Portland has eyes for Curry?

[southnc]

http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2009/06/portland-has-eyes-for-curry.html

Don't be surprised if the Portland Trail Blazers trade into the lottery, looking to acquire Davidson's Stephen Curry.

The way I hear it, the Blazers (currently picking 24th) are nosing around to trade up and have Curry in their sights. Enough teams are willing to deal down that this is a real possibility. And it would be great for Curry in this regard:

A long-time NBA scout told me months ago that the ideal situation for Curry is to play point guard on a team with a shooting guard who can also handle the ball. That would allow Curry to spot up some, and maximize the impact of his shooting.

The Blazers have just such a player in Brandon Roy. Strikes me as a great match of a player and a system.

 

[ironcrotch]

Don't we have a guy with a game just like Curry's?

What would happen to him?

 

[alex42083]

Reminds me of the trade deadline where we were involved in every single possible trade scenario it seemed like. KP's smokescreens are popping back up again.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

His game does complement Roy. I could live with this. But we'd have to trade up into the top-6. OKC really likes Curry.

 

[Nikolokolus]

smoke and mirrors.

Does it mean Curry is unworkable or that he couldn't be a good fit? No, but I get the feeling we are going to hear everything between now and draft day.

 

[Minstrel]

From what I've read, Curry is basically the same type of player, on offense, as Bayless. Just smaller and lacking the defensive ability.

I could buy that Pritchard wanted a point guard if that point guard were a different type than Bayless and/or a bigger talent. Ricky Rubio, for example. An inferior version of Bayless? I don't see it.

 

[andalusian]

Curry is a much better shooter than JB. So, in theory, this is just an idea of going with a JB/Blake combination into the future when Blake fades - with JB being the score of the dribble/attack the rim player and Curry playing the Blake role of a PG that can really stroke the ball

 

[RickyRubio]

Don't we have a guy with a game just like Curry's?

What would happen to him?

And who would that be? You aren't suggesting that Bayless is near the quality of shooter that Curry is, are you?

Anyhow, I wouldn't mind getting Curry. But we would have to move Blake or Bayless. But if we are going to get a pick that high, why not Jordan Hill or Earl Clark?

 

[Pinwheel1]

From what I've read, Curry is basically the same type of player, on offense, as Bayless. Just smaller and lacking the defensive ability.

I could buy that Pritchard wanted a point guard if that point guard were a different type than Bayless and/or a bigger talent. Ricky Rubio, for example. An inferior version of Bayless? I don't see it.

I see them as two different types of players. Bayless is way better at attacking the basket (and as you pointed out a better defender due to his size and strength) and Curry is as pure of an outside shooter as there is in College.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Curry is a much better shooter than JB. So, in theory, this is just an idea of going with a JB/Blake combination into the future when Blake fades - with JB being the score of the dribble/attack the rim player and Curry playing the Blake role of a PG that can really stroke the ball

What is this much better shooter than JB based on?

Jerryd Bayless' only college stats

46% field, 41% 3pt, 84% FT

Stephen Curry's last year college stats

45% field, 39% 3pt, 88% FT



I don;t get how he is a better shooter, much less much better

 

[BTOWN_HUSTLA]

Curry is going to the Knicks...then LeBron and then Bosh.

 

[Mediocre Man]

And who would that be? You aren't suggesting that Bayless is near the quality of shooter that Curry is, are you?

Anyhow, I wouldn't mind getting Curry. But we would have to move Blake or Bayless. But if we are going to get a pick that high, why not Jordan Hill or Earl Clark?

Again, Bayless in college was every bit as good of a shooter as Curry.

 

[Minstrel]

Curry is a much better shooter than JB. So, in theory, this is just an idea of going with a JB/Blake combination into the future when Blake fades - with JB being the score of the dribble/attack the rim player and Curry playing the Blake role of a PG that can really stroke the ball

Bayless was an excellent perimeter shooter in high school and college. Curry might have a superior shot (it's not clear, unless you see Bayless' rookie NBA season as his real ability) but assuming Bayless regains his old stroke, I don't see it as much of a differentiating factor. Bayless can both get to the rim and draw fouls as well as shoot well from the perimeter. Curry can shoot well from the perimeter and is weaker at getting to the rim and drawing fouls.

Even if Curry can shoot a bit better, I don't see why you'd ever play Curry over Bayless, since Bayless can do it all which makes him a much tougher cover.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

All I remember Curry doing in college is jacking up long three's (and making them). How is that similar to Bayless? I never saw Curry get to the hoop and finish like Bayless can.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Bayless was an excellent perimeter shooter in high school and college. Curry might have a superior shot (it's not clear, unless you see Bayless' rookie NBA season as his real ability) but assuming Bayless regains his old stroke, I don't see it as much of a differentiating factor. Bayless can both get to the rim and draw fouls as well as shoot well from the perimeter. Curry can shoot well from the perimeter and is weaker at getting to the rim and drawing fouls.

Even if Curry can shoot a bit better, I don't see why you'd ever play Curry over Bayless, since Bayless can do it all which makes him a much tougher cover.

I also remember Roy and Joel in particular saying during the pre training camp scrimmages that Bayless' shot was lights out. I also believe Barrett reported on this in his blog, but I could be wrong about that.

I think his struggles have more to do with Portland trying to turn him into something he is not. What should have happened is our coaching staff should have tried to find a way to use him better. Bayless is probably much more effective in a free flowing offense rather than a walk the ball up, pass to Brandon and stand around waiting for him to shoot with the shot clock running out offense.

 

[RickyRubio]

Don't we have a guy with a game just like Curry's?

What would happen to him?

What is this much better shooter than JB based on?

Jerryd Bayless' only college stats

46% field, 41% 3pt, 84% FT

Stephen Curry's last year college stats

45% field, 39% 3pt, 88% FT



I don;t get how he is a better shooter, much less much better

Okay I can't argue with that. I don't want Curry. I stand corrected.

 

[RickyRubio]

Again, Bayless in college was every bit as good of a shooter as Curry.

I retract my statement. You owned me with the stats. I bow to you

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Forget percentages . . have people seen Bayless' jump shot . . . funky release that so far has not translated well in the NBA.

Give Bayless plenty of time, he will knock it down. But put a hand in his face (or on his shoulder) and it appears to give Bayless problems on his release.



I don't think one can just look at college to determine what kind of shooter they will be in teh NBA. Adam Morrison comes to mind . . .

 

[andalusian]

What is this much better shooter than JB based on?

Jerryd Bayless' only college stats

46% field, 41% 3pt, 84% FT

Stephen Curry's last year college stats

45% field, 39% 3pt, 88% FT

I don;t get how he is a better shooter, much less much better

It is based on the first two years of his career where he played as a catch and shoot artist, not on his last year where he played a different role initiating the offense.

Last year as a shooter (his 2nd year) his percentages were 48% FG, 44% 3P - and when you understand that he does not attack the rim like JB - so most of his shots were jumpers - he looks like a much better shooter than JB.

My assessment was on their years playing the 2 spot - and with this in mind - Curry looks like a much better shooter and JB looks like a much better guy to attack the rim from the dribble.

I think it is important to use statistics - but it is also important to use them in context. Comparing Curry's last year stats playing a different role and ignoring how he gets his stats and how Bayless did his - clouds the real picture.

 

[hasoos]

Forget percentages . . have people seen Bayless' jump shot . . . funky release that so far has not translated well in the NBA.

Give Bayless plenty of time, he will knock it down. But put a hand in his face (or on his shoulder) and it appears to give Bayless problems on his release.



I don't think one can just look at college to determine what kind of shooter they will be in teh NBA. Adam Morrison comes to mind . . .

Almost every college player that comes in has to retool their release, part of that in order to get the shot off faster. Even Ray Allen did, and he is one of the best 3 point shooters of all time.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Almost every college player that comes in has to retool their release, part of that in order to get the shot off faster. Even Ray Allen did, and he is one of the best 3 point shooters of all time.

I guess that is my point . .. if "every college player has to retool their release" then is looking at their college shooting percentage an accurate way to determine who the better shooter in the NBA will be?
Because that is what is being argued . . .

 

[Minstrel]

My assessment was on their years playing the 2 spot - and with this in mind - Curry looks like a much better shooter and JB looks like a much better guy to attack the rim from the dribble.

The point is, though, that Bayless can do Curry's greatest strength (shooting) nearly as well. Curry might be a bit better, but it's not a wide gulf. Perimeter shooting was also a strength for Bayless coming into the NBA. There is a pretty wide gulf between them in ability to get to the hoop and finish.

In addition, Bayless was considered a very good defensive prospect, while Curry is considered sub-par defensively. Bayless' greatest question mark (distributing) is also a major question mark for Curry.

That's why I say Curry is basically an inferior version of Bayless. He's also a combo guard with questionable ability to run the point, but with major deficits in defense and slashing and only a small advantage in shooting.

 

[RickyRubio]

BaH!!!! JB did shoot way more layups and drove to the lane a lot more, which would make his FG% look better. But you cant argue with 3pt percentage.

Your arguments are playing with my emotions smokey

 

[illmatic99]

*cough* smokescreen *cough*

 

[andalusian]

The point is, though, that Bayless can do Curry's greatest strength (shooting) nearly as well. Curry might be a bit better, but it's not a wide gulf. Perimeter shooting was also a strength for Bayless coming into the NBA. There is a pretty wide gulf between them in ability to get to the hoop and finish.

In addition, Bayless was considered a very good defensive prospect, while Curry is considered sub-par defensively. Bayless' greatest question mark (distributing) is also a major question mark for Curry.

That's why I say Curry is basically an inferior version of Bayless. He's also a combo guard with questionable ability to run the point, but with major deficits in defense and slashing and only a small advantage in shooting.

I disagree. The two are very different players and I am willing to bet that their strength will continue to show them as such in the Pros.

I think that Bayless is the superior prospect - no arguments there - but I think that the gulf between them in their abilities will widen in the NBA - Curry's shooting form is already fantastic and he has a quick release and will continue to shoot lights out in the NBA. JB has to rebuild his shot to be successful in the NBA as a long-range shooter - something he might be able to do. On the other hand - JB made his living in College going to the line - his FT rate was an astonishing 59% with Curry at the 24%. Yet, Curry had a higher TS% than JB - telling you without any doubt that he is a much better shooter. (In his 2nd year he took almost 3 times as many 3s as JB did).

Even in college JB's lower percentage on long ball came when he was given space to take the shot - because you had to make sure he does not attack the rim if you get too close to him before he makes his move. Curry on the other hand was defended for the jump-shot - he is not, nor will he ever be able to attack the rim the way JB can - so his jumper was contested a lot more.

These two are as different as can be - for combo guards - which they both are.

I see Curry as a Steve Blake type - great shooter, not so good attacking the rim. If Curry and JB are the same - than Blake and JB are the same - but I do not see them as such.

 

[Minstrel]

Even in college JB's lower percentage on long ball came when he was given space to take the shot - because you had to make sure he does not attack the rim if you get too close to him before he makes his move. Curry on the other hand was defended for the jump-shot - he is not, nor will he ever be able to attack the rim the way JB can - so his jumper was contested a lot more.

But both those things will continue to hold true. Bayless will force more space due to his ability to slash and defenders will continue to play Curry tighter. Functionally, they're likely to continue to be similarly dangerous outside shooters.

I see Curry as a Steve Blake type - great shooter, not so good attacking the rim. If Curry and JB are the same - than Blake and JB are the same - but I do not see them as such.

I don't agree with your Curry/Blake comparison. Both are good shooters and weak slashers. But Blake is better at running the point. He's a classic point guard, just not a very good one. Curry is a combo guard.

 

[shamelessblazer]

His game does complement Roy. I could live with this. But we'd have to trade up into the top-6. OKC really likes Curry.

I doubt that, Outlaw to NJ for 11, then another package with future picks, money, or a bad contract might do the trick.

I would love to trade Blake/Bayless for Nash (we can absorb his contract)
and trade Outlaw and ? up to get Curry.

Nash/Curry
Roy/Fernandez
Webster/Batum
Aldridge/Mcdyess
Oden/Pryzbilla

championship potential!

you can say whatever you want about defense, but we do have four legit defensive post players behind our perimeter defenders (who would need to improve).

As Nash leaves or retires (maybe even in a year) we can distribute more minutes to Rudy and Curry, and bring over Koponen, Beabois, etc for scraps.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Bayless is tough to evaluate. His season is divided between fits and starts of garbage time for 39 of his 53 games and he looked fucking god awful in those 5-8 minutes bouts. But then you look at that fourteen game stint between the New Jersey game and the all-star break where he shot 48% from the floor, shot 38% on threes and averaged an ungodly 4 FTAs per game in 17-18 minutes. while posting a decent 2.8 Assists and a not-so-good 1.5 turnovers per game.

I think the promise of a better player is there, it's just going to take a consistent role and some growing pains. If this team can live with the inevitable growth curve and as long as Bayless can provide more good than bad when he's on the court (well, maybe a lot more good than bad) I think he's still got a good shot at being this team's starter in another year to year and a half.

 

[shamelessblazer]

I see them as two different types of players. Bayless is way better at attacking the basket (and as you pointed out a better defender due to his size and strength) and Curry is as pure of an outside shooter as there is in College.

and 10X the passer Bayless is

 

[Mediocre Man]

It is based on the first two years of his career where he played as a catch and shoot artist, not on his last year where he played a different role initiating the offense.

Last year as a shooter (his 2nd year) his percentages were 48% FG, 44% 3P - and when you understand that he does not attack the rim like JB - so most of his shots were jumpers - he looks like a much better shooter than JB.

My assessment was on their years playing the 2 spot - and with this in mind - Curry looks like a much better shooter and JB looks like a much better guy to attack the rim from the dribble.

I think it is important to use statistics - but it is also important to use them in context. Comparing Curry's last year stats playing a different role and ignoring how he gets his stats and how Bayless did his - clouds the real picture.

So doesn't it also cloud the real picture on Bayless? Bayless was a PG in highschool, and started that way in college until somoene got hurt. He then played an unfamiliar possition the rest of his college year. then in the NBA, he was asked to change yet again.

Taking Curry's career numbers in college

.466 field, .411 3pt%, .875 FT

compared again to Bayless

.458 field, .407 3pt%, .839 FT


It still isn't really that much better. He was older and played in a much weaker conference as well.