40 games into the season and only 2 games missed to injury of our top 7 players

I think we'd be fine if it is a PG, SG, or SF that gets injured. Minutes would go back to pre CJ rotation. Mo or CJ could start for a few games. But if Aldridge or Lopez goes down we are fucked.

 

If we could trade Meyers and TRob for a backup big man I'd do it

 

You never want to have to rely on ALL of the third team players, but 1-2 of them with the first team would be an entirely different
result then watching them all in together.

 

I'm crediting Stackpole and his staff. The modern, proven techniques and science they bring to the table is clearly working. I truly feel that our old strength and conditioning staff was from the old dark ages, and they were causing more harm than good. I've seen it before in my experience, people 20-30 years behind the times, always saying, "It's worked for me for 20 years, so it must be right." Meanwhile, what they learned 20 years ago was proven a incomplete knowledge at best, or horribly wrong 19 years ago, and they just chose not to get with the times because of ego/laziness. I like seeing the articles on the gadgets they are using now, to ensure symmetrical body engagement. A lot of people don't realize how something as simple as having good balance effects injury prevention. That bit on Lillard talking about the sensors telling him that he was putting more weight on one side of his body than the other while exercising was a great example of something seemingly so simple, having a major impact in the long run.

I hope they can all stay this healthy all season, so far I'm encouraged by the results. The best part is there hasn't been a conditioning letdown so far. I remember specifically last season, but the halfway mark, LA was gassed all the time. It was talked about constantly. Even if he started off strong, by the second half he was noticeably exhausted. Guys like Matthews and Batum had a gradual loss of energy as the season went on, and everyone attributed it to too many minutes wearing the starters out. While we've cut down on minutes per starter this year, it's not a big difference. I credit the conditioning program they have in place now, keeping these guys playing at a high level all of the time.

It's funny now, LA used to sputter in the fourth last season. Now, the fourth is usually when he comes alive.

All in all, I see a lot of factors this year coming into play to keep the Blazers healthy and successful. Refined offense/defense, Lopez, Mo, Stackpole, confidence, etc. So many things have gone just right to make it all happen.

 

I am OK with that. Joel can play PF as can Claver. But the center coming back would have to be pretty damn good.
Leonard and Trob have a lot of value IMO.

 

At the very least..

 

Shame on you.

Did you remember to knock on wood?

 

Biggest moves of the season for the training staff:

Sending CJ the D league to get in game shape.

Putting a splint on Batum's finger.

Having Lopez lay down on the ground when he's done, or close to it, for the game.

Handing out Sponge Bob gummies after a player visits to the training room.


Can't confirm that last one, but I'm almost certain it's true.

 

Lamar Odom would agree with that.

 

The only reason CJ isn't considered "top 7" is that he's been injured. So, IMHO our top 7 has lost lots of games. However, if you want to talk about starters, then yes we've been quite fortunate so far.

 

Thanks, Mook.

http://www.csnnw.com/blazers/after-...d-finger-batum-not-sure-he-can-go-against-okc

 

I saw Nic flexing his hand and yelled "dammit mook!" At the TV. My wife thought I was bring racist

 

[video=youtube;KaSRP373hL8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaSRP373hL8[/video]

 

Don't play Sly with us. You knew exactly what you were doing.