ROCKETS @ BLAZERS - GAME THREAD - 11/05/13, 7:00 PM, TUESDAY

[Draco]

This was Joel Freelands most impressive game.

 

[jlprk]

Badly-officiated, but the game was even till Leonard entered in the 2nd quarter. He did it again--when an opponent drives and dunks, he steps away, bends over to protect himself, and squints his eyes closed to shield them. His face looks afraid and his body is doubled up.

This is one reason I say it must be his contacts.

 

[OSUBlazerfan]

Just got back from the game, and i think live, you really appreciate just how much of a piece of shit (as a bball player) Myers is.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

This was Joel Freelands most impressive game.

It certainly was his loudest statement.

 

[Draco]

Just got back from the game, and i think live, you really appreciate just how much of a piece of shit (as a bball player) Myers is.

I wonder what Meyers did in workouts to convince our scouts to draft him. I remember hearing the impressive stories of Ha Sung Jin doing the splits so I'll assume its something similar. Definitely wasn't in a game of basketball.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I wonder what Meyers did in workouts to convince our scouts to draft him. I remember hearing the impressive stories of Ha Sung Jin doing the splits so I'll assume its something similar. Definitely wasn't in a game of basketball.

They put him up against a wall and measured 7'0"

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

I wonder what Meyers did in workouts to convince our scouts to draft him. I remember hearing the impressive stories of Ha Sung Jin doing the splits so I'll assume its something similar. Definitely wasn't in a game of basketball.

Probably pure athleticism. Looking back Zeller was probably the guy to go for. He had a low ceiling but was polished at least.

 

[BlazerBeav]

I'm still not sure what pissed me off more tonight at the Moda Center:

1. Our horrific free throw shooting.
2. The ridiculous officiating by the three blind mice
3. Meyers Leonard. Everything about Meyers Leonard.
4. Trying to get the crowd to chant 'Mick-eee-dees' while down 16.

Seriously, the only personnel move the Blazers need to make before firing whoever it was that said to draft Leonard is to fire Todd and the rest of his lame game-ops squad.

 

[illmatic99]

They put him up against a wall and measured 7'0"

No they put him up against Tyler Zeller. Who is close to a wall himself.

 

[milehighblazer]

Here are some observations of mine:

1. The officiating was poor on both sides, but the amount of ticky tack horsesh!t that was called against anyone guarding Harden was atrocious. They were calling fouls before he had even dribbled the ball.

2. Mo Williams should not be taking the ball up past half court when he is in "hero ball" mode, and we should be getting entry passes to LA in the post. We were down single digits midway through the 4th, go to your all-star not someone who's going to take off balance long two point shots(4 seconds into the shot clock no less).

3. Meyers Leonard is useless defensively, and I just really don't believe that's something that we will see develope. He doesn't have the mindset, nor the physicality to bang down low with the big guys at the NBA level. My opinion is that the niche he'll have to carve out is a center with a nice shooting touch who can spread the floor. Having said that, this team has plenty of shooters which puts him at the bottom of the list when it comes to getting him shots in the offense, even playing with other subs.

4. I don't feel we doubled Howard enough, as he faced a lot of 1 on 1 possessions on the low block. I would've liked to see him have to deal with double teams and pass out, which would have inadvertently reduced the foul issue we had.

5. If you're going to lose to the Rockets, make someone not named Howard/Harden beat you. I would like to see the guards cut under the picks in PnR situations. If they're going to beat you with 3 pointers, so be it. That's a loss I could handle, but letting them shove it down our throat with their two stars doing whatever they wanted, is unacceptable. Make Parsons, Beverly, Asik, and Garcia beat you.

6. How many times do you have to see the same thing before you adjust? Harden came off something like 147 picks that let him float to the top of the key for an easy jumper. The guard got lost in the pick, the big didn't commit to rotating out and contesting the shot, and the results were an all-star taking glorified free throws over and over.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Here are some observations of mine:

1. The officiating was poor on both sides, but the amount of ticky tack horsesh!t that was called against anyone guarding Harden was atrocious. They were calling fouls before he had even dribbled the ball.

2. Mo Williams should not be taking the ball up past half court when he is in "hero ball" mode, and we should be getting entry passes to LA in the post. We were down single digits midway through the 4th, go to your all-star not someone who's going to take off balance long two point shots(4 seconds into the shot clock no less).

3. Meyers Leonard is useless defensively, and I just really don't believe that's something that we will see develope. He doesn't have the mindset, nor the physicality to bang down low with the big guys at the NBA level. My opinion is that the niche he'll have to carve out is a center with a nice shooting touch who can spread the floor. Having said that, this team has plenty of shooters which puts him at the bottom of the list when it comes to getting him shots in the offense, even playing with other subs.

4. I don't feel we doubled Howard enough, as he faced a lot of 1 on 1 possessions on the low block. I would've liked to see him have to deal with double teams and pass out, which would have inadvertently reduced the foul issue we had.

5. If you're going to lose to the Rockets, make someone not named Howard/Harden beat you. I would like to see the guards cut under the picks in PnR situations. If they're going to beat you with 3 pointers, so be it. That's a loss I could handle, but letting them shove it down our throat with their two stars doing whatever they wanted, is unacceptable. Make Parsons, Beverly, Asik, and Garcia beat you.

6. How many times do you have to see the same thing before you adjust? Harden came off something like 147 picks that let him float to the top of the key for an easy jumper. The guard got lost in the pick, the big didn't commit to rotating out and contesting the shot, and the results were an all-star taking glorified free throws over and over.

Great post!

Welcome to S2!

 

[BrianFromWA]

Repped. Welcome to the board.

 

[jlprk]

If you had read the board rules, you'd know that Egyptian Muslims have to make at least 7 points in their first post.

2. Mo Williams should not be taking the ball up past half court when he is in "hero ball" mode, and we should be getting entry passes to LA in the post. We were down single digits midway through the 4th, go to your all-star not someone who's going to take off balance long two point shots(4 seconds into the shot clock no less).

Aldridge has played that way in the 4th quarter very rarely in his career. Our non-clutch all-star would just bobble the ball and cause turnovers.

4. I don't feel we doubled Howard enough, as he faced a lot of 1 on 1 possessions on the low block. I would've liked to see him have to deal with double teams and pass out, which would have inadvertently reduced the foul issue we had.

Aldridge again. Lopez, having to do it without Aldridge, keeps getting into foul trouble, leaving only Aldridge to play matador defense.

5. If you're going to lose to the Rockets, make someone not named Howard/Harden beat you. I would like to see the guards cut under the picks in PnR situations. If they're going to beat you with 3 pointers, so be it. That's a loss I could handle, but letting them shove it down our throat with their two stars doing whatever they wanted, is unacceptable. Make Parsons, Beverly, Asik, and Garcia beat you.

You didn't see how Beverly and Asik destroyed us?

6. How many times do you have to see the same thing before you adjust? Harden came off something like 147 picks that let him float to the top of the key for an easy jumper. The guard got lost in the pick, the big didn't commit to rotating out and contesting the shot, and the results were an all-star taking glorified free throws over and over.

Matthews, lately our best defender and shooter, was taken off offensive duties so he could focus on Harden. We really missed Matthews' scoring.

 

[milehighblazer]

If you had read the board rules, you'd know that Egyptian Muslims have to make at least 7 points in their first post.



Aldridge has played that way in the 4th quarter very rarely in his career. Our non-clutch all-star would just bobble the ball and cause turnovers.



Aldridge again. Lopez, having to do it without Aldridge, keeps getting into foul trouble, leaving only Aldridge to play matador defense.



You didn't see how Beverly and Asik destroyed us?



Matthews, lately our best defender and shooter, was taken off offensive duties so he could focus on Harden. We really missed Matthews' scoring.

- I am american, so worry not.

- I didn't view this as a "clutch" situation which I believe you are referring to. We were within 5-7 points and you have Mo running circles around himself then stepping on his own dick by launching ill advised jumpers. My suggestion would be to A) Slow things down, get an entry pass to LA and he gets his shot(with probably less than 21 seconds remaining on the shot clock)...or B) Mo's dribble penetration fails(shocking) so make a pass, reset the offense up top, or if it's getting late in the shot clock put the ball in Damian's hands.

- I'm not sure what you're referring to with doubling Howard. My point was a guard sliding down to trap, or some semblance of help-D rotating over would be nice to see.

- No, I don't see how Beverly and Asik destroyed us. They were not the staples of the Rocket offense. Howard and Harden scored at will, playing well within their comfort zones. My point is I would rather have been annihilated by Houston raining 3s or giving unbalanced attention to Howard/Harden letting their other players get a chance to fill up the score board.

- I don't understand your last point on Matthews as that is not related to what you quoted.

 

[BrianFromWA]

You'll find that jlprk doesn't necessarily have the most, uh, "mainstream" views.

 

[milehighblazer]

Fair enough haha.

 

[jlprk]

They tried with Aldridge, but unless he's in a perfect situation he passes back out (or bobbles it trying to). I was exasperated that he wouldn't plunge in there and shoot when his teammates set him up. Even if he's right and he has no chance to make the shot, he might get fouled if he tried. He's always in a big hurry to get rid of the ball instead of dominating with some usage.

His attitude rubs off onto Batum and Leonard. Pass off, don't lead. Hover outside so you're not called upon to shoot inside.

 

[jlprk]

You'll find that jlprk doesn't necessarily have the most, uh, "mainstream" views.

Walk around downtown in urban areas of the Northwest. You'll find I'm pretty mainstream. For example, pro-war Americans are pretty hard to find nowadays outside the South. I hear very little disagreement wherever I go, except from those in power who are worried they might pay a higher tax for something. It sure feels like I'm in the majority.

 

[BrianFromWA]

I was talking about basketball. This isn't the OT section.

 

[WillG]

* The NBA Refs Association is obviously a subsidiary of the Mafia. Some shady reffing with an agenda going on there. (as usual)
* Wes Matthews ghost fouls on Harden. I've seen more physicality in under 10 girls netball (Aldridge would fit right in)
* Stotts offense is ineffective. Lots of ball movement that doesn't move the defense around or make them work - also very predictable.
* Whoever recommended drafting Meyers Leonard should be fired and then shot.
* If players continue showing no desire to hustle for 48mins (ie walking ball upcourt - not bothering to defend/rebound/box out) then a new moniker should be adopted in the place of Trailblazers - one that is far more fitting. I suggest the Portland Apathy.

 

[BrianFromWA]

You know, Will, you shouldn't hold back. This is a Trust Tree...you can say how you really feel.

 

[magnifier661]

Here are some observations of mine:

1. The officiating was poor on both sides, but the amount of ticky tack horsesh!t that was called against anyone guarding Harden was atrocious. They were calling fouls before he had even dribbled the ball.

2. Mo Williams should not be taking the ball up past half court when he is in "hero ball" mode, and we should be getting entry passes to LA in the post. We were down single digits midway through the 4th, go to your all-star not someone who's going to take off balance long two point shots(4 seconds into the shot clock no less).

3. Meyers Leonard is useless defensively, and I just really don't believe that's something that we will see develope. He doesn't have the mindset, nor the physicality to bang down low with the big guys at the NBA level. My opinion is that the niche he'll have to carve out is a center with a nice shooting touch who can spread the floor. Having said that, this team has plenty of shooters which puts him at the bottom of the list when it comes to getting him shots in the offense, even playing with other subs.

4. I don't feel we doubled Howard enough, as he faced a lot of 1 on 1 possessions on the low block. I would've liked to see him have to deal with double teams and pass out, which would have inadvertently reduced the foul issue we had.

5. If you're going to lose to the Rockets, make someone not named Howard/Harden beat you. I would like to see the guards cut under the picks in PnR situations. If they're going to beat you with 3 pointers, so be it. That's a loss I could handle, but letting them shove it down our throat with their two stars doing whatever they wanted, is unacceptable. Make Parsons, Beverly, Asik, and Garcia beat you.

6. How many times do you have to see the same thing before you adjust? Harden came off something like 147 picks that let him float to the top of the key for an easy jumper. The guard got lost in the pick, the big didn't commit to rotating out and contesting the shot, and the results were an all-star taking glorified free throws over and over.

Great post! Welcome to the cluster fuck we call S2! You will love it here!

 

[magnifier661]

Walk around downtown in urban areas of the Northwest. You'll find I'm pretty mainstream. For example, pro-war Americans are pretty hard to find nowadays outside the South. I hear very little disagreement wherever I go, except from those in power who are worried they might pay a higher tax for something. It sure feels like I'm in the majority.

You are about as "mainstream" as a "hundred year old egg"

 

[Mediocre Man]

Probably pure athleticism. Looking back Zeller was probably the guy to go for. He had a low ceiling but was polished at least.

Henson was the guy to go for

 

[Mediocre Man]

My observation is the same as it was before the season started

Our front line is ridiculously thin.

 

[magnifier661]

I know I flew off the handle about Leonard, but I want to clarify something. I am a fan of players, especially ones that got benched, to come out and at least try and prove the coach made a mistake about benching him. Instead, Leonard was just awful, allowing his man to coast through the game and snatch rebounds because he was 10 steps behind.

Leonard really is hopeless, and I'm not pulling a Roytoy like banter. He truly has no clue! He just doesn't get it, and doesn't even have scrap enough to at least give us a glimmer of hope. Maris said that the coach should be fired because we aren't developing Leonard. Actually I think Stotts should be fired for using Leonard more than we have to.

Last night, we had to play Leonard and ironically we really lost our mojo the moment he came in. Howard took a jumper and the long rebound was going right to Leonard. All Leonard had to do was stand, turn around and just catch the ball. Instead he looked at the top of the key, think the shot wasn't launched by Howard and missed a gimmie rebound. Howard grabbed it and Leonard had a "oh shit" moment. What made this play worse was Howard was able to drive to the paint and score.

This is what freaken makes me upset. Okay so you aren't a good defender, but my 13 year old would have played better in this game. I don't know why it's so hard for Leonard. He could be sooooo much better. Work of footwork, boxing out and help defense. All fundamentals!!!!

 

[Mediocre Man]

I know I flew off the handle about Leonard, but I want to clarify something. I am a fan of players, especially ones that got benched, to come out and at least try and prove the coach made a mistake about benching him. Instead, Leonard was just awful, allowing his man to coast through the game and snatch rebounds because he was 10 steps behind.

Leonard really is hopeless, and I'm not pulling a Roytoy like banter. He truly has no clue! He just doesn't get it, and doesn't even have scrap enough to at least give us a glimmer of hope. Maris said that the coach should be fired because we aren't developing Leonard. Actually I think Stotts should be fired for using Leonard more than we have to.

Last night, we had to play Leonard and ironically we really lost our mojo the moment he came in. Howard took a jumper and the long rebound was going right to Leonard. All Leonard had to do was stand, turn around and just catch the ball. Instead he looked at the top of the key, think the shot wasn't launched by Howard and missed a gimmie rebound. Howard grabbed it and Leonard had a "oh shit" moment. What made this play worse was Howard was able to drive to the paint and score.

This is what freaken makes me upset. Okay so you aren't a good defender, but my 13 year old would have played better in this game. I don't know why it's so hard for Leonard. He could be sooooo much better. Work of footwork, boxing out and help defense. All fundamentals!!!!

I feel bad for ogling her after her boob job now

 

[tlongII]

The problem was they didn't allow Lopez to play.

 

[Denny Crane]

They said Asik and Howard couldn't play together, yet I see 4-1 Rockets playing Asik and Howard together.

It's tough to ask a guy who should be backup C to guard both those guys. Both your PF and C have to box out and be real physical inside to stand a chance.

The Blazers give up 105 PPG and score 105 PPG. Seems like a .500 record is in order, which is an 8 game improvement. Good!

The Rockets could be considered a favorite to win the West. They look as good as OKC to me. No shame in losing to them.

How much better are they? Their top 2 scorers scored as many points as the Blazers' top 3.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

I swear Leonard look better last year than this year. This summer he has gone all GQ with his hair and tan but seem to have lost the small amount of game he has.

But not time to give up on him. I don't follow players in the NBA like I used to, but didn't Robin Lopez suck for a couple years. ( I remember thinking he was the bad Lopez). Freeland is another example of a big body that can be serviceable.

I think/hope it's a maturity thing. Freeland gets it, this is his shot to make himself financially secure for the rest of his life. Don't know if he is going to get that big contract but he is going to commit his life to try to get there (skips playing on national team to develop NBA game). Leonard needs to get into that same frame of mind. He needs to eat, sleep and breath basketball by adding muscle and learning the the low post NBA game. And he can shoot, which will be an added plus once he stops being a liability on the court.

And on a positive note for Meyers, he doesn't have his head down pouting about the situation (lost his back up position). He is the biggest cheerleader on the bench which makes me think he is about winning (I don't know if I could have cheered after performing like that on the court )

But for now, MM has it right about how thin the Blazers are up front. Imagine if Lopez goes down, where are the Blazers then? And there is one player in particular on the team that isn't going to be patient with Meyers or the lack of big men.

Wish we swept up on Gortat . . .