Not since the Chicago Bulls have I seen as many athletic, long players that could switch to almost any defender. Jordan, Pippen, Harper and Rodman could switch almost any pick-n-roll and somewhat negate the advantage that play creates. To put this young Blazers roster anywhere in the same paragraph as those guys is sacrilege but you can see a bit of comparison....especially when they run with that long, second unit. Plumlee/Davis - either is long, athletic, can move their feet, block shots and switch onto almost anyone in the front court and even hedge pretty hard on a guard running the pick-n-roll because of their mobility. Aminu - Doesn't matter who it is, Spider-Man has it on Lock Down. Next! Harkless - Aminu 'Light'. Moe'Jo can bring it against almost anyone but a bulky '4' or '5' and may be the most athletic of the group. Crabbe - Harkless 'Light'. Fairly long and athletic and can switch to anyone from '1' to a stretch '4'. While they may be out of position at time just due to inexperience, their natural length and athletic ability along with young legs covers a multitude of defensive sins. I can't remember the last time we say this many deflections, broken up passes or outright steals. It's still very early but that is a trend we likely see more of.
I had hopes that Harkless would play like he did his rookie year - and he has. He really has the makings of a great 6th man.
Yes, that has been widely reported and used by many. However, Chief has little to do with the type of defense I'm referring to in this thread so was being descriptive.
One of the announcers mentioned it yesterday, but it's pretty damn amazing when your small forward can come over and provide help defense like a center. It's really, fucking, great.
One line up that did not work though was Dame, Harkless, and Aminu in with 2 bigs. We discussed trying this a couple of weeks ago and it did not work on offense or defense. Lot of ability to switch so it was worth a try Should Terry give it another shot? I would say no.
I'd rather see more linups with Dame/CJ at 1 and Davis/Plumlee 5 with Crabbe-Harkless-Aminu at the 2-4 spots.
The Crabbe came out of his shell last night. Good to see and much needed. When he has confidence in his shot he gives us that one extra outside shooter we desperately need. He does not have to be wide open to score and can make tough shots. He needs his chance as well.
Last night Crabbe reminded me of Outlaw, if Outlaw was actually a good player with a brain in his head. Nice to see Crabbe hitting those screen/jumpers and open 3s.
