First, let me say that these are just some random observations from the past couple of games. I'm not saying that they're necessarily correct, but I'm tossing them out there as conversation starters. So, for whatever they're worth, here they are: 1. It's become obvious that the formula to hold Aldridge in check is to push him further out on the catch and double him once he dribbles. If he has to make more than two dribbles, he's pretty easy to strip or force into a bad shot. Something has to be done get him the ball closer to the bucket. 2. I don't think I've seen a good screen set since Joel and Dante left. Coincidence? Don't think so. 3. Andre Miller's inability to guard any decent PG and the gyrations that Nate goes through to try to cover it up with zones or using Wesley or Nic out of position is killing our defense. Something's got to be done in the off-season to get quicker at that position. In the meantime, the Blazers have covered for him in the past and hopefully will get things working again. 4. Gerald Wallace was a great trade from a talent standpoint, but I'm not sure that he was the best player for Nate's system. Seeing a guy who's made his living by slashing to the basket being forced to spot up along the 3 pt line is a waste. This offense needs motion in it in order to solve a bunch of problems. 5. I couldn't help but think how perfect Kevin Martin would be in Nate's system. Since I don't think it's likely that Houston will trade him to us, could we trade coaches instead? 6. In the same vein, have you noticed that the better coaches in the league are constantly whining to the refs while Nate just stand there with his arms crossed doing a slow burn? He's got to learn to work the system. Constant whining seems to get rewarded. 7. Marcus Camby is a long way from recovered from his surgery. No spring and not much quickness. He doesn't belong in the starting lineup at this point. 8. The way the team is using Brandon Roy isn't likely to work, IMO. Brandon's always been a guy who takes a while to get going. Using him in 5-10 minute spurts isn't a recipe for success. I'd use him sparingly, if at all, in the first half and save his minutes for the second half. Also, if he's going to be limited to only one of two games on back-to-backs, as a rule, unless one opponent is clearly better than the other, I'd save him for the second one so that we have one guy with fresh legs. With Rudy out last night, that wasn't an option, but I hope they consider that in the future. The thing I keep reminding myself is that things change quickly in the NBA. Teams have periods of hot and cold play. Unfortunately, the Blazers don't have any margin for error from this point forward if they want to make the playoffs. They'd better get on the same page starting tonight.
Nice oberservations ... as to the system comments, I've never heard a better argument for finding a different coach.
Perhaps a 2-man game with Rudy or Roy would work from time to time. The Lakers figured out that on possessions it is obvious LMA is getting the ball, whoever is guarding Miller (Bryant in that game) when Miller is initiating the offense can sag off and double-team LMA from the front-side. The only way for LMA to get that ball when that happens is to come out for a screen, or to move out from the key. We've seen Denver, Atlanta, and now Houston all do this effectively. I completely agree. The only player with the body to set a good screen (LMA) isn't somebody I want taking constant abuse by screening for 42 mpg, though. This has been a Blazer primary issue dating back since the days of Terry Porter. Even when Damon was the PG on the good teams of 10ish years ago, Greg Anthony was needed to defend in the 4th, and Scottie Pippen often had to guard the opposing PG. I don't know what the answer is to this issue, but Miller isn't going to get any better defensively with each passing year. I think it may be more an issue of having too many wing players again. The results are very early, obviously, but I'm gaining more understanding of the 'never trade big for small' adage. Kevin Martin is a lot closer to a healthy Brandon Roy than I ever suspected. Phil Jackson sits on a throne all game long. I think Nate's bench decorum is fine, and when attending games, I've seen and heard him barking at the refs. I don't think that there is much of a choice, though. I'm not sure what to make of Roy right now. The entire team is so disjointed since getting Wallace, Roy, and Camby back, it's difficult for me to assess anything that I've seen the past few games. As discombobulated as things have been on offense, the defense right now is just terrible. It must be a communication issue, because the team hasn't been this bad defensively all year.
Watching LMA last night it looked like to me that his hip was bothering more than his knee. He's a little beat up. Tonight against the Kings I think Nate should give him the night off and start Wallace in his place.
Agreed. Really liked e_blazer's points about the screens, and the zone defense. I have such mixed feelings on our zone. The biggest concern is that we give up a ton of offensive boards when we're in a zone defensively. There are also nights when our rotations are slow and we are giving up open shots on the perimeter all night. Nate has to prove that he can win with a deep roster. He's got the winning while undermanned/against all odds thing down pretty well. But now he needs to show he can make all of the parts/pieces work together effectively.
Or with Roy and Wes. It seems like every-time we break down the D on the drive we forget to pass. I think a two man game with good ball movement could produce some good looks. Regarding LMA, he needs to be in good position otherwise there's no point in dropping it in to him. I think the Blazers need to watch some Boston/KG film to see how its done. We had some good up tempo going before the roster shake up, I think it's only a matter of time before we get back to moving the ball well. Being on the road should help this team focus a bit more and get back to it. Good for you, how bout you actually offer a solution for once.
