http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2011/12/blazers_notebook_when_camp_ope.html Speculation that we have the players and a new PG who loves to run and so will be a faster pace. One problem with this speculation; Andre Miller also loved a fast paced game before he came to Portland. McMillan also says that he thought we could have a faster paced game last year but then says "it turns out that we were better at controlling the tempo and executing in the half court." Isn't it possible that is only true because McMillan doesn't know how to coach a successful fast paced game and/or does not have the patience to stick with it until it is successful. I think part of the problem is that the team is always in this mode of the importance of winning each and every game instead of developing a team that has a chance of going deep into the playoffs.
Well, it's just discouraging. I have had hopes over the years that McMillan would be able to adapt and change but I don't see the slightest indication that he and the other coaches used this extended off-season to sit down and say "let's try something a little different."
The Blazers have been the slowest paced team for the past five season. I'm immune to this smoke that Nate likes to blow every pre-season. 2011-2012 Pace: Blazers -- #30 Bet on that.
Nate is by far promising a faster pace. As he said which ever is most effective and that the last two seasons he thought they would have a faster pace, but that it didn't turn out that way. He's completely honest about it.
He's not honest about facing up to his own shortcomings. He said several years ago that he favored a style that attacked quickly in the first few seconds, trying to get an easy basket. And if that didn't work then work for a really good shot. When Brandon Roy isn't in the game, he has a group that has the ability and inclination to attack quickly. And yet, as pointed out, they continue to be near the bottom of the league in fast breaks. This is a coaching failure; it cannot be corrected until the coaches acknowledge their failure. As I said before, the fast pace is not effective because it has not been coached correctly and with persistence.
I've long since given up on Nate changing pace. Portland needs to realize that our talent and our coach don't really align well, and make changes accordingly. Either dump Nate, or trade away guys like Batum, Felton, Wallace and Aldridge and get guys in place who are more natural "grinders."
