We need bench scoring.... badly.

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BBert said:
As good as Robin Lopez' stats have been, there is a lot of discussion about how much he helps the team and his teammates in ways that don't show up in his stats. On this I agree. One example is the perception that due to Robin's play and impact on the game, his teammates are having career years in rebounding the ball, and Aldridge is freer to play LaMonster in the starring role.
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Agreed. Lopez is FUCKING AWESOME. If I ever bought jerseys, I would buy his first.

BBert said:
Likewise, as horrible as Mo Williams' shooting and turnovers are, I believe he hurts the team in ways that go well beyond his personal stats -- pounding the ball, missing or ignoring wide open teammates, going one-on-three, launching bad shots with 20 seconds on the shot clock without a single teammate in position, destroying ball movement, etc.
Even if CJ comes back, I don't see CJ usurping Mo with Stotts running the ship.
What to do?
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Let's look at why Mo is playing:
1. Experience.
Can't deny this. He's been to the finals.
2. Shooting.
Again, as much as he might drive us crazy by taking bad shots, he hits a fair number of them. He's a better shooter than my fave, Andre Miller. And I think Stotts puts a premium on hitting the midrange jump shot.
3. He's our best backup PG
Actually, this isn't true. Earl Watson is obviously better at PG things like distributing the ball. Watson can also play defense. But Watson can't shoot, so that rules him out of Stotts' plans. So Mo is "the most PG-like of our backup guards who can shoot."
4. (I'm assuming) Intangibles.
I get the impression that he's just a really good guy and, apart from his play on the court, a great teammate.
5. Olshey recruited him and it was kind of a coup to land him.

I join you in being dissatisfied with his play, but it's actually not as bad as I thought it would be (I was REALLY pissed off by the signing) and it would be odd to rock the boat. I continue to hope that he was signed with a secret deal to trade him midseason, but that was probably a deal to trade him to "a contender" and... that's us!

I think his ball-hogginess wouldn't be as bad if he played more with Batum, because Batum is really our PG in the halfcourt most of the time. But Mo is supposed to play with the bench. That might actually be part of the reason for some of his overdribbling and overshooting (other than, y'know, that's who he is) because our bench is pretty much offensively inept. Plus him shooting so much is sure helping Freeland's and Robinson's offensive rebounding stats.

All in all, I think his worst problem is his defense (or lack thereof), particularly when paired with the similarly deficient Lillard. (After all, it's not like our offense is hurting: over the last ten games we've got the highest scoring offense in the NBA.) And defense is not a problem CJ looks likely to fix.

Two possible ways out: if Mo wants to go to one of the two biggest markets and we get either PABLO PRIGIONI or Steve "Blanky" Blake back. I'd be happy with those. Both can hit the three and both, while slow of foot, are still better defenders than Mo. And then if Stotts wants mid-range scoring he'll have to play CJ and we all win!
 
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So here is a little scuttlebutt. I'm fairly new to the board but some here might know me from R....GM and I've had a few contacts that would be considered insiders over the year FWIW.

So a little digging from a couple of places:

The Blazers are looking to upgrade their bench. They like the chemistry of what they have but also realize that though productrion is better, it is still towards the bottom of the league. They likely won't make a move unless they get a great deal similar to what they got T-Rob for but I've been told Paul is happy with the direction and might be willing to take on a contract that puts them over the salary cap if they continue to do well and NeO believes it would be an upgrade performance wise without hurting chemistry.

No names were given but someone like a Lowry makes a lot of sense. He can attack the rim, is a tough PG and has an ending deal. Not a great shooter but a very solid assist guy who is a hard-nosed defender as well.

The summation was is NeO is trying to get a good feel for what is out there, what might be available on the cheap and how it might fit into the Blazer roster without upsetting the starters. Nothing earth shattering but a couple of sources confirmed inquiries around the league from Portland.

:matrix:
 
TBpup said:
So here is a little scuttlebutt. I'm fairly new to the board but some here might know me from R....GM and I've had a few contacts that would be considered insiders over the year FWIW.

So a little digging from a couple of places:

The Blazers are looking to upgrade their bench. They like the chemistry of what they have but also realize that though productrion is better, it is still towards the bottom of the league. They likely won't make a move unless they get a great deal similar to what they got T-Rob for but I've been told Paul is happy with the direction and might be willing to take on a contract that puts them over the salary cap if they continue to do well and NeO believes it would be an upgrade performance wise without hurting chemistry.

No names were given but someone like a Lowry makes a lot of sense. He can attack the rim, is a tough PG and has an ending deal. Not a great shooter but a very solid assist guy who is a hard-nosed defender as well.

The summation was is NeO is trying to get a good feel for what is out there, what might be available on the cheap and how it might fit into the Blazer roster without upsetting the starters. Nothing earth shattering but a couple of sources confirmed inquiries around the league from Portland.

:matrix:
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I am sorry you are about to go through, what you are about to go through
 
Mediocre Man said:
I am sorry you are about to go through, what you are about to go through
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What exactly is that supposed to mean? He's already infamous for insider-related posts (I believe the oft-repeated quote is "hold on to your shorts"), so I'm sure he's well aware of the :shitstorm: that any references to "insiders" can generate.
 
I think Lowry could work ... I've heard he's kind of a malcontent or at least really a tough guy to coach, but if he could be satisfied with a sixth man role, I think he would work pretty well in a guard rotation with Lillard and Wesley - his skillset would be pretty complimentary with either of those guys and I think he'd be a good pick-and-roll player with some of the guys in our front-court. His on-ball defense would be a welcome addition for sure.
 
Nikolokolus said:
I think Lowry could work ... I've heard he's kind of a malcontent or at least really a tough guy to coach, but if he could be satisfied with a sixth man role, I think he would work pretty well in a guard rotation with Lillard and Wesley - his skillset would be pretty complimentary with either of those guys and I think he'd be a good pick-and-roll player with some of the guys in our front-court. His on-ball defense would be a welcome addition for sure.
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Winning curses all. Even for bad characters. I think if he is asked to be a 6th man on a winning ball club, he would be more open to it, especially if he's getting around 20-25 minutes a game.
 
Lol...I've very aware of the sh_ _ storm the reference 'insiders' brings. However, in person, I've shared with some long-time trusted posters who some of those people are and they completely agreed that was an appropriate term. To be certain, some of those have come and gone over the years but there are still some good contacts.

1. No, I won't share specific names of who those people are over the internet.

2. Sometimes I am asked to be quite vague in references due to sometimes sensitive natures of discussions (See the Marcus Camby hint several years ago)

3. Once in a while I can share everything. (See the aforementioned 'shorts' reference regarding the Zach Randolph trade.)

4. Around draft time we have had great 'gets' over the years to the point writers from O-Live came to our table because we were getting stuff before they did and the guys hosting the radio broadcast asked us during a commercial how we were getting stuff before they did. Those were fun events. :ghoti:

Hopefully it makes for fun discussion and I'll share what I can whenever possible.

:matrix:
 
blazerboy30 said:
For those claiming that Mo and others on our bench are so incredibly inconsistent, where are your stats to back it up?

.
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I agree. Bench players are rarely consistent shooters. You won't find anyone who can come into a game cold and start scoring. Some games they will and others games they will not.
 
TBpup said:
Lol...I've very aware of the sh_ _ storm the reference 'insiders' brings. However, in person, I've shared with some long-time trusted posters who some of those people are and they completely agreed that was an appropriate term. To be certain, some of those have come and gone over the years but there are still some good contacts.

1. No, I won't share specific names of who those people are over the internet.

2. Sometimes I am asked to be quite vague in references due to sometimes sensitive natures of discussions (See the Marcus Camby hint several years ago)

3. Once in a while I can share everything. (See the aforementioned 'shorts' reference regarding the Zach Randolph trade.)

4. Around draft time we have had great 'gets' over the years to the point writers from O-Live came to our table because we were getting stuff before they did and the guys hosting the radio broadcast asked us during a commercial how we were getting stuff before they did. Those were fun events. :ghoti:

Hopefully it makes for fun discussion and I'll share what I can whenever possible.

:matrix:
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Maybe it will be different for you? here's hoping
 
TBpup said:
Lol...I've very aware of the sh_ _ storm the reference 'insiders' brings. However, in person, I've shared with some long-time trusted posters who some of those people are and they completely agreed that was an appropriate term. To be certain, some of those have come and gone over the years but there are still some good contacts.

1. No, I won't share specific names of who those people are over the internet.

2. Sometimes I am asked to be quite vague in references due to sometimes sensitive natures of discussions (See the Marcus Camby hint several years ago)

3. Once in a while I can share everything. (See the aforementioned 'shorts' reference regarding the Zach Randolph trade.)

4. Around draft time we have had great 'gets' over the years to the point writers from O-Live came to our table because we were getting stuff before they did and the guys hosting the radio broadcast asked us during a commercial how we were getting stuff before they did. Those were fun events. :ghoti:

Hopefully it makes for fun discussion and I'll share what I can whenever possible.

:matrix:
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I am well aware of your insider rep on the other board. All is welcome by me. Thanks for the insight.
 
I for one am actually glad that MM offered to share what I'm sure he considered valuable information. Just because his source was wrong or didn't have complete information doesn't mean that he doesn't know somebody. Same goes for TBPup.

There's lots of back-channel chatter that never actually materializes and it should all be taken with a grain of salt, but it's nice to get at least a partial window into the thought process executives go through, no matter how incomplete or inconclusive.
 
Nikolokolus said:
I for one am actually glad that MM offered to share what I'm sure he considered valuable information. Just because his source was wrong or didn't have complete information doesn't mean that he doesn't know somebody. Same goes for TBPup.

There's lots of back-channel chatter that never actually materializes and it should all be taken with a grain of salt, but it's nice to get at least a partial window into the thought process executives go through, no matter how incomplete or inconclusive.
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I like all discussions and only give MM a hard time. I keep forgetting he's overly sensitive and takes offense when someone is having fun with him.

Pizza guy is just an odd use of an insider. I think it's kinda funny he used it.
 
magnifier661 said:
I like all discussions and only give MM a hard time. I keep forgetting he's overly sensitive and takes offense when someone is having fun with him.

Pizza guy is just an odd use of an insider. I think it's kinda funny he used it.
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I think it was Zags who first said my source was a pizza guy?
 
Mediocre Man said:
This will be an interesting discussion, I am sure, but I am anxious to see it.

Lamar Odom

Shell of his former self, with drug issues, but....

If he is clean and willing, he may be a pretty good vet with playoff and championship experience that could step in and not hurt us terribly if need be.

He is also, supposedly, a great teammate


Any thought?
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Last time we played Halfway House, we got Shawn Kemp...

...Has Odom lost 80 pounds? Is he dunking again?
 
magnifier661 said:
Could be possible. Regardless, I'm not holding onto my shorts
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There are certainly no shorts to hold at this point. That was a very specific thread from direct information that couldn't have been any better and it ended up happening exactly as they shared in blockbuster fashion. It was a lot of fun and sadly that source is now gone.

This is more general chatter heard by a couple of teams and it's lucky that there are some contacts with those teams that have been quite reliable. At this point, they were just confirming inquiry.

:matrix:
 
TBpup said:
There are certainly no shorts to hold at this point. That was a very specific thread from direct information that couldn't have been any better and it ended up happening exactly as they shared in blockbuster fashion. It was a lot of fun and sadly that source is now gone.

This is more general chatter heard by a couple of teams and it's lucky that there are some contacts with those teams that have been quite reliable. At this point, they were just confirming inquiry.

:matrix:
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I do remember that scenario years ago. It was fun!

I like all hypothetical scenarios and enjoy reading takes, even if it's not an inside source.
 
magnifier661 said:
I do remember that scenario years ago. It was fun!

I like all hypothetical scenarios and enjoy reading takes, even if it's not an inside source.
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It certainly does make for great banter and fun discussion doesn't it. :party: If memory serves, that thread got so large (twice) that they had to remove it from the board and we just kept going. I believe that was Randolph, Dan Dickau, Fred Jones and draft rights to Demetris Nichols, for Steve Francis (bought out), Channing Frye, and a 2008 2nd round draft pick. Oddly enough, that pick became Omar Asik which the Blazers then traded to the Bulls.

Zach had just come off a season averaging 23/10 so it was a huge deal at the time.

:matrix:
 
Appreciate the insight TB. We go way back (hoopsworld boards!)

I trust Neil. I remember him saying that he regretted not upgrading the bench last year when it became apparent that we were a good team.

If I'm Neil, and I look at where our team is right now, I'm thinking that we could actually be contenders if we add the right piece(s). I'm also probably looking at Mo and Wright and realizing that they won't get it done. Neil upgraded our bench last summer because he wanted to make LA happy and he wanted to give us a legit chance to make the playoffs. Now that we have the best record in the west, I'm sure Neil is thinking "holy shit, we could win this thing..."

Aldridge is playing the best ball of his life.
Dame is struggling a bit from the floor, but he's putting up All-Star numbers.
Lopez is easily one of the best centers in the west right now.
Wes and Nic are playing excellent ball.

The bench is the weakness, but where do you ugprade? Point guard? Center? I have to think that he wants to wait and see what CJ can do before adding another wing, so that leaves point guard or center. Lowry is supposedly on the block, and he would certainly fit the bill.
 
TBpup said:
It certainly does make for great banter and fun discussion doesn't it. :party: If memory serves, that thread got so large (twice) that they had to remove it from the board and we just kept going. I believe that was Randolph, Dan Dickau, Fred Jones and draft rights to Demetris Nichols, for Steve Francis (bought out), Channing Frye, and a 2008 2nd round draft pick. Oddly enough, that pick became Omar Asik which the Blazers then traded to the Bulls.

Zach had just come off a season averaging 23/10 so it was a huge deal at the time.

:matrix:
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I was sworn to silence, but I could confirm the trade at the time because my sister met Zach when he put his house on the market (she worked at John L Scott at the time).
 
TBpup said:
It certainly does make for great banter and fun discussion doesn't it. :party: If memory serves, that thread got so large (twice) that they had to remove it from the board and we just kept going. I believe that was Randolph, Dan Dickau, Fred Jones and draft rights to Demetris Nichols, for Steve Francis (bought out), Channing Frye, and a 2008 2nd round draft pick. Oddly enough, that pick became Omar Asik which the Blazers then traded to the Bulls.

Zach had just come off a season averaging 23/10 so it was a huge deal at the time.

:matrix:
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Ahhhh. This is why so many posters lump "hold on to your shorts" and "deal coming soon" together.
 
Natebishop3 said:
Appreciate the insight TB. We go way back (hoopsworld boards!)
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Wow....that is old school. Did we ever meet at any of the Draft Parties? If memory serves, I think we did at one point.

:matrix:
 
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