Than putting him in for two minutes and then replacing him with some one who sucks? Claver killed the momentum of that run, and I don't know why stotts took Trob out. Granted I'm a Trob homer but still....maybe stotts knew we were fucked and wanted to see of claver is worth having around? I think that question was answered at least. Also those who rag on mo all the time. Insert earl watson not trying to rebound.gif here.
I've been pulling for more playing time for Claver during the regular season, but that did suck. I don't know what more the Spurs could ask for in a Portland backup. He seems to have a lot of tools, but doesn't really produce much in games. Watch the Spurs sign him next year and he'll suddenly become an awesome bench player.
It doesn't help that Stotts has shown no ability in how to use or develop a bench. Not saying the Blazer bench is 'all that' but their not this bad. The Witch know as Pop would get much better out of this group guaranteed. Every year he has a new scrub that he gets contributions from. It doesn't matter who that scrub is, where he is from or what he has done before....he gets production from him. Stotts just isn't that kind of coach.
What impresses me about Pop is his ability to develop bench players. Just look at Patty. Good god. He's huge compared to what he was, and his defense has come a long way. I would love to have Patty back on our team.
I never wanted him to leave. Pops and I know a good heart when we see one. If only I had his basketball knowledge id be the next pop.
Claver had a bad case of nerves after being out of the rotation most of the season. He's a smart defender but hesistates with his release when he shoots, that's nerves. I like Victor but he was thrown in the fire and fizzled last night. Didn't help his cause but neither did Will or TRob or Dorell. Our bench did not look like much and hasn't all series. Nico was amazing. He just couldn't do it alone.
The main gripe I have about Stotts is he relies far too heavily on his starters... 2 seasons look at the minutes our starting unit as a whole plays compared to rest of the league. The problem then is our bench guys aren't comfortable enough playing and our starters are over worked. Robinson got reliable minutes after the all star break and he showed what I thought to be good solid progress in terms of awareness. I think Barton would do the same if given a regular rotation role. I think our bench has plenty of talent, but that talent needs some seasoning on the floor.
Stotts scrapped the "defensive coordinator" position this season and I think he might want to revisit that decision post season
Yeah. If I was a foot taller and 100lbs thinner I could have been the next przybilla. I use to make layups with a guard on my back choking me and 2 guys swatting my arms on the playground. Thats why I hate ticky tack fouls. If it aint a flagrant 2 it aint man ball.
It seems to me that there are three categories that NBA coaches deal in. The offensive and defensive schemes/philosophy, in game and out of game adjustments and playing time, and player development. Supposedly McCale is a great player development coach but is obviously very weak in the other two categories. Stotts seems to be a great offensive schemes guy and a good adjustments guy as well but he has a lot to prove in the last category. Pop seems to own all three categories.
Why don't the Blazers just totally copy everything about the Spurs offense and defensive system, throw a bunch of money at their scouts and front office people. If I compare their starting 5 man to man with ours, I don't see why they should be so great and defense and we suck.
