I think Mags point is likely correct. If the Blazers could average 53+ rebounds, then they likely would be top 4 in the conference. I just don't think they will be able to average that over a full season. But, if LMA and Batum rebound significantly more, then maybe. Does anyone in here really doubt that if LMA had a career year (possible), and Dame was an all-star (possible) and Batum likewise had an injury free year that we could not be top 4? I don't doubt it, but it seems unlikely all of that will happen.
If the Lillard, Aldridge and Batum tandem could average 55 points per game with a minute average of 36 or less; then it could easily happen. We need to get their minutes down; which means other players can get more points.
One thing I feel about this year's Blazers team is that we won't be losing many games to lesser teams than us. I think we have too many vets and hungry dudes to lose focus like that (hopefully Batum, in all his laissez-faire French glory, will be focused 100% of the time this year). I think our real tests will be against the contenders.
Exactly. We have competitors on this team who are obviously into challenges, and lose focus when things get mundane. But our rooks are older, LMA is less patient, and we have vets who will hopefully keep the kids focused.
We have a big team. I've always wanted a lot of size on our teams and this year we have it. We aren't quite like we were with Sabas, Sheed, and Grant, but we've got very good size.
Yeah I'm there with ya. We aren't Sabas, Sheed and Grant Size; but I see us equalling the 2008-09 Blazers size.
He mentioned watching tape... I wonder if it's just tapes of his play, or if he has been watching tapes of other people.
Another angle on this was the differential between our rebounding and the teams we played. We've averaged a +10 differential. That means we have the opportunity to shoot 10 more shots a game. Even if the other team shoots a higher %, we can still beat them effectively. That's even if they were 5% better.
I think we got the size, Lopez, LMA, Robinson (Lil smaller than Grant), and Leonard. All we need is the skill to go along with it, the fundamentals. And ofcourse the tenacity.
This is the true measure, IMO. I really would love this team competing for a top 5 rebounding team. I think we have it in us. Aren't we moving up as well?
We are one of only 4 teams to out rebound their opponents 10 times. The others are Chicago (6-5), Houston (10-1) and New Orleans (6-4). BNM
I've been very impressed with the rebounding. That was my biggest concern of a LMA/Lopez frontcourt. Stotts seems to be doing a great job of having schemes that maximize our players strength and mask their weaknesses.
I've really noticed how Lopez will box out, so our team can rebound more efficiently. It's a thing of beauty
