Dave from Blazers Edge makes a few good points

Take-Away Points

See if this sounds familiar:

Marcus Camby makes a huge difference for this team because rebounding is required for the Blazers to have a chance.

Transition offense is crucial because the Blazers have trouble scoring inside otherwise. They get the ball near the hoop but just cannot seem to finish in there. If they're not O-rebounding and not running the game gets hard for them.

This team hangs its hat on forcing more turnovers than it creates.
If LaMarcus Aldridge doesn't produce in the halfcourt the Blazers get exposed. Their outside shooting can't spread the floor enough to allow easy shots.
The main way the Blazers do get easy shots in the halfcourt is sweet-looking jumpers off of screens.

You also have to love how the entire team is committed to drawing charges. Team spirit and defensive sacrifice FTW!

Once again the Blazers got ahead by preying on a somewhat less-experienced, somewhat less-talented, vulnerable team. Congratulations to Portland for seeing those weaknesses and exploiting them while covering their own enough to win. The big question: What happens against teams that punch back just as hard and don't have those same gaping vulnerabilities? Do the Blazers have another gear, another plan, even more resolve?

 

I guess we'll find out.

 

he also added this bout Nolan Smith

"Nolan Smith hit 2-2 shots for 4 points in 7 minutes but couldn't run the point and couldn't defend, looking even more not ready than Johnson."

 

Dunno if I'd agree with that.

 

Well I'm sure now there will be a litany of "Dave is a dumbass" and "What the fuck does Dave know?" in about 3 ... 2 ...

 

Possibly.

 

I think Smith looks ... kind of "overwhelmed" at times. I'm not saying the kid can't play and maybe with enough seasoning and with time to work out the kinks he'll be OK, but this team isn't really using him as the backup point right now; that duty is falling to Jamal Crawford for all intents and purposes.

 

Is this supposed to be taken seriously after what normally would be the 4th game of the preseason without practice? Are guys not making shots? Yep. Will this continue? We can assume not.

Did he actually write that Smith is not ready to run the point after his 4th game in the NBA?

Okay, chalk this up to simple filler until there is actually something to write about.

 

Agreed; Smith is our 3rd PG right now. I'd also say (despite the tendency to call his own number) that Crawford is better at it than Rudy, patty, or Bayless. Overall, an improvement, and it'll give Smith time to get over his jitters.

 

This has the ring of truth to it.

 

I think what he's getting it is that these observations were a common refrain from years past and last year in particular.

 

I agree with him. I think our half court offense looks horrible. It often does for teams that run a lot. But it's early. Our top two point guards have no chemistry yet with our best offensive player. We still need that mid range shooter. Crawford, Nic and Wes all need to step up.

 

Our half court offense isn't very good, but our defense is better than last year and we're deeper. This team can go a long way if they stay healthy.

 

I won't go that far, but I believe a person that covers a team should be present sometimes to watch said team. The guy writes from Boise....... I think seeing a team in person is a better way to judge, just my opinion.

 

Wow, there's a shocker. The rookie playing in his second NBA game, with a grand total of less than 10 minutes playing time can't run the point like a seasoned veteran. I think it's perhaps just a little soon to be passing judgement on Nolan Smith's NBA career.

BNM

 

Dave has become increasingly critical of the blazers since last season leading me to believe he wants the Blazers to rebuild and wont look through rose colored glasses when analyzing the team, this can be a good and bad thing. Because of how early into the season with not a real training camp going in depth on our offense/defense and how players are playing is going to drastically change over the next month and im looking forward to seeing if this team has what it takes to make a big impact this year.

 

I'd rather be passing judgment on Fareid's career.

 

Philly was no slouch and I thought we played well given the limited time to prepare. The Kings just seemed to hit a wall midway thru the second quarter and never got back up. I like the defensive effort and we are slowly expanding offensively. GW also shouldered some of the offensive load and should keep LA fresh. Think we have alot of ways to score.

Did anyone else notice how open LA is now on pick n rolls with a PG that can shoot?

 

Good idea!
How about, in a 22 point win, a game they led by 30 at different points, Faried didn't get off the bench.

 

That's the truth. He's looked lost. Patty Mills would do better.