Science Will Dame and Ant succeed as a back court?

[1 Eye Jack]

At the end of the game in Milwaukee, Anfernee Simons wasn't making his shots, so he switched to becoming a passer and made some nice assists to Josh Hart and CJ Elleby. Simons and the offense seem to be able to adapt.

For me, there are a lot of concerns about Lillard being a part of the offense.
Will Lillard and/or Simons take fewer shots on average to increase efficiency and diversity in the offense?
Will the team run the court immediately after a rebound (or even a made shot) as often as they are doing now?
Will Lillard jack up unnecessarily long 3-point shots without first looking for better options?
I don't know what his percentages are from ridiculous long range but it's depressing to watch one of those shots clank off the rim without him looking to shoot right at the three-point line or throw the ball to his teammates first.

Will the ball rotate as quickly as it is now? I think the role of Elleby and Winslow in quickly moving the ball has helped increase scoring efficiency. Only one guy can shoot, and I think it may be under-rated how getting a quality look for your shooters is as important as having a lot of shooters on the floor. It's great to see guys passing right back to the shooter for a better shot opportunity (such as McLemore to Winslow back to McLemore for three).

Will Billups, Lillard and Simons FINALLY figure out how to get easy baskets when they are double teamed in the playoffs?

I may be wrong but I’ve never considered Dame a volume shooter and his assist are above 8 so I don’t think we have to worry about Dame being a ball stopper. And don’t think Dame isn’t watching the team play and not figuring a way that he can make team better and fit in. His drive isn’t about putting up big numbers it’s about winning

 

[Idog1976]

I may be wrong but I’ve never considered Dame a volume shooter and his assist are above 8 so I don’t think we have to worry about Dame being a ball stopper. And don’t think Dame isn’t watching the team play and not figuring a way that he can make team better and fit in. His drive isn’t about putting up big numbers it’s about winning

I have zero questions about Dame and Simons helping the team be efficient on offense and making good decisions the vast majority of the time.

The two questions I have are. Will the Blazers continue to push the pace with Dame back? Will Simons and Dame become decent to Good defenders?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I have zero questions about Dame and Simons helping the team be efficient on offense and making good decisions the vast majority of the time.

The two questions I have are. Will the Blazers continue to push the pace with Dame back? Will Simons and Dame become decent to Good defenders?

My question is, if Ant gets a max or near-max deal as many are suggesting, can a team with Dame and Any being paid over half the salary cap be a contender without being a tax team; and if not, is the current ownership group willing to go into the tax to build a contender?

 

[wizenheimer]

My question is, if Ant gets a max or near-max deal as many are suggesting, can a team with Dame and Any being paid over half the salary cap be a contender without being a tax team; and if not, is the current ownership group willing to go into the tax to build a contender?

I think they may be willing to be a tax team next season as a test of the Dame/Ant back court. That might change by the deadline

I sure am hoping the Blazers don't sign Ant to a max deal. That would be 35M/year

however, it's one thing to pay 10M, or less in tax. it's another thing to pay 40M in tax. I think Seattle would set a limit and it may be in that 10M range

 

[BigGameDamian]

I foresee opposing teams having, NO WAY , to double team both players, leading to a plethora of great shots by each other, and leading to fantastic looks for teammates. It will be a nightmare for opponents. It's gonna be fun to watch. And for those who think Dame will be a ball stopper, no chance. He's watching film, watching his teammates, and will adapt his game to Chauncey's way, knowing that it gives this team the best chance to win. But if the team needs him to go nuclear, he will. Especially healthy. Plus Cronin will add a top flight power forward to assist any short comings. The future's so bright , rip city's gonna need shades.

Sounds a lot like what you could have said about Dame & CJ when they first started getting going.