Swanigan and Baldwin in action right now

[wizenheimer]

has it really come to that?....we're allocating 2nd unit playing time on whether or not they fit with Turner...?

that signing keeps getting worse. At least we're more than half-way thru the pain

 

[Scalma]

 

[BonesJones]

I really wish Terry could find time to get Baldwin some minutes. He is so long for his height. He has a 6'10 wing ( which btw is only 1 inch less than Prince)

We could use his defense against certain players. But similar to Jake, Wade needs consistent minutes to get better. With Harkless out maybe start ET with CJ and Dame and bring Baldwin off the bench with Curry and Jake? Not sure how to get him minutes but I know he fills a need.

He had good defense for about 50 minutes for us and now everyone thinks he's this great defender. He hasnt proven that yet.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

He had good defense for about 50 minutes for us and now everyone thinks he's this great defender. He hasnt proven that yet.

It was a really good 50 minutes, but he’s definitely got to prove that is who he is.

 

[wizenheimer]

He had good defense for about 50 minutes for us and now everyone thinks he's this great defender. He hasnt proven that yet.

yeah

maybe I missed something but his big defensive display was when he surprised Harden in a game and got under his skin. It was fun to watch for sure but not necessarily an indication of any established skill. Meyers Leonard got under the skin of Demarcus Cousins a couple of times but then Cousins came prepared for it in a game against Portland and scored 50 points while leading the Kings to a win

but if Baldwin has shown defensive chops he's also shown he's supposedly a PG with an assist/turnover ratio of 1.4, which is horrible for a PG; and the last thing Portland needs is another undersized SG who shoots under 39% on two's and 27% on three's.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

yeah

maybe I missed something but his big defensive display was when he surprised Harden in a game and got under his skin. It was fun to watch for sure but not necessarily an indication of any established skill. Meyers Leonard got under the skin of Demarcus Cousins a couple of times but then Cousins came prepared for it in a game against Portland and scored 50 points while leading the Kings to a win

but if Baldwin has shown defensive chops he's also shown he's supposedly a PG with an assist/turnover ratio of 1.4, which is horrible for a PG; and the last thing Portland needs is another undersized SG who shoots under 39% on two's and 27% on three's.

He’s played pretty good defense in other displays besides the Rockets game, but thats the one everyone remembers.

I thought he may turn into a decent back up PG for them but if he hasnt even cracked the rotation Im guessing he just isnt very good at this point.

 

[Pinwheel1]

He had good defense for about 50 minutes for us and now everyone thinks he's this great defender. He hasnt proven that yet.

True but I am not suggesting starting him, I am suggesting developing him so he is ready to help out against certain players in the playoffs. That comes with minutes against real NBA players.

It is the same thing for Layman, we know he is not going to be consistent when he is out there, but the potential is obvious. The hope is with consistent minutes he can help late in the season. He might not be great, but he still might be the best option we have at SF.

Baldwin also might not be great, but similar to Jake, he still might be the best option we have defensively against certain guards......if he got a little more experience. Was it Pat Riley who talked about needing 12 guys to win a championship? (Paraphrasing here) But the bottom line is it would be nice to have the option of having a long guard coming off the bench if Harden got some of our players in foul trouble.

 

[hoopsjock]

yeah

maybe I missed something but his big defensive display was when he surprised Harden in a game and got under his skin. It was fun to watch for sure but not necessarily an indication of any established skill. Meyers Leonard got under the skin of Demarcus Cousins a couple of times but then Cousins came prepared for it in a game against Portland and scored 50 points while leading the Kings to a win

but if Baldwin has shown defensive chops he's also shown he's supposedly a PG with an assist/turnover ratio of 1.4, which is horrible for a PG; and the last thing Portland needs is another undersized SG who shoots under 39% on two's and 27% on three's.

In Summer League he absolutely shut down Trae Young. so much so that the Hawks decided not to play him the 2nd time we played them. Most of Baldwin's stats come from garbage time. All of them this year do. Last year in garbage time he wasn't usually the point guard as that was Napier. I'm not saying you're right or wrong but I don't think we can come to any conclusions on his PG skills based on stats. I think that is @Pinwheel1's point that we should at least see if there is anything there worth developing. Without meaningful minutes running the 2nd unit it's pretty difficult to tell as fans what he is capable of. As noted he is a terrible fit with ET.

For me to be a good defender you have to have the attitude and mindset to want to be a good defender and at the very least Baldwin portrays himself as someone who wants defense to be his calling card. It would be nice to see if it was just a flukey few games last year or if he really could be a lock down perimeter defender. That is something this team does need.

 

[Scalma]

All I’ll say about Baldwin’s defense is that he’s been good at it wherever he’s gotten minutes, going back to college. Baldwin has questions, but defense should be the least of the worries. That’s the one thing in his game I feel comfortable about.

 

[BBert]

True but I am not suggesting starting him, I am suggesting developing him so he is ready to help out against certain players in the playoffs. That comes with minutes against real NBA players.

It is the same thing for Layman, we know he is not going to be consistent when he is out there, but the potential is obvious. The hope is with consistent minutes he can help late in the season. He might not be great, but he still might be the best option we have at SF.

Baldwin also might not be great, but similar to Jake, he still might be the best option we have defensively against certain guards......if he got a little more experience. Was it Pat Riley who talked about needing 12 guys to win a championship? (Paraphrasing here) But the bottom line is it would be nice to have the option of having a long guard coming off the bench if Harden got some of our players in foul trouble.

I agree. Baldwin has looked bad in the very few minutes he's been on the court. With more playing time, he may not look great, but he also wouldn't look so bad.

 

[BonesJones]

In Summer League he absolutely shut down Trae Young. so much so that the Hawks decided not to play him the 2nd time we played them. Most of Baldwin's stats come from garbage time. All of them this year do. Last year in garbage time he wasn't usually the point guard as that was Napier. I'm not saying you're right or wrong but I don't think we can come to any conclusions on his PG skills based on stats. I think that is @Pinwheel1's point that we should at least see if there is anything there worth developing. Without meaningful minutes running the 2nd unit it's pretty difficult to tell as fans what he is capable of. As noted he is a terrible fit with ET.

For me to be a good defender you have to have the attitude and mindset to want to be a good defender and at the very least Baldwin portrays himself as someone who wants defense to be his calling card. It would be nice to see if it was just a flukey few games last year or if he really could be a lock down perimeter defender. That is something this team does need.

Trade Young has been garbage so that's not saying much.

My eye-test says he doesnt have the ball skills to be an NBA PG.

We dont need a lock-down guard defender while sacrificing in every other area of the game. I also think he'd foul way too much.

 

[hoopsjock]

Trade Young has been garbage so that's not saying much.

My eye-test says he doesnt have the ball skills to be an NBA PG.

We dont need a lock-down guard defender while sacrificing in every other area of the game. I also think he'd foul way too much.

Well the eye-test is hard to determine when he hasn't really played much PG in a meaningful situation. He's quick and his ball handling doesn't seem that bad. I don't know how you can conclude he can't play PG.

Lets not make it out to mean anyone thinks he should be starting over Dame or anything like that. Every team needs a good defender off the bench, even if it is just for a specific role. You make it seem like his offense is on Andre Roberson's level or something. Yes, fouls have been an issue due to being over aggressive but the only way to correct that is to learn in game situations.

 

[jlprk]

maybe I missed something but his big defensive display was when he surprised Harden in a game and got under his skin. It was fun to watch for sure but not necessarily an indication of any established skill. Meyers Leonard got under the skin of Demarcus Cousins a couple of times but then Cousins came prepared for it in a game against Portland and scored 50 points while leading the Kings to a win

but if Baldwin has shown defensive chops he's also shown he's supposedly a PG with an assist/turnover ratio of 1.4, which is horrible for a PG; and the last thing Portland needs is another undersized SG who shoots under 39% on two's and 27% on three's.

I watched Baldwin's last 2 G-League games. His defense is no different from the other players. He gets no assists, so the coach plays him at the SG position. Stotts should take notice of his natural position.

When I watch Baldwin, I see the equally-bulky Connaughton trying to play PG. Same results in shooting and playmaking.

Wiz, let me introduce you to Scalma. Good guy, but for a year he has told us how great the IV is, and how Swanigan sucks. Everyone in each G-League thread then conforms to his views.

 

[Scalma]

I didn’t watch this one but Baldwin looked like he had a great game. Was 13-22 shooting. He’s had at least 24 points in four out of five games.

Swanigan started but only played 7 minutes, and wasn’t in foul trouble. Don’t know what happened there.

 

[TBpup]

The points are nice but I really like seeing that many assists.

 

[Pinwheel1]

The points are nice but I really like seeing that many assists.

I thought we were told he gets "no assists". Was our G- league source incorrect?

 

[riverman]

I watched Baldwin's last 2 G-League games. His defense is no different from the other players. He gets no assists, so the coach plays him at the SG position. Stotts should take notice of his natural position.

When I watch Baldwin, I see the equally-bulky Connaughton trying to play PG. Same results in shooting and playmaking.

Wiz, let me introduce you to Scalma. Good guy, but for a year he has told us how great the IV is, and how Swanigan sucks. Everyone in each G-League thread then conforms to his views.

There are G league threads?

 

[riverman]

Baldwin driving to the lane and finishing like that is not going to happen in the big leagues yet..he'll get blocked..he's just way better than the defenders at this level but not quite up to NBA speed yet

 

[ripcityboy]

I still think they are a long shot to contribute in the near future. Baldwin has played decent defense at times but he's hardly a play maker and just seems to dribble endlessly when he gets the ball. But we have need of another point guard if can iron the details. Biggie I just don't see ever making a dent in the lineup. We have him guaranteed for another year but the holes in his game are more about speed and quickness than anything.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I think the key for Baldwin is if he will be able to hit an open jumper. I don't care how good of a play maker you are if you can't hit the open shot then you will struggle in today's NBA. (See Lonzo Ball) .

In summer league he had some games where he looked like he could shoot so I am holding out hope. I do agree that he often over dribbles but I bet if you had him in the game with shooters like Seth, Nik, Jake and Meyers (yes I said Meyers too) he would make the quick pass. The key is IF he can he hit the open J when the ball swings back to him and he is wide open. But if he is wide open he also has the ability to attack the basket. Got to love his wing span.

 

[tester551]

I think the key for Baldwin is if he will be able to hit an open jumper. I don't care how good of a play maker you are if you can't hit the open shot then you will struggle in today's NBA. (See Lonzo Ball) .

In summer league he had some games where he looked like he could shoot so I am holding out hope. I do agree that he often over dribbles but I bet if you had him in the game with shooters like Seth, Nik, Jake and Meyers (yes I said Meyers too) he would make the quick pass. The key is IF he can he hit the open J when the ball swings back to him and he is wide open. But if he is wide open he also has the ability to attack the basket. Got to love his wing span.

If he can shoot better than league average, he'd be ideal as a SG next to Dame.

 

[twobullz]

Just saw they are recalling Swanigan.

 

[Scalma]

Just saw they are recalling Swanigan.

Why?? He needs to be playing and building some value, or at the very least, getting in shape. Sitting at the end of the bench is pointless. Unless there’s about to be a trade (Lmfao), or an injury we haven’t heard about, this makes no sense.

 

[twobullz]

Why?? He needs to be playing and building some value, or at the very least, getting in shape. Sitting at the end of the bench is pointless. Unless there’s about to be a trade (Lmfao), or an injury we haven’t heard about, this makes no sense.

I was a little confused myself. Did not sound like he was dominating the g league. I don't know what the specifics are. Is there a limit to how many games we can send someone down? Maybe a trade? Will be interesting, but I agree he would have been better served in the g league getting some experience.

 

[Scalma]

I was a little confused myself. Did not sound like he was dominating the g league. I don't know what the specifics are. Is there a limit to how many games we can send someone down? Maybe a trade? Will be interesting, but I agree he would have been better served in the g league getting some experience.

It’s interesting for a few reasons. One, if this was predetermined, why hasn’t Baldwin been called up as well? Why did he only get four games? Two, Biggie started last night, played seven minutes, got subbed out, and never saw the court again. That doesn’t seem like it was by design. It doesn’t look like an injury either. It would’ve been reported by now. Three, we don’t need Swanigan, even with Moes injury. So this doesn’t make sense unless there was an injury to another player...or something else.

Then again nothing this front office does makes sense so it’s probably much ado about nothing.

 

[twobullz]

It’s interesting for a few reasons. One, if this was predetermined, why hasn’t Baldwin been called up as well? Why did he only get four games? Two, Biggie started last night, played seven minutes, got subbed out, and never saw the court again. That doesn’t seem like it was by design. It doesn’t look like an injury either. It would’ve been reported by now. Three, we don’t need Swanigan, even with Moes injury. So this doesn’t make sense unless there was an injury to another player...or something else.

Then again nothing this front office does makes sense so it’s probably much ado about nothing.

What will be interesting is Swanigan went down and I think played one game before Baldwin went down. Will be interesting to see if Baldwin gets called back after one more game. I am hoping there is a trade about to happen and Swanigan is part of it. Seems weird they would pull him after 7 minutes and not put him back in, unless someone from the Blazers made a call.

 

[Scalma]

What will be interesting is Swanigan went down and I think played one game before Baldwin went down. Will be interesting to see if Baldwin gets called back after one more game. I am hoping there is a trade about to happen and Swanigan is part of it. Seems weird they would pull him after 7 minutes and not put him back in, unless someone from the Blazers made a call.

They both started their g league trip in the same game, so I don’t think that’s it. It was mentioned in another thread he missed a game because of illness. Don’t know why they’d recall him and make him travel if he was sick though.

 

[dviss1]

He had good defense for about 50 minutes for us and now everyone thinks he's this great defender. He hasnt proven that yet.

He did it vs 2 future HOFers.... Jussayin.

 

[Scalma]

He did it vs 2 future HOFers.... Jussayin.

Plus defense isn’t like offense where you can “get hot”

Now you can question the consistency of ones effort, but usually if a guy can defend, he can defend.

 

[jlprk]

I thought we were told he gets "no assists". Was our G- league source incorrect?

https://www.basketball-reference.com/gleague/players/b/baldwwa01d.html

In his 5 G-League games, Boring Baldwin had a 1.25 A/TO ratio (15/12). He averaged less than 1 assist per 10 minutes (15/161). His 3-point % was .235.

He has Connaughton's body and 2-point shooting, but is no better playmaker. Much ado about nothing in the G-League threads of the last year and a half. Converting Connaughton to PG would have produced the same thing, not that I'm for that.

Maybe Baldwin will learn to use his big body for defense. Right now, his defense consists of fouling when he swipes his arm in a circle like a windmill, trying to steal. Bad habit.