Last year, down the stretch, we would move LMA to center and play Outlaw at the PF. Now that Oden is playing more, LMA will stay at PF. I'll miss Outlaw being more of a force.
Outlaw didn't play bad at all. He hit a big three, he grabbed a big rebound. He did well with his limited minutes.
Can't remember exactly what it was, but he did something stupid and he was right out early in the 2nd q.
Outlaw came back to earth after playing over his head the last few games. Time to trade him before his stock takes another dip.
Outlaw did not have a good game. He was OK - but he was not really in the flow of the offense. I think we have seen the same happen at the start of the season - it takes him a bit of time to figure out how to play with a new player out there - so it took him 3 games to get used to Rudy. It iwll probably be the same to figure out playing next to Greg. It's nothing we have not seen before - and it proves again that if you do not play well - Nate will not give you the minutes.
Back to earth? He played fine. He just had much less minutes. That game where he had about 20 points, he played FORTY ONE MINUTES. Tonight, he only played 14. Which is my point. His minutes are less now. Not his production.
The team was 15-5 last year in games of 5 points of less with Outlaw playing at the end. They were 3-0 this year in the same situation. Tonight, no Outlaw at the end, and the first loss of 5 points of less of the season with LMA taking the crucial three. Just saying...
You're absolutely right Papa G. That means Blake and Sergio must both be benched so that we can play Roy, Rudy, Outlaw, LMA, and Oden at the end of games.
It's very true, actually. Rudy is now the 1st option off the bench and can score in bunches, too. Rudy's intangibles are extremely valuable. When Outlaw isn't shooting every time he touches the ball, he doesn't do anything else other than rebound. Rudy > Travis
Bold opinion considering the W/L stats I posted. Nate benched Outlaw tonight and lost a game that the Blazers have won 18 out 23 times with Outlaw in the game.
I'd rather see Travis in there late than LMA. Oden, Outlaw, Fernandez, Roy and Rodriguez would be my choice. Let Sergio create and get the ball to the open man. And they'll be open or Greg will have dunk fest.
We're at our best when both Rudy AND Outlaw produce Fez. There was a game a couple games back where Rudy had 16 and Outlaw had 20. Rudy and Outlaw must BOTH produce, but Outlaw needs the minutes.
Besides, Rudy had a chance to tie one of the game earlier this season against either Utah or Phoenix and he missed it. Wide open. Cost us a W. So don't make it to be like he's some God. He's human. If Outlaw did that, you'd use it for your argument against him.
If LaMarcus is going to be in there at the end (which he should IMO) he should be on one side of the floor ready to post up. If Oden sees he is going to shoot, he should go to the hoop for the pass or rebound. IF LaMarcus gets doubled, pass out for the open three or move the ball and repost Oden on the other side. Really simple. LaMarcus WILL score on most anyone one on one, if he gets doubled someone will be open. NOBODY IS GOING TO FUCKING DOUBLETEAM HIM IN THE CORNER SHOOTING THREES.
Exactly. Outlaw has proven himself throughout the whole season. But this is a stupid argument. We shouldn't have to choose between Rudy and Outlaw. They should both play. Rudy hardly makes Outlaw irrelevant.
