So WTF is going on with Leonard?

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by illmatic99, Dec 22, 2015.

  1. illmatic99

    illmatic99 formerly yuyuza1

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    We all know his deficiencies on D. But even the things he is supposed to do well, he's been shit. Didn't realize how truly awful he's been until I looked at the stats.

    Averaging 4.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg in 23 mpg in his last 5 games. But the worst part: 32% FG, 17% from 3, and only 1-2 FT, and 1 whole block in 5 games total. Dude seems so mentally fragile after losing his starting spot and not getting an extension, it's alarming.

    Someone on radio this morning mentioned that the departure of Kim Hughes might have to do with his regression this season, but if it's truly that, then we might be wasting our time with him.

    Reminds me a bit of Martell with how much he gets into his head.
     
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  2. blue9

    blue9 Well-Known Member

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    He's certainly been the biggest disappointment so far this season. It's a shame, because he has some very specific skills that would be incredibly useful and valuable.
     
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  3. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    The guy is just too goofy. He doesn't have the right disposition to play in the NBA.
     
  4. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    The guy is just too goofy. He doesn't have the right disposition to play in the NBA.
     
  5. illmatic99

    illmatic99 formerly yuyuza1

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    He could shoot and has nice touch. That's it. I think we vastly overestimated his improvement and impact.

    A poor man's Channing Frye is more like it. Jon Leuer and Teletovic seem better.
     
  6. blue9

    blue9 Well-Known Member

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    Not true. He's also a great passer, and has made the best outlet passes I've seen a Blazer make since Sabonis. He's shown decent ability to guard Cs. And he can grab defensive rebounds. He also has a great touch around the basket. If he could stitch all of those things together he'd be one hell of a C. One thing is certain - he's NOT a PF. Stotts is an idiot.
     
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  7. illmatic99

    illmatic99 formerly yuyuza1

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    Perfect opportunity this year. Had essentially 0 competition. I would be okay if he tried to at least play harder and go all out even with the missed shots, but he brings NOTHING else.

    Look at what Dame did when he had his bad shooting games. Usually put up huge assist or rebounding numbers to compensate. None of that from Meyers.
     
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  8. Sinobas

    Sinobas Banned User BANNED

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    No more excuses. He's in his 4th year in the league. Neil dodged yet another bullet when Meyers declined to sign the extension.

    My take on him, is that he's one of those guys that is trying to hard to not make mistakes, he looks like he's over-thinking. He also seems to shy away from contact inside.
     
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  9. illmatic99

    illmatic99 formerly yuyuza1

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    Let's not overstate what he did with Gasol in the playoffs. Guys repeatedly target him this season because they know they can score over him. A 7'1 player who has had a total of 8 blocks in 546 minutes this season. That is pathetic. And how many classic, back to the basket Cs are left in the NBA anyway?

    Stotts excuse seems like a copout for me. He's had plenty of opportunity. He has done nothing to leave Plums/Davis off the floor who are both far superior players.
     
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  10. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    Bring back Kim Hughes!
     
  11. Orion Bailey

    Orion Bailey Forum Troll

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    Plums has been our best big man passer hands down.
     
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  12. blue9

    blue9 Well-Known Member

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    How is it a cop out when he's been played out of position for the entire season? Maybe he'd still suck playing C, but we don't know because he's been played exclusively at PF.

    We have three options for the front court:

    Center/Power Forward
    Plumlee/Vonleh
    Leonard/Davis
    Leonard/Vonleh
    Leonard/Plumlee

    At least Stotts finally got this partially right...but he's playing both Meyers and Ed out of position in the 2nd unit. Given that this season is about development and seeing what works we need to see what a starting unit with Leonard/Davis looks like with Leonard at C and Davis at PF.
     
  13. Sinobas

    Sinobas Banned User BANNED

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    I'm afraid that Meyers is going to suck all year, then get hot over the last 5 games and sucker Neil into giving him a big contract.
     
  14. Orion Bailey

    Orion Bailey Forum Troll

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    I think your right about Meyers... Wrong about NO.
     
  15. Sinobas

    Sinobas Banned User BANNED

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    Why do some of you guys say Meyers is better at center? His interior defense? His ability to score in the paint?
     
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  16. blue9

    blue9 Well-Known Member

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    Apropos of nothing, but agreed.
     
  17. illmatic99

    illmatic99 formerly yuyuza1

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    I'm confused about what you think Leonard will do at C vs at PF when he's playing with the same frontcourt guy next to him in Davis or Plums. Regardless of what position he plays, he will occupy the same spots on the floor. C or PF is just semantics at this point. These positions don't define skills-- the players do that themselves.
     
  18. Sinobas

    Sinobas Banned User BANNED

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    Meyers was absolute garbage at center, and only started earning more playing time when they realized he could do some good things as a spot up shooter. But when he's not making a high percentage of his shots, he's garbage.
     
  19. Orion Bailey

    Orion Bailey Forum Troll

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    Me too. I think Meyers would be way wors at C. He has shown nothing to say he would play better. His game is of a perimeter game on offense. He doesnt dunk, has no leaping ability. He would suck as a constant in the paint. More so than he is on the outside.
     
  20. Sinobas

    Sinobas Banned User BANNED

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    I hope you Meyers and C guys realize that this is not a video game, and what position we label him as has no bearing on what defender they put on him. You put a smaller quick guy on him, and he can smother him on the perimeter, but Meyers can't take anyone down low.
     

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