So did Dame finally hit the rookie wall?

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by Natebishop3, Apr 7, 2013.

  1. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    April 1 vs Jazz

    17 points off 7-16 shooting, 5 assists, 5 boards

    April 3 vs Grizz

    17 points off 8-19 shooting, 6 assists, 5 boards

    April 5 vs Rockets

    11 points off 4-12 shooting, 7 assists, 3 boards

    April 7 vs Mavs

    15 points off 6-19 shooting, 4 assists, 1 board (so far)

    Seems like his play has dropped off a bit in April, especially his shooting. The last couple games have been the worst. Think he's tired?
     
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2013
  2. MickZagger

    MickZagger Well-Known Member

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    More like tired and uninspired.
     
  3. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    That was the other thing I was thinking.... it seems like his play has dropped off a bit since the Blazers were essentially eliminated from the playoffs.
     
  4. Further

    Further Guy

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    Also I think he is stepping back a bit to let Leonard, Maynor, Barton and others have a chance to shine. They are not focusing on wins anymore, but on growth for evaluation and improvement.
     
  5. KeepOnRollin

    KeepOnRollin Well-Known Member

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    He may not win Rookie of the Month for April at this rate. He is still doing well but not head and shoulders above the other Rookies. Not that it means much of anything since he will win Rookie of the Year no doubt.
     
  6. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    I don't know if I'd say he's stepping back. He took 19 shots tonight, 19 against the Grizz, and 16 against the Jazz. His shot just isn't falling. I'm wondering if that's from fatigue finally catching up with him.
     
  7. Charcoal Filtered

    Charcoal Filtered Writing Team

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    Having LA, Batum, and Wesley banged up are not helping take any defenders away from him lately either.
     
  8. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    Yeah, his played noticeably dropped when LMA went out, but Aldridge has been back the last two games and he still isn't shooting particularly well.
     
  9. PapaG

    PapaG Banned User BANNED

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    The "rookie wall" typically comes at 40-50 games, because the NBA plays more games than the NCAA or the Euro league by a long shot, and in a condensed period of time.

    He's just not playing up to the very high standards that he has set for himself the last week or so.

    Big deal. Players go through stretches like these all the time unless they're an MVP-level player.
     
  10. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    I think it says a lot that 17, 6, and 5 is a bad game for him.... but I'm just curious if this is finally fatigue or what. His March was so outstanding that I have to wonder if he's just burned out a bit.
     
  11. Rhal

    Rhal Well-Known Member

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    He seems to be getting a lot more defense attention and trying to get bailed out by the refs to much.
     
  12. Shooter

    Shooter Unanimously Great

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    He sure seemed to hit the wall tonight. Looked uninspired and listless most of the game. I guess it had to happen at some point.
     
  13. jlprk

    jlprk The ESPN mod is insane.

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    He seems to hate the city and its fans.
     
  14. BlazerCaravan

    BlazerCaravan Hug a Bigot... to Death

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    And America.
     
  15. THE HCP

    THE HCP NorthEastPortland'sFinest

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    Don't know if this got talked about on here tonight, but Dallas on 25 occasions (we counted in the TV truck) double teamed Dame as he dribbled across half court. Scouts know now that they need to get the rock out of his hands.
     
  16. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    Dallas has played him extremely well all season.... but he's been having trouble shooting the last four games.
     
  17. magnifier661

    magnifier661 B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

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    I don't think so. In recent memory; I don't think I've remembered any rookie averaging the type of minutes dame had this season.

    I gotta keep reminding myself he is still just a rookie. There are vets that have trouble with minutes this large.
     
  18. jlprk

    jlprk The ESPN mod is insane.

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    He's #20 for rookies all-time in mpg. When #15 Sidney Wicks finished his rookie season, a reporter asked him how he felt about his season. "Tired," he said.

    http://bkref.com/tiny/LOGC2
     
  19. THE HCP

    THE HCP NorthEastPortland'sFinest

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    Yes he has. I think teams now know not to go under on the pick n roll. He might be tired as well, but I will give other teams defense credit as well.
     
  20. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    I have a hard time believing that after five months teams have suddenly figured him out, which is why I was wondering if it was fatigue.
     

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