Notice The CJ injury update thread (2 Viewers)

[BonesJones]

That didn't need green font

Should've just had a "..." at the end in green. That's the new META.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Should've just had a "..." at the end in green. That's the new META.

I do the ellipse a lot so I cant say too much, but there is a guy I work with that uses it to end basically every sentence, its like he forgot that he could use just a period. His emails are always interesting reads.

 

[BonesJones]

I do the ellipse a lot so I cant say too much, but there is a guy I work with that uses it to end basically every sentence, its like he forgot that he could use just a period. His emails are always interesting reads.

I like it too... but @riverman is the king of the ellipse...

 

[Natebishop3]

3-0 without CJ.... and Dame is playing out of his mind.

Last three games Dame is averaging:

30 ppg
12 assists
4 rebounds
1.6 steals
54% from the field
51.6% from three
87.5% from the free throw line

 

[GhostOfPGA]

3-0 without CJ.... and Dame is playing out of his mind.

Last three games Dame is averaging:

30 ppg
12 assists
4 rebounds
1.6 steals
54% from the field
51.6% from three
87.5% from the free throw line

He is balling out for sure, still, we are a better team with CJ and I can’t wait for his return for the playoff push.

 

[Propagandist]

He is balling out for sure, still, we are a better team with CJ and I can’t wait for his return for the playoff push.

Let me guess: you're trying Jennifer.

 

[dviss1]

He is balling out for sure, still, we are a better team with CJ and I can’t wait for his return for the playoff push.

Lol. CJ burner account?

 

[Scalma]

He is balling out for sure, still, we are a better team with CJ and I can’t wait for his return for the playoff push.

Based on?

 

[CupWizier]

Based on?

Common sense.

 

[GhostOfPGA]

Based on?

Defenses having to account for another 20+ PPG scorer.

 

[dviss1]

Based on?

Based on ability and available personnel?

 

[Scalma]

Portland’s winning percentage the last three years without CJ: 85%
Portland’s winning percentage the last three years without Dame: 52%

Obviously there’s a difference between seven games and seventeen games, but there are exactly ten games left this season hehe.

I’m not entirely serious, but at some point, especially if Portland keeps winning without him, it’s a question that will need to be asked. Are the Blazers better off building around Dame and Nurk? Would CJ sacrifice what he likes to do most and relegate himself to a third option? We’re talking about a guy that averages 18 shots a game and constantly has the ball in his hands. The data, however, backs up this theoretical scenario. McCollums usage % is lower in wins and higher in losses, and has been for the last three seasons. Now we’re seeing what the team looks like without him at all, and I can’t honestly say I’ve missed him. Everyone is more involved and Lillard is playing the best point guard of his life.

It’s only been three games, so the mccollum stans have that on their side....for now.

 

[GhostOfPGA]

Portland’s winning percentage the last three years without CJ: 85%
Portland’s winning percentage the last three years without Dame: 52%

Obviously there’s a difference between seven games and seventeen games, but there are exactly ten games left this season hehe.

I’m not entirely serious, but at some point, especially if Portland keeps winning without him, it’s a question that will need to be asked. Are the Blazers better off building around Dame and Nurk? Would CJ sacrifice what he likes to do most and relegate himself to a third option? We’re talking about a guy that averages 18 shots a game and constantly has the ball in his hands. The data, however, backs up this theoretical scenario. McCollums usage % is lower in wins and higher in losses, and has been for the last three seasons. Now we’re seeing what the team looks like without him at all, and I can’t honestly say I’ve missed him. Everyone is more involved and Lillard is playing the best point guard of his life.

It’s only been three games, so the mccollum stans have that on their side....for now.

I am not a McCollum “Stan” in fact, if the right trade comes along, I’d trade him if it meant getting another All-Star in his prime that can coexist with Damian. However, that cannot happen till late June at the earliest so I want to have CJ back in the lineup for the playoffs helping this team win games and keeping Damian from constantly getting trapped.

 

[Scalma]

I am not a McCollum “Stan” in fact, if the right trade comes along, I’d trade him if it meant getting another All-Star in his prime that can coexist with Damian. However, that cannot happen till late June at the earliest so I want to have CJ back in the lineup for the playoffs helping this team win games and keeping Damian from constantly getting trapped.

Yeah I’m not talking about the “I would trade CJ for the right guy” crowd, I’m talking about the people that can’t even entertain the idea that this team *might* be better off without him.

For the record though, CJ isn’t keeping Dame from getting trapped.

 

[GhostOfPGA]

For the record though, CJ isn’t keeping Dame from getting trapped.

In years past, you are correct. This year though with our enhanced three point shooting outside of Dame/CJ it will make a difference.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Portland’s winning percentage the last three years without CJ: 85%
Portland’s winning percentage the last three years without Dame: 52%

Obviously there’s a difference between seven games and seventeen games, but there are exactly ten games left this season hehe.

I’m not entirely serious, but at some point, especially if Portland keeps winning without him, it’s a question that will need to be asked. Are the Blazers better off building around Dame and Nurk? Would CJ sacrifice what he likes to do most and relegate himself to a third option? We’re talking about a guy that averages 18 shots a game and constantly has the ball in his hands. The data, however, backs up this theoretical scenario. McCollums usage % is lower in wins and higher in losses, and has been for the last three seasons. Now we’re seeing what the team looks like without him at all, and I can’t honestly say I’ve missed him. Everyone is more involved and Lillard is playing the best point guard of his life.

It’s only been three games, so the mccollum stans have that on their side....for now.

On top of the fact that the quality of competition sans CJ hasn't been the greatest. Wins are wins, sure, but even if we win the next 3, the strength of schedule argument will supersede the record without CJ.

Still, I don't think it's unreasonable to posit that increased ball movement and improved defense very well may be greater than the loss of individual scoring ability.

 

[Scalma]

In years past, you are correct. This year though with our enhanced three point shooting outside of Dame/CJ it will make a difference.

Portland’s three point % is lower this year than last year..

 

[blue9]

Still, I don't think it's unreasonable to posit that increased ball movement and improved defense very well may be greater than the loss of individual scoring ability.

Which is still a Stotts problem, not a CJ problem.

 

[Scalma]

On top of the fact that the quality of competition sans CJ hasn't been the greatest. Wins are wins, sure, but even if we win the next 3, the strength of schedule argument will supersede the record without CJ.

Still, I don't think it's unreasonable to posit that increased ball movement and improved defense very well may be greater than the loss of individual scoring ability.

I think at the very least the idea of changing Mccollums role should be in play if Portland keeps winning without him. I’ve thought for awhile that he could succeed in a JJ Redick role (his off ball/set shooting percentages back this up) but that would also require CJ to make some serious sacrifices. But if he’s willing to make them, I’m all for keeping him around.

 

[GhostOfPGA]

Portland’s three point % is lower this year than last year..

% isn’t always the most reliable indicator of better shooting. Sounds crazy, I know.

I’m just trying to point out that having Curry, Hood, Layman, and heck even Kanter is gonna do so much more for our playoff woes than Napier, Turner, and Connaughton did for us last season.

 

[Scalma]

% isn’t always the most reliable indicator of better shooting. Sounds crazy, I know.

I’m just trying to point out that having Curry, Hood, Layman, and heck even Kanter is gonna do so much more for our playoff woes than Napier, Turner, and Connaughton did for us last season.

I hope so. I do think we’re deeper. Not sure where CJ fits into this though.

 

[GhostOfPGA]

I hope so. I do think we’re deeper. Not sure where CJ fits into this though.

My point with CJ is he along with Damian will have a lot more space to move. At least, that’s what I am hoping for.

 

[H.C.]

Lol. CJ burner account?

More like tuchi

 

[Propagandist]

Can someone explain the rationale behind starting Jake in CJ's stead? Hood is the perfect candidate, in my opinion, with his (apparently) higher defensive awareness and tenacity and the ability to create his own shot if all else fails. I know the bench rotation argument, but it's not as if Jake wasn't part of the bench rotation...

What I repeatedly saw in the Detroit game was the defense bending under Jake's inability to defend (anyone) and thus leaving guys scrambling to help. It happened over and over again. Maybe if they watched more film they'd notice? But seriously, Rodney just seems like the perfect guard beside Dame (with or without CJ)...I just don't get it.

 

[GhostOfPGA]

Can someone explain the rationale behind starting Jake in CJ's stead? Hood is the perfect candidate, in my opinion, with his (apparently) higher defensive awareness and tenacity and the ability to create his own shot if all else fails. I know the bench rotation argument, but it's not as if Jake wasn't part of the bench rotation...

What I repeatedly saw in the Detroit game was the defense bending under Jake's inability to defend (anyone) and thus leaving guys scrambling to help. It happened over and over again. Maybe if they watched more film they'd notice? But seriously, Rodney just seems like the perfect guard beside Dame (with or without CJ)...I just don't get it.

My thoughts are the team is prepping Layman for the starting unit for next season where he could very well end up being our starting SF.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Can someone explain the rationale behind starting Jake in CJ's stead? Hood is the perfect candidate, in my opinion, with his (apparently) higher defensive awareness and tenacity and the ability to create his own shot if all else fails. I know the bench rotation argument, but it's not as if Jake wasn't part of the bench rotation...

What I repeatedly saw in the Detroit game was the defense bending under Jake's inability to defend (anyone) and thus leaving guys scrambling to help. It happened over and over again. Maybe if they watched more film they'd notice? But seriously, Rodney just seems like the perfect guard beside Dame (with or without CJ)...I just don't get it.

No.

Only rationale is that they don't expect to play Layman in the playoffs, so they're Vonleh-ing him now so that they can just bench him when CJ comes back without affecting their rotation.

 

[Labinot41]

What gives me confindence for a cj trade is the fact that Neil has tradet Swanigan after 1 and a half year, it never happens that Neil trade one of HIS rookies, but maybe he changed his Philosophy

 

[Scalma]

Can someone explain the rationale behind starting Jake in CJ's stead? Hood is the perfect candidate, in my opinion, with his (apparently) higher defensive awareness and tenacity and the ability to create his own shot if all else fails. I know the bench rotation argument, but it's not as if Jake wasn't part of the bench rotation...

What I repeatedly saw in the Detroit game was the defense bending under Jake's inability to defend (anyone) and thus leaving guys scrambling to help. It happened over and over again. Maybe if they watched more film they'd notice? But seriously, Rodney just seems like the perfect guard beside Dame (with or without CJ)...I just don't get it.

I’m guessing they feel the second unit needs Hoods ability to create for himself more than the first unit. Offensively they’ve relegated Layman to just standing in the corner, because evidently playing to strengths is only a temporary solution for Terry if your name isn’t Damian or CJ.

 

[hoopsjock]

What gives me confindence for a cj trade is the fact that Neil has tradet Swanigan after 1 and a half year, it never happens that Neil trade one of HIS rookies, but maybe he changed his Philosophy

He's traded Barton, Crabbe, Withey, and let Connaughton walk. With the Clippers he traded Aminu in the Chris Paul trade.

Don't let facts get in the way of your narrative though.

 

[Scalma]

He's traded Barton, Crabbe, Withey, and let Connaughton walk. With the Clippers he traded Aminu in the Chris Paul trade.

Don't let facts get in the way of your narrative though.

Swanigan was the first time he’s dropped (trade, cut, etc) a first round pick since the Paul trade eight years ago. And he signed Aminu back so does he really even count? Seems like a pretty fair narrative.