Training camp is going to be a war

[Natebishop3]

Right now we only have one guaranteed starter.

That leaves (potentially) four starting spots up for grabs, as well as another 4-5 rotation spots. We all have our opinions on who we think should start, but I think training camp is going to be brutal. I really hope Stotts puts the starting spots on the table and sees who steps forward to claim them.

It sounds like Crabbe, Leonard, and Frazier are all gearing up for the battle. Crabbe sounds like he really wants it. Even Dame is at the PF. I really hope Lillard gets the team together early, like the Roy team did, and start building relationships.

 

[B-Roy]

Henderson should probably start, but I want to start a Lillard/CJ backcourt. Might as well figure how well it works.

 

[Natebishop3]

Henderson should probably start, but I want to start a Lillard/CJ backcourt. Might as well figure how well it works.

I just don't think CJ is ever going to be a starter. I think he'll fill both the backup one and two so he can get 30-ish minutes.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I just don't think CJ is ever going to be a starter. I think he'll fill both the backup one and two so he can get 30-ish minutes.

Agreed. And it's not to say that he isn't good enough to start, just that his skill set seems to fit the team best as a high-scoring reserve.

 

[B-Roy]

Why? Because he fits the mold of a scoring guard off the bench?

Most good teams have two shot creators in the starting lineup. The only two we have are Dame and CJ.

 

[Natebishop3]

Agreed. And it's not to say that he isn't good enough to start, just that his skill set seems to fit the team best as a high-scoring reserve.

I think a large part of it is his size. If Dame was a couple inches taller, sure, but I don't think we're going to put two smaller guys in the backcourt together. I guess we shall see though

 

[B-Roy]

I think a large part of it is his size. If Dame was a couple inches taller, sure, but I don't think we're going to put two smaller guys in the backcourt together. I guess we shall see though

I've always found this strange. Of all the games where CJ has played significant minutes, I've never thought he was bad defensively. Undersized for sure, but long arms and pretty active and smart.

He's never going to be lockdown, but he's not a liability on that end.

 

[Natebishop3]

I've always found this strange. Of all the games where CJ has played significant minutes, I've never thought he was bad defensively. Undersized for sure, but long arms and pretty active and smart.

He's never going to be lockdown, but he's not a liability on that end.

Dame is the liability, not CJ. Lillard really needs to improve on his defense this year.

With that said, I think Stotts likes having a known commodity coming off the bench who can score, and that's CJ. Who else would you count on as a scorer with the second unit?

 

[B-Roy]

Dame is the liability, not CJ. Lillard really needs to improve on his defense this year.

With that said, I think Stotts likes having a known commodity coming off the bench who can score, and that's CJ. Who else would you count on as a scorer with the second unit?

I don't understand how that's CJ's fault? Not like Crabbe or Henderson are lockdown defenders.

Who scores in the starting lineup besides Dame?

 

[Natebishop3]

I don't understand how that's CJ's fault? Not like Crabbe or Henderson are lockdown defenders.

Who scores in the starting lineup besides Dame?

It's not CJ's fault, but it's CJ's problem because we hid Dame a lot on defense last season. We constantly would have to move Wes or Nic over to guard the point guard if Dame was getting abused. Do you think CJ can fit that role?

 

[B-Roy]

It's not CJ's fault, but it's CJ's problem because we hid Dame a lot on defense last season. We constantly would have to move Wes or Nic over to guard the point guard if Dame was getting abused. Do you think CJ can fit that role?

If you're looking at the roster as currently constructed, we don't have a Wes Matthews type player. Crabbe and Henderson are not significantly better at CJ on defense. I'd rather start the more talented player and hope he develops familiarity playing with our best player.

 

[blue32]

It's not CJ's fault, but it's CJ's problem because we hid Dame a lot on defense last season. We constantly would have to move Wes or Nic over to guard the point guard if Dame was getting abused. Do you think CJ can fit that role?

I say f-that and let Dame get burned. He needs the practice.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I agree that it's going to be a war, though I'm pretty sure Aminu has starting SF locked up.

Related Topic: I think our bench this year is actually much more talented than our bench last year.

 

[Orion Bailey]

I just don't think CJ is ever going to be a starter. I think he'll fill both the backup one and two so he can get 30-ish minutes.

CJ will be a perennial 6th man of the year contender, like Jamal, but with better attitude.
That's all we need from him. Consistent 6th man material.

 

[Dom McBlazer]

I say f-that and let Dame get burned. He needs the practice.

Darn right. I'm all for this. Where's the pride on defense?

 

[e_blazer]

Right now, I see CJ as a Jason Terry clone who brings instant offensive firepower off the bench. I'd prefer to see a bigger player start at the 2G spot, but if CJ can win the battle in camp, more power to him.

 

[Harry's Raincoat]

I'd start these guys:

Lillard - Henderson - Aminu - Davis - Plumlee
experienced, solid, proven NBA players.

CJ - Crabbe - Harkless - Vonleh - Leonard would be my primary bench guys
I am also high on Connaughton.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I'd start these guys:

Lillard - Henderson - Aminu - Davis - Plumlee
experienced, solid, proven NBA players.

I would be curious to see what the offense would look like with that bunch. Lillard is the only real perimeter player there. They may all be solid, proven players, but I don't see their skill-sets fitting well together.

 

[DryHeat]

Lillard - Cj - Frazier
Connaughton - Cj - Henderson ( Connaughton moves really well without the ball and deadly from range, can drive finish or pass. )
Crabbe - Aminu - Harkless ( Crabbe better from range atm. I think this spot will have the most competition )
Leonard - Vonleh - Davis
Plumlee - Davis - Kaman

It will very interesting to see how it all plays out, Portland will have a pretty deep squad. I'm starting to think this team might be better than last years team. ( I know bunch of people think Portland will suck )
Once these guy's get chemistry I believe they can be very tough opponent for anyone. My biggest concern isn't with the players we've picked up, more about Stotts and how he uses them.
They're all getting a clean slate this is an exciting time to be a fan.

It will be a good year for Portland.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

I feel like we're an expansion team that just had a really savvy and well-played dispersion draft. It's exciting.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Lillard - Cj - Frazier
Connaughton - Cj - Henderson ( Connaughton moves really well without the ball and deadly from range, can drive finish or pass. )
Crabbe - Aminu - Harkless ( Crabbe better from range atm. I think this spot will have the most competition )
Leonard - Vonleh - Davis
Plumlee - Davis - Kaman

It will very interesting to see how it all plays out, Portland will have a pretty deep squad. I'm starting to think this team might be better than last years team. ( I know bunch of people think Portland will suck )
Once these guy's get chemistry I believe they can be very tough opponent for anyone. My biggest concern isn't with the players we've picked up, more about Stotts and how he uses them.
They're all getting a clean slate this is an exciting time to be a fan.

It will be a good year for Portland.

I'll concede this year's team will be more athletic and I think some of the guys will be better individual defenders (Davis, Aminu) but they are going to be seriously offensively challenged. I'm not sure how Stotts is going to generate offense with this crew.

 

[Orion Bailey]

I'll concede this year's team will be more athletic and I think some of the guys will be better individual defenders (Davis, Aminu) but they are going to be seriously offensively challenged. I'm not sure how Stotts is going to generate offense with this crew.

More Pick N Rolls, more Screens. I don't see offence being our biggest issue. TO's and FT's.

 

[DryHeat]

I'll concede this year's team will be more athletic and I think some of the guys will be better individual defenders (Davis, Aminu) but they are going to be seriously offensively challenged. I'm not sure how Stotts is going to generate offense with this crew.

Harkless is a very good defender also.
Will be fun to see what Stotts can come up with, I feel like we have way more option's on the offensive side than last year.

Can come up with all kinds of line ups with these guys. Olshey might even add more pieces but I'm cool with what he has done to this point.

 

[Nikolokolus]

More Pick N Rolls, more Screens. I don't see offence being our biggest issue. TO's and FT's.

Pick and roll is also predicated on the threat that the roll man might pick and pop. Otherwise defenses will sag back and clog the lane. Damian is going to get a healthy dose of double teams, forcing him to get rid of the ball early which is going to put the onus of handling the ball and scoring on guys like Aminu, et al.

Offense is going to be a problem, because teams that can't shoot in the modern NBA almost always have trouble generating offense.

 

[magnifier661]

Dame and CJ should take this friendship to the next level and work together on defense. They are both excellent players to get their shot off on their own. Both are quick and strong, which can go above the rim. If they can contain each other, then they can contain those around the league.

 

[Chris Craig]

I think Aminu is pretty much guaranteed to start along side dame....the other three spots are open. I'm not so worried about CJ's lack of defense, defense can be learned but his knack for the offensive can't....

 

[Nikolokolus]

Dame and CJ should take this friendship to the next level and work together on defense. They are both excellent players to get their shot off on their own. Both are quick and strong, which can go above the rim. If they can contain each other, then they can contain those around the league.

Are you seriously advocating that Damian and McCollum be a starting backcourt? You can't play those two together full time; sure spurts of small ball are possible, but not all the time and especially because it would be a disaster defensively.

 

[Orion Bailey]

Are you seriously advocating that Damian and McCollum be a starting backcourt? You can't play those two together full time; sure spurts of small ball are possible, but not all the time and especially because it would be a disaster defensively.

NOt saying he was or wasn't advocating them playing together, but if they never shared one minute on the court together, its still one hell of an idea!

 

[BonesJones]

Pick and roll is also predicated on the threat that the roll man might pick and pop. Otherwise defenses will sag back and clog the lane. Damian is going to get a healthy dose of double teams, forcing him to get rid of the ball early which is going to put the onus of handling the ball and scoring on guys like Aminu, et al.

Offense is going to be a problem, because teams that can't shoot in the modern NBA almost always have trouble generating offense.

if they sag that gives Dame his wide open midrange jumper or floater...

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Are you seriously advocating that Damian and McCollum be a starting backcourt? You can't play those two together full time; sure spurts of small ball are possible, but not all the time and especially because it would be a disaster defensively.

Well, we're not winning the championship next year so why the fuck does it matter?