Terry: I would like to freshen up offense

[Orion Bailey]

lol.... I wondered who id here from first!

Here here! I think its hear i here!

 

[CupWizier]

Well for one, Paul is no longer the richest owner. And he clearly is no longer spending like mad.

My biggest gripe with the coaching thing is our big man coaches. They're all terrible and have a shit track record.

And who is the big man coach and what makes him terrible and what track record are you referencing.

 

[BonesJones]

I think he watch the summer league team how they play up tempo and how the ball movement and they was successful in it by winning the championship. But the question is can Stotts get Dame and CJ play that kind of ball.

I don't see why they wouldn't play up tempo. They both love pushing downhill and pulling up/driving out of it.

 

[James lamphear]

I don't see why they wouldn't play up tempo. They both love pushing downhill and pulling up/driving out of it.

I see some of it but most of the time Dame likes to slowly walk the ball up to set the offensive. At times you do that but I like to see outlet passes off the board. I seen little bit by Zach in the summer league off the his rebounds.

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

I’ll believe it when I see it... the Blazers have never been a good transition team during my tenure as a fan.

 

[BonesJones]

I see some of it but most of the time Dame likes to slowly walk the ball up to set the offensive. At times you do that but I like to see outlet passes off the board. I seen little bit by Zach in the summer league off the his rebounds.

I think Dame would gladly push in transition compared to walking into a brick wall of a trap. I think it's just philosophy and mindset, and if they look to run, I think it'll be better for them, and it'll be embraces. Transition basketball is beautiful, and I'd love to have more of it.

 

[James lamphear]

I think Dame would gladly push in transition compared to walking into a brick wall of a trap. I think it's just philosophy and mindset, and if they look to run, I think it'll be better for them, and it'll be embraces. Transition basketball is beautiful, and I'd love to have more of it.

I am hoping it definitely gets players in good position to score. But we will see.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

And who is the big man coach and what makes him terrible and what track record are you referencing.

I’m not sure who the current big coach is (do they have one?), but I don’t think the bigs they’ve had have gotten better since they fired Hughes.
Meyers Leonard is the guy everyone will point too, but I’ll go through some other ones.
Nurkic came in last year and played well, but most of this year he was actually worse though he finished with similar stats, so maybe since he’s young he just needed to adjust.
Ed Davis came in a good rebounder with no offense, and left the same player.
Noah Vonleh super young and I honestly have no idea what the heck the Blazers were trying to accomplish with this kid, but it seemed like a very bad plan...
Layman 3 years in and has hardly seen the nba court.
I can’t judge Collins yet, but just overall it seems like the bigs aren’t developing very well, they don’t seem to be adding new things to their games.

 

[beast blazer]

In the playoffs Damian needed to be better at distributing against the defensive pressure the pelicans were applying. It seemed he got frustrated and kept attempting to do it all himself.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

I think Dame would gladly push in transition compared to walking into a brick wall of a trap. I think it's just philosophy and mindset, and if they look to run, I think it'll be better for them, and it'll be embraces. Transition basketball is beautiful, and I'd love to have more of it.

I've always tried to figure out what Stotts is doing, (and I assume it's Stotts because I can't believe Lillard is allowed to continue to do whatever he wants); it seems like he wants Lillard to walk it up and also either stop way outside the three point line or often take a shot from way out there. The benefit to this would seem to open up a big area around the top of the key, on both sides of the three point line. However our offense doesn't seem to take advantage of having this big open area there. Do we not have the personnel or is it lack of creativity?

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

I've always tried to figure out what Stotts is doing, (and I assume it's Stotts because I can't believe Lillard is allowed to continue to do whatever he wants); it seems like he wants Lillard to walk it up and also either stop way outside the three point line or often take a shot from way out there. The benefit to this would seem to open up a big area around the top of the key, on both sides of the three point line. However our offense doesn't seem to take advantage of having this big open area there. Do we not have the personnel or is it lack of creativity?

Well Lillard and CJ very obviously have the green light to shoot whenever they want. I’m sure sometimes Stotts isn’t incredibly impressed with the shot selection but you do have to give your best players some freedom.
I question Stotts a lot too. It’s a little weird but after the season I was mostly annoyed at NO, but longer the off season goes the more I think Stotts should be on pretty thin ice too, he got completely out coached by Gentry.

 

[dviss1]

I’ll believe it when I see it... the Blazers have never been a good transition team during my tenure as a fan.

You didn't watch those Drexler teams?

 

[JDC]

I expect the offense to improve this year, but I don't think much of it will be scheme related. The offensive talent outside of Dame and CJ just wasn't that good last year. I would like some new stuff ran just from an aesthetic standpoint, but scheming and execution only can do so much...if you don't have the talent, it's not going to matter a whole lot.

For instance, for all the (well-deserved) credit Brad Stevens gets for maximizing players in their roles offensively, that team was still in the 16th percentile offensively with Kyrie off the floor.

CJ's efficiency bouncing back, and better overall spacing (higher volume & % 3pt shooting and more Zach at 5) are our avenues to improve here imo. Yes, I think losing Ed hurts our offensive rebounding, but I think better overall offensive talent will outweigh that loss.

I also thought we saw Nurk settle into his role offensively as the year progressed. Lowered his usage, became more opportunistic as a post up player, showed more patience and a finisher/decision maker in the pnr...I'd still like to see his usage drop a little more (I feel like 19-22% is the range where he has a chance to be reasonably efficient) but he's still developing and Terry still hasn't fully gotten a handle on how best maximize him.

The big question is, and I think Terry brought this point up in a recent interview, is whether we can replicate or even improve upon our 9th ranked defensive rating while still going down this route of getting more shooting and skill on the floor.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

You didn't watch those Drexler teams?

I barely remember them, but that’s about the time I fell for basketball, but I love when I get a chance to watch those old games! One of the greatest things technology has given me is the ability to go watch older basketball, it’s so fun to watch.

 

[BonesJones]

I expect the offense to improve this year, but I don't think much of it will be scheme related. The offensive talent outside of Dame and CJ just wasn't that good last year. I would like some new stuff ran just from an aesthetic standpoint, but scheming and execution only can do so much...if you don't have the talent, it's not going to matter a whole lot.

False, our schemes were horrible, and our play style was extremely easy to defend against.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

False, our schemes were horrible, and our play style was extremely easy to defend against.

I want to see more movement going towards or around the basket and less running in circles 20-30 feet away. I know I’m old and the games probably passed me by, but I just hate spending 10-15 seconds running around the perimeter and handing the ball off to each other...

Yes I realize it’s supposed to be a way to create mis matches, but there are many other ways to do that...

 

[BonesJones]

I want to see more movement going towards or around the basket and less running in circles 20-30 feet away. I know I’m old and the games probably passed me by, but I just hate spending 10-15 seconds running around the perimeter and handing the ball off to each other...

Yes I realize it’s supposed to be a way to create mis matches, but there are many other ways to do that...

I 100% agree.

 

[JDC]

False, our schemes were horrible, and our play style was extremely easy to defend against.

You must think nearly every NBA coaches schemes are horrible than.

Harkless, Turner, Aminu, Nurkic, Shabazz and Pat are all below average offensively at their position.

Dame's brilliance was the only reason we managed to be 13th on offense.

 

[JDC]

Bucks are a prime example.

Team runs a dated corner offense that's painful to watch, but because their top 3 are proven offensive players, they finish 9th.

 

[JDC]

I 100% agree.

Tell that to Warriors fan's who bitch and moan about too much "beautiful game" and not enough Curry pnr.

The NBA is a talent and match up game. No amount of scheming is going to offset a considerable talent deficit, which is what Terry was dealing with offensively last year.

 

[BonesJones]

You must think nearly every NBA coaches schemes are horrible than.

Harkless, Turner, Aminu, Nurkic, Shabazz and Pat are all below average offensively at their position.

Dame's brilliance was the only reason we managed to be 13th on offense.

Over the 2nd half of the season, Nurkic provided 20pts per 36 on 55% shooting with above average passing for a C.
Shabazz is definitely not below average for a backup PG. Average, maybe
Harkless isn't below average either. He's turned himself into a good 3pt shooter that takes the right shots and knows how to move without the ball (albeit, when he's engaged).

Our scheme catered too much towards Dame's brilliance instead of supplementing it. I can't believe someone who knows the game like you do is sitting here trying to argue that offensive schemes don't matter.

 

[BonesJones]

Tell that to Warriors fan's who bitch and moan about too much "beautiful game" and not enough Curry pnr.

The NBA is a talent and match up game. No amount of scheming is going to offset a considerable talent deficit, which is what Terry was dealing with offensively last year.

Warrior fans aren't the brightest bunch. What point is that statement attempting to make?

One of the biggest problems I had last year was weakside guys like Turner (a bad 3pt shooter) spotting up in the corner when the defense collapsed on Dame instead of diving to the for an open layup. You're analysis in this scenario is essentially that Turner missed the 3, because he's not a good 3pt shooter, and offensive philosophy can't fix that. Yes, having more talent helps, but scheme matters. This is one example out of many.

 

[JDC]

Warrior fans aren't the brightest bunch. What point is that statement attempting to make?

One of the biggest problems I had last year was weakside guys like Turner (a bad 3pt shooter) spotting up in the corner when the defense collapsed on Dame instead of diving to the for an open layup. You're analysis in this scenario is essentially that Turner missed the 3, because he's not a good 3pt shooter, and offensive philosophy can't fix that. Yes, having more talent helps, but scheme matters. This is one example out of many.

I'm talking smart Warrior fans and more so media people who watch and follow that team closely.

And to the Turner point, and I've mentioned this multiple times, ET has never had good instincts as a cutter and the lack of shooting only hurts. It's no surprise that the only non-disastrous offensive seasons he's put up are when he's played in a primary handler role. Problem is, we have two guys in Dame and CJ that a clearly better than him in that role.

And the best way to supplement Dame's offensive brilliance is by putting more skill and shooting around him, and that's why the FO made the moves they did this offseason.

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

You didn't watch those Drexler teams?

I’m 24, my guy. Last time Drexler was playing in Portland, I was shitting myself.

 

[BonesJones]

I'm talking smart Warrior fans and more so media people who watch and follow that team closely.

And to the Turner point, and I've mentioned this multiple times, ET has never had good instincts as a cutter and the lack of shooting only hurts. It's no surprise that the only non-disastrous offensive seasons he's put up are when he's played in a primary handler role. Problem is, we have two guys in Dame and CJ that a clearly better than him in that role.

And the best way to supplement Dame's offensive brilliance is by putting more skill and shooting around him, and that's why the FO made the moves they did this offseason.

You're acting like the media is basketball part, that's your first mistake.

"ET never had good instincts as a cutter"..... It's the simplest freakin' cut! Literally, all you have to instruct guys is "when your guy leaves you or turns his head to worry about Dame, you cut baseline to the rim". It's simple as hell... Aminu, Harkless, and other players should do this as well, so saying the lack of dives to the rim is because of "bad cutting instincts" is a severe stretch. If you can't get a player to make a basic, repetitive cut, then you shouldn't be an NBA head coach. Even Vonleh (who's basically uncoachable) learned how to do that. It's the one reason he worked well with Nurkic. Nurkic would short roll after his man helped out on Dame on the pick n roll. Vonleh's guy would help out on Nurkic through defensive rotation, and instead of sitting in the corner for a jump shot, Vonleh would dive towards the rim. It's pretty much the only action he scored off of, but it was very effective and much better than mediocre shooters sitting in the corner launching threes. In the playoffs, we couldn't hit a jumpshot, but we still sat in the corner shooting them instead of diving to the rim.

The best way to supplement Dame's offensive brilliance is:
1.) Using him off the ball more so that he can get free from the defense, as well as be able to attack a defense that's not comfortably set because they either don't know where he is, or they're worried about overloading on Dame and leaving wide open cuts for layups open. Having Dame pound the ball or simply running around the arc allows defenses to get set and comfortable and think through how they're going to load up on him, and continuous basic pick n roll from the top allows teams to trap. (Even side pick n roll is more effective, as it's harder to trap and rotate on)
2.) Using him in transition so he can attack downhill or hopefully get free for open 3s (which are rare for him). This would also make best use of forwards like Harkless and Aminu who should excel at running the court without the ball. This would also make better use of Turner's skillset, as he could be the one pushing the ball and should have a solid passing option (compared to half-court, which usually turns into an isolation because of the lack of player movement and denial of Dame). Transition would take the pressure off of Dame as well as get him better looks at the basket.
3.) Have good sets the utilize athletic players (Harkless, Aminu) or bigs on effective cuts to the rim (either due to ball movement flipping the defense creating a cutting lane, or due to backscreens/crosscreens [we have very few of these]). This could collapse the defense and allow Dame some space to catch and shoot or catch and attack the close out. Either that, or we're able to get easy buckets form the action that Dame doesn't have to work his ass off for.
4.) Having weakside players dive the rim on Dame/Nurk pick n rolls. If that player is cold from 3, then they're not an option for relief, allowing the defense to load up on Dame on the pick n roll and help off that guy in the weakside corner. By having that player dive, Dame could thread a bounce-pass or even a lob, and Nurk could also short-roll and dish (something which he's very good at). This would keep the defense honest and have them pay more attention to that weakside player, which in turn means they wouldn't be loading up as much on the pick n roll, making things easier for Dame. That player doesn't have to be a "shooter" to keep defenses from loading up on Dame. That player doesn't even have to have skill. We just need a coaching staff that knows how to beat defenses that load up on Dame with precise and timely cutting.

I could come up with more, but I think I've made my point.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

You're acting like the media is basketball part, that's your first mistake.

"ET never had good instincts as a cutter"..... It's the simplest freakin' cut! Literally, all you have to instruct guys is "when your guy leaves you or turns his head to worry about Dame, you cut baseline to the rim". It's simple as hell... Aminu, Harkless, and other players should do this as well, so saying the lack of dives to the rim is because of "bad cutting instincts" is a severe stretch. If you can't get a player to make a basic, repetitive cut, then you shouldn't be an NBA head coach. Even Vonleh (who's basically uncoachable) learned how to do that. It's the one reason he worked well with Nurkic. Nurkic would short roll after his man helped out on Dame on the pick n roll. Vonleh's guy would help out on Nurkic through defensive rotation, and instead of sitting in the corner for a jump shot, Vonleh would dive towards the rim. It's pretty much the only action he scored off of, but it was very effective and much better than mediocre shooters sitting in the corner launching threes. In the playoffs, we couldn't hit a jumpshot, but we still sat in the corner shooting them instead of diving to the rim.

The best way to supplement Dame's offensive brilliance is:
1.) Using him off the ball more so that he can get free from the defense, as well as be able to attack a defense that's not comfortably set because they either don't know where he is, or they're worried about overloading on Dame and leaving wide open cuts for layups open. Having Dame pound the ball or simply running around the arc allows defenses to get set and comfortable and think through how they're going to load up on him, and continuous basic pick n roll from the top allows teams to trap. (Even side pick n roll is more effective, as it's harder to trap and rotate on)
2.) Using him in transition so he can attack downhill or hopefully get free for open 3s (which are rare for him). This would also make best use of forwards like Harkless and Aminu who should excel at running the court without the ball. This would also make better use of Turner's skillset, as he could be the one pushing the ball and should have a solid passing option (compared to half-court, which usually turns into an isolation because of the lack of player movement and denial of Dame). Transition would take the pressure off of Dame as well as get him better looks at the basket.
3.) Have good sets the utilize athletic players (Harkless, Aminu) or bigs on effective cuts to the rim (either due to ball movement flipping the defense creating a cutting lane, or due to backscreens/crosscreens [we have very few of these]). This could collapse the defense and allow Dame some space to catch and shoot or catch and attack the close out. Either that, or we're able to get easy buckets form the action that Dame doesn't have to work his ass off for.
4.) Having weakside players dive the rim on Dame/Nurk pick n rolls. If that player is cold from 3, then they're not an option for relief, allowing the defense to load up on Dame on the pick n roll and help off that guy in the weakside corner. By having that player dive, Dame could thread a bounce-pass or even a lob, and Nurk could also short-roll and dish (something which he's very good at). This would keep the defense honest and have them pay more attention to that weakside player, which in turn means they wouldn't be loading up as much on the pick n roll, making things easier for Dame. That player doesn't have to be a "shooter" to keep defenses from loading up on Dame. That player doesn't even have to have skill. We just need a coaching staff that knows how to beat defenses that load up on Dame with precise and timely cutting.

I could come up with more, but I think I've made my point.

I’m not implying that Dame is Steph Curry, but the warriors have many unique ways to get Curry the ball on offense, they run him around screens a lot, they use him as a decoy a lot too. Blazers need to be less predictable.
It’s not just weak wide cutting but good off the ball screens to get guys going towards the basket would be great too.

 

[BonesJones]

I’m not implying that Dame is Steph Curry, but the warriors have many unique ways to get Curry the ball on offense, they run him around screens a lot, they use him as a decoy a lot too. Blazers need to be less predictable.
It’s not just weak wide cutting but good off the ball screens to get guys going towards the basket would be great too.

Exactly. I hate when people say "Oh he just doesn't have enough talent around him"... I've paid attention in depth last year so that I knew I was sure about my opinion about our coaching. It's so easy to just chalk it up to a bad supporting cast...

I thought people were starting to see the problems with our offensive system in the post-season, because it was so blatant we didn't have a back-up plan beyond halfcourt pick n roll and none of our sets yielded any action towards the basket. Now we got people saying that a change in scheme isn't going to make a difference? I don't understand.........

At least Stotts finally acknowledges what I've been trying to say for a while...

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

I’m not implying that Dame is Steph Curry, but the warriors have many unique ways to get Curry the ball on offense, they run him around screens a lot, they use him as a decoy a lot too. Blazers need to be less predictable.
It’s not just weak wide cutting but good off the ball screens to get guys going towards the basket would be great too.

It’s easy to use curry those ways when you have two or three other proven scorers surrounding him.

Although, I do wish Dame was used as a decoy more.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

It’s easy to use curry those ways when you have two or three other proven scorers surrounding him.

Although, I do wish Dame was used as a decoy more.

You’re right. I just think using some of those other guys differently can make them adequate threats. Guys like Aminu and Harkless can attack the rim and if they do it enough the defense will have to start playing them much more honest than they do now.

 

[JDC]

You're acting like the media is basketball part, that's your first mistake.

"ET never had good instincts as a cutter"..... It's the simplest freakin' cut! Literally, all you have to instruct guys is "when your guy leaves you or turns his head to worry about Dame, you cut baseline to the rim". It's simple as hell... Aminu, Harkless, and other players should do this as well, so saying the lack of dives to the rim is because of "bad cutting instincts" is a severe stretch. If you can't get a player to make a basic, repetitive cut, then you shouldn't be an NBA head coach. Even Vonleh (who's basically uncoachable) learned how to do that. It's the one reason he worked well with Nurkic. Nurkic would short roll after his man helped out on Dame on the pick n roll. Vonleh's guy would help out on Nurkic through defensive rotation, and instead of sitting in the corner for a jump shot, Vonleh would dive towards the rim. It's pretty much the only action he scored off of, but it was very effective and much better than mediocre shooters sitting in the corner launching threes. In the playoffs, we couldn't hit a jumpshot, but we still sat in the corner shooting them instead of diving to the rim.

The best way to supplement Dame's offensive brilliance is:
1.) Using him off the ball more so that he can get free from the defense, as well as be able to attack a defense that's not comfortably set because they either don't know where he is, or they're worried about overloading on Dame and leaving wide open cuts for layups open. Having Dame pound the ball or simply running around the arc allows defenses to get set and comfortable and think through how they're going to load up on him, and continuous basic pick n roll from the top allows teams to trap. (Even side pick n roll is more effective, as it's harder to trap and rotate on)
2.) Using him in transition so he can attack downhill or hopefully get free for open 3s (which are rare for him). This would also make best use of forwards like Harkless and Aminu who should excel at running the court without the ball. This would also make better use of Turner's skillset, as he could be the one pushing the ball and should have a solid passing option (compared to half-court, which usually turns into an isolation because of the lack of player movement and denial of Dame). Transition would take the pressure off of Dame as well as get him better looks at the basket.
3.) Have good sets the utilize athletic players (Harkless, Aminu) or bigs on effective cuts to the rim (either due to ball movement flipping the defense creating a cutting lane, or due to backscreens/crosscreens [we have very few of these]). This could collapse the defense and allow Dame some space to catch and shoot or catch and attack the close out. Either that, or we're able to get easy buckets form the action that Dame doesn't have to work his ass off for.
4.) Having weakside players dive the rim on Dame/Nurk pick n rolls. If that player is cold from 3, then they're not an option for relief, allowing the defense to load up on Dame on the pick n roll and help off that guy in the weakside corner. By having that player dive, Dame could thread a bounce-pass or even a lob, and Nurk could also short-roll and dish (something which he's very good at). This would keep the defense honest and have them pay more attention to that weakside player, which in turn means they wouldn't be loading up as much on the pick n roll, making things easier for Dame. That player doesn't have to be a "shooter" to keep defenses from loading up on Dame. That player doesn't even have to have skill. We just need a coaching staff that knows how to beat defenses that load up on Dame with precise and timely cutting.

I could come up with more, but I think I've made my point.

More obvious suggestions from Bones he thinks our coaching staff hasn't used (they have), or are too dumb to implement (they're not).

Some things never change...