nba.com Blazers off season report card

[Denny Crane]

http://www.nba.com/reportcard/offseason/2014/blazers/index.html

 

[e_blazer]

Pretty fair assessment overall. I do think that Kaman and Blake have the potential to be a big help on the defensive end for the second unit. There was no defensive presence at all with the starters off the court last year and that cost the Blazers several wins. Williams played zero defense last year. Blake isn't speedy, but he at least tries on defense and knows how to funnel his man into help. Kaman isn't known for his defense, but he's experienced, big and at least knows how to position himself on defense, which clearly isn't the case with Leonard.

The thing that's missing from the report card is a category for offense. The Blazers' offense is one of the best in the league and is the primary reason that they were able to overcome a weak defense and lack of depth. Omitting that category from the analysis seems a bit odd. The Blazers don't necessarily need to be a top tier defensive team as long as their offense can steamroll the opposition.

 

[Pinwheel1]

The thing that's missing from the report card is a category for offense. The Blazers' offense is one of the best in the league and is the primary reason that they were able to overcome a weak defense and lack of depth. Omitting that category from the analysis seems a bit odd. The Blazers don't necessarily need to be a top tier defensive team as long as their offense can steamroll the opposition.

Maybe the category for Front Court and Back Court was designated for offense.

 

[magnifier661]

Pretty fair assessment overall. I do think that Kaman and Blake have the potential to be a big help on the defensive end for the second unit. There was no defensive presence at all with the starters off the court last year and that cost the Blazers several wins. Williams played zero defense last year. Blake isn't speedy, but he at least tries on defense and knows how to funnel his man into help. Kaman isn't known for his defense, but he's experienced, big and at least knows how to position himself on defense, which clearly isn't the case with Leonard.

As I agree with Leonard and our terrible defense last season, I must disagree with Blake and Kaman. There are two key components I think will help our bench defense. 1.) Kaman and Blake are veterans and can figure out how to funnel their man to the strength of the defense. 2.) Post scoring and basketball distribution will help keep good positions without long rebounds or steals. Blake and Kaman can protect the ball more.

Also, I don't know why you think Kaman isn't a good defender. He is a career 1.4 block player, 5.8 defensive rebounds and even gets .5 steals a game. He may not be a defensive stopper, but he is a legit 7' center. I think our defense took such a huge dip when Lopez went out. Having a solid 7 footer coming off the bench will make a world of difference.

 

[magnifier661]

I know the Spurs are champs, but an A+? They made no change whatsoever to the player personnel. Unless "no change" is the best change for the team, I just don't understand what they are talking about.

Now if this title was "The team rankings", then the chart is totally fine.

 

[Strenuus]

That's pretty good in terms of assessment. I like it.

Who steps up the most this year? Barton, T-rob, or Freeland?

 

[magnifier661]

That's pretty good in terms of assessment. I like it.

Who steps up the most this year? Barton, T-rob, or Freeland?

I really think this will be T-Rob's year of huge improvement. Freeland is "old reliable", even though he is a bit young. Barton will be on the back end of playing time, unless CJ is a complete waste.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

CJ, then TRob. Not sure Freeland or Barton get a chance.

That's pretty good in terms of assessment. I like it.

Who steps up the most this year? Barton, T-rob, or Freeland?

 

[illmatic99]

I have really high hopes (bordering on irrational) for TRob this season.

 

[BBert]

That's pretty good in terms of assessment. I like it.

Who steps up the most this year? Barton, T-rob, or Freeland?

Trob. Freeland is what he is going to be, and his minutes just got cut big time. Barton is sporadic, and will only see court time situationally -- Blake and CJ will play before he does. Trob has the highest ceiling by far, plus he is the only one of those three who we 'need' to contribute off the bench (barring injuries).

 

[e_blazer]

As I agree with Leonard and our terrible defense last season, I must disagree with Blake and Kaman. There are two key components I think will help our bench defense. 1.) Kaman and Blake are veterans and can figure out how to funnel their man to the strength of the defense. 2.) Post scoring and basketball distribution will help keep good positions without long rebounds or steals. Blake and Kaman can protect the ball more.

Also, I don't know why you think Kaman isn't a good defender. He is a career 1.4 block player, 5.8 defensive rebounds and even gets .5 steals a game. He may not be a defensive stopper, but he is a legit 7' center. I think our defense took such a huge dip when Lopez went out. Having a solid 7 footer coming off the bench will make a world of difference.

Hunh? I said that Blake and Kaman have the potential to be a big help on the defensive end. As far as Kaman goes, he's not known as a defensive specialist, but I agree he's going to be night and day better than what we had last season. So, basically, WE'RE SAYING THE SAME THING, MAGS!

 

[The_Lillard_King]

It's going to be tough to top last year's record. LA, Wes and Lopez are playing for new contracts so I am hoping that somehow the starting 5 can be even more effective than last year. I also hope 1 or 2 of the young potential guys have a breakout year, but not as optimistic as others about that. I don't expect too much from the old vets. Hopefully they can hold their own and avoid injury till the one or more of the young players steps up.

Just make it to the playoffs and ride the starting 5 . . . .

 

[Rhal]

There getting Lazy at NBA.com. This is basically the same score as last years but to shake things up the C went from a - to a +.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Trob. Freeland is what he is going to be, and his minutes just got cut big time. Barton is sporadic, and will only see court time situationally -- Blake and CJ will play before he does. Trob has the highest ceiling by far, plus he is the only one of those three who we 'need' to contribute off the bench (barring injuries).

I agree with this.

Of course injuries will occur so they will all get their chance.

 

[Blaz06Draft]

How can Houston get a B-minus, barely below the Blazers? On most other lists, they are at or near the top for "worst off-season." They lost Asik with no replacement, replaced with Parsons with Ariza, and replaced Lin with Terry.

 

[ShareTheRock]

This is almost like they are grading the teams not just the off season moves. That being said I think they are good on their grade of the Blazers.

 

[magnifier661]

Hunh? I said that Blake and Kaman have the potential to be a big help on the defensive end. As far as Kaman goes, he's not known as a defensive specialist, but I agree he's going to be night and day better than what we had last season. So, basically, WE'RE SAYING THE SAME THING, MAGS!

Oh my bad!

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I think it's the report card grading the team that happens during the offseason rather than the report card grading the offseason.

This is almost like they are grading the teams not just the off season moves. That being said I think they are good on their grade of the Blazers.

 

[ShareTheRock]

That would make more sense.