Nurk heart Billups

[wizenheimer]

Being utilized is not the same as getting touches.

that may be true, but this 'new' utilization of Nurkic is all theory at this point. Maybe it's not 100% theory because there does seem to be a sizable share of faith it will unleash some different version of Nurkic. 68% theory and 32% faith then. Maybe the faith is well placed, but there's little in Nurkic's game to this point suggesting he'll be some wizard as a high post hub. He's sure not dominant in the low post

 

[Freshtown]

No matter how much he’s in shape or whatever, it still doesn’t change the fact that he can’t finish around the rim accurately enough for someone his size. Does that change with a new coach and better attitude and better conditioning? Doesn’t seem likely.

 

[Tince]

It's pretty obvious why Nurkic was frustrated with Stotts last year, and Malone benched him for Jokic. Acting like he's just someone who's going to automatically blame his coach is a bit unfair.

I don't agree, but I guess time will tell.

If the pattern holds, he'll have a great year next year. We'll see how things go in years 3-4 under Billups (if that happens). I certainly hope he can turn into a top 5 center, that would be huge for us.

 

[Natebishop3]

I don't agree, but I guess time will tell.

If the pattern holds, he'll have a great year next year. We'll see how things go in years 3-4 under Billups (if that happens). I certainly hope he can turn into a top 5 center, that would be huge for us.

*If he can stay healthy (and that's a big if)

 

[Haakzilla]

Port.land Bas.ket.ball!!

 

[JDC]

The best version of Nurk mentally and physically is obviously a huge plus for this team.

Skeptical that a bigger offensive role and playing ball screens more aggressively is better for the team though.

 

[Orion Bailey]

I read that first thing this morning and I’m all in on the Nurk-Billups Kool-Aid. If Billups has inspired Nurk to show up to camp in great shape, excited to play a bigger role, that’s a huge win over the out-of-shape, worried and somewhat disgruntled guy who showed up for Stotts’ last season. If Billups can change both the offense and defense to make better use of Nurk’s size and talent, that is what could push the big guy towards being the second best player on the team. A big three of Dame, Nurk and CJ, all healthy and being used to their best advantage could push the Blazers to contender status. Pass me another glass of that Kool-Aid.

too late. after reading this, i went straight to the fridge snd drank the pitcher. I can wipe some off my lip for ya though!

 

[Tince]

*If he can stay healthy (and that's a big if)

100%... His role also appears to be dictated by his availability. You're not going to base your offense around a guy who's not someone you count on.

It seems like he's mostly upset with his offensive role, but his per/100 numbers have been significantly better in Portland than Denver and his best 3 seasons have been his last 3. This thread makes it seem like he's been massively regressing the last couple years while coming back from long term injuries.

 

[blazerkor]

Chauncey needs Nurk to watch this before every practice and game and every night before he goes to sleep.

 

[Fairly-Hard]

Lets see how he starts to react when he gets pulled for lazy passes and ticky tack fouls. Lets see him dunk the ball. Lets see him follow the game plan and play the right way.
Lets see how Billups reacts when Nurk starts doing things that he isn't supposed to be doing on the court?

We'll see how this goes? Talk is cheap. Do it on the court. Show up in shape. Stay healthy and play a full season.
Then we can talk about Nurk being in a better frame of mind.

Until i see these things it's all pre season hype.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

Every thread can be a Stotts-trashing thread with a little imagination.

It writes itself.