I fully expect any player who goes from a slow system to a running system like PHX uses to fully double their output. It doesn't mean they will be any more successful in the playoffs though. Running teams get owned in the playoffs. Period.
Yeah, so since we got owned in the first round last year, becoming better than dead last in fastbreak points would completely ensure our playoff ineptitude. Period.
Head Coach Paul Westphal “We’ve been finding different ways pretty much every game. Our team is getting to know each other and I think they have confidence in each other. Some nights it’s one guy; another night it’s someone else. It’s really something good happening.” “Sergio (Rodriguez) has just been playing better and better all the time. For awhile there, we were trying to figure out a way to get him into the game. Lately we’ve been playing two small guards together because Beno (Udrih) has been playing great, and obviously Tyreke has been playing great. So playing two point guards and sometimes three, we’ve done that the last couple of games. As long as we can get the rebound, that’s a great way to play. The way Jason (Thompson), Kenny (Thomas) and (Jon) Brockman were rebounding the ball it let us have that kind of lineup and kind of unleash Sergio. So he’s got that in him. He’s very, very quick and creative; guys love playing with him.” Sergio Rodriguez “Tonight was successful for me and the team. I am really happy and enjoyed playing here tonight. I am very comfortable on the court.” On how gratifying it is being in Sacramento: “The most important thing, and what makes me so happy, is when I get to play. That is all that I ask. When I didn’t play a few games ago, it was tough. I knew that when I got in (Coach Westphal) would let me play and that is the whole thing. I am enjoying playing here and I am enjoying playing for him.” On if he was frustrated not playing: “Practicing kept me in shape, my mind right and I knew when my opportunity would come I was going to take advantage of it.”
Not too mention, Frye was at 25 PER in the first week of the season or so, and has been steadily sinking since then. Hot start and then regression to the mean...
I wonder if anyone down at blazer HQ caught wind of (most) blazer forums and fans leaping off the Nate McMillan bandwagon. He's detrimental to the development to a lot of the players.
Surely. But running for the sake of running is pure madness. Taking advantage of transition/running situations that are available though is smart ball. Right now Portland is in the boat of rarely running. Lamarcus gets open out front of everybody all the time and nobody throws him the ball, except for Miller.
I don't think it matters. I doubt the Blazers keep McMillan on due to fan sentiment. Honestly, I think it comes down to the players. If it is judged that he has lost the players, he'll lose his job. If it's judged that the players still respond well to him, he'll be kept. I don't think his strategic abilities are going to save or kill him and I don't think the Blazers' front office has philosophical opposition to McMillan's style.
Sergio beasted last night. He's been doing very well this season without having to look over his shoulder for Nate's quick hook (ironically, Miller is now getting the Sergio treatment). I said he'd flourish under a coach that would allow a more free flowing offense with more leeway, and voila.
So now that he has had a good game or two, (which he had a few of while he was here by the way) he is thriving? I'll take a larger sample size thank you. By the way, he also had good games against the Hornets while here. Maybe it is just that team.....
Neither would have worked here. Frye could have been the perfect backup for Aldridge, with similar styles and whatnot, but he didn't perform when we gave him chances. Sergio is averaging 13.3 mpg. He's only shot 17 three pointers. Maybe he'll keep it up, but I doubt it.
Channing averaged a double double when Joel was hurt at the end of the 07-08 year. What else did he need to do with his chance?
Prove that he could be an effective BACKUP and not starter, which he did not prove. he is a rhythm player, playing 15 minutes a night for us wasn't going to cut it. He needs starters type minutes to be effective. He is showing that now. He wasn't going to get that type of minutes here. Unless you want to start him over Oden or LMA?
Nice article on Sergio in the Bee: http://www.sacbee.com/sports/story/2357718.html The buzz around Rodríguez had long since died down, though. While Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan wanted less risk as his reward, Rodríguez was often mistake-prone and lacking confidence when the styles of player and coach consistently contrasted. After Portland granted his trade request with a draft-night deal to the Kings in June, Rodríguez said he has meshed much better with Kings coach Paul Westphal. But Rodríguez had hardly been Westphal's first choice at point guard. He played in just five of the first nine games, averaging 7.2 minutes. Through the first 12 games, Rodríguez scored a combined 24 points. His role is surely on the rise, though, even if he's not living up to his pass-first reputation. Rodríguez, who spent much of Sunday playing with fellow point guard Beno Udrih, hit 9 of 14 shots. Only Tyreke Evans had more attempts, hitting just 6 of 15. Rodríguez has scored in double digits in three of the last four games. While Rodríguez hasn't had the consistent playing time he sought, he said Sacramento remains a good fit because of the like-minded Westphal. "We see basketball different," Rodríguez said of he and McMillan. "It's a hard thing to have with your boss when they see something totally different from what you see. … I was wishing to be in a spot where everybody (saw) basketball like me, and coach Westphal (does). He likes to enjoy basketball, to be flashy, and to win games." After a 26-26 first-quarter tie in which forward Jason Thompson (22 points, 14 rebounds) did most of the heavy lifting, Rodríguez scored 11 points in the second quarter, when the Kings pulled away for a 57-45 halftime lead. He finished even stronger, scoring 13 fourth-quarter points to help the Kings pull away. "Sergio been a complete pro," said Westphal, who was without the services of center Spencer Hawes (bruised right knee, day-to-day). "He has kind of kicked the door down (toward earning minutes) with the way he played in practice … and his stints get longer and longer."
I am very happy for Sergio. I predicted his shooting would improve under a different coach and system. He's playing so much better and more efficiently than our point guards it's hilarious. I'd love it if he can keep it up. OT: How about this quote: Substitute "Nate" and "Blankey" and that's a good idea right there.
I wonder if losing Sergio hasn't had a bad effect on team morale. As I understand it (and HCP could confirm/deny this) Sergio was one of the most outgoing Blazers (along with Outlaw) last year and really got on well not just with Rudy but also with Aldridge, one of the more withdrawn guys. Replacing him with an almost recluse like Miller must be a bit of a shock.
According to the resident experts here, team morale and issues like chemistry and egos do not matter. Or, the players from last year need to adapt to the new veteran.
Frye had his moments two years ago, but something last year changed. It has to be somewhat related to coaching, but he couldn't hit a jumper to save his life last year. And without that, he brings little else. No, he did nothing to earn his spot, and some of that is on him, some on the coaches, but he has excelled in Phoenix's system, and with some faith put in him by the coaches. And good for him, but this was not a KP mistake. I'm beginning to come on board with thinking it is a mistake to keep Nate around, but that's another discussion.
That's nice and all, but last year Frye didn't take the backup power forward spot. It was his for the taking, but he didn't play well enough to deserve it. That's great that he averaged a double-double for a bit the year before. It's also great that he had an awesome rookie season, but it's not about what he's done in the past, it's about what he can produce in the now (as in last season). His production last year didn't warrant any more playing time than he got, and a lot of people last year were pulling out their hair when he was in. Let's not try to rewrite history here and say Channing Frye actually played well last year. Phoenix is just a better fit for him.
