What do you want to see from Damian?

[DrTom]

If you go back and watch highlights from the playoffs, Dame didn't really do a terrible job on defense. I re-watched game six the other day, and he had like three steals and got his hands on at least three or four more balls over the course of the game. I honestly think the biggest issue is that he's fucking exhausted. Our starters play so damn much that his defense suffers. Same thing for Batum. He's a great defender when he wants to be, but he takes a lot of plays off. I think if we see Dame and LA play closer to 34 minutes, and get the rest of our starts closer to 30 minutes, we'll see a lot of improvements.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

If you go back and watch highlights from the playoffs, Dame didn't really do a terrible job on defense. I re-watched game six the other day, and he had like three steals and got his hands on at least three or four more balls over the course of the game. I honestly think the biggest issue is that he's fucking exhausted. Our starters play so damn much that his defense suffers. Same thing for Batum. He's a great defender when he wants to be, but he takes a lot of plays off. I think if we see Dame and LA play closer to 34 minutes, and get the rest of our starts closer to 30 minutes, we'll see a lot of improvements.

I agree, but there were a lot of occasions where Stotts tried to play the bench more and things just fell apart. It would be nice if Blake and Kaman made that less true this year. It would also be nice if Claver could get more time because I think he would help the bench defense (and mean that we don't have to play Batum basically the entire game - I think Blake should help with this too, because he's a player who looks to move the ball more than Mo did, so you don't have to have Batum in there essentially playing point so Mo can shoot a lot).

 

[DrTom]

I agree, but there were a lot of occasions where Stotts tried to play the bench more and things just fell apart.

No doubt. We just didn't have anyone who could really contribute outside of Mo.

It would be nice if Blake and Kaman made that less true this year. It would also be nice if Claver could get more time because I think he would help the bench defense

Not only them, but TRob and CJ. If they can each give a solid 15-20 minutes of productive, mostly error free play, I think we can give the starters the break they need. As for Claver, I've been high on him for years. Great fundamentals, size, instincts, and pretty darn good athleticism. All he needs is a passable jumper (34% from deep?) and he'll be set. Fingers crossed.

 

[BigGameDamian]

Well MVP would be ideal but if he just gets considered for MVP I will give him a nod for that to but to lead his team to WCF is a must I think.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

If you go back and watch highlights from the playoffs, Dame didn't really do a terrible job on defense. I re-watched game six the other day, and he had like three steals and got his hands on at least three or four more balls over the course of the game. I honestly think the biggest issue is that he's fucking exhausted. Our starters play so damn much that his defense suffers. Same thing for Batum. He's a great defender when he wants to be, but he takes a lot of plays off. I think if we see Dame and LA play closer to 34 minutes, and get the rest of our starts closer to 30 minutes, we'll see a lot of improvements.

Completely agree with this. I think Blazers should be ready to have games put in jeopardy or even lose if it means less minutes for starters. Many say that Spurs are the model fro the Blazers, spurs don't hesitate limiting minutes and even sitting players to keep them fresh throughout the season and particularly for playoffs.

It means Blake, CJ and Barton will be getting minutes because got to factor in Lillard putting in so many minutes while Mo was getting about 20-25 minutes a game. There may be growing pains and we might find out bench can't be relied on in playoffs. But would rather see Lillard getting the big minutes in the playoffs than in the regular season.

Problem is going to be the west is so tough, can you limit the minutes of the starters and still guarantee a playoff spot?

 

[DrTom]

Problem is going to be the west is so tough, can you limit the minutes of the starters and still guarantee a playoff spot?

I really think we'll be okay. For one, Kaman is a very solid scorer off the bench, which was our biggest problem last year. As a back up last season, he averaged 6 points more than Mo per 36 minutes, and did so with 3% higher TS%. Then we have known entities like Blake that perfectly compliment Kaman's post game. Between them and the rest of the kids, I think we can put something together that resembles a pretty solid bench. I'm especially excited about TRob. Dude looked waaaay better in summer league. Improved jumper, somehow developed solid court vision, and he consistently played within himself. No more out of control drives to the basket.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

I really think we'll be okay. For one, Kaman is a very solid scorer off the bench, which was our biggest problem last year. As a back up last season, he averaged 6 points more than Mo per 36 minutes, and did so with 3% higher TS%. Then we have known entities like Blake that perfectly compliment Kaman's post game. Between them and the rest of the kids, I think we can put something together that resembles a pretty solid bench. I'm especially excited about TRob. Dude looked waaaay better in summer league. Improved jumper, somehow developed solid court vision, and he consistently played within himself. No more out of control drives to the basket.

Hey DrTom! A huge welcome to RipCityTwo! Look forward to reading more from you.

Also, there are a few around here that like to give forum rookies a bad time. They're harmless and that's just their way of welcoming you.

 

[DrTom]

Sly! Long time, buddy. How you been?

A huge welcome to RipCityTwo! Look forward to reading more from you.

Thanks! Glad to be on board.

Also, there are a few around here that like to give forum rookies a bad time. They're harmless and that's just their way of welcoming you.

Thanks for the heads up. Although, after the years I put in over at OLive, I think I can handle whatever this place has in store.

 

[Draco]

Great posts DrTom.

Listening to Stotts on some interviews he talked about needing more minutes from the bench and defense being the two biggest keys for next season. I've been very impressed with Stotts.

 

[Strenuus]

MVP and to lead this team to the WCF. This is the year Lillard becomes the leader of this team.

I think saying WCF may be a bit of a stretch this year. Next year? Sure.

And, for the record, I think Lillard already is the leader of this team.

 

[DrTom]

I've been very impressed with Stotts.

No kidding. Easily the best coach we've had since at least Dunleavy. Probably Adelman. He didn't pilot the best defense this year, but there were things I liked. For one, his dedication to our ICE pick and roll defensive scheme at the beginning of the year was admirable. What was even more impressive, though, was that he took a step back when it was clear that it wasn't a flawless approach. He's innovative, he learns from his mistakes, and he's not afraid to change on the go. We're lucky to have him as a coach.

 

[NewsSource]

No kidding. Easily the best coach we've had since at least Dunleavy. Probably Adelman. He didn't pilot the best defense this year, but there were things I liked. For one, his dedication to our ICE pick and roll defensive scheme at the beginning of the year was admirable. What was even more impressive, though, was that he took a step back when it was clear that it wasn't a flawless approach. He's innovative, he learns from his mistakes, and he's not afraid to change on the go. We're lucky to have him as a coach.

Also, LMA/Lillard/Batum/Lopez/Wes all seem to not only like him, but respect him as well. The offense should be spectacular this year; even a little improvement on defense can mean 2-3 more wins in the regular season, and then it's a crapshoot in the West for the playoffs.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Also, LMA/Lillard/Batum/Lopez/Wes all seem to not only like him, but respect him as well. The offense should be spectacular this year; even a little improvement on defense can mean 2-3 more wins in the regular season, and then it's a crapshoot in the West for the playoffs.

Portland won so many games last year early, when they surprised so many teams. I doubt they surprise anyone this year. I know it's supposed to be only rose....er moda pedals and sugar in here, when it comes to the team, but that has to be taken into account as well.

There is a really good chance the team is better, but the record is worse.

 

[Strenuus]

Portland won so many games lat year early, when they surprised so many teams. I doubt they surprise anyone this year. I know it's supposed to be only rose....er moda pedals and sugar in here, when it comes to the team, but that has to be taken into account as well.

There is a really good chance the team is better, but the record is worse.

I think that's 1A or 1B... however you want to slice it, really. It's either that or the injury bug. Both are taboo around here. But both were key reasons why we did so well.

That said, I think we're capable of opening up the season like we did again... maybe not as HUGE as we did last year, but I still think we make a bunch of noise.

 

[Mediocre Man]

I think that's 1A or 1B... however you want to slice it, really. It's either that or the injury bug. Both are taboo around here. But both were key reasons why we did so well.

That said, I think we're capable of opening up the season like we did again... maybe not as HUGE as we did last year, but I still think we make a bunch of noise.

Of any team, we deserved a healthy season, but I remember at some point, late into the season, we were the only team where all 5 starters had been the same every game.

 

[H.C.]

improving his % from 2 means he'd take more midrange jump shots. I thought those were widely considered bad shots by this forum?

See the people hating on Aldridge for taking uncontested elbow jumpers.

position doesn't matter. It's either a bad shot for all players, or it's a good shot for all players.

BTW. a uncontested 15-20ft jumper where you have your feet planted and it's a catch and shoot situation is a much easier shot than a dribble pull up.

 

[Minstrel]

improving his % from 2 means he'd take more midrange jump shots.

It doesn't necessarily, shots at the rim are also two-pointers and a very efficient class of shots--if you can generate good opportunities with your handle and offensive scheme.

And while mid-range jumpers are less efficient shots, some are necessary off pick-and-rolls, when the defender goes under the pick and it turns into a pick-and-pop. It's not ideal to bias your shot distribution towards mid-range jumpers (unless you're an elite mid-range jump shooter, of which there are some), but that doesn't mean you take it entirely off the table.

 

[riverman]

Now that Dame is approaching superstar or at least media darling status, it's time he master the Chris Paul flop

 

[Strenuus]

Of any team, we deserved a healthy season, but I remember at some point, late into the season, we were the only team where all 5 starters had been the same every game.

Oh we so did. I was just throwing in one more reason why we were able to do so damn well last season.

 

[42N8Bounce]

improving his % from 2 means he'd take more midrange jump shots.

Improving his % from 2 means making more of the shots that he takes from 2. He could take less shots from 2, and improve his percentage. It's about taking the smart shots and taking advantage of what the defense gives him.

 

[Draco]

Lillard's problem with 2pt % last year was shots at the rim, he really struggled on those early in the year. At one point he was shooting under 30% when going left at the rim.

If he is open for a two point jumper he should take them all day but I don't expect any defense to consistently let him have those shots.