small forward this season, assuming the roster stays as it is. If Rudy is moved, then he might share backup 2 duties with Bayless (who will also be the backup PG).

That's what I think, too.

 

[blazerboy30]

I really like Bayless, but I see him getting pretty pissed off this season if Batum, Roy or Williams don't get injured. There's just no reason to play him more than 15 minutes or so at backup PG. In that second unit playing next to Williams and Camby and Przybilla, he should be able to play his summer league shoot-first PG role. But he's going to be really stuck.

You really think Williams will be playing ahead of Bayless already? I haven't ever seen Williams play, but I will be very surprised if he is ahead of Bayless in the rotation.

(or were you thinking Matthews and typing Williams?)

 

[LittleAlex]

That's what I think, too.

Awesome!

Our backup small forward is 6'5".

That is sure to work out just great.


Actually no, that will suck pretty fucking bad.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Awesome!

Our backup small forward is 6'5".

That is sure to work out just great.


Actually no, that will suck pretty fucking bad.

Yep--if a player is less than 6'6", then he is not qualified to play small forward. Ever.

 

[Natebishop3]

Yep--if a player is less than 6'6", then he is not qualified to play small forward. Ever.

How about this guy?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=638

 

[andalusian]

And you really think Rudy -- after sandbagging throughout the season and shitting the bed in the playoffs -- is really going to be the first option off the bench? Good luck with that.

If they do not manage to trade him, I would not be surprised to see them talking to him and asking him to prove himself at the start of the season - so they can trade him - and tell him that if he continues to sandbag and does not help rebuild his trade value - they will just bury him on the bench for 2 more years.

Say what you want about Sarge - but you do not mess with him and not pay the consequences.

 

[Idog1976]

If we make no trades, I think the depth chart at SG and SF looks like this:

SG: Roy, Rudy, Matthews, Bayless, Williams

SF: Batum, Cunningham, Babbitt, Matthews (or maybe flip the last two around)

I think we grossly overpaid for Matthews considering he's a duplicate player at each position.

They need a strike through text function on this site cause I would strike the FUCK out of Rudy and Babbit on your depth chart and it wouldn't even be close. I mean really, REALLY RUDY ARE YOU KIDDING ME? That dude probably can't handle the rock anymore as his shooting hand is slowly morphing into a dripping vagina of cowardliness, which is in no way fair to vaginas that I love dearly and also actually respect.

 

[hasoos]

It all depends on what kind of lineup Nate wants to run. What I am seeing here is a lot of people not recognizing the flexibility that it gives Nate as a coach.

If Nate wants to go with a small fast unit, Wesley can play SF.
If Nate needs to match up with a physical SF he can go with Cunningham.
If Nate wants to lock down on the opposing SF when Batum gets hurt or is in foul trouble Wesley can add a layer of safety.
If Nate wants to go with a big back court and switch everything on the perimeter to cover up for the deficiencies of the big back court, he can go with Roy, Batum and Mathews in the back court.
If a situation comes up where we need Batum to cover a nasty PG and there is still pain in the ass SF to guard out there, he can put Mathews on the SF and let Batum do his thing on the PG.

Mathews was able to guard Carmello (6'9" tall) and Kobe (6'6") and did just fine. He took the challenge and made them work for buckets, that is about the best you get against those 2 guys.

In all situations he shoots well enough to keep teams honest and space the floor.

Now if we can just get a PG who can actually hit an outside shot, team spacing will become abundant, and the whole offensive flow will change in a positive way.

 

[andalusian]

Now if we can just get a PG who can actually hit an outside shot, team spacing will become abundant, and the whole offensive flow will change in a positive way.

Oh hasoos, you DO miss Blake!

 

[Nikolokolus]

How about this guy?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=638

This guy was/is an "OK" wing defender too ...
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=49

 

[Nate4Prez]

Nate likes to have two teams, I think once he called them the Red and Black teams. I see it like this:

Red Team:
PG- Miller
SG- Roy
SF- Batum
PF- Aldridge
C- Oden (or Camby if not-healthy)

Black Team:
PG- Bayless (Johnson only getting time if injuries)
SG- Matthews (Rudy only getting time if injuries)
SF- Cunningham (Babitt only getting time till he proves something)
PF- Pendegraph
C- Camby

 

[SheedSoNasty]

Black Team:
PG- Bayless (Johnson only getting time if injuries)
SG- Matthews (Rudy only getting time if injuries)
SF- Cunningham (Babitt only getting time till he proves something)
PF- Pendegraph
C- Camby

I could also see Babbit getting time if Jeff ends up not proving his worth and Cunningham sliding over to play some PF.

 

[Minstrel]

Awesome!

Our backup small forward is 6'5".

That is sure to work out just great.


Actually no, that will suck pretty fucking bad.

That's a pretty extreme opinion over an inch or two. 6'5'' isn't prototypical height for a small forward, but it's hardly a deal-breaker for 15 minutes a game.