I'm not sure if it was his choice or because of a strong suggestion from Blazer management but Nate's shake up of his coaching staff has been a very good thing. I've always liked Nate and respected what he brings to the Blazers but I think he's been lacking in areas. I've long wished that he would find a version of Tex Winter, some old guy that he respects that isn't vying for his job. Bernie Bickerstaff on offense and Bob Ociepka on defense I think are really helping Nate. Also while I'll always be a Maurice Lucas fan (and I hope that he will always be on the Blazers payroll) his health problems hurt the development of our post players. Bill Bayno in giant foam pads isn't the same as a dedicated big man coach. It's great to see the Blazers hire Buck Williams. I think he's going to help LMA develop his post game more and more as the season goes on.
I forgot that Hersey Hawkins was on the team too. The team looks so much more stable and smart on the offensive end.
Agreed on all counts. It's early but I'm getting more optimistic about using Oden offensively and more importantly being effective in the post season. Nothing against the guys here before, but this seems to be an upgrade so far. Teams are scouting each other and starting to adjust to schemes and players so we'll see how the season evolves and if we can stay ahead of the competition, unlike years past.
I think the assistant coaches are making a difference. But I also think having certain players not on the team that have been here for the last few years is increasing the teams IQ and ability on offense. All of the players Portland has shed over the last couple of years have been one dimensional players with huge holes in their game, and some of them haven't been the brightest bulb in the room either. When basketball IQ goes up, the team wins. They have been replaced with better players who have a more natural feel for the game.
I'd love to hear how exactly the assistants are having an impact on the team.. Quick needs to get on that story. But if anything, our fourth-quarter D the first two games looks pretty stellar and the team looks mentally tougher.
Aside from having really long players like Camby and Batum in the front-court, I think it's fair to give Bob Oceipka some of the credit, he installed a really aggressive defensive system in Chicago (who had a really good team defensive rating last season) where they blitz the pick and roll and take more man-to-man responsibility than the Dean D. zones and constant switching schemes that seemed to predominate the last couple of years. I'd just like to see more consistent effort throughout a game though. Hopefully that shows up as the season progresses.
I think the coaches are definitely helping, but I'd say adding Camby was like adding a coach on the floor.
