The Bench

[Rastapopoulos]

Andre Miller

He might be available. He's only been playing 18 mpg as the Nuggets have kicked it into gear over the last ten games. I bet Brian Shaw would prefer Mo. Although, having said that, although Mo can shoot, he's not necessarily used to uptempo, while Dre can play all types. Would Stotts like Dre's game, though? I guess we could post him up...

Martell Webster

Less likely to be available. Did you know that the Wizards have the third best record in the East? Incredible, isn't it? Especially as they have a .500 record. And Martell has been playing 40 mpg for them over the past ten games.

Channing Frye

I like how you limited all your choices to beloved ex-Blazers. I do think that Channing might be available, but they'd have to want a bundle of crap because he makes $6M and we're not giving up Wesley. OR Freeland.

 

[e_blazer]

Really odd timing to have this conversation after last night. The bench played like crap against the Lakers, but came up huge in getting the win last night. Mo Williams got the offense clicking when the starters were shooting bricks early and falling behind to the Pacers. The plus/minus stats from the game are interesting in that all of the bench players were positive while all of the starters were negative except for Lillard. Sure, it would always be nice to bolster the bench strength if it can be done without losing a key piece, but I'm not seeing this as any sort of a crisis situation.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Here's another Ex-Blazer name: Jarrett Jack. Cavs suck, he must be miserable, maybe the Cavs want Mo back?

[Scratch that: he's paid three times as much! Money can be a cure for much misery.]

 

[magnifier661]

Here's another Ex-Blazer name: Jarrett Jack. Cavs suck, he must be miserable, maybe the Cavs want Mo back?

I like how our team is moving forward. Jack is a bad ass, but if love to see the squad old hey put together have success

 

[Rastapopoulos]

The plus/minus stats from the game are interesting in that all of the bench players were positive while all of the starters were negative except for Lillard. Sure, it would always be nice to bolster the bench strength if it can be done without losing a key piece, but I'm not seeing this as any sort of a crisis situation.

But check out the +/- numbers for the season:

Scoring Statistics Player Pos G M/Gm FGm FGa PCT 3m 3a PCT FTm FTA PCT +/-/G AVG
1 aldridge,lamarcu C 18 37.1 168 361 .465 0 2 .000 73 94 .777 4.1 22.7
2 lillard,damian PG 18 36.6 116 293 .396 50 124 .403 88 97 .907 4.3 20.6
3 matthews,wesley SG 18 34.2 106 194 .546 51 100 .510 36 47 .766 4.5 16.6
4 batum,nicolas SF 18 35.8 84 185 .454 38 95 .400 36 45 .800 5.4 13.4
5 williams,mo PG 17 25.3 66 155 .426 15 41 .366 11 11 1.00 0.3 9.3
6 lopez,robin C 18 30.3 59 124 .476 0 0 .000 35 45 .778 3.1 8.5
7 robinson,thomas PF 18 11.3 36 78 .462 0 0 .000 17 30 .567 -0.6 4.9
8 wright,dorell SF 18 14.3 27 71 .380 17 48 .354 13 16 .812 -0.2 4.7
9 freeland,joel PF 17 14.6 25 57 .439 0 2 .000 10 12 .833 2.6 3.5
10 leonard,meyers C 3 6.7 3 4 .750 0 0 .000 4 4 1.00 0.3 3.3
11 barton,will SG 6 2.7 2 5 .400 0 1 .000 2 2 1.00 2.0 1.0
12 crabbe,allen SG 5 1.8 1 2 .500 0 0 .000 2 3 .667 1.2 0.8
13 claver,victor SF 3 1.0 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 -0.3 0.0
14 watson,earl PG 4 5.8 0 1 .000 0 1 .000 0 0 .000 2.2 0.0
Player Min Pts Tnd/48 TC EJ FF PF DQ STA +/- PTS/48
1 aldridge,lamarcu 668 409 29.51 1 0 0 33 0 18 73 29.39
2 lillard,damian 659 370 26.57 0 0 0 45 0 18 78 26.95
3 matthews,wesley 615 299 25.74 2 0 0 35 0 18 81 23.34
4 batum,nicolas 645 242 25.84 0 0 0 40 0 18 98 18.01
5 williams,mo 430 158 16.47 1 0 0 50 0 0 5 17.64
6 lopez,robin 546 153 20.33 1 0 0 50 1 18 56 13.45
7 robinson,thomas 204 89 20.18 0 0 0 28 0 0 -10 20.94
8 wright,dorell 257 84 20.03 0 0 0 15 0 0 -3 15.69
9 freeland,joel 249 60 17.16 1 0 0 34 0 0 45 11.57
10 leonard,meyers 20 10 30.60 0 0 0 5 0 0 1 24.00
11 barton,will 16 6 15.75 0 0 0 2 0 0 12 18.00
12 crabbe,allen 9 4 22.67 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 21.33
13 claver,victor 3 0 -9.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 -1 0.00
14 watson,earl 23 0 1.04 0 0 0 6 0 0 9 0.00

Mo's number is particularly telling. As is Batum's, only in the opposite direction.
[Edit: fuck it, I can't find a way to keep the original spacing. Just follow the link.]

 

[Natebishop3]

Really odd timing to have this conversation after last night. The bench played like crap against the Lakers, but came up huge in getting the win last night. Mo Williams got the offense clicking when the starters were shooting bricks early and falling behind to the Pacers. The plus/minus stats from the game are interesting in that all of the bench players were positive while all of the starters were negative except for Lillard. Sure, it would always be nice to bolster the bench strength if it can be done without losing a key piece, but I'm not seeing this as any sort of a crisis situation.

Mo did not get the offense clicking. Mo made some ridiculous shots down the stretch that saved our ass but were most definitely not in the flow of the offense. That's how he plays though. He dribbles around for 15-20 seconds and then jacks up a shot. The Pacers were denying Dame the ball, so Mo just started shooting. It paid off, but it could have just as easily blown up in our face. Mo's shooting over the last five games:

Vs Indy 6-12
Vs LA 3-8
Vs Phoenix 1-8
Vs GS 1-7
Vs Chicago 3-7

 

[Pinwheel1]

I think we need to try Earl and Mo together. We need Mo's scoring, but we need someone who can set up the other bench players. They will not be has productive without someone running the show for them.

 

[Natebishop3]

I think we need to try Earl and Mo together. We need Mo's scoring, but we need someone who can set up the other bench players. They will not be has productive without someone running the show for them.

I would like to see Watson and Lillard play together more.

 

[HailBlazers]

Nate you need to listen to Damian Lillards interview after the game last night, hear what he says Mo brings to this team and get back to me. Williams has filled his role pretty well.

 

[Natebishop3]

Nate you need to listen to Damian Lillards interview after the game last night, hear what he says Mo brings to this team and get back to me. Williams has filled his role pretty well.

Sorry man, but I've listened to too many interviews from players over the years. They mean nothing. It's all fluff. There's what I see and there's what the players/coaches tell you. I trust what I see, but if you can find his interview online somewhere, I'll watch it.

 

[e_blazer]

Mo did not get the offense clicking. Mo made some ridiculous shots down the stretch that saved our ass but were most definitely not in the flow of the offense. That's how he plays though. He dribbles around for 15-20 seconds and then jacks up a shot. The Pacers were denying Dame the ball, so Mo just started shooting. It paid off, but it could have just as easily blown up in our face. Mo's shooting over the last five games:

Vs Indy 6-12
Vs LA 3-8
Vs Phoenix 1-8
Vs GS 1-7
Vs Chicago 3-7

I'm on board with the notion that Mo isn't the best at running the offense. I made the same comment after the LA game. I think Watson runs the offense better as the backup PG and that Mo is best suited to minutes at the 2 spot. My comment that he got the offense clicking was not because he was running the team well, but rather that him hitting some shots got the team's confidence up so that other guys started making some of their own. Nothing like seeing some shots go down to put confidence in your shooting stroke.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Would there be any Bulls we would want as a super-sub? Captain Kirk?

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I think the record is a clear indication that the bench has improved. Would I like to see it improved more? Absolutely. Will that happen? Unlikely. Olshey has sold off every 2nd round pick for FIVE years. In addition we've used our salary cap space and have to 1st rounder next year. That leaves the current roster. Whoever is traded will be half of the board's pet player and draw some serious ire. If we start losing after a trade...

 

[Natebishop3]

Would there be any Bulls we would want as a super-sub? Captain Kirk?

JR Smith on the Knicks would be a super sub imo, but he's a certifiable nut job.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Would there be any Bulls we would want as a super-sub? Captain Kirk?

Hinrich most nights looks like he's completely done as an NBA level player.

 

[shamelessblazer]

He might be available. He's only been playing 18 mpg as the Nuggets have kicked it into gear over the last ten games. I bet Brian Shaw would prefer Mo. Although, having said that, although Mo can shoot, he's not necessarily used to uptempo, while Dre can play all types. Would Stotts like Dre's game, though? I guess we could post him up...



Less likely to be available. Did you know that the Wizards have the third best record in the East? Incredible, isn't it? Especially as they have a .500 record. And Martell has been playing 40 mpg for them over the past ten games.



I like how you limited all your choices to beloved ex-Blazers. I do think that Channing might be available, but they'd have to want a bundle of crap because he makes $6M and we're not giving up Wesley. OR Freeland.

Was just being VERY hypothetical. It would be silly to only go after ex-blazers, just thought those guys might fit. I'm happy with our current team, but I do think (on paper), that team would be a little more balanced.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Was just being VERY hypothetical. It would be silly to only go after ex-blazers, just thought those guys might fit. I'm happy with our current team, but I do think (on paper), that team would be a little more balanced.

I'm happy with about 6 1/2 players on our current team...

 

[Natebishop3]

I'm happy with about 6 1/2 players on our current team...

I'm happy with Freeland, and I think Robinson is doing fine for where I expected him to be. I was hoping for more out of Wright though.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I would like to see Watson and Lillard play together more.

Keep in mind the topic is our bench. Lillard will need some rest....

 

[noknobs]

Mo did not get the offense clicking. Mo made some ridiculous shots down the stretch that saved our ass but were most definitely not in the flow of the offense. That's how he plays though. He dribbles around for 15-20 seconds and then jacks up a shot. The Pacers were denying Dame the ball, so Mo just started shooting. It paid off, but it could have just as easily blown up in our face. Mo's shooting over the last five games:

Vs Indy 6-12
Vs LA 3-8
Vs Phoenix 1-8
Vs GS 1-7
Vs Chicago 3-7

Yes, over the last 5 games he's shot 33% from the field. And over the 5 games prior to that he shot 50% from the field. For the season he's averaging 42.6% which is so far better than Lillard, so I'm scratching my head trying to figure out what your point is.

Mo's role is scoring off the bench. If you've followed his career you shouldn't be surprised that he's streaky, but having a guy like that coming off the bench is important and something we completely lacked last year. He's always a threat and defenses can't ignore him.

A few weeks ago after the Boston game, you were loving Mo. You even wanted Damian to develop his mid-range game after Mo's, and you weren't sure how CJ would get minutes because Mo was playing so well.

I'm not blind, some shots he takes I find myself yelling at the screen, but the same can be said for other guys as well, like Lillard. But those quick shots are part of the game plan, strike quick, up the tempo. And some go in. Some of his passes are indefensible though, but we gotta take the bad with the good.

 

[blue9]

Yeah, the bench is pretty weird. I can't really say what my overall opinion of it is. It's hard to see it for what it is after last season's debacle. I will say I'm surprised at how I rank our bench players:

Freeland > Mo > Robinson > Wright

I thought Wright would offer far more than he has. I'm quite disappointed with him. He doesn't really fuck up like last year's players, but he also doesn't seem to do much that has any impact on the game.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Freeland. Wow, did that guy improve! His defense is beautiful and I like that he's not afraid to take the occasional mid-range shot.

Both Mo and Robinson are doing what I expected them to do. Mo will win you games and lose you games with his shooting. He doesn't get others involved, but when he's hitting he can carry us through dry spells. Robinson - despite his rawness I still LOVE this pickup! I think he'll develop into a very nice player.

I'd probably be more inclined to move CJ than Mo. Hard to say what his trade value would be after the foot injury. Maybe there's a trade partner out there with a player we need that was in love with him during the draft?

Yeah - if we're creating better balance, and not selling the future, I'd be on-board with a CJ trade. Ideally in some sort of package to a tanking team (CHI?) for another C. Even more ideally, a C that would push Lopez to the bench. I like what Lopez is doing on the court, but imagine if he was our back-up C! Of course I guess that'd cause issues with Freeland/Robinson. So maybe Lopez + CJ for someone like Noah/Boogie/Sanders/Drummond (ha!) [/dreams].

 

[Natebishop3]

Yes, over the last 5 games he's shot 33% from the field. And over the 5 games prior to that he shot 50% from the field. For the season he's averaging 42.6% which is so far better than Lillard, so I'm scratching my head trying to figure out what your point is.

Mo's role is scoring off the bench. If you've followed his career you shouldn't be surprised that he's streaky, but having a guy like that coming off the bench is important and something we completely lacked last year. He's always a threat and defenses can't ignore him.

A few weeks ago after the Boston game, you were loving Mo. You even wanted Damian to develop his mid-range game after Mo's, and you weren't sure how CJ would get minutes because Mo was playing so well.

I'm not blind, some shots he takes I find myself yelling at the screen, but the same can be said for other guys as well, like Lillard. But those quick shots are part of the game plan, strike quick, up the tempo. And some go in. Some of his passes are indefensible though, but we gotta take the bad with the good.

My point was that he isn't a point guard, but he's playing one on our team. He dribbles a ton, and more often than not it ends up with him taking a shot. This would be fine if we had Watson playing, but he's not currently logging many minutes. Having Mo in the backcourt with Dame doesn't seem effective to me. Last year Dame played some of his best ball when we had Maynor come in off the bench. Mo struggles to find the open man and spends too much of the clock pounding the ball.

A few weeks ago I was loving Mo because I didn't realize how the offense essentially shuts down when he comes in, but it didn't matter because he was hitting his shots. Now he isn't hitting those shots and his glaring weaknesses have become crystal clear.

I would like to see Dame develop more of a mid-range game, which is clearly Williams' strength. Those little pull-ups and occasionally a floater. I would like to see more of that from Dame, but I'm not clear on how that has any bearing on how Williams is currently playing? We need consistent scoring off the bench, and right now we're not getting it. CJ can't come back soon enough.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

JR Smith on the Knicks would be a super sub imo, but he's a certifiable nut job.

He's just the same risk/reward proposition as Mo, but x30. let's talk someone steady to assist us when Mo is shooting blanks.

 

[Mediocre Man]

He's just the same risk/reward proposition as Mo, but x30. let's talk someone steady to assist us when Mo is shooting blanks.

I also think good teams are good because they not only have skill, but good basketball IQ

 

[RR7]

I feel like our bench is built fairly similar to other decent bench units in the past. Seems like most teams, or good teams, I dunno, have one good scorer off the bench. The guy who is going to egt the majority of minutes from you, who will play heavy minutes with the starting unit. That's Mo. Have a 2/3 on the wing who isn't a liability on defense, and can knock down open shots. Have a few role playing bigs. One more hustle(Robinson) one a little smarter(Freeland). Neither a great offensive option, but both who can hit a shot for you on occasion. And then sprinkle in young players who'll never see the floor and an old guy to play very limited time. It's not the ideal 2nd unit, and could still use upgrading, but I'm ok with it.

I agree with MM about wanting another 4/5. I'd actually really like to land Channing back from Phoenix. Another shooter to have on the floor, can play well alongside Aldridge, Robin, Freeland and Robinson, so isn't a guy who you're stuck unable to play with certain guys out there. I dunno what pieces I'd really want to give up for him, though. And would have to get to match salary.

 

[magnifier661]

I feel like our bench is built fairly similar to other decent bench units in the past. Seems like most teams, or good teams, I dunno, have one good scorer off the bench. The guy who is going to egt the majority of minutes from you, who will play heavy minutes with the starting unit. That's Mo. Have a 2/3 on the wing who isn't a liability on defense, and can knock down open shots. Have a few role playing bigs. One more hustle(Robinson) one a little smarter(Freeland). Neither a great offensive option, but both who can hit a shot for you on occasion. And then sprinkle in young players who'll never see the floor and an old guy to play very limited time. It's not the ideal 2nd unit, and could still use upgrading, but I'm ok with it.

I agree with MM about wanting another 4/5. I'd actually really like to land Channing back from Phoenix. Another shooter to have on the floor, can play well alongside Aldridge, Robin, Freeland and Robinson, so isn't a guy who you're stuck unable to play with certain guys out there. I dunno what pieces I'd really want to give up for him, though. And would have to get to match salary.

Well said, Repped

 

[Natebishop3]

Channing used to drive me nuts when he was on our team.

 

[blue9]

My point was that he isn't a point guard, but he's playing one on our team. He dribbles a ton, and more often than not it ends up with him taking a shot.

Same could be said for Lillard? Sure, he plays PG better than Mo, but he dribbles and shoots more than anything.

 

[HailBlazers]

I thought Wright would offer far more than he has. I'm quite disappointed with him. He doesn't really fuck up like last year's players, but he also doesn't seem to do much that has any impact on the game.

His defense is fairly solid IMO

 

[RR7]

Channing used to drive me nuts when he was on our team.

My biggest complaint was when he and Aldridge would play together, Nate would usually have Channing on the block, and LA outside. Reversing that would have made a world of difference, since LA is much better on the block than Channing, and Channing more an outside threat.