Exclusive Pre-season observations/snap-judgements thread

[Strenuus]

I'll never get used to these new deals. Crabbe makes more than Rasheed ever made in Portland. But it's not the worst. I still can't figure out why Soloman Hill is making $10m/per.

To live up to his deal he's going to have to morph into Klay Thompson - whom has a contract $10m less than Crabbe.

Adjusting for inflation... I think I heard the avg is 5 mil/per or something? This money is huge like the money back then was huge.

 

[Orion Bailey]

FTFY

DAMN YOU!!!! lol

How so?

Because Ezeli will be planted in the paint and it will play to Leonards strengths of remaining on the perimiter. He wont be expected to bang in the middle as much and hopefully that will allow his offensive game to be comfortable and not have to think so much, so he can focus attention on the defensive end. Plus with Ezeli in the paint on D, Leonard wont have as much ground to have to cover if they learn to play D together.
I am thinking Leonard will pick some things up from Ezeli and those two might actually create a massive defensive presence. Those two next to each other create a big wall to get around/over.

 

[Sinobas]

I'll never get used to these new deals. Crabbe makes more than Rasheed ever made in Portland. But it's not the worst. I still can't figure out why Soloman Hill is making $10m/per.

To live up to his deal he's going to have to morph into Klay Thompson - whom has a contract $10m less than Crabbe.

It was just because of how much cap space teams suddenly had this year. Free agents in future years will make 33% more than in years past, but not 3x their former market value.

I think by the end of the year, Harkless is going to be the only FA signing the Blazers won't regret.

I wonder if Olshey has a plan to try and trade CJ for a front court player. Why else desparately over-pay for another ball handler and to retain Crabbe? We know that Olshey really WANTS another front court player.

CJ for Jahlil Okafor?

 

[Sinobas]

My preseason snap judgement:

Why the hell did we re-sign Meyers Leonard?

He's a decent utility player if you need a spot up 3 point shooter. But Plumlee is showing his on another level than Meyers, and Plumlee is a FA next year and we'll be right at the tax threshold thanks to these ridiculous contracts Olshey signed.

Vonleh might even surpass Leonard this year.

A big problem with Meyers is that he can't create his own shot. His release is low and slow. Even though he's 7-1, he can't get his jump shot off against pressure like Nowitski could who had that quick high release.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Last five pre-season games for Crabbe:

25 MPG | 6.2 PPG | 2 RPG | 1 APG | 37 FG% | 44% from three -- 1.8 attempts/per

 

[jlprk]

I think by the end of the year, Harkless is going to be the only FA signing the Blazers won't regret.

Already is, for me.

Vonleh might even surpass Leonard this year.

He did last year. Why wouldn't he this year?

 

[H.C.]

DAMN YOU!!!! lol


Because Ezeli will be planted in the paint and it will play to Leonards strengths of remaining on the perimiter. He wont be expected to bang in the middle as much and hopefully that will allow his offensive game to be comfortable and not have to think so much, so he can focus attention on the defensive end. Plus with Ezeli in the paint on D, Leonard wont have as much ground to have to cover if they learn to play D together.
I am thinking Leonard will pick some things up from Ezeli and those two might actually create a massive defensive presence. Those two next to each other create a big wall to get around/over.

I like your optimism, but I seriously doubt Nards being able to defend the 4 spot in Today's NBA. Let alone the pick and roll.
If you have Ezeli defending the 4 so Nards can defend the 5. Well then why did you bring Ezeli if you're going to ask him to play defense away from the rim.
I have more hopes for Ezeli/Vonleh or even Nards/Vonleh, than I do for Ezeli/Nards. Simply because you want Ezeli doing what he does best. Protect the rim ~

 

[Pinwheel1]

A big problem with Meyers is that he can't create his own shot. His release is low and slow. Even though he's 7-1, he can't get his jump shot off against pressure like Nowitzki could who had that quick high release.

It's only a big problem if you actually expect him to be Dirk. I think his slow and low release is only a problem when he shoots from 24 feet when someone is on him. But I don't want anyone other than maybe Dame shooting from deep while being pressured. How many of Meyers 3 point shots have actually been blocked? If someone runs out at him he usually just passes it. But more times than not he shoots while being wide open.

Meyers does have some problems, but I really don't think his slow release from deep is one of them.

 

[PDXFonz]

I hated on the bashers last year, specifically Nate. But now I am ready to eat crow and say that I don't think Pat C will ever give us meaningful contribution.

A mediocre shooter who is in love with his shot. His standout trait is his athleticism, which is impressive, but not a huge selling point in a league filled with phenomenal athletes.

 

[Dougnsalem]

....But now I am ready to eat crow and say that I don't think Pat C will ever give us meaningful contribution.

A mediocre shooter who is in love with his shot. His standout trait is his athleticism, which is impressive, but not a huge selling point in a league filled with phenomenal athletes.

Hope you got room in that boat for me. I loved him at first too, and I thought he'd really help us. I am fine if someone calls their own number a lot, as long as they can back it up with a basket. It's just not happening though....

 

[Orion Bailey]

I like your optimism, but I seriously doubt Nards being able to defend the 4 spot in Today's NBA. Let alone the pick and roll.
If you have Ezeli defending the 4 so Nards can defend the 5. Well then why did you bring Ezeli if you're going to ask him to play defense away from the rim.
I have more hopes for Ezeli/Vonleh or even Nards/Vonleh, than I do for Ezeli/Nards. Simply because you want Ezeli doing what he does best. Protect the rim ~

Well Im with ya. Leonard is just my boy so i'm scraping for answers/excuses lol. But after what Ive seen so fare, im about ready to burn the Leonard J and pick up a Vonleh one. His handles have really improved.

 

[Sinobas]

It's only a big problem if you actually expect him to be Dirk. I think his slow and low release is only a problem when he shoots from 24 feet when someone is on him. But I don't want anyone other than maybe Dame shooting from deep while being pressured. How many of Meyers 3 point shots have actually been blocked? If someone runs out at him he usually just passes it. But more times than not he shoots while being wide open.

Meyers does have some problems, but I really don't think his slow release from deep is one of them.

It's a problem because it limits his opportunities. I think you'd agree we didn't sign Meyers for his defense or ability to score inside. His jump shot is the only thing he has going for him, and he can only get a couple of shots off per game.

 

[Sinobas]

Already is, for me.



He did last year. Why wouldn't he this year?

I thought Vonleh was a huge dud last year. He was just sort of "there" on the court.

 

[Sinobas]

Last five pre-season games for Crabbe:

25 MPG | 6.2 PPG | 2 RPG | 1 APG | 37 FG% | 44% from three -- 1.8 attempts/per

Well, I'd say that's worth 17 million?

 

[Sinobas]

I wonder if Paul is going to blame Olshey if the Blazers get into cap hell and don't deliver.

Look at Bob Whitsett, he had a long career of building good teams going back to the Sonics, but what really did him in was the Shawn Kemp trade. Next year we're going to have to go over the cap to retain Plumlee. (and Vonleh could grow into a nice contract). Because of some really dumb contracts. Turner, Crabbe, Meyers....

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Here're our pre-season stats.

Observations:
1. Thank Christ for Lillard.
2. Crabbe needs more shots. Is he shooting less because he plays with Napier, who's a total gunner?
(Suggestion: Cleveland wants a backup PG - can we remind LeBron that he wanted Napier and somehow end up with Jones from Minny, that I saw somewhere they want to get rid of, despite the fact that he was the MVP for their Summer League team?)
3. Aminu's 3-point shot may have fallen back to earth after last season's anomaly.
4. Why does McCollum draw so few shooting fouls? Is it all those mid-range pull-ups? That never stopped Reggie Miller. Something seriously has to change there - because he's not stopping his man defensively, so the least he could do is help foul him out.
5. Why doesn't Ed Davis get more minutes? Is it because we can't play him and Plumlee together? Will he get even fewer when Festus is ready?
6. Why the fuck are we sticking with Connaughton? Do we seriously think he's going to get better? I would try to package Connaughton and Napier for a PG who can play defense. But I guess those are kind of rare outside of Boston.

 

[Pinwheel1]

It's a problem because it limits his opportunities. I think you'd agree we didn't sign Meyers for his defense or ability to score inside. His jump shot is the only thing he has going for him, and he can only get a couple of shots off per game.

Seriously? Meyers only gets a couple of shots off per game? He took 8 against the warriors in 16 minutes and 10 against the Lakers in 20 minutes. Rarely is that an issue for him

 

[rasheedfan2005]

Blazers 74-8 and win championship

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Well, I'd say that's worth 17 million?

Yikes!

This season he has to put up 15ish ppg to make that contract look less toxic.

 

[Sinobas]

Seriously? Meyers only gets a couple of shots off per game? He took 8 against the warriors in 16 minutes and 10 against the Lakers in 20 minutes. Rarely is that an issue for him

Well yes he gets more than a "couple" but he's never even averaged 14 points per 36 minutes per game. I just don't think he's going to have much impact on games. When you take his good shooting with his lack of interior presence and lapses on defense, I don't think he really has a net positive effect off the bench.

 

[blue32]

Pat C to basketball is like Tebow to baseball..... le sigh.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Here're our pre-season stats.

Observations:
1. Thank Christ for Lillard.
2. Crabbe needs more shots. Is he shooting less because he plays with Napier, who's a total gunner?
(Suggestion: Cleveland wants a backup PG - can we remind LeBron that he wanted Napier and somehow end up with Jones from Minny, that I saw somewhere they want to get rid of, despite the fact that he was the MVP for their Summer League team?)
3. Aminu's 3-point shot may have fallen back to earth after last season's anomaly.
4. Why does McCollum draw so few shooting fouls? Is it all those mid-range pull-ups? That never stopped Reggie Miller. Something seriously has to change there - because he's not stopping his man defensively, so the least he could do is help foul him out.
5. Why doesn't Ed Davis get more minutes? Is it because we can't play him and Plumlee together? Will he get even fewer when Festus is ready?
6. Why the fuck are we sticking with Connaughton? Do we seriously think he's going to get better? I would try to package Connaughton and Napier for a PG who can play defense. But I guess those are kind of rare outside of Boston.

1. check
2. Crabbe's gotta be more aggressive.
3. Too early to tell. He hits a lot in his "competitions."
4. dunno
5. preseason. Ed's not a "skill" guy, he does what he does, he doesn't need a lot of reps.
6. guaranteed contract.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Well yes he gets more than a "couple" but he's never even averaged 14 points per 36 minutes per game. I just don't think he's going to have much impact on games. When you take his good shooting with his lack of interior presence and lapses on defense, I don't think he really has a net positive effect off the bench.

That is an entirely different discussion. All I am saying is his slow release from the outside is not a big problem. He shoots a decent percentage. It rarely gets blocked because he usually only shoots it when he is wide open. His release point might not be optimal, but it's not really a problem.

Remember before we drafted Dame....and people were saying his release point was too low? Not comparing Dame and Meyers, just that we often over analyze things that are not really an issue.