Start Collins. Start Hood.

[PtldPlatypus]

 

[BBert]

Im gonna say it and you guys can beat me up for it. Maybe having Hood, and Zach on the bench isnt so bad. They get to play vs Denvers bench in their first stint, and get into a rhythm before seeing their starters. Now Aminu and Harkless have not been particularly good this series, no doubt, but IF they go on to round 3, you probably dont want their confidence completely shattered by being benched, and also if their your guys off the bench, whose going to score on the bench unit? I say definitely give Hood and Zach more minutes and maybe start Zach at the 4 instead of Aminu but having a good solid bench is not such a bad thing.

I say benching them might light a fire under them. You never know.

Since Mo and especially Aminu suck so bad against the Nuggets starters, I think they are the ones who should come off the bench, get into a rhythm against the Nuggets bench, and possibly carry that over when they are in against the Nuggets starters.

 

[LayneStaley]

Stotts needs to nut up and sit ET, 5 min is too much in Game 7.

 

[tlongII]

Terry should just ask Dame who to start and roll with it.

 

[BBert]

I am completely incredulous about why the refs/NBA favor Denver.

We have the vastly more marketable superstar player in Dame.

We have the vastly more marketable second star in CJ.

I just really don't get it. Jokic isn't exciting. He isn't likeable at all.

1. He plays dirty
2. When he plays dirty, he doesn't get called for it
3. When he fakes being fouled, the refs fall for it (or they know it and call it anyway)
4. Sometimes when he fouls a Portland player, the refs call the foul on the Portland player
5. A combo of healthy Nurk, healthy Kanter, and Zach not getting screwed by the refs would shut that entire Nuggets front court down.

I believe Portland to be the clearly better team, and as you said, the more marketable team. Why the refs have worked so hard to keep the Blazers from extending leads against Denver, and why they have worked so hard to get this series to 7 games, is beyond me.

Maybe the league is afraid the Blazers might beat their Golden Child, Golden State.

 

[BBert]

Stotts needs to nut up and sit ET, 5 min is too much in Game 7.

Turner has been a disaster. His confidence looks completely shot. Speaking of shot, he looks like he's afraid to shoot. He can't hang onto the ball or control his dribble. Is he injured? Sick? Mentally caving to all the criticism he gets? Told he's on the trading block? Suffering from depression? What's going on?

 

[Pinwheel1]

I say benching them might light a fire under them. You never know.

Since Mo and especially Aminu suck so bad against the Nuggets starters, I think they are the ones who should come off the bench, get into a rhythm against the Nuggets bench, and possibly carry that over when they are in against the Nuggets starters.

I would not risk that. Not with 1 game left in the series. Terry has done a pretty good job of riding the hot hand in this series. Just stay with the starters and make the adjustment as the game goes on.

But I am concerned with the start of the game. We like s to get both Hark and Aminu involved early which in theory sounds like a good idea, but the result IMO is a slow starts by Dame and CJ. If Hark and Aminu are open then by all means they should shoot, but I don't like seeing Chief as a creator. Watch our 2nd possession of the game (10:48- 10:36 mark of the 1st quarter) That was a horrifying 12 seconds.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Turner has been a disaster. His confidence looks completely shot. Speaking of shot, he looks like he's afraid to shoot. He can't hang onto the ball or control his dribble. Is he injured? Sick? Mentally caving to all the criticism he gets? Told he's on the trading block? Suffering from depression? What's going on?

Again I think Terry has done a decent job riding the hot hand. ET got more minutes last night because he produced. 7 rebounds , 7 assists and the 1 horrible turnover. (Which I admit I dropped a few F bombs when it occurred) But he had a pretty good night.

 

[Natebishop3]

Again I think Terry has done a decent job riding the hot hand. ET got more minutes last night because he produced. 7 rebounds , 7 assists and the 1 horrible turnover. (Which I admit I dropped a few F bombs when it occurred) But he had a pretty good night.

I think Terry went with Turner for so long because Turner is literally the only guard that will run the offense and move the ball. Even Dame seems to have issues loving the ball because of the trapping defense that he faces. Turner tried to feed it to Curry and Hood. Curry becomes pretty worthless when CJ handles the ball. So by playing Turner at power forward, they also play Hood, CJ, and Curry and somebody is going to be open for three.

 

[Hoopguru]

I think Terry went with Turner for so long because Turner is literally the only guard that will run the offense and move the ball. Even Dame seems to have issues loving the ball because of the trapping defense that he faces. Turner tried to feed it to Curry and Hood. Curry becomes pretty worthless when CJ handles the ball. So by playing Turner at power forward, they also play Hood, CJ, and Curry and somebody is going to be open for three.

yeah, I think when Dame brings it up it slows pour motion O down. I love it when he plays off the ball.

 

[hoopsjock]

Re-watching Game 3, it's pretty apparent Harkless is struggling with some sort of leg issue in the 4th quarter before any of the OT's even start. Simply put, if Moe doesn't have explosiveness in his legs he's basically worthless on the court. His quickness and leaping ability are pretty much his only strengths as a player so he's a liability on both ends if those aren't close to 100%.

This isn't meant to bash Harkless, I just don't think he's right and if that's the case he's not helping us on the court.

I'm not sure what Aminu's excuse is.

 

[Natebishop3]

Re-watching Game 3, it's pretty apparent Harkless is struggling with some sort of leg issue in the 4th quarter before any of the OT's even start. Simply put, if Moe doesn't have explosiveness in his legs he's basically worthless on the court. His quickness and leaping ability are pretty much his only strengths as a player so he's a liability on both ends if those aren't close to 100%.

This isn't meant to bash Harkless, I just don't think he's right and if that's the case he's not helping us on the court.

I'm not sure what Aminu's excuse is.

Yup. I think Harkless is hurt. He's having a real issue keeping up with Murray, and usually he's pretty quick.

Aminu's issue is psychological. Watch him when he shoots free throws. He looks completely psyched out. Same with Turner. They're both afraid to shoot right now.

 

[Natebishop3]

yeah, I think when Dame brings it up it slows pour motion O down. I love it when he plays off the ball.

The problem is that our offense becomes

1: Dame dribbles around the half court line (20 seconds left on the shot clock)

2: The screen finally comes (15 seconds left on the shot clock)

3: The Nuggets trap Dame (10 seconds left on the shot clock)

4: Dame either tries to drive or jack a contested three. If he has to pass either way, the player who receives the pass has 5 seconds to make something happen.

We need to be moving the ball around quicker. That's how you beat these stupid traps. Move the fucking ball. Space the floor. Don't let them double Dame.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I think Terry went with Turner for so long because Turner is literally the only guard that will run the offense and move the ball. Even Dame seems to have issues loving the ball because of the trapping defense that he faces. Turner tried to feed it to Curry and Hood. Curry becomes pretty worthless when CJ handles the ball. So by playing Turner at power forward, they also play Hood, CJ, and Curry and somebody is going to be open for three.

I agree. I will say one thing in CJ and Dame's defense I think there is a huge opportunity for both of them to attack the basket against Jokic. When the floor is spread and CJ and Dame are "over dribbling" they did a good job last night of getting to the basket and finishing. (It seems harder actually when Plumlee is on the floor) But when they move the ball quickly around the perimeter, it doesn't result in points unless Hark and Aminu happen to be on that night.

This has occurred all season where the 2nd unit has moved the ball better than the 1st unit because they often had one extra shooter in there. (Between Curry, Nik, Jake, and Hood) But I am not sure the motion works as well with the starting unit.....unless Hood or Curry are in there with them.

Anyway I think Dame and CJ need to continue to attack the basket against Jokic when he is not under the basket. As good as he is, he does not have the greatest lateral quickness.

 

[Natebishop3]

I agree. I will say one thing in CJ and Dame's defense I think there is a huge opportunity for both of them to attack the basket against Jokic. When the floor is spread and CJ and Dame are "over dribbling" they did a good job last night of getting to the basket and finishing. (It seems harder actually when Plumlee is on the floor) But when they move the ball quickly around the perimeter, it doesn't result in points unless Hark and Aminu happen to be on that night.

This has occurred all season where the 2nd unit has moved the ball better than the 1st unit because they often had one extra shooter in there. (Between Curry, Nik, Jake, and Hood) But I am not sure the motion works as well with the starting unit.....unless Hood or Curry are in there with them.

Anyway I think Dame and CJ need to continue to attack the basket against Jokic when he is not under the basket. As good as he is, he does not have the greatest lateral quickness.

Well, that's the problem, right? You can't swing the ball when you have Aminu and Harkless out there. Aminu is turnover prone and they're both unpolished scorers.

The other issue is that Kanter's scoring production has dropped off almost entirely since he said he hurt his shoulder worse in game 3. So now we're back to the Dame and CJ show in the starting unit, and that's just not going to cut it.

 

[ABM]

FWIW....According to Olshey, Hood's starting.

https://ripcityproject.com/2019/08/...zers-setting-3-goals-rodney-hood-next-season/

Portland Trail Blazers: Setting 3 goals for Rodney Hood next season

2. Accept a role off the bench
Speaking of only being a spot starter in Utah, that’s the role where Hood would serve Portland best. There’s no room for an offensively minded wing that’s a liability on defense next to Lillard and McCollum, they already contribute enough firepower. Kent Bazemore is a more skilled defender and Mario Hezonja has a stronger frame that can handle powerful forwards.

Instead, Hood would make the perfect weapon off the bench, akin to other famous Western Conference sixth men Manu Ginobli and Lou Williams. Anthony Tolliver and Pau Gasol certainly won’t be creating their own shots off the bench, and Anfernee Simons and Gary Trent Jr. could certainly use a veteran presence on the court to help transition into a larger role with the team.

 

[Titan]

FWIW....According to Olshey, Hood's starting.

https://ripcityproject.com/2019/08/...zers-setting-3-goals-rodney-hood-next-season/

Portland Trail Blazers: Setting 3 goals for Rodney Hood next season

2. Accept a role off the bench
Speaking of only being a spot starter in Utah, that’s the role where Hood would serve Portland best. There’s no room for an offensively minded wing that’s a liability on defense next to Lillard and McCollum, they already contribute enough firepower. Kent Bazemore is a more skilled defender and Mario Hezonja has a stronger frame that can handle powerful forwards.

Instead, Hood would make the perfect weapon off the bench, akin to other famous Western Conference sixth men Manu Ginobli and Lou Williams. Anthony Tolliver and Pau Gasol certainly won’t be creating their own shots off the bench, and Anfernee Simons and Gary Trent Jr. could certainly use a veteran presence on the court to help transition into a larger role with the team.

I think the Blazers should at least experiment with either Bazemore or hood as a starter and figure out who has the better feel as the season goes. The author does make a good point that Bazemore defense would better compliment the starters, but I think that leaves the bench unit with less defenders. So start Hood, unless Bazemore becomes the clear choice.

 

[tlongII]

I think the competition will work itself out. I'm fine with either starting.

 

[hoopsjock]

I think the Blazers should at least experiment with either Bazemore or hood as a starter and figure out who has the better feel as the season goes. The author does make a good point that Bazemore defense would better compliment the starters, but I think that leaves the bench unit with less defenders. So start Hood, unless Bazemore becomes the clear choice.

I think Hood's defense was more than adequate in the playoffs. He was playing the Harkless role then and we didn't really lose anything on that end.

 

[Chris Craig]

I don't have a problem with Hood starting. I do think he might be better off the bench. He is a 6th man type player who injects energy into the game. If he starts, the Blazers don't have that coming off the bench.

 

[hoopsjock]

I don't have a problem with Hood starting. I do think he might be better off the bench. He is a 6th man type player who injects energy into the game. If he starts, the Blazers don't have that coming off the bench.

Simons!!!

 

[riverman]

I like Hood starting....he can guard more positions in my view than Bazemore...Bazemore is a perfect sparkplug to pair with Simons...he'll need to make up for Simons defensive limitations off the bench ...Bazemore will get ET's role and Simons will get Seth Curry's role

 

[hoopsjock]

I like Hood starting....he can guard more positions in my view than Bazemore...Bazemore is a perfect sparkplug to pair with Simons...he'll need to make up for Simons defensive limitations off the bench ...Bazemore will get ET's role and Simons will get Seth Curry's role

This is a good point. Pairing Simons with Bazemore and Hezonja takes pressure off of him to bring the ball up every time.

 

[riverman]

This is a good point. Pairing Simons with Bazemore and Hezonja takes pressure off of him to bring the ball up every time.

I think our bench mob is going to rock the house this season...Simons can light it up if he plays off the ball

 

[illmatic99]

Neil: "Dame/CJ/Rodney bring us elite firepower offensively on the perimeter, and you have two elite defensive players in Zach and Hassan. It's time for him (Collins) to be in the starting lineup and give us a higher ceiling at his position."

https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest...igh-expectations-anfernee-simons-zach-collins

Not sure if you guys all saw this but our starting lineup seems to be set in stone for training camp.

Rodney at 3.
Zach at 4.

 

[mook]

Neil: "Dame/CJ/Rodney bring us elite firepower offensively on the perimeter, and you have two elite defensive players in Zach and Hassan. It's time for him (Collins) to be in the starting lineup and give us a higher ceiling at his position."

https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest...igh-expectations-anfernee-simons-zach-collins

Not sure if you guys all saw this but our starting lineup seems to be set in stone for training camp.

Rodney at 3.
Zach at 4.

Yeah, I don't think Hood signs here if he's not promised the starting job on opening night. Portland almost certainly didn't guarantee he'd keep it all year, but he had to have been promised the role for the first few months.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Yeah, I don't think Hood signs here if he's not promised the starting job on opening night. Portland almost certainly didn't guarantee he'd keep it all year, but he had to have been promised the role for the first few months.

Wasn't Neil a little surprised that Rodney signed so quickly for so cheap? My impression was that Hood just wanted to come back regardless. I am not so sure he was promised anything.

 

[mook]

Wasn't Neil a little surprised that Rodney signed so quickly for so cheap? My impression was that Hood just wanted to come back regardless. I am not so sure he was promised anything.

NO always says whatever makes the organization look good. His message here was, "We're so awesome Hood came back on a huge discount." There's probably an element of truth to this, but I think it also leaves a lot of room for him to gloss over any back room promises. Hood's agent would've been a fool to not require this in the deal, given the other contracts that he could've got.

Unless, of course, Hood really doesn't care if he starts. Which is certainly possible. It's not typical among players, but given that he's really had a hard time fitting in with teams in his career, maybe he just wants a spot and doesn't care if he's a scorer off the bench or a starter. I hadn't considered that before....

 

[tester551]

NO always says whatever makes the organization look good. His message here was, "We're so awesome Hood came back on a huge discount." There's probably an element of truth to this, but I think it also leaves a lot of room for him to gloss over any back room promises. Hood's agent would've been a fool to not require this in the deal, given the other contracts that he could've got.

Unless, of course, Hood really doesn't care if he starts. Which is certainly possible. It's not typical among players, but given that he's really had a hard time fitting in with teams in his career, maybe he just wants a spot and doesn't care if he's a scorer off the bench or a starter. I hadn't considered that before....

Here's a wild thought.... What if the market for Hood really wasn't what has been advertised?

I'm not convinced that he took a 'huge discount' to re-sign with Portland. Just one year ago, he was a RFA for Cleveland. He was hoping for a contract in the $10-12M range, but the best reported offer he got was $7M/yr (for 3 years) from the Cavs. Ultimately he took the qualifying offer.

Hood's play last season was not significantly different enough to result in huge market demand to justify a significant pay raise. The $6-9M pay range is correct for Hood.

From Hoopshype:

 

[hoopsjock]

Here's a wild thought.... What if the market for Hood really wasn't what has been advertised?

I'm not convinced that he took a 'huge discount' to re-sign with Portland. Just one year ago, he was a RFA for Cleveland. He was hoping for a contract in the $10-12M range, but the best reported offer he got was $7M/yr (for 3 years) from the Cavs. Ultimately he took the qualifying offer.

Hood's play last season was not significantly different enough to result in huge market demand to justify a significant pay raise. The $6-9M pay range is correct for Hood.

From Hoopshype:
View attachment 27338
View attachment 27339

You can't really base offers for RFA's on what a player is actually worth. If a team was interested in giving him $10 million a year they likely wouldn't bother if they thought Cleveland was just going to match anyway.

Also, once a player has a good post season his value gets a bump. I'm not saying you're necessarily wrong though.