Not so long ago it was Mo getting the hate around here...now it's Bazz.....you win and lose as a team...Bazz still leads the team in steals which are sort of like assists...Baldwin will get his chances next season...probably doesn't even know the playbook yet...I think Stotts will find him some playoff minutes for the experience....
One Bazz play frustrated me last night that is consistent with some of the complaints about him. Zach was set and WIDE open for a three within the flow of the offense, but Bazz refused to pass him the ball. Instead he dribbled into the teeth of the defense, barely got a tough pass off, the ball finally came back around to Zach. By then the rhythm of the play was gone and Zach missed a forced three. A guard has to hit a guy in rhythm, not ball hog until someone has to shoot a bail out. Say what you want about El Mago, but he was great at getting guys the ball in their rhythm and racking up assists. When I played basketball it used to frustrate the hell out of me when I'd play with a guard who passed me the ball two seconds too late every fucking time. So that's kind of a sore spot with me
Doesn’t know the playbook? He’s been with the team for almost three months, and the system the Texas legends run is pretty much identical, which is probably why he got assigned there in the first place.
Shabazz will be fine in the playoffs. He can defend and pester anyone with the ball. Also, this will be his big chance to show the world he belongs and deserves and better contract. I actually think he plays well with Nurk in getting him the ball down low. I see him of the type of guy that won't play it safe, so he will either contribute big, or dive big, but he will go down sling-in. Bottom line for me is if we don't shoot decent as a team each game it will be tough to get out of the first round.
Shabazz has been good for most of the season and I'd prefer that he's in the rotation at this point instead of Baldwin. The playoffs are not the time to throw a young, inexperienced player into the rotation unless you have to. It's not like Shabazz has been the only guy not shooting well lately. Hopefully they've gotten it all out of their system and starting tomorrow get back to playing the way they're capable. We all know CJ is much better than he's been the last few games, he's just in a shooting slump. Dame missed 4 free-throws which would have been huge and didn't shoot well either. Turner and Aminu couldn't shoot. The rest of the bench was ineffective. In other words, our backup point-guard is not the reason we scored 82 points.
I’m not the one that just compared the Blazers to the Texas Legends so I really wouldn’t know about how much effort it takes to be stupid? On the other hand maybe Sly could fill me in?
When talking in context of playbooks it’s a completely fair comparison, but keep condescending me, its worked out well for you in the past.
No not really a valid comparison. Level of talent changes in the NBA. Also playbooks change for rosters and strengths or weaknesses of each team.
Baldwin can pick up the other teams best guard full court on every play he is in. No other player on our team can do that anywhere near as effectively. Imo. Small sample size or not. It's just obvious. Absolutely ridiculous that he is dnpcd. How do you look Dame in the eye and say "We know he's our best guard defender but we are saving him for next season" Nothing against Bazz he has a spot on this team. There's still minutes available for him. Wade, Bazz and Dame should be the only point guards running the team. Stop letting CJ and ET run the point.
It's time for me to admit that at least HALF of the reason I like Bazz is due to that Stumptown commercial...and that's not a reason that warrant court time. If it weren't for that commercial I'd be entirely indifferent to Bazz. I've liked his on-ball defense, but aside from that I'm not a fan of his game.
Everyone is complaining about his offense. Y'all, there are 2 sides of the ball. Also, including Baldwin, Bazz is our BEST on the ball defender. Defensively, he's our best player save Nurk.
That's your opinion. The fact is you're wrong. Until Baldwin demonstrates this all season, Bazz is a better defender. And yes he could easily defend 94 feet.
Not sure I would totally agree with that assessment. He does have quick hands and can get steels. But, he also gets abused by taller guards. Nurk Aminu Harkless Turner Collins Napier? (leaving off Baldwin due to small sample size)
