Exclusive PRESEASON GAME# 6: MACCABI @ BLAZERS - OCTOBER 13, 2017- Quote Book

[SlyPokerDog]

HEAD COACH TERRY STOTTS

Thought on the preseason:

“I was pleased with the preseason. I thought we did a lot of good things. As I said before the game, I thought our defense was fairly consistent throughout the preseason with the exception probably being transition defense. We’ve gotten a little bit better. I think it’s always a little difficult to gauge where you are in preseason with the dynamics of the games and the opponents and things like that. We’re where we want to be going into the first week of the season. We still need to get some things done with the three practices next week but overall, I thought we did a lot of good things and I’m glad it’s over.”

“It doesn’t matter if preseason is three weeks or four weeks, you’re always glad it’s over.”


Why’d you decide to go with 14 players and waive three?

“We wanted to have an open roster spot being a luxury tax team. This is probably more a question for Neil more than for me, but it’s an added expense. We have to have 14 so I think the open roster spot was important.”


Was there any hesitation to keep Morrow for shooting?

“I mean, look, there were reasons to keep one of all three of them but certainly Anthony’s shooting ability was a strong consideration. He’s been doing it in the league for a long time. I think he’s over 40% career. So that is an NBA skill that certainly is worth consideration.”

 

[SlyPokerDog]

ZACH COLLINS

How’d you feel out there tonight?

“Pretty good. My shot felt good. Physically I felt pretty good. Obliviously the opportunity was there to go out and make plays, so I just tried to do that.”


Did you like the opportunity to play with different guys?

“Yeah, it’s always nice – especially playing with Jake. He’s a very good shooter but he’s also a very good teammate, he’s always trying to look to get other guys involved too so it’s pretty nice to play with a guy like him, and then obviously everyone else is great. Playing with different lineups is important because you never know when your name is going to get called, so being able to play with different guys, it’ll definitely help you down the road.”


What do you know now that you didn’t before your first preseason game?

“I kind of saw everything coming just because of training camp. We went really hard for that first week and going up against pretty big guys, we have some big guys on our team, so that kind of helped prepare me for all the teams we’ve played so far. I think just getting out there and realizing – obviously I was real nervous before the first preseason game – but just realizing it’s just basketball and it’s helped me a lot.”


Thoughts on moving forward to the regular season:

“Definitely looking forward to winning games that actually count now. Just seeing how that’s like, obviously it’s another new experience. There’s a bunch of new experiences coming in as a rookie and that’s the next one.”

“Just looking forward to kind of knowing what to expect a little bit at home and on the road, obviously bigger crowds are going to be there, more TV games so it’s going to be fun.”

 

[SlyPokerDog]

HEAD COACH OFFER RAHIMI


How do you think you played tonight?


We didn’t do well. We played soft. We started the game very badly. I can understand our play because our players had a long trip, almost 2 weeks, we had long flights. It’s a hotel game. Our guys were very tired, and we tried our best but the rest of Portland was out, without the stars, and they wanted to prove themselves. They played very hard, and they want to make the starting team. They shot very well – especially through the first half. I think 9 of 15 from 3-point range. They controlled the ball. Then, after the first quarter, we started to run after them and it wasn’t enough for us.


What does it mean for you to come to the U.S. and play NBA teams?


It’s big stuff for us. We are a small team from Israel. It’s a small country. To come for a trip against an NBA team is a dream for most of our players. We see these guys on TV, and we knew that Portland was the best team of the 3 we were going to meet – Utah, Indiana and Portland. It’s a top playoff team, and a lot of talented players. It was hard. We have a long flight back home Sunday – a very long one. Hopefully, we will come to our league next Wednesday and can win because of our experience here.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

OZ BLAYZER

On playing an NBA team:

“Great experience for us. With players playing from Europe it’s a different level for us. Different athleticism, skills, different rules and a different basketball game. It’s a good experience for us as a team, this trip brought us together with three NBA games. We got together as a team and we’re playing two days after we land in Israel. I don’t think there can be any better preparation for the season than playing against NBA teams.”


On if any players from Portland stuck out to him:

“Number 10 (Jake Layman), I don’t remember his name, but he was shooting lights out. All of their team was very big, very athletic for us. We just tried to do our best. Each one of them was really at their best and they deserve being in the NBA, because we saw today how good they are. It was great for us.”

 

[SlyPokerDog]

TEAM

• With a 129-81 win over Maccabi Haifa, the Trail Blazers finished the preseason with a 5-1 record. The last time Portland won five preseason games was 2013, when they finished the preseason 5-2.
• The Trail Blazers outrebounded Maccabi Haifa, 41-38, and have outrebounded their opponent in five consecutive games.
• Portland shot 15-of-25 (52.2%) from the three-point line. The Trail Blazers have shot 40.0% or better from beyond the arc in each of the last five games.
• The Trail Blazers had a preseason-high six players score in double figures.
• Portland had a preseason-high 26 assists and a preseason-low 13 turnovers.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

PLAYER

• Jake Layman scored 24 points (9-14 FG, 4-7 3-PT, 2-3 FT), the most points he has had in a preseason game. Layman’s regular season career-high is 17 points (11/1/16 vs. Golden State).
• Pat Connaughton recorded 18 points, four rebounds and six assists in 30 minutes.
• Jusuf Nurkic had 13 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal in 12 minutes, all in the first quarter.
• Zach Collins had preseason-highs of 17 points and eight rebounds in 31 minutes off the bench.
• Archie Goodwin notched 23 points (7-11 FG, 9-13 FT) in 27 minutes to lead all bench players in scoring.
• Meyers Leonard rounded out the six Trail Blazers in double figures with 10 points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting (2-2 3-PT).

 

[HailBlazers]

Why’d you decide to go with 14 players and waive three?

“We wanted to have an open roster spot being a luxury tax team. This is probably more a question for Neil more than for me, but it’s an added expense. We have to have 14 so I think the open roster spot was important.”

We'll there you have it.

Was there any hesitation to keep Morrow for shooting?

“I mean, look, there were reasons to keep one of all three of them but certainly Anthony’s shooting ability was a strong consideration. He’s been doing it in the league for a long time. I think he’s over 40% career. So that is an NBA skill that certainly is worth consideration.”

Hopefully we won't need him, or it...

 

[SIeepwalker]

Why’d you decide to go with 14 players and waive three?

“We wanted to have an open roster spot being a luxury tax team. This is probably more a question for Neil more than for me, but it’s an added expense. We have to have 14 so I think the open roster spot was important.”

We'll there you have it.

Was there any hesitation to keep Morrow for shooting?

“I mean, look, there were reasons to keep one of all three of them but certainly Anthony’s shooting ability was a strong consideration. He’s been doing it in the league for a long time. I think he’s over 40% career. So that is an NBA skill that certainly is worth consideration.”

Hopefully we won't need him, or it...

Well he can't really say "They all sucked !"

 

[SIeepwalker]

we knew that Portland was the best team of the 3 we were going to meet – Utah, Indiana and Portland. It’s a top playoff team, and a lot of talented players.

Say what you want about Offer Rahimi, but that's a man who knows its NBA

 

[stampedehero]

ZACH COLLINS

How’d you feel out there tonight?

“Pretty good. My shot felt good. Physically I felt pretty good. Obliviously the opportunity was there to go out and make plays, so I just tried to do that.”


Did you like the opportunity to play with different guys?

“Yeah, it’s always nice – especially playing with Jake. He’s a very good shooter but he’s also a very good teammate, he’s always trying to look to get other guys involved too so it’s pretty nice to play with a guy like him, and then obviously everyone else is great. Playing with different lineups is important because you never know when your name is going to get called, so being able to play with different guys, it’ll definitely help you down the road.”


What do you know now that you didn’t before your first preseason game?

“I kind of saw everything coming just because of training camp. We went really hard for that first week and going up against pretty big guys, we have some big guys on our team, so that kind of helped prepare me for all the teams we’ve played so far. I think just getting out there and realizing – obviously I was real nervous before the first preseason game – but just realizing it’s just basketball and it’s helped me a lot.”


Thoughts on moving forward to the regular season:

“Definitely looking forward to winning games that actually count now. Just seeing how that’s like, obviously it’s another new experience. There’s a bunch of new experiences coming in as a rookie and that’s the next one.”

“Just looking forward to kind of knowing what to expect a little bit at home and on the road, obviously bigger crowds are going to be there, more TV games so it’s going to be fun.”

By reading what he thinks, I rate him as a team guy.

 

[stampedehero]

PLAYER

• Jake Layman scored 24 points (9-14 FG, 4-7 3-PT, 2-3 FT), the most points he has had in a preseason game. Layman’s regular season career-high is 17 points (11/1/16 vs. Golden State).
• Pat Connaughton recorded 18 points, four rebounds and six assists in 30 minutes.
• Jusuf Nurkic had 13 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal in 12 minutes, all in the first quarter.
• Zach Collins had preseason-highs of 17 points and eight rebounds in 31 minutes off the bench.
• Archie Goodwin notched 23 points (7-11 FG, 9-13 FT) in 27 minutes to lead all bench players in scoring.
• Meyers Leonard rounded out the six Trail Blazers in double figures with 10 points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting (2-2 3-PT).

Terry Stotts should start these guys first game. lol > He could give them substantial minutes this season to renew energy within the starters. In the playoffs, we benefit, especially if Layman & Connaughton surface onto Stott's radar.

 

[Trackjack]

The one thing I seen last night they play together. They had around 26 assist last night that sharing the ball.

 

[rotary111]

The one thing I seen last night they play together. They had around 26 assist last night that sharing the ball.

Agreed, This wasn't a "screw you guy's, i'm gettin mine" type of game. They actually played team ball last night. Surprising, especially from a group of players looking to solidify themselves on a roster. Still think Briscoe should have made the cut....but what do I know.

 

[Denny Crane]

They can use that roster spot to sign a lot of 10 day contracts over the course of the season without the tax hit.

FWIW.

 

[Chris Craig]

They can use that roster spot to sign a lot of 10 day contracts over the course of the season without the tax hit.

FWIW.

They need a spot for when they use the exception

 

[Denny Crane]

They need a spot for when they use the exception

I hope we're good enough that using it makes sense. There's reason for optimism.

 

[Chris Craig]

I hope we're good enough that using it makes sense. There's reason for optimism.

I think thats the point. Neil wants to wait and see how good we are and then decide whether to use it. If the Blazers are going to skate or cross the luxury tax line Neil wants to do so by signing a player that is going to make us better, not just merely fill a spot.

 

[Denny Crane]

I think thats the point. Neil wants to wait and see how good we are and then decide whether to use it. If the Blazers are going to skate or cross the luxury tax line Neil wants to do so by signing a player that is going to make us better, not just merely fill a spot.

We're already over the LT line by ~$3M-$4M. Someone like Ed Davis or Aminu would have to go for cap space to get us under.

I've not questioned NO's moves so far, but I am not seeing the benefit of being in LT this season unless we're a real threat to beat the Warriors.

 

[Pinwheel1]

We're already over the LT line by ~$3M-$4M. Someone like Ed Davis or Aminu would have to go for cap space to get us under.

I've not questioned NO's moves so far, but I am not seeing the benefit of being in LT this season unless we're a real threat to beat the Warriors.

When is the date again that he needs to be under the LT before it counts toward this season?

 

[Denny Crane]

When is the date again that he needs to be under the LT before it counts toward this season?

Last day of the season. Realistically, the last chance to shed salary would be the trade deadline.

 

[TBpup]

When is the date again that he needs to be under the LT before it counts toward this season?

I think it's by the end of the year.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Last day of the season. Realistically, the last chance to shed salary would be the trade deadline.

He has a few ways he can go then. Vonleh is another option depending on how Collins, Swanigan and Aminu look by then. I mean if they don't think they want to invest in him past this year they could easily dump his 4 million contract. His qualifying number is 4.7 next year. Not a huge number if he looks good and they want to keep him another year. But N.O only has 3 months to figure it out. We have one too many YOUNG PF's on the team IMO.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Also why spread Nicholson's contract out if they intend to be over the LT anyway? It would been better to suck it up for one year and be rid of it.......unless you wanted to get under the cap this year without dumping someone you prefer not to. I guess his strategy could change based on how the blazers are playing but right now it seems like they want to be under by the end of the season so the "repeater" penalty does not extend.

 

[Denny Crane]

He has a few ways he can go then. Vonleh is another option depending on how Collins, Swanigan and Aminu look by then. I mean if they don't think they want to invest in him past this year they could easily dump his 4 million contract. His qualifying number is 4.7 next year. Not a huge number if he looks good and they want to keep him another year. But N.O only has 3 months to figure it out. We have one too many YOUNG PF's on the team IMO.

That works, too.

 

[Denny Crane]

Also why spread Nicholson's contract out if they intend to be over the LT anyway? It would been better to suck it up for one year and be rid of it.......unless you wanted to get under the cap this year without dumping someone you prefer not to. I guess his strategy could change based on how the blazers are playing but right now it seems like they want to be under by the end of the season so the "repeater" penalty does not extend.

He wouldn't have reasonable flexibility to get under the LT this season. I don't think they're sold on being a tax payer.

 

[Pinwheel1]

He wouldn't have reasonable flexibility to get under the LT this season. I don't think they're sold on being a tax payer.

Exactly, that's what I am saying. He plans on getting under, and I don't blame him. If he didn't he would not have spread Nicholson's contract out.

 

[42N8Bounce]

We're already over the LT line by ~$3M-$4M. Someone like Ed Davis or Aminu would have to go for cap space to get us under.

I've not questioned NO's moves so far, but I am not seeing the benefit of being in LT this season unless we're a real threat to beat the Warriors.

By my calculations, we have a team guaranteed salary of $122,268,579.
Luxury tax line is $119,266,000.
Amount over tax: $3,002,579. Resulting in a tax bill of $4,503,868.

Since our salaries are all guaranteed, we aren't able to simply cut a player to get under the tax line. We would need to do a lopsided trade with a team that could take on $3M more than they are sending out. For example, we send them Meyers Leonard ($9.9M, and they send us a player making no more than $6.9M.).

 

[KingSpeed]

Jake should be forever known as "Number 10."

 

[Denny Crane]

By my calculations, we have a team guaranteed salary of $122,268,579.
Luxury tax line is $119,266,000.
Amount over tax: $3,002,579. Resulting in a tax bill of $4,503,868.

Since our salaries are all guaranteed, we aren't able to simply cut a player to get under the tax line. We would need to do a lopsided trade with a team that could take on $3M more than they are sending out. For example, we send them Meyers Leonard ($9.9M, and they send us a player making no more than $6.9M.).

I'm pretty sure someone with cap space would take Aminu or Davis for a 2nd round pick.

Your scenario of a deal with ~$3M more going out than coming in is also something that works.

 

[riverman]

Word around the league is that many teams will prefer the 14 man roster and save big time by using the 2 way G league player to fill in when needed. A lot cheaper than to sign a 15th man...the 2 way contract is a way to not overpay a guy who rarely plays.