2nd go-to guy. Roy is all we have during late-game situations LMA doesn't have that mentality Miller doesn't have the offensive tools Bayless isn't ready for prime-time Oden isn't ready for prime-time Outlaw is too schizo - plus, relatively one-dimensional Martell doesn't have the mentality - plus, relatively one-dimensional Rudy is too one-dimensional Blake is too one-dimensional Batum isn't a scorer Howard is spare parts Have I missed anybody?? KP is gonna have his hands full this summer, if not sooner.
Last season and two seasons ago, Outlaw did fine as the 2nd go-to guy in the fourth quarter. I'm not sure if we've all just forgotten this or if his absence has simply made disregarding him easier.
I agree. Since his rookie year I've said LaMarcus is a third option. You have a killer instinct or you don't. LMA doesn't. This is why I've always liked the Amare rumors. He's the perfect threat next to Roy.
Go to go guys don't exactly grow on trees, but I do agree to a certain extent. Right now the only player we have who really excels in end of game situations where you have to get a score is Roy. Jerryd has great potential but still doesn't recognize situations well enough to be a consistent closer (and the hot or cold nature of his jumper doesn't help.)
Miller has been pretty consistent as a 2nd go to guy. He can't shoot from the outside but his ability to get to the line has been just as valuable.
He's too similar to Roy in that he needs the ball. He's a drive and kick guard. LaMarcus is best suited as a pick-and-pop guy. When he creates for himself it's not pretty. He rarely draws fouls and always ends up fading away from the hoop rather than attacking.
I think Jerryd can eventually come into this role. His jumper is either on or off, but when it is on like the recent Philly game then he is a Roy-lite. I think he will grow into a player who can get a consistent shot (not necessairly great, but decent and consistent) and hopefully turn it on in the fourth and become near automatic. This is only his second year (and really his first year actually getting a chance to play). Another player is Oden, his offense/hook shot isn't exactly automatic yet so he isn't quite the feed him player on every possession, however, he showed a lot of promise before he got injured.
boy they could have used Outlaw or Bayless at the end of last nights game. I'm fine with Portland's overall stock of guys who can separate for a good look, it's just that they're all currently out. STOMP
You guys are over thinking it. The team is fine on offense. It wasn't too long ago there weren't enough touches to go around. Remember that Outlaw guy? As up and down as he is, he can still create his own offense, just like Miller/Oden/Aldridge and of course Roy. What's clear is this team needs to stay healthy. That's the main thing holding them back.
Disagree. For 52 minutes and 20 seconds yesterday, they were fine. The "main thing holding them back" over the last few weeks has been their fascinating ability to choke away leads in the 4th quarter and overtime. You know, what used to be one of Nate's strengths.
ABM, as was already said- Travis Outlaw. Before he went down, he was a VERY effective go to guy in the 4th quarter, having hit many game winning shots over the last several seasons.
Last year we were so deadly in the fourth because of how much Outlaw/Roy scored in the fourth. Definatly agree with you that it seems like were missing both of those guys (especially outlaw since he has been out since the 8th game) in the fourth no matter how hot miller/webster/aldridge get at the end of the game.
Wait, was it or was it not supposed to be one of Nate's strengths our record in close games and scoring out of timeouts? I must be confused. We HAVE choked away games recently. We're blaming Monty now?
If he was healthy, it would definitely be Outlaw. We need someone else to emerge, I'm betting a combo of Miller, Bayless (attacking the rim), Aldridge and Webster (when they're hot) depending on the day.
