Olshey interview in the Trib

[TripTango]

http://portlandtribune.com/pt/12-sports/135564-blazers-neil-olshey-answers-questions-about-the-team

We are the worst team in the NBA in points in the paint and protecting the rim. We've been disguising J.J., who has been a warrior and played hard all year, but there's a certain reality to playing a 6-8 power forward as your 5-man. That's not an indictment of J.J. He has played out of position and done all we've asked him to do. But we've become a 3 (small forward) and rim type of league. We have the 3-man down. Now defensively, we have to protect the rim better.

 

[ABM]

The question, then is, is Hickson willing to come off the bench next season?

 

[TripTango]

Also liked this:

Tribune: Have you made the progress you expected when you were hired?

Olshey: Absolutely. We have four starting spots filled with the development of Damian. J.J. Hickson had a good year and Meyers is developing, but (center) is the one hole left we haven't proactively filled. Victor has shown the ability to be a contributor. Joel Freeland has a chance to contribute, too.

But you don't build a bench before you build a starting lineup. You can't take away your cap flexibility or your assets to build players six through nine until you have one through five set. That's what this offseason will be about. Our starting lineup played with any team in the league this season. Off the bench, we've gone a lot with the young guys, and they've shown the ability they have. That will strengthen our bench next year, even if they move down in the rotation.

 

[TripTango]

The question, then is, is Hickson willing to come off the bench next season?

I think he could be convinced, as long as he continues to get good minutes.