- Joined
- Jan 28, 2016
- Messages
- 2,663
- Likes
- 1,725
- Points
- 113
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Yeah I thought that part was weird too."Last summer, when the Hornets pursued a need for Nicolas Batum at small forward, the Blazers insisted on receiving Vonleh in the trade. Portland was going young after the loss of free agent LaMarcus Aldridge, and Vonleh (who arrived alongside Gerald Henderson) was the key part of the deal."
We hadn't gone young, yet. The Batum trade happened before Aldridge had left - some have speculated that Batum was traded in an effort to appease Aldridge. Regardless, we hadn't lost any of our other starters at the time of the trade and Plan A was still to re-sign Aldridge, not replace him with 20-year old Noah Vonleh.
BNM
Or will it?Nothing we didn't already know but none the less it is something we have discussed on this board and it won't help Noah:
"Last year the mandate was player development and improvement,'' says Stotts. "This year, with the season we had, we've moved up a level. It's about winning games and competition for minutes on the court. No one is going to have minutes handed to them. Whatever decisions I make about playing time are going to be in the best interest of winning games.''
Nothing we didn't already know but none the less it is something we have discussed on this board and it won't help Noah:
"Last year the mandate was player development and improvement,'' says Stotts. "This year, with the season we had, we've moved up a level. It's about winning games and competition for minutes on the court. No one is going to have minutes handed to them. Whatever decisions I make about playing time are going to be in the best interest of winning games.''
hmm i thought we lost in 5? it sure felt like 6 thoughThe Blazers were transitioning surprisingly into a 44-win playoff team that took the defending champion Warriors to six games in the second round.
I can see Vonleh getting fewer minutes this season than last, frankly. If it's a choice between giving him minutes or giving Ed Davis minutes, it's Davis every time.
Liking him and thinking he's going to amount to anything in the NBA are two different things.Awesome article. Honestly, I kinda dismissed him after summer league. He didn't dominate. I just didn't see him cutting it, with our lineup. Now? With a work ethic and attitude like that, how can someone not like him?
Liking him and thinking he's going to amount to anything in the NBA are two different things.

Liking him and thinking he's going to amount to anything in the NBA are two different things.
"Last year the mandate was player development and improvement,'' says Stotts. "This year, with the season we had, we've moved up a level. It's about winning games and competition for minutes on the court. No one is going to have minutes handed to them. Whatever decisions I make about playing time are going to be in the best interest of winning games.''
Yeah, Vonleh isn't going to see hardly any minutes unless there is an injury. That sucks when you are trying to develop a player like Vonleh who could potentially be a cornerstone player down the road.
All I know is going up against Ezeli in practice will be great for him. Yes we talking bout Practice!
I'm w/ u on thisContrary to what many think, I think NOah cuts into the lineup in the PF position.
He has a much better outside shot than Davis. Davis is a valued workhorse there is no doubt, but he will never have the offensive potential of Vonleh and I think Vonleh's D is already close to that of Davis.
I really think its about the system. How well can Noah learn Stott's system to the point he knows where he should be at all times on the court. knows when to pas and when not to. As soon as these instincts kick in that mesh with the system, he will break out.
I think going up against Ezeli in practice is going t teach him all of these things. He just has to retain them and use them in games.
Especially going up against Ezeli in practice & teaching him things. Ezeli came from GS & the ENTIRE team was on a string; Ezeli moves his feet VERY well for a guy of any size/really knows where to be very much so on defense (his offense will be a fun addition too!
). I've said this before but I'll say it again: LOVE that Ezeli came from GS so that we can get an (former) insider's perspective on how they work/how to beat them!
I'll also add that Ezeli's GS experience will not only bring a championship attitude/culture to the reg. season BUT ALSO to the post! 
