As a team, I really think we saw the rotation last night. Blake: Decent job, didn't do anything to win the game, nor to lose the game. Roy: Whatever. I had no idea he had that many points. The guys game is sick. Batum: I thought he did a really nice job. He didn't shoot particularly well, but most of his looks were at the basket that he just didn't put down. He rebounds well, and plays solid defense on everyone not named Kevin Martin. Aldridge: He was the best player on the floor last night for the Blazers, and maybe just plain the best. He passed brillaintly, scored everyway possible, and rebounded everything that came his way. What is going to piss me off is to see people complain that he only had 6 rebounds, but what they don't see is that his man was constantly blocked out. Oden: I thought he played his best game. I would like to see Nate figure out a way to get him more opportunities, but he is sooooooo unselfish. Great passer out of the low block, and is going to get a lot of people in foul trouble. He was noticably more active last night as well. Jerry Reynolds made the comment that he was going to be one of the all time greats, but he will more than likely do it from the defensive end. One particular play Oden scored on a baby hook, then was the first one down on defense to block a layup. He grabbed the rebound and started a fast break with his outlet pass. Rudy: Jesus this kid is good.He is all over the place. Hopefully his allyoop from Sergio will be on youtube shortly. Joel: He played a great game IMO. Solid on both ends of the floor. Travis: I just don't know about Travis. He played ok, but I think he needs to let the game come to him a bit more. Got burned on defense, but was great in trapping situations. Sergio: I thought Sergio played a real solid game. Played well within the offense, and was much improved on defense. Frye: It was nice to see Channing out there, but I hope he doesn't fall in love with the 3 pointer....even though he drained the one he took. Bayless: Played well in his very limited action, doing nothing to hinder the efforts of the team. Nate: I would like to see us attack the rim a bit more. We shot a lot of threes because Oden and Aldridge get doubled every time. IMO we took too many jumpers. I did like the trap we put on in the first half a lot though. I thought he did a solid job last night.
By my observation, we have 1 too many players at the 1 and 3. Blake is a RFA as is Marty at the end of the year. We know Batum and Bayless should be safe since they are on rookie deals. I really would not give up Sergio, he looks like the player we saw flashes of his rookie year, and who knows with Travis?
Good observations. I agree with most of them. One other thought, Blake seemed to be pushing it a lot more than I remember him doing in the past. Also seemed quicker. Maybe its just because I haven't seen him play since last year (or maybe because I was watching the game in such poor quality), but it stood out to me.
I know, I was just messing with you. And yes, it did look like they were pushing the ball up court a little more then last season. I think we had 55 points at half time.
Was it in HD on league pass? I only seen it in regular format. Hope I didn't watch it in regular format when I could have in HD.
Outlaw is the one piece that just doesn't seem to fit in IMO.... I think he will be the next player to go...
Doubtful. I ended up watching the game via somebody streaming a webcam of his TV broadcasting the game ... if it's archived somewhere you don't want to watch it, it was painful.
roy just took over in the fourth...i think when aldridge and oden kick it out we need to pump fake and drive to the hoop sometimes instead of keeping shooting threes
I wish Nate would introduce some motion from the bigs. His whole offense is to have Oden/Aldridge setup on the block and feed them, then either take the shot or wait for the double and kick it out to a wing. I would like to see the other big cutting to the hoop after the entry pass. I think this would get a lot of easy baskets.
I see what you're saying but I thought LMA played beautifully off of the big fella last night, he was working that midrange jumper to perfection and punishing the Kings for doubling and tripling Greg. As for Greg's offensive repetoire, he's so raw offensively I think it's pretty smart for Nate to work on him just getting comfortable on the low block and dealing with multiple defenders and recognizing when to pass to the wings before Nate tries to dump too much on him at once. Baby steps.
I'm really surprised they are doubling Oden. I realize he's a beast but I would force him to show me some offensive moves before I doubled or tripled down on a guy who is very raw offensively. I would be shocked if the Lakers double him since Bynum should be able to match up with Oden 1 on 1.
This is going to be an interesting one. Bynum has the length - but I do not think he had the strength, last year, to cope with Oden one on one in the low post. From what it looks at the pre-season - Greg would just be able to back him down and dunk or be fouled. It will be interesting to see.
