Roy couldn't really do it, either. It's hard to stop a superstar. Though Martell did have a block on Carmelo in the 3rd.
Roy shouldn't have to defend a SF. Webster and Outlaw both failed tonight, and that's a big reason why Denver won the game. I do realize that "superstars are superstars" at times, however, no matter how they are defended.
Roy just lost too much weight to battle down low and bang with a guy like Carmelo on the defensive end. But Melo is just a great player anyway, and might be an MVP candidate this season.
I think Nate needs to play Webster "right' for this team: He needs to be our 6th man! His energy, athleticsm, ability to shoot from all over the floor. He'd give the team that important lift it needs. Shoot, he's even playing solid, tenacious defense. Start Rudy (against a smaller team) and start Outlaw (against a bigger team) at the 3. Bring in Webster as 6th man. From what I'm seeing (overall), the "White team" "Black team" doesn't really work, nor does it truly play out as two teams. So go back to a true 6th man approach. I'd even go as far as predicting Webster would win 6th man of the year if this were to happen.
I really dislike the idea of Outlaw starting, but Rudy starting at the 3 is an experiment worth considering. If Webster hadn't already done so much to earn a starting spot, I'd feel fine with his psyche about it, too. But from a pure fantasy GM perspective, sure, I'd love to give "Rudy/Roy tag-teaming the SF position" a try.
Blake and Miller were at the PG spot and Roy at the SG, and Rudy was on fire in the 4th so you couldn't really take out Rudy. Only other option was take out Blake/Miller for Webster which is what should have been done so have a Roy/Rudy/Webster lineup but McMillan went with Blake/Miller instead.
Not contradicting you....but I'm not certain what Webster has done (other than playing for 5 minutes all of last season, playing in pre-season games and playing decent in game 1 this year) to "earn" the starting spot? Miller/Roy/Rudy is not too much of an experiment. Against bigger teams - perhaps so. I'm simply making a point that great teams have a great 6th man. The 6th man (on a great team) is essentially an extension of the starting unit - providing an often-needed spark off the bench and/or a momentum-changer. Webster's aggressive play and his ability to score can be something quite special for this team - if a 6th man role was carved out for him. And once Batum comes back, I think Batum is a better 'starter' for this squad (because of his defensive abilities more than anything). You typically don't bring in a defensive stopper as a 6th man. The 6th man needs to provide an offensive spark. Batum won't give us this. So why play with Web's head by starting him? This is setting up Batum's return as a negative to the team and to Web's psychy? Start Rudy at the 3 and bring Webs in as our 6th man.
Is this not 100% coaching? I'm not a Nate hater - but I have questions..... Yes, Rudy getting hot (real hot!) in the 4th may have kept Webster on the bench. I don't know.....maybe we need to get a grip that Brandon is our best point guard! Roy Rudy Webster (Until Batum gets healthy) LMA Oden Let the opponent match up with "US" - and when CP3 starts to burn us, then bring in????? oh yeh, do we have any other guard that can handle him anyway? PS: I'm kinda looking forward to seeing Mills get healthy and play. I think we're going to like his game!
^^This. I've been pretty skeptical of Martell being able to come back from a year off and look as good as he has so far. He looks energized, aggressive (at both ends) and he's not taking low percentage shots anymore ... I hope he keeps it up, cause God knows we could use some heady and efficient play at the small forward spot.
these first couple games have been some of his best ball as a Blazer, but lets not get carried away with things. While he's always had a great frame for hoops, it's been between the ears that he has struggled, sometimes mightily. Being able to speak well, while nice for quotes/interviews, is something entirely different then having a high hoops IQ. For example, Magic Johnson. here's hoping he can sustain the level of play we've seen so far STOMP
I agree, why did we stop making him come off screens in the 2nd half? Between him and Rudy they were on fire. I can understand the 3rd quarter Roy-heat-up, but in the fourth when were were dropping the lead, we should have done some of that. If Martell was tired, put Rudy in there to do the same thing, they both were awesome last night. I just wish Martel was bodying up more on Melo later in the game. Melo took it personal early to destroy webs.....and well succeeded by blowing us up for 40ish
Ok a couple of things: It's interesting how history repeats itself. 2 seasons ago Martell did a great job defending Carmello, making his shots tough for a half, and then Nate switched Roy on to him and we lost a close game. I am not saying Roy is a bad defender, but Martell has more size and was doing a better job. Now the other thing. I believe what happened is Martell played his tail off in the first half on both ends of the court, but I think because he has not been playing a ton, he ran out of gas so to speak. Carmello is a load to handle. I think Martell just ran out of fuel because he doesn't fully have his basketball games underneath him yet.
I've been really impressed with what I've seen so far in Webster. I'd long since given up all hope on the guy, and was willing to throw him in to sweeten any trade. If he can continue to improve, it's going to be really hard for Batum to get his job back. Come on, Webster. Make me eat some delicious crow. I don't think I'm there yet, but I definitely smell something cooking in the oven.
Yes, I agree he struggled with confidence. He's a smart basketball player, too. And I think his bball IQ is ahead of the curve and was when he was drafted out of school. The only thing I ever thought he lacked was confidence. Nothing has really ever jumped out to prove otherwise.
