Game Thread 2024-25 GAME #41 - BLAZERS VS ROCKETS - JAN 18, 2025 - SAT - 7PM - CHARGE - KUNP - BLAZERVISION

What was the deal with Billups and Jabari Walker tonight?

Walker was playing great near the end of the 2nd quarter. Very under control hitting some shots right at the hoop with defenders around him.

Then with 2:30 left in the quarter/half, Billups pulled him so he could put in JERAMI GRANT. Did Grant really need that playing time (or deserve it)?

The same odd situation happened in the 3rd quarter. Walker was attacking the hoop successfully and the Blazers were still in the game at 75 - 68.

One of Walker's buckets was point-blank over Sengun and the outstretched hand of Tari Eason, from a pass across the key from Scoot Henderson.

He was also doing a fine job defending Sengun.

The Rockets seemed to become a bit out of sorts on defense after a dunk by Walker running from the 3-point line, followed by Scoot Henderson's fast-break drive down the lane for an And-One.

However, it was exactly at this moment in the game, that Billups pulled out Walker, and inserted Duop Reath.

The people sitting next to me also wondered why Walker was pulled from the game.

Reath was called for a charge (the exact type of situation Walker was excelling at) , missed a 3-pointer, then was pulled from the game with 2:22 left in the quarter with the score 79-68.

What the hell.

 

I think Jabari Walker is the most underrated Blazer this year. I'm not saying he has the talent of the stars, but he'll be in the league many years. Maybe a starter somewhere at his career peak for a couple of years.

 

Over at the realgm trade board there have been proposals regularly for Ant to Orl for some combo of Cole Anthony/filler and maybe a very late first which they have (Denver's I believe)

 

Scoot's playing great, but "only" four turnovers is too many. Hoping he stacks a few more strong quarters next game, too. I don't know if the game is slowing down for him or he's just playing like his hair isn't on fire and that's making everything come together, but the fact that we can nitpick about a right-handed layup from the left side or a bad turnover here or there is a good sign. Guy's been outstanding the last few games. Keep it up, kid.

 

because he has always had some major regression after good games and good stretches, last season, and this season. Maybe any regression after the last 3 games will be minor instead of major

 

At the game last night, The worst thing that struck me was how badly Sharpe is used. Sitting him at the corner for many possessions is just bad.

At least we had a competitive half. That's something. The wheels sure fell off the wagon in the 2nd half.

 

You think Billups is TELLING Shae to go stand in the corner?

 

I think this teams offense is very stagnant, there is no secondary movement other than the ball handler and the screener. Who is responsible for that is not for me to say...

 

I haven't seen a lot to make me think Shaedon is the type of player with the mindset to go get the ball and make things happen. He's very content too much of the time to play Robin when he's very well suited to be Batman.

 

People underrate the skill of 'effort'.

 

I don't know what Billups is telling anyone (most of the time).

But I can see what he does for his substitutions and playing time for each player, and last night he got an F.

Jerami Grant was very lackluster while Jabari Walker was showing chops around the hoop and decision making on offense that few Blazers have shown (including Walker).

Scoot and Walker were the only 2 Blazers to have a positive plus/minus which is no surprise.

Yet, Chauncey played Jerami Grant 25 minutes, and Walker only 20 minutes.

Scoot Henderson played one minute less than Anfernee Simons.

Why? So Dalano Banton could play 21 minutes and score 7 points on 8 shots?

 

Grant was so bad last night on his 2-point shots that he actually shot below his season 2-point % which is 38%

38% is the worst 2-point % for the Trail Blazers. The next worst is Banton at 44%.

Last night he was 1-3, 33% Yet Mr Billups gives him 25 minutes playing time.

One of Grant's 2-point shots was mind-numbingly bad, with some shaking and baking then turn around and hit the front of the rim. Also falling down to try to draw a foul.

Grant has successfully turned one of his strengths, his ability to spin and contort his body, into a liability.

 

Well, I guess you figured it out. I blame players for missing shots and not rotating and not passing. Simple as that. Maybe we should hire Luke Walton, the greatest coach to roam the earth. He’s turn these guys around right?

 

I guess that if the lackluster offense is consistent over multiple years, compared to the TS years, something has to be said about coaching, either their sets are not great or they do not hold their players accountable.

Honestly, this team's offense is boring compared to other teams,.either Portland teams with a different coach or other teams in the league.

Not to put at least some of it on the coaches seems unreasonable to me.

 

Those stats weren’t final til Grant came out of the game though. Billups can’t see the future and change his minutes accordingly.

 

Im sad? Hes been trash! Now hes showing something finally

 

Jody and the team brass was in town……some on here are VERY quick to judge when they don’t have all the info.

 

I remember a lot on here so upset when we were one of the top offenses in the league yet the worst on the other end. At least we were making the playoffs right? #AnybodyIsBetterThanStotts

 

I was never on the stotts is bad wagon and always believed he was a capable defensive coach when given the roster.

I also have no issues with Chauncey, I don't judge him on his wins and losses given the roster he has to work with, but his offense is pretty stagnant IMHO. I am fine with bad offense if the roster is lackluster, but movement is not reliant on the roster...