Some Observations

[andalusian]

I was at the game as well - and I thought the team just lost it's cohesion as soon as Miller got in the game.

Whine about Blake all you want - but the guys seemed to know what they were doing with him in there - once Miller got in the game - all the spacing seemed to be gone to shit. 2nd Game in a row that our starting unit starts like gangbusters and the 2nd unit kills it.

I think Miller is the biggest issue that needs resolved now - and honestly, I would look at JB as the 2nd PG of the bench instead of Miller for a game or two.

 

[RR7]

I was at the game as well - and I thought the team just lost it's cohesion as soon as Miller got in the game.

Whine about Blake all you want - but the guys seemed to know what they were doing with him in there - once Miller got in the game - all the spacing seemed to be gone to shit. 2nd Game in a row that our starting unit starts like gangbusters and the 2nd unit kills it.

I think Miller is the biggest issue that needs resolved now - and honestly, I would look at JB as the 2nd PG of the bench instead of Miller for a game or two.

I felt the opposite early in the game. And I've felt that way the past few, that Miller gets in, and the lead increases. He came in, we were up 13-7 after 7.5 minutes of play. We had 2 assists in that time. At the end of the first quarter, we were up 25-15. Miller had 3 assists in those 3.5 minutes. Rudy had one as well. We were up 33-25 in the second quarter when Blake came back in, but played alongside Andre. Miller had picked up two more assists. 33-25, and we finished the second quarter with a 1 point lead, 48-47. I think a big issue is playing them alongside eachother, for one. But I think early in the games, Miller has looked good.

 

[B-Roy]

What killed us in the second quarter?

Miller+Blake lineup.

God damn, I can't figure out why you would play such a defensively challenged lineup when they don't even provide a boost on offense.

 

[LittleAlex]

What killed us in the second quarter?

Miller+Blake lineup.

God damn, I can't figure out why you would play such a defensively challenged lineup when they don't even provide a boost on offense.

This

Why has Nate used this lineup? It has failed every single time.


Can someone please tell me why?

 

[RR7]

What killed us in the second quarter?

Miller+Blake lineup.

God damn, I can't figure out why you would play such a defensively challenged lineup when they don't even provide a boost on offense.

I think normally, that lineup is stupid. Even mroe so with a team like Atlanta, who plays a somewhat unconventional lineup as is. Maybe not unconventional exactly, but they don't have two "true PGs" that dictate going super small like that. Rudy can stick with Bibby just fine. If there was ever a game to experiment with Rudy at PG for small stretches, or otherwise a Rudy-Roy backcourt, this was it. Nope. We go to that shit show that brought us from a nice sized lead to shit.

 

[andalusian]

I felt the opposite early in the game. And I've felt that way the past few, that Miller gets in, and the lead increases. He came in, we were up 13-7 after 7.5 minutes of play. We had 2 assists in that time. At the end of the first quarter, we were up 25-15. Miller had 3 assists in those 3.5 minutes. Rudy had one as well. We were up 33-25 in the second quarter when Blake came back in, but played alongside Andre. Miller had picked up two more assists. 33-25, and we finished the second quarter with a 1 point lead, 48-47. I think a big issue is playing them alongside eachother, for one. But I think early in the games, Miller has looked good.

Maybe you are right. Who knows. I just got a strange vibe that spacing all went to hell when Miller was in there. Didn't we have a lost ball in the 2nd half when Roy was looking for him somewhere and threw the ball to him but Miller was too close? I thought that was what I saw - and Roy was talking to him after. Maybe I am wrong - but that was my impression.

 

[B-Roy]

I think normally, that lineup is stupid.

It always is. Blake and Miller are two of the worst defenders on a defensively challenged team. There's no reason to have both on the floor at the same time, especially when one is always going to have to guard a SG.

 

[hasoos]

1) Nate's rotations continue to fail miserably and clearly lost us the game. I've lost all confidence in him.

2) When we're playing 3 guards against a superior athletic team, THAT's the time to put in Bayless. But he just sat.

3) Roy, as usual, too much one on one. His defense also was also horrible.

4) Travis needs to learn about the shot clock.

I'm beginning to think we may need to trade a few players for a good, tough SF. All year our offense looks pathetic. No flow.

Agreed. That 3 guard unit with Blake, Miller and Roy is a total failure. What I don't get is, it hasn't been successful once this season. Not in pre season, not in regular season. If I figured it out in pre season, why hasn't Nate figured it out? Is he high on crystal meth or something?

 

[blue32]

Agreed. That 3 guard unit with Blake, Miller and Roy is a total failure. What I don't get is, it hasn't been successful once this season. Not in pre season, not in regular season. If I figured it out in pre season, why hasn't Nate figured it out? Is he high on crystal meth or something?

QFT

 

[Blaze01]

Yes! Yes I did! Because it wasn't the first time he'd done that in the last five minutes. If he'd at least tried to dump it or dish it, I'd have been more sympathetic. But he drove it in there expecting a foul when he hadn't gotten one the previous times he tried it. What's that in the Nate thread about insanity?

They were booing b\c many people thought it was a goal tend....Not b\c of Miller's shot...get it right...even Wheeler aluded to that on the radio broadcast...

If he tried to dump or dish it? You mean the guy who had 11 assists and ZERO turnovers? and one of the only other players BESIDES Roy who was actually trying to get to the lane, instead of settling for fadeaway jumpers (Yeah you Travis Outlaw)?

I mean is Charles Barkley a prophet now or what?

The problem isn't Miller man.....The problem is with Nate & Roy thinking the same starting lineup is a 54 win team THIS season.....If POR wants to improve, then they need to give Rudy & Miller MORE minutes than Blake & Outlaw and get Oden more involved on the offensive end.....

but alas our "franchise" player and coach can't seem to fathom that undeniable reality....

 

[alex42083]

My observation:

This picture sums up our perimeter defense outside of Martell against KD and partially against Carmelo the entire year (and previous years).

lol... I'd hate to laugh when we're struggling.. but I sure as hell don't know what's going on in that play with Brandon and LaMarcus just having their arms up, Brandon seemingly guarding Hoford and Joel coming from the 3-point line. Funny picture..

 

[alex42083]

What killed us in the second quarter?

Miller+Blake lineup.

God damn, I can't figure out why you would play such a defensively challenged lineup when they don't even provide a boost on offense.

I have no idea what we continue to play that backcourt. Meanwhile, Rudy gets 17 minutes. Doesn't make sense at all.

 

[hasoos]

I have no idea what we continue to play that backcourt. Meanwhile, Rudy gets 17 minutes. Doesn't make sense at all.

What? Play a SG who exels at transition/fast break basketball with a small unit, and at his natural position? Complete Lunacy I tell you!

 

[mook]

What? Play a SG who exels at transition/fast break basketball with a small unit, and at his natural position? Complete Lunacy I tell you!

Well, to be fair, Rudy was shooting 1-5 and has been recovering from injury. It may be that he really shouldn't be playing more than that.

 

[hasoos]

Well, to be fair, Rudy was shooting 1-5 and has been recovering from injury. It may be that he really shouldn't be playing more than that.

Sometimes with scorers you have to roll with the punches. How many games did Roy not do much for a half or 3/4 only to tear it up in the 4th? You never know when they are going to start steamrolling and get hot. Sometimes it only takes one shot.

Secondly, are you going to tell me Steve Blake is going to perform better than Rudy at SG, and should be getting minutes than him? If it is due to an injury, then really Rudy shouldnt be out on the floor at all. Why play him at all?

 

[Nikolokolus]

of course is that even real? what good deals that were available has he turned down for "his guys"?

I guess it depends on what you consider "real" in the rumor mongering age of ESPN.com

Supposedly they could have gotten Gerald Wallace for Batum and other parts, supposedly he passed on Mike Conley for Travis and other pieces, there are other rumored deals, but I have no way of independently confirming them. I can only confirm that he's made very few trades aside from the flurry of deals that happened on draft night in his first couple years as GM when he was simply cleaning house.

Since then, all I know is that aside from Sergio being shipped off to Sacramento to move up to the top of the second round, he's made no trades with any of the player's he's drafted, and for all of the talk I've heard him give about having to sit on his hands because his nature is to be aggressive in trades, he's done very little to actually consolidate any of this young talent into something a little more crystalized and concrete vs. the constant stockpiling of "potential."

 

[Nikolokolus]

Agreed. That 3 guard unit with Blake, Miller and Roy is a total failure. What I don't get is, it hasn't been successful once this season. Not in pre season, not in regular season. If I figured it out in pre season, why hasn't Nate figured it out? Is he high on crystal meth or something?

Because he's "gotta play Blakey"

 

[mook]

Secondly, are you going to tell me Steve Blake is going to perform better than Rudy at SG, and should be getting minutes than him? If it is due to an injury, then really Rudy shouldnt be out on the floor at all. Why play him at all?

Guys play hurt all the time. Sometimes pain seems tolerable at the beginning of the game but seems pretty intolerable after 17 minutes.

 

[andalusian]

Because he's "gotta play Blakey"

Give me a break. Blake is what he is - but he is not THE problem.

In 5 games this year, the team is +15 with Blake (+/-)
In 5 games this year, the team is -27 with Miller (+/-)

If there is a problem with the 3 guard line-up - it's not Blake that is the problem. For the record, last year, when we played a 3 guard line-up with Roy, Rudy, Blake, LMA and Joel - we were fantastic.

It looks to me like someone needs to light a big, flaring light in Miller's rear...

 

[Idog1976]

who would you prefer of available coaches?

Well that's the rub really. I think Thibbedeau (sp?) from Boston would be a step up. I've seen decent arguments for McHale. Heck I even think Monty Williams would be a huge step up. My dream of course is Poppovich, but I have no clue what his contract with SA is like and if he can break it...

 

[Uther TheGardener]

I was on the fence last year but since we got TORE up in the playoffs we have gotten worse...nate stinks....why he no run me no not but has small mind abut wunning...me tinks dat he deevolve....pay une hiz guiz!

Fire him now.....push the tempo....this all started when nate and roE became butt bodies....for this team to progress we need to break those two up and if roy cant take it then trade him for CP3. Then watch the team shine....

 

[hasoos]

Give me a break. Blake is what he is - but he is not THE problem.

In 5 games this year, the team is +15 with Blake (+/-)
In 5 games this year, the team is -27 with Miller (+/-)

If there is a problem with the 3 guard line-up - it's not Blake that is the problem. For the record, last year, when we played a 3 guard line-up with Roy, Rudy, Blake, LMA and Joel - we were fantastic.

It looks to me like someone needs to light a big, flaring light in Miller's rear...

Your high, and I have already addressed this in a separate thread. Its flat out amazing how much better your +/- is when you are playing the bulk of your time with the 2 studs on the team.

 

[andalusian]

Your high, and I have already addressed this in a separate thread. Its flat out amazing how much better your +/- is when you are playing the bulk of your time with the 2 studs on the team.

I am not high at all - look at yesterday's numbers.

Joel +6
Rudy +2
Miller -13

How can Miller look so bad when he plays with the "scrubs" when the scrubs post a + and he posts a -?

Let's look at the studs and Blake that is supposedly benefiting from playing next to them:

Blake +2
Roy -2
LMA - 9

So.. how come that the studs are in a minus but Blake is a + and at the same time, the duds are at a plus but Miller is at a minus?

The answer is clear - the Studs did not play well when they played next to Miller.

And that was exactly what I observed when watching the game yesterday.

Roy and LMA need spacing to operate where they are succesful. This spacing is not there when Miller is playing.

That's your problem, right there.

 

[rocketeer]

Jeff Van Gundy.

i agree that he would be an improvement as coach though i can see just as many if not more complaints about his offense coming if he were hired.

 

[The Sebastian Express]

i agree that he would be an improvement as coach though i can see just as many if not more complaints about his offense coming if he were hired.

I think a lot of us, at least I know I myself, would be fine with a predictable and boring offense with a great defense with non-mindboggling schemes; rather than a predictable and boring offense with a defense that insists on putting 7'0 280 pound guys on 6'1 lightning quick guards.

 

[hasoos]

I am not high at all - look at yesterday's numbers.

Joel +6
Rudy +2
Miller -13

How can Miller look so bad when he plays with the "scrubs" when the scrubs post a + and he posts a -?

Let's look at the studs and Blake that is supposedly benefiting from playing next to them:

Blake +2
Roy -2
LMA - 9

So.. how come that the studs are in a minus but Blake is a + and at the same time, the duds are at a plus but Miller is at a minus?

The answer is clear - the Studs did not play well when they played next to Miller.

And that was exactly what I observed when watching the game yesterday.

Roy and LMA need spacing to operate where they are succesful. This spacing is not there when Miller is playing.

That's your problem, right there.

Joel started the second half with Brandon and Aldridge. Rudy's numbers of +2 is marginal. That is one basket from break even.

 

[jlprk]

who would you prefer of available coaches?

Jeff Van Gundy.

Kevin McHale would be a top-notch coach. Although if Nate rights the ship, this talk will stop.

Butch Carter, according to Charles Oakley.

He said Butch Carter, the former Raptors coach whose off-court eccentricities led to an ugly 2000 firing, is "up there with Pat Riley" as a strategist. (He suggested the Cleveland Cavaliers give Butch a call)...

"Butch is probably one of the best coaches, as far as Xs and Os, that I've been around. I'd put him up there with Pat Riley. He knows the game. Unfortunately, some things happened. But I think he can come back in this league and be a great coach. People learn from their mistakes. That's what the NBA needs ... they need coaches like Butch Carter. He had game plans. He'd be great for Cleveland. LeBron, if he's a 10 now, his game would go up two or three levels. Look what Butch did for Vince Carter."

On Vince Carter's early success in Toronto

"It was all Butch. Butch got in his ear and told him, `Do you know what you have with you? You've got some guys who care for you and are going to look out for you.' Me, Antonio (Davis), Kevin (Willis), we said, `Hey, Vince, we got your back.' Vince would have never excelled the way he did if it wasn't for Butch and some of the guys on the team, because we kept pushing him."