I like your thinking, this season has now become a time to mix it up a bit and try some new unorthodox lineup's and unpredictable offense. When we had Oden we needed to play it more conservatively and stick with what we knew in order to best set ourselves up for the playoffs. But now, contending during the playoffs is not going to happen so we need to see what our players abilities are and what new schemes we can try out.
One of the most fundamental goals of this season now should be to integrate Bayless in as PG with Roy, so they'll both be ready to go as permanent back court mates next year when we get back into contention. DO IT!
3 starting line-ups now in 22 games, and the team is 13-9. I apologize if my "brilliant cluelessness" is willing to let the team figure out who needs to be playing, and at what times of the game. And yes, I consider a thread titled "START BAYLESS!" as somebody demanding a change. Plus, Bayless, Miller, and Roy in the starting line-up together? And I'm the "clueless" one!
that's when Oden was starting and against a lot of weak teams, ya think we'll go 13- 9 if we start that wrecking crew? I got $500 that's willing to bet on it.
It can't hurt. Blake is so fucking atrocious. His "breakout season" last year and he was still mediocre.
yep. I don't want to completely punt the season. I want to play hard, and still make the playoffs. Once you get there, you never know what can happen. But, with Oden, Batum, Outlaw and Rudy all out, it's time to start taking some hard looks at who is going to be here long term amongst our remaining guys. Starting Bayless allows you to explore moves with blake, Miller, Rudy and even webster, if he shows he is a more than capable starting PG going forward, alongside Roy and LMA. We know what we have in Blake, so there isn't really more there to analyze.
Papa G ever take notice of the strength of schedule? 5W and 6L in the last 11 and those 5 wins were Detroit (8-12), Minnesota (3-17), Chicago (7-11), New Jersey (1-19) and Houston (good win). You can blame injuries, roster changes, coaching, whatever, the fact of the matter is the team is not as good as their wins indicate and that is starting to catch up to us. 12-5 5 games ago, now 13-9.
Yeah, and changes are being made, and roles are being figured out. I'm hoping the coaching staff isn't trying to mail in the season, as I get the sense some posters here are.
This is my feeling too. I want the team to play as hard as it can, but I think it's worth sacrificing a little time to see if Bayless can be a part of the next contending Portland team (which will hopefully be next season).
And it won't be hard for Jerryd to pass that <10 PER, so playing him extended minutes might not even hurt us.
We should play whomever brings it. I thought playing time was earned. Looks like some were just going through the motions in NY. Win or lose, I would like to see everyone bring their A game.
I mostly agree. This team is not contending without Greg. This year is again a development/figure what you have year. JB needs all the time in the world - so they can figure out where they are with him - and if he can be the PG of the future or not. Since we are not going all the way, it's the perfect time to do it. Free JB.
bring It..Jb could use the playing time and god knows he deserves it at this point. We need fire out there and this guy could be REALLY REALLY good we have not given him the shots or the minutes to show his stuff properly. What the hell is going on in mcmuffins head Play JB
hahaha.. Jerryd Playless. I like it. I remember them trying to figure out a nickname for Jerryd on the Fifth Quarter after one of these games. Playless sounds about right.
