I just don't see why anyone would seriously think Roy isn't a very capable SF. In fact, I would suggest he is a better SF than SG, IMO. And as for "taking a toll on his body", I seriously disagree. I see so many SG using pick after pick to try and get open, while most SFs are on the wings, slashing to the bucket. Roy has great hands and awesome footwork. I would even dare to say he would be a much better defender on a 3 than a 2. Also, fighting through picks is much easier than playing "one on one" with a wingman. And for the other SFs that people mention like LJ, Melo and Durant... I've seen Roy play defense on them in clutch situations. Remember Roy's block on Melo to win the game? Also remember on the other end. Someone above said that other teams would use their stopper to play Roy on the defensive end. I don't buy that. Remember if you put in a Fernandez and Miller, you will have three very savvy offensive players that would exploit that. I mean who would Melo guard? Ferndandez or Miller? <<<Added to it...>>> Especially if you have Miller and Fernandez in that line-up. Players like Melo, LJ and any other SF for that matter would have to play on both ends of the floor. Ain't no way they can justify playing Miller or Fernandez. They would get eaten alive. And with Roy's ability to get to the paint and make things happen, the other SFs will have their hands full, especially since they will most likely be forced to play him one on one. Any way you look at it, either the guards or front court will have a field day. If the PF or center comes to help, Roy gives it to Aldridge or Oden to either get a easy bucket or get their bigs in some serious foul trouble. If the SG or PG comes to help, he passes out to Miller or Fernandez to force the other team into a crappy position.
But I disagree. Seriously, I believe Roy would have a much easier time guarding a 3 than a 2. I keep bringing up the fighting through picks to stay with the 2. You are in motion almost in every possession. That will take way more of a toll than the occasional "post up" and position d you have against other bigger 3s. Also, it's much easier to help a post up, than a SG coming off a double pick. They already have a running start, so they got a jump on you.
Exactly what I've been thinking since the beginning of this thread. Roy has a terrific PER at SF because Nate only plays him there when it gives him the advantage. Roy cannot start against the bigger, better starting SFs every game, especially at his lighter weight. The great thing is that the Blazers have tremendous versatility at nearly every position and can use that to give other teams fits. Whatever his flaws may be, Nate seems to be pretty good at working out the matchups to our advantage over the course of a game, and this roster helps him to do just that.
Think about it like this. Imagine having two playmakers like Miller and Roy on the floor, then asking Fernandez to just try and get open. How hard would it be defensively to try and guard 5 players on the floor? With the line-up of Miller, Rudy, Roy, Aldridge and Oden, there isn't a single hole offensively. And on the defensive end, it's pretty rock solid. Miller, Roy and Fernandez all have quick hands and read passing lanes really good. They could seriously cause some major disruption on the defensive end, especially knowing Aldridge and Oden are quick and agile enough to help defensively.
This. Roy has all the skills to play SF but not the size to hang defensively with some of the guys at that position. I would be concerned about that. Portland would have to play team defense at a very high level to accomodate that size difference. A level of D they haven't played since 2000. If Portland can play D at that high a level putting Roy at SF would certainly worth a try in my mind. Especially if it means a lineup of Miller, Rudy, Roy, LMA and Oden. That lineup can put some points in your face.
