As I understood him, Nate said last night that the plan is to play Travis almost exclusively at the 4 spot from here on out. So, until Webster is ready to return, that leaves a question as to how to shuffle the lineup to cover the SF position. I guess he could continue to start Rudy at the 2, move Roy to the 3 and put Batum at the backup 3 spot, but I doubt that that is the plan. It seems that Nate would want to keep the starting unit as it is because of Batum's defensive capabilities. My guess is that he'll go with a 3 guard lineup of Sergio, Bayless and Rudy on the second unit. Given that Saturday's game is against the Warriors, that would be a reasonable plan, but it will be interesting to see how he shuffles things against bigger second units. Thoughts?
ugh....i just think this is a horrible lineup as it neutralizes both sergio and bayless. i just don't think these two mesh on the court with their games. that could be a disaster but only time will tell.
If Nate actually does what he says and plays Travis at the 4 it means Travis' minutes should be cut a bit unless there is foul trouble. Until Webster comes back it should go Blake, Roy and Batum with Rudy off the bench first for Nic. Then either Sergio or Bayless for Blake and the other for Roy at the end of 1. Then bring Batum back in for anyone struggling or whoever is tired or whatever.
assuming no trades: Blake, Sergio, Bayless Roy, Rudy, Bayless Webster, Rudy, Batum LMA, Outlaw, Digou, Frye Oden, Pryz, Frye outlaw will get minutes cut, as mentioned above....won't appreciabley change much since Digou and Frye were non-contributers at the 4 anyways.
A lineup of Sergio, Bayless, Rudy, and Travis on the court at the same time? We might as well add Frye at center so we can really get pushed around.
What, do you think Frye or Digou would do that much better than T-O at the 4? At least he'll take the shots.
No. Actually, I like Travis at the 4. He tends to do well there. I wish Martell would come back so we would have a second SF on this team, but all the superb conditioning and improved game Martell supposedly had before the season has been no doubt shot by his lingering foot injury. Too bad. I was just thinking about a super undersized second unit featuring Bayless at SG, Skinny Rudy at SF, and Skinny Travis at "PF". Just add Frye at Center and a we could really get pounded.
yeah, very fast running lineup though. with good Defense by Rudy and Bayless, it could produce some fast break points....
Here is what I see is going to be the problem: TO is now the back up PF, meaning he should come in to spell Aldridge. . . I don't think Nate can do it! Often, the Blazers go down early because they aren't being aggressive, they are settling for outside shots and missing them. Nate wants an offensive spark off the bench. You got to figure Batum comes out first (well Oden comes out first, but I'm talking after the first min mark). So you bring in Rudy or Bayless (not Outlaw, because he is now a PF) Rudy or Bayless . . . both capable of making or missing shots. If say Rudy is off and no one is scoring besides Roy, who do you bring in next. Outlaw for Aldridge? Blake, Roy, Rudy, TO, Joel . . . that is an awfully small line up. I think it is Outlaw for Blake. I know there is Bayless there ready to take over for Blake . . . but game time, when the Blazers need some offense, I think Nate is going to be hard pressed to keep Travis off the floor, so not always subing for Aldridge. Prove me wrong Nate . . . but make sure you keep winning games.
