Game Thread Preseason Game #1 - Blazers vs Raptors in Vancouver BC

[Chris Craig]

Meyers doesn’t look any different. He’s still hesitating when inbounding the ball. He’s never going to change. I understood letting Ed go, I think his shortcomings held the offense back, but leaning on Meyers for any sort of role outside of waiving a towel is INSANE. Looking at the roster, Stotts should start testing out Turner at PF. In other words, we need help.

Meyers was the Blazers highest scorer with 14 points. Was hitting threes like crazy. That will be his role. I did see him run towards the basket to attempt to get boards a couple times. He will get minutes. I like the Cam guy. He is a bit clumsy though. Lost the ball several times because of his hands. Stotts played so many lineups with all 17 players so it was hard to get a good look at everyone.

 

[tlongII]

Meyers had ZERO rebounds. How is it possible for a guy that size to have zero rebounds?

 

[Chris Craig]

Things that stood out:

Nurk's 3 pointer....Nurk was shooting and making 3's that will be interesting to see in the regular season.

Anfernee Simons: Kid can play. It's going to take some time but he will be cold blooded.

Meyers3: Meyers struggled on defense, but he was lights out from the arc.

SF: Layman started for Harkless. I didn't see much change in him. Was looking for the "jump" He didn't habe any oomph when he went up for dunks. Was quick on his first step but lost momentum. Confidence? Evan Turner should stay on the bench. Still trying to figure out how he missed that layup. I like Trent Jr. He is going to move up the ladder.

 

[Blazers Roy]

Meyers doesn’t look any different. He’s still hesitating when inbounding the ball. He’s never going to change. I understood letting Ed go, I think his shortcomings held the offense back, but leaning on Meyers for any sort of role outside of waiving a towel is INSANE. Looking at the roster, Stotts should start testing out Turner at PF. In other words, we need help.

I think he is a bad influence on team culture tbh, he is too busy with his thoughts all the time and other players and the coach get caught up in it too.
Why should one bench guy cause so much distraction? Why do CJ and Dame need to answer questions about his problems all the time?
I also think his softness is infectious and i feel like we're stuck in the same mentality with him around.

 

[Scalma]

Meyers was the Blazers highest scorer with 14 points. Was hitting threes like crazy. That will be his role. I did see him run towards the basket to attempt to get boards a couple times. He will get minutes. I like the Cam guy. He is a bit clumsy though. Lost the ball several times because of his hands. Stotts played so many lineups with all 17 players so it was hard to get a good look at everyone.

Yeah Meyers hit his shots. I don’t think anyone doubts that he can hit shots. But that’s literally all he did (does) and I don’t think it makes up for all his other shortcomings. It’s like replacing ed with Meyers fills up one hole while opening up three more.

 

[Blazers Roy]

Meyers had ZERO rebounds. How is it possible for a guy that size to have zero rebounds?

Ask Eddy Curry

 

[SIeepwalker]

The biggest positive thing from this game was both our rookies

 

[handiman]

As a physicist, I would say that the lower the release point, the slower the ball speed closer to the basket. Basically, everyone should be shooting underhanded FTs from a strictly physics POV. Shorter players have a clear advantage over taller players shooting regular-handed.

On the other hand, there's been research over the years showing that a higher release point increases the odds of a friendly bounce on the rim.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I'm not saying you're wrong at all, but I'd love to see some sources on that.

On the other hand, there's been research over the years showing that a higher release point increases the odds of a friendly bounce on the rim.

 

[James lamphear]

Things that stood out:

Nurk's 3 pointer....Nurk was shooting and making 3's that will be interesting to see in the regular season.

Anfernee Simons: Kid can play. It's going to take some time but he will be cold blooded.

Meyers3: Meyers struggled on defense, but he was lights out from the arc.

SF: Layman started for Harkless. I didn't see much change in him. Was looking for the "jump" He didn't habe any oomph when he went up for dunks. Was quick on his first step but lost momentum. Confidence? Evan Turner should stay on the bench. Still trying to figure out how he missed that layup. I like Trent Jr. He is going to move up the ladder.

They actually play him at the 4 last night. So I am thinking when harkless come back you might see Collins and Layman at the 4 and the 5.

 

[James lamphear]

What I did like last night they play with pace off rebounds.

 

[THE HCP]

The biggest positive thing from this game was both our rookies

Which should be a reminder that these games mean nothing..... good or bad.

 

[Boob-No-More]

I'm not saying you're wrong at all, but I'd love to see some sources on that.

There's more to it than the physics involved. Shooting form and technique, muscle memory, confidence, etc. vary from shooter to shooter. I don't think anyone is saying everyone should shoot one way, or the other. Guys who have "wet" jumpers (Curry, Ray Allen, Steve Nash, etc.) also tend to be very good FT shooters. Guys who are not known for having a great jump shot (Shaq, Ben Wallace, Andre Drummond, DeAndre Jordan, Wilt, etc.) struggle at the line. Even though they have a higher release point than shorter players, they have no shooting touch. They shoot their FTs with very little arc and very little backspin. For these players, anything that "softens" their shot, with some added arc and backspin, regardless of release point, will get them a lot more kind bounces.

It really is a shame there is a stigma of unmanliness associated with the underhand FT. The NBA has tinkered with the intentional foul rule to try to decrease the "hack-a-whoever" fests that often happen when you have a poor FT shooter on the floor in a close game. Let's face it, is there anything more boring than watching constant play stoppages so Andre Drummond can go 13-36 from the "charity" stripe? The only way to stop such nonsense is to be a better FT shooter, and if that means shooting them underhanded, then that's what you should do. It's too bad Shaq was too insecure to do it. If one superstar big man would commit to doing it, others would follow his lead.

BNM

 

[Boob-No-More]

Which should be a reminder that these games mean nothing..... good or bad.

Especially with the way Stotts coaches in preseason. To him, it's more about evaluating the bubble and end of bench guys, trying different combinations, etc. than trying to win. He knows what he has in Dame, C.J., etc. So, he only plays them enough to break a light sweat and then gives the young guys some run.

BNM

 

[Wizard Mentor]

There's more to it than the physics involved. Shooting form and technique, muscle memory, confidence, etc. vary from shooter to shooter. I don't think anyone is saying everyone should shoot one way, or the other. Guys who have "wet" jumpers (Curry, Ray Allen, Steve Nash, etc.) also tend to be very good FT shooters. Guys who are not known for having a great jump shot (Shaq, Ben Wallace, Andre Drummond, DeAndre Jordan, Wilt, etc.) struggle at the line. Even though they have a higher release point than shorter players, they have no shooting touch. They shoot their FTs with very little arc and very little backspin. For these players, anything that "softens" their shot, with some added arc and backspin, regardless of release point, will get them a lot more kind bounces.

It really is a shame there is a stigma of unmanliness associated with the underhand FT. The NBA has tinkered with the intentional foul rule to try to decrease the "hack-a-whoever" fests that often happen when you have a poor FT shooter on the floor in a close game. Let's face it, is there anything more boring than watching constant play stoppages so Andre Drummond can go 13-36 from the "charity" stripe? The only way to stop such nonsense is to be a better FT shooter, and if that means shooting them underhanded, then that's what you should do. It's too bad Shaq was too insecure to do it. If one superstar big man would commit to doing it, others would follow his lead.

BNM

Absolutely, no argument.

 

[TBpup]

Is DarkWing still in his summer break? Should I just start working on the next games thread? Let me know. Got some real nice graphics all ready to go for that one.

@Darkwebs could be in a comatose state and still not be on vacation enough for you to start working on the next game thread. Calm down there rookie. You'll get your chance....right after NK nukes the rest of the landscapers off of the planet.

 

[BonesJones]

They actually play him at the 4 last night. So I am thinking when harkless come back you might see Collins and Layman at the 4 and the 5.

According to what? TSN had it wrong. Aminu was the 4.

 

[Blazers Roy]

While we're at free throws debates, this is a fun video about Wilt's FT struggles (featuring the underhanded shot btw):



Worth watching!

 

[handiman]

I'm not saying you're wrong at all, but I'd love to see some sources on that.

I was hoping you wouldn't ask that... I don't have any links saved, so your odds of finding them are as good as mine.

 

[James lamphear]

According to what? TSN had it wrong. Aminu was the 4.

On TV last they had Aminu has the 3 when flash the starting lineups. Plus Layman was guarding the 4. Aminu was guarding Leonard. Now on offense that might have change it around but defense Layman was the 4.

 

[James lamphear]

According to what? TSN had it wrong. Aminu was the 4.

They actually was c.j. Myles who Layman was guarding they went small at the start. Plus Espn had Aminu has the PF. So you right TSN must had it wrong.

 

[Driew]

Dame asking Leonard: "How's life away from diva LA?" hahaha

 

[kjironman1]

It's not even up for debate for KJ apparently. He said the Blazers have no business having a guy on the team that shoots free throws underhanded. I asked him why it matters and he got all macho about it. A real man wouldn't shoot underhanded no matter what!!!

I actually wrote "A real man wouldn't shoot underhand no matter what!!!" ?
Really?
Now i do remember saying that there is a reason coaches don't coach it and there were no top shooters that actually do use it. I also said this isn't the 60's though as has been stated Rick Barry used it in the 70's also. I do understand your stance. If you don't shoot well enough and granny style helps then why not? But i stand by my opinion. This is the NBA and granny style free throw shooting is simply out of place.
You are welcome to your opinion.

 

[hoopsjock]

I actually wrote "A real man wouldn't shoot underhand no matter what!!!" ?
Really?
Now i do remember saying that there is a reason coaches don't coach it and there were no top shooters that actually do use it. I also said this isn't the 60's though as has been stated Rick Barry used it in the 70's also. I do understand your stance. If you don't shoot well enough and granny style helps then why not? But i stand by my opinion. This is the NBA and granny style free throw shooting is simply out of place.
You are welcome to your opinion.

Why is it out of place unless your stance is that it's not manly?

 

[kjironman1]

Why is it out of place unless your stance is that it's not manly?

I guess i just always thought that?
Don't really know why and i can't really give you a great answer other than what i have been told and coached?
Honestly Hoops I apologize if this has struck you as anything other than a simple opinion.
It worked for Rick Barry works fine for me if that is your response. Because it did in fact work well for Rick Barry. But nobody else really uses it and most coaches say it is uncoachable and not a reliable motion. But I am nothing more than a mere fan of the game so who knows?
Certainly not I.
Wizard has a pretty good response on it and it makes sense. Maybe all dudes taller than 5-10 should shoot the granny?

 

[kjironman1]

There's more to it than the physics involved. Shooting form and technique, muscle memory, confidence, etc. vary from shooter to shooter. I don't think anyone is saying everyone should shoot one way, or the other. Guys who have "wet" jumpers (Curry, Ray Allen, Steve Nash, etc.) also tend to be very good FT shooters. Guys who are not known for having a great jump shot (Shaq, Ben Wallace, Andre Drummond, DeAndre Jordan, Wilt, etc.) struggle at the line. Even though they have a higher release point than shorter players, they have no shooting touch. They shoot their FTs with very little arc and very little backspin. For these players, anything that "softens" their shot, with some added arc and backspin, regardless of release point, will get them a lot more kind bounces.

It really is a shame there is a stigma of unmanliness associated with the underhand FT. The NBA has tinkered with the intentional foul rule to try to decrease the "hack-a-whoever" fests that often happen when you have a poor FT shooter on the floor in a close game. Let's face it, is there anything more boring than watching constant play stoppages so Andre Drummond can go 13-36 from the "charity" stripe? The only way to stop such nonsense is to be a better FT shooter, and if that means shooting them underhanded, then that's what you should do. It's too bad Shaq was too insecure to do it. If one superstar big man would commit to doing it, others would follow his lead.

BNM

Nice response.

 

[handiman]

I look at granny style FTs the same as hook shots. If you're good at it, great. But not all people have the hand-eye coordination to be consistent with a shot that's not in their line of sight.

 

[hoopsjock]

I look at granny style FTs the same as hook shots. If you're good at it, great. But not all people have the hand-eye coordination to be consistent with a shot that's not in their line of sight.

See that is totally reasonable. My point from the beginning is that it doesn't matter to me how someone shoots them if it works for them. I don't want Dame shooting underhand but maybe a guy like Ed Davis should have.

 

[hoopsjock]

I guess i just always thought that?
Don't really know why and i can't really give you a great answer other than what i have been told and coached?
Honestly Hoops I apologize if this has struck you as anything other than a simple opinion.
It worked for Rick Barry works fine for me if that is your response. Because it did in fact work well for Rick Barry. But nobody else really uses it and most coaches say it is uncoachable and not a reliable motion. But I am nothing more than a mere fan of the game so who knows?
Certainly not I.
Wizard has a pretty good response on it and it makes sense. Maybe all dudes taller than 5-10 should shoot the granny?

You say that coaches say it is not a reliable motion like that is a fact or something. It's not, in fact there is scientific evidence that it can be more reliable. Now I am not saying everyone should shoot granny style but to say that the Blazers shouldn't have signed this guy because he shoots them that way with no reason other than it looks stupid and shouldn't be in the NBA is completely dumb in my opinion. I asked you what it mattered how he shot them and you gave me a fucking lame answer about how you knew someone would ask you that question. Instead of it leading to a discussion about whether players who struggle with free throws should or shouldn't try shooting it that way you turned it into something else. You flat out made up your assertion that just about every coach thinks it is not a coachable shot. Let's face, people just don't shoot them that way because they don't want to be laughed at. I actually applaud Onuaku for trying it knowing how much ridicule he'd get for it. I also used the example of Barry's son Canyon shooting 88.3% in his senior year at Florida shooting them underhanded.

 

[H.C.]

https://www.si.com/college-football...aku-started-shooting-granny-style-free-throws

You don't have to like it, but a well paid/known college coach suggested it to his freshman, and his freshman improved his %.