Will Barton, CJ McCollum offer Trail Blazers a contrast in choice for backup shooting guard spot Agree with a comment on the article, would like to see both running together with Blake at point.
I notice that they had Will guarding Schroder in the Atlanta game, even though he was taller than two teammates (Brown and CJ). I'm pretty sure they could put out a bench squad that had Blake, CJ and Will as the three "smalls," as usually the opponent's bench will have some wing player you can hide someone (CJ?) on. So: Will guards the opposition point, Blake/CJ guards the shooting guard and CJ/Blake is on the opposition's SF. Yeah, that's the ticket! It's not like we have any better options at backup SF. (Unless we're playing a team with a freakish 6'10" backup SF, in which case Claver should be the guy.)
I think lack of size/bulk is a little over rated for wing players in the regular season. (Not for the bigs, just the 1, 2 3) Lets take Wes for instance, he will often try to post up smaller players when the match up warrants it. But how often does it work? Maybe 2 times a game? Its not really his strength even though he is getting better at it. But isn't he like the 4th option for Portland? On a given night if the opposing back up SF is good at taking his man down low and using his bulk, then use Wright or Claver instead. But if the opposing player's game is more of an outside shooter, then Will will actually be better than the other two. My point is often teams will abandon their strengths and game plan for match up advantages, and it backfires. Now the playoffs could be a different story as teams have more times to prepare and exploit match ups. But I think there will be plenty of games where Will can get minutes at the three. I think we are more flexible than in the recent past.
Against first teamers, certainly. But most of the time Barton would be matched up against a second or third string SF, and I think Bartons athleticism and tenacity on defense should be enough to play him some at the SF. But matchups will matter. I can also see the two of them, CJ and Barton, sharing both G spots at times, CJ being the 1a and barton 1b as the ball handler/distributor. Another way to use them is to move Wes to SF at times when Batum is resting, and have wither Barton or CJ get increased time at the SG spot. There are options, I think CJ will be getting ~15 minutes per game this season, and Barton about 10.
Will is skinny but long and athletic with quick hands. Defense isn't all about bulk unless you are a post defender. Nic isn't bulky but his quickness and length allow him to guard multiple positions. I see Will as being able to do the same. Wright and Claver are better at guarding bigger small forwards. I think Stotts has a lot of options to create mismatches now defensively. We can use twin towers, small ball, you name it, our bench has more flexibiltiy. Stotts admitted in the exit interviews that as a coach he has to better utilize the bench without sacrificing the ability to win. We're really lucky to have a smart staff and the talent we have going into this season. We tend to bash the bottom of the bench players but realistically they're not going to be on the court sans garbage time anyway
I think Barton is going to be really good and I doubt he will be a backup for much longer after his contract. You give this guy the ball and he can score.
Barton's game kind of reminds me of a poor mans Josh Howard. Now I know Josh was/is bigger at 6'7 210, but he had a knack for scoring in the lane, and was a good rebounder for his size, decent defender. Of course Barton will never be an allstar like Josh, but I think that would be a good goal for him.
Its unlikely we play will, cj and Blake at the same time. This isn't hockey with line changes we always have a mix of starters and backups. Wes can play backup SF just fine when Batum is out of the game.
You say that as if it's a bad thing.Having a few good 6th men on the roster would be amazing! With our starters that would make us a clear contender.
I don't think it's a bad thing. I agree it's a good thing. Some people seem to be excited about Will's potential to be a bona fide starting SG. I'll be shocked if he is, but I'll be thrilled if he's a good 6th man.
