He definitely seems like one of those guys that simply plays better as a starter. I don't think it has anything to do with ego or attitude. I've seen guys like this before. They need a little time to find rhythm and coming off the bench doesn't allow them to establish that rhythm. Some guys have that microwave mentality. They can come into the game and just immediately start producing. I don't think Dorell is one of those guys. He's a completely different player for us when he starts.
I wonder how much of it is playing with four vastly superior teammates as a starter? I'd bet Claver would bloom playing next to Robin and Lillard, too.
I don't think that's it. The Wright that we saw earlier in the season was making bad decisions, he was missing wide open shots, and he just generally looked like shit. He is playing like a completely different guy right now. I think he made a180 as soon as he was inserted in the starting lineup for LA.
You make a good case. Unfortunately for this season the point is moot. Despite his improved performance, he's still not better than either Batum or LaMarcus... He's about the same as Wesley but I wouldn't start him over Wesley either, because that moves Batum to SG... So, I guess now we know. But what do we do with this precious info?
Eh - I still think he sucks at everything other than spot-up shooting. I don't want him doing ANYTHING on offense other than sitting at the 3-point line and waiting for an open shot. And I don't particularly care for that style of play. You can hide his mediocre talent when he's playing with 4 starters, but his mediocrity is all too noticeable when he's playing with non-starters. Hopefully he's not on the roster next season.
I'm pissed Claver didn't play more last night. We built our lead when he was in there, and he didn't see the court in the second half. Sometimes it seems like all Terry cares about is spacing the floor on offense. Claver might not be a scoring threat on O, but he plays D and makes smart plays. I think we might have won if he played in place of Barton or Wright in the second half last night.
Well, it certainly improves his trade value. We need a better bench and a starting caliber small forward has decent value.
So, perhaps Wright does play better as a starter, as some of us speculated. He's still not good enough as a starter to be a starter. And if he can't play worth beans off the bench, what good is he? Not much.
I have been saying this from the very beginning. I made a thread about starting Wright and bring Batum off the bench, Or maybe you could put Batum at SG and bring Wes off the bench. I wish Stotts would have played around with the roster a bit because the Blazers do have options.
I'm down for pulling Wes out the starting lineup. Dame Nico Wright LA Lopez ... Mo Wes CJ/Barton/Claver T-Rob Leonard
People, people, people. Just because Wright is slightly better when he starts vs when he comes off the bench, does not mean he's GOOD when he starts.
For some teams he would be fine as a starter. He can shoot, he's long, and he's athletic. Not everyone can have a Nic Batum.
It's in how a person is wired. Like in Baseball, some pitchers are good starters, but terrible relievers and some could never be a closer, but some closers could never be long relief or a starter. Physically sure there some endurance issues at play, but more than anything it's mental makeup.
I bet ya if the Blazers lost Wight, He's the type of player that would go to the spurs and just flourish.
