Our Bench Plays More Minutes Than The Starters

[ABM]

Go figure.

 

[blue32]

Well besides not turning over the ball, Blake's been playing limited minutes, thus being ineffective. (although I still think he's the best PG on our team at this point in time, could change though). Not to mention, Outlaw has been outplaying LMA the last couple of games. Then there's the whole Oden factor

 

[e_blazer]

Aldridge was limited by foul trouble in last night's game.
Oden is better than Joel and will be the starter very soon.
Rudy is a starting-quality player.
Travis's game is unorthodox, but it's hard not to play him when he produces like he has been.
Sergio has been playing better than Blake of late.
Batum's got talent, but he wouldn't even be getting off the bench if Webster were available.

In other words, the Blazers are deep and the talent level difference between the bench and starters isn't significant. In fact, as long as Oden and Rudy are on the bench, I'd probably pick the bench to win in a game between the starters and bench.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Mark my words: Sergio is being showcased.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Oden is better than Joel

Depends what you mean. Certainly it seems to me that the team as a whole plays a lot better when Joel is in the game at the moment. He knows what to do, he's in better shape, he's more mobile, and he's actually scoring better than he ever has. Oden WILL be better, I have almost no doubt. But right now Joel is a deserving starter.

Batum's got talent, but he wouldn't even be getting off the bench if Webster were available.

Maybe. Certainly Webster was supposed to be looking great in training camp, and did look great in the one pre-season game he played in. But he looked great playing with the Spaniards. I think Batum shouldn't lose too many minutes when Webster comes back because Batum is a much more versatile and natural defender and is effective without the ball, something Martell has never shown himself to be. Ideally Batum still starts and Outlaw slides to PF in the second unit and Frye just becomes injury insurance, because he just hasn't looked good AT ALL.

In other words, the Blazers are deep and the talent level difference between the bench and starters isn't significant. In fact, as long as Oden and Rudy are on the bench, I'd probably pick the bench to win in a game between the starters and bench.

It is interesting that our starters at the moment are noticeably points-starved. Really only Roy and Aldridge are quality scorers and even Aldridge hasn't been that for a few games.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Mark my words: Sergio is being showcased.

Well, I'm convinced! I think our team should get him!

 

[blue32]

And what's with Roy's freethrow percentage? Jesus.... can you please just take some time and knock em down?

 

[PapaG]

And what's with Roy's freethrow percentage? Jesus.... can you please just take some time and knock em down?

In what universe is 82% from the line a bad thing?

 

[andalusian]

Mark my words: Sergio is being showcased.

I think so too. Bayless in 4 minutes of play had more good defensive possessions that Sergio had all game.

 

[alex42083]

And what's with Roy's freethrow percentage? Jesus.... can you please just take some time and knock em down?

If there's been a small weakness to Brandon's game, it's his FTs in crucial situations. He'll miss a one or two sometimes down the stretch. It's nothing physical IMO, it's all in his head right now.
But 80-plus percent, can't really complain.

 

[Crimson the Cat]

I think so too. Bayless in 4 minutes of play had more good defensive possessions that Sergio had all game.

Yeah. Half of me though is stoked about how he's looking. Makes me wonder how good he could become with regular playing time.

Bayless is going to get some play tonight I predict against Rose.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

snip...

Batum's got talent, but he wouldn't even be getting off the bench if Webster were available.

You're absolutely right, Webster will start when he returns, and Batum will return to the bench.
Then, 60 games into the season, Nate will wonder why the starters aren't as consistent with
Oden. Then, he'll decide it's not Oden, it's the 1st unit is missing Batum's defense (hopefully he figures it out).

Maybe. Certainly Webster was supposed to be looking great in training camp, and did look great in the one pre-season game he played in. But he looked great playing with the Spaniards. I think Batum shouldn't lose too many minutes when Webster comes back because Batum is a much more versatile and natural defender and is effective without the ball, something Martell has never shown himself to be. Ideally Batum still starts and Outlaw slides to PF in the second unit and Frye just becomes injury insurance, because he just hasn't looked good AT ALL.

Bingo, probably many noticed this, but I'm glad you mentioned it.

Webster deserves a shot at the starting unit again. However, I think what we'll find is that the best fast-breaking
player on the team should play with Rudy, not Roy.

 

[Tince]

And what's with Roy's freethrow percentage? Jesus.... can you please just take some time and knock em down?

What percentage do you expect him to shoot? The guy isn't a pure shooter like Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, etc, so it's not like's going to shoot 90%. 82% if pretty good if you ask me...