This season isn't about winning... (2 Viewers)

[BigGameDamian]

I thought this season was going to be about making the playin/playoffs? So when did things change?

 

[Cugel]

I thought this season was going to be about making the playin/playoffs? So when did things change?

I still think the playin is doable. That should be the goal.

 

[bigbailes]

Did anyone see Dame warming up on TV last night before the Clippers game? He is going to play again and he's not one to come in as a pinch hitter. His competitiveness won't allow him to be some role player. My wondering is - will he try to come back this year? He sure looked like someone who wants to come back this year and contribute.

And this was the exact reason I didn't like the signing. I agree, his ego/pride won't let him be a role player, but it's also what has made him great for the better part of his career. Now comes the real test for Dame, with his body breaking down, can he accept that we won't be the star of the show and have everything tailored around him? You look at the older guys that have torn the achilles and it really is a two year recovery process. Look at Aaron Rodgers, he was a shell of himself last year, and only this season does he look like he's close to where he was pre-injury.

 

[Phatguysrule]

And where does Dame fit on a defensive team? He was never good at defense but is notably older now, coming off injury. I love seeing the team play defense and I'm not sure how Dame fits into a defensive team. He didn't play at the kind of pace we are playing now as well.

Kinda thinking round hole, square peg. We'll see.

Honestly? Probably better than he fits on a team that doesn't play defense...

 

[HailBlazers]

Not worried about Dame. This team's indentity will be set when he returns and he'll want to do whatever it takes to win.

 

[SharpeScooterShooter]

Not worried about Dame. This team's indentity will be set when he returns and he'll want to do whatever it takes to win.

100%. And if that means coming off the bench and being a scoring machine, I fully believe he would accept it just like Grant has.

 

[SharpeScooterShooter]

Honestly? Probably better than he fits on a team that doesn't play defense...

I actually think this is the best suited team for him. A fast, scrappy, defensive team that is missing a clutch scoring punch.

 

[THE HCP]

I believed the biggest issue with our shooting right now is guys are still getting their legs under them.

I would say our biggest issue with our shooting is we don’t have skilled outside shooters. We have to continue with this defense and pray we make enough shots. I say just take it to the rack every possession until Dame returns.

 

[THE HCP]

If there is a player you don’t need to worry about doing what’s best for this team, it’s Dame. Watching him shoot last night pregame….WOW! One of our new guys, don’t even know his name…LOVE?….. he was sitting behind dame on the bench copying Dame’s shooting stroke with his mouth just open in ahh of this guys ability. It was cool to see. Dame must have hit 30-35 from that right corner.

 

[julius]

If there is a player you don’t need to worry about doing what’s best for this team, it’s Dame. Watching him shoot last night pregame….WOW! One of our new guys, don’t even know his name…LOVE?….. he was sitting behind dame on the bench copying Dame’s shooting stroke with his mouth just open in ahh of this guys ability. It was cool to see. Dame must have hit 30-35 from that right corner.

I wonder how much more effective or ineffective Dame would be as someone who doesn't have to create for others, and if he'd benefit from being a guy who has things run for him, instead of through him.

 

[THE HCP]

I wonder how much more effective or ineffective Dame would be as someone who doesn't have to create for others, and if he'd benefit from being a guy who has things run for him, instead of through him.

Could he be some a RIP Hamilton/Ray Allen type playing off the ball? If he is playing with a Jrue level type PG, I think it’s possible.

 

[42N8Bounce]

Here's a look at the average PER by Age in the NBA from 2001 thru 2015. It gives you a perspective of the typical career arc of an NBA player -



Sure, the Blazers need to start building that winning/competitive culture. But it's not about winning this year. With the core they have in place, they have a solid 5-year window in front of them.

I'm excited to watch this team continue to grow over the next few years.

 

[SharpeScooterShooter]

Could he be some a RIP Hamilton/Ray Allen type playing off the ball? If he is playing with a Jrue level type PG, I think it’s possible.

This is what I see. Almost a transition to a shooting guard.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

Here's a look at the average PER by Age in the NBA from 2001 thru 2015. It gives you a perspective of the typical career arc of an NBA player -

View attachment 76425

Sure, the Blazers need to start building that winning/competitive culture. But it's not about winning this year. With the core they have in place, they have a solid 5-year window in front of them.

I'm excited to watch this team continue to grow over the next few years.

Thanks for providing that. Yes players peak is about 25 with a big drop off after 28.

Posters here always greatly overestimate how long players prime is and how effective players will be after 30.

Also posters greatly ovet estimate what a "young" NBA player is. 24 is not a young developing player with a bunch of potential. That would be the equivalent of someone about 45 out in normal careers like most of us have.

LBJ and Steph are rare exceptions.