3 areas for improvement

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by Blazer4ever, Aug 6, 2014.

  1. Blazer4ever

    Blazer4ever Finding a Way BANNED

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2009
    Messages:
    2,920
    Likes Received:
    726
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Occupation:
    Agricolture
    Location:
    Israel
    Defense.
    Our biggest weakness on the defensive side has been Lillard and Aldridge's defense.
    They played 40 minutes each and were simply not good defenders. Now I hear that Lillard's defense looks much better in team USA training camp. I have a feeling Aldridge also understands it's his weakness and works to improve on it.
    If they can play just average defense and with the rest of the team all being good defenders, we could actually be a strong defensive team.

    Bench.
    Robinson and Barton already proved themselves in the playoffs. CJ looks to be much better. Freeland is a very solid big, Claver could be in the rotation if he even just makes free throws.
    Blake is a better fit than Mo, he isn't as talented offensively but should do a better job at running the team and creating touches and opportunities for others. Kaman is solid, smart, a good inside scorer and a good defender. I even think Meyers finally looked much better in SL.
    That's 8 players. I think at least 6 are worthy of actual playing time.

    Minute Distribution.
    We are very deep, much moreso than we were at any point last season.
    For me, that's an opportunity to adopt Poppovich's system of playing a very deep rotation, based on ideal match-ups on any given night.
    I would play the starters less minutes, any starter could play 40+ when needed but could also play much less. Not just in blow-outs. We have a very strong bench and there shouldn't be much of a drop-off.
    When you have 11 players you can use, where each one gives you different options and you are able to take advantage of that, you have a much better team.
     
  2. BLAZER PROPHET

    BLAZER PROPHET Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2008
    Messages:
    18,725
    Likes Received:
    191
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Occupation:
    dental malpractice claims adjuster
    Location:
    Portland area
    Defense is about coaching and attitude. There is really no excuse for not playing better D on this team.

    As to our bench, I think it's decent. The key is going to be minutes and rotation. We have a glut at SG & Center and coach will have to handle that situation manly or it will be a mess.
     
  3. riverman

    riverman Writing Team

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2013
    Messages:
    66,303
    Likes Received:
    64,441
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Passing, protecting the ball, finishing at the rim and building first half leads. Those are my 4
     
    BigGameDamian likes this.
  4. HailBlazers

    HailBlazers RipCity

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2008
    Messages:
    18,843
    Likes Received:
    15,508
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    PDX
    Yup, and I agree with the OP about Aldridge. He seems to only go hard when he's defending one on one, his help D has been atrocious at times. If the Blazers want to take it up a notch defensively LA is going to have to have a renewed commitment on D.
     
  5. riverman

    riverman Writing Team

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2013
    Messages:
    66,303
    Likes Received:
    64,441
    Trophy Points:
    113
    I think the defensive efforts across the board will improve with fewer minutes on the court. Using the bench more effectively will allow LA to be more rested which translates to better energy on defense
     
  6. PtldPlatypus

    PtldPlatypus Let's go Baby Blazers! Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2008
    Messages:
    31,952
    Likes Received:
    40,229
    Trophy Points:
    113
    I'm going to keep banging this drum...

    Wright was in the top 40 SF's in the league for PER, which suggests that even in a down year, he was actually a pretty decent backup 3. 82games shows several indications to the same (stats by position, net ppp, on/off court eFG). His biggest drawback last year was his FG%, which was his worst since his rookie year. At the age of 28, I doubt he's already on the decline; I think it's more likely that last year was an outlier.

    Not only will our bench be improved by Blake and Kaman, but by Wright returning to form. Bank on it.
     
  7. Blazer4ever

    Blazer4ever Finding a Way BANNED

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2009
    Messages:
    2,920
    Likes Received:
    726
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Occupation:
    Agricolture
    Location:
    Israel
    Wright is what he is, a solid all-around player but one who doesn't do anything exceptionally well. I think ideally he would get bumped way down in the rotation.
     
  8. BBert

    BBert Weasels Ripped My Flesh

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2008
    Messages:
    26,296
    Likes Received:
    19,787
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Occupation:
    Selfless Public Servant
    Location:
    South Blazerlandia
    In Aldridge's defense, we really don't want him in foul trouble, especially picking up silly fouls trying to help defend when our guards get burned.

    Our worst defense by far was our bench defense. Mo is gone. Blake and Kaman will improve our bench defense all by themselves. CJ, Will and especially TRob all should be better in that regard than last year.
     
  9. PtldPlatypus

    PtldPlatypus Let's go Baby Blazers! Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2008
    Messages:
    31,952
    Likes Received:
    40,229
    Trophy Points:
    113
    You say that as though it's a bad thing. IMO, that is the definition of a solid reserve, and exactly who you want coming off the bench for a team hoping to contend.

    My point stands. Wright returning to his career averages will improve our bench performance significantly, and Blake's presence will make that more likely to occur.
     
    HailBlazers likes this.
  10. HailBlazers

    HailBlazers RipCity

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2008
    Messages:
    18,843
    Likes Received:
    15,508
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    PDX
    That's a good point, but man would it kill him to attempt to alter some shots around the rim? It's so frustrating when he doesn't even jump with his hands up.
     
  11. noknobs

    noknobs Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2008
    Messages:
    4,817
    Likes Received:
    6,101
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Lillard said his defense looks better in camp because he knows he's only going to be playing limited minutes so he can put out more effort. During the season, when our starters play 40 minutes a night, they have to pace themselves over the course of the season. Stotts needs to trust the bench more this year and the bench needs to come through, otherwise I doubt our defense will improve that much.
     
  12. BBert

    BBert Weasels Ripped My Flesh

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2008
    Messages:
    26,296
    Likes Received:
    19,787
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Occupation:
    Selfless Public Servant
    Location:
    South Blazerlandia
    Agreed.
     
  13. BBert

    BBert Weasels Ripped My Flesh

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2008
    Messages:
    26,296
    Likes Received:
    19,787
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Occupation:
    Selfless Public Servant
    Location:
    South Blazerlandia
    Agreed.

    Better Bench = Better Blazers

    :cheers:
     
  14. dviss1

    dviss1 Emcee Referee

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2011
    Messages:
    29,346
    Likes Received:
    27,156
    Trophy Points:
    113
    I'm sorry but LA picks up those DUMB ASS fouls when he swipes down instead of attempting to block the shot. These swipes are at least 2 of his fouls per game. I hate when he does this. He has a 7'4" Wingspan and only gets about a block a game. He should be getting way more blocks. And just because he's our star doesn't mean he gets a pass for having horrible help defense. It can be played in a manner where you don't get as many fouls. He just sucks at it.
     
  15. BBert

    BBert Weasels Ripped My Flesh

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2008
    Messages:
    26,296
    Likes Received:
    19,787
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Occupation:
    Selfless Public Servant
    Location:
    South Blazerlandia
    Agree I don't like the swiping move either. I'd also like to see him improve his defense. Until we have a good backup and aren't so dependent on keeping LaMarcus in the game, he has a ready built excuse to be lazy on defense. If he and Dame could both pick up their defense and intensity, a luxury of being able to sit more in games, I think the Blazers could kick it up a notch this season. Hopefully our bench can take LaMarcus' crutch away and coaches can get him to put out a little more effort.
     
  16. dviss1

    dviss1 Emcee Referee

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2011
    Messages:
    29,346
    Likes Received:
    27,156
    Trophy Points:
    113
    With Blake being able to play for a decent amount of time I think Dame will be hover around 34 Mins a game. This should help him on D. Hopefully Truck can give us good minutes behind LA to help remove that crutch. I personally think LA is what he is on D. :sigh:
     
  17. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2008
    Messages:
    90,156
    Likes Received:
    52,173
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Defense.

    If this team improves defensively, they have a legit shot at making it to the WCF.

    The bench is going to improve as the young guys improve, but the team defense is the absolutely most important thing right now because shitty defensive teams don't win championships. Period.
     
  18. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2008
    Messages:
    116,223
    Likes Received:
    114,263
    Trophy Points:
    115
    More cow bell!
     
  19. Strenuus

    Strenuus Global Moderator Staff Member Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2013
    Messages:
    48,608
    Likes Received:
    33,632
    Trophy Points:
    113
    [​IMG]
     
    SlyPokerDog likes this.
  20. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2008
    Messages:
    116,223
    Likes Received:
    114,263
    Trophy Points:
    115
    Rep'd
     
    Strenuus likes this.

Share This Page