If it's even a close call you have to go with Harkless because he's so much younger and bigger. Besides, there are two starters who duplicate his specialty (passing: Dame and Plums). There are two starters who duplicate Crabbe's specialty (shooting: Dame and CJ). There's only one starter who duplicates Mo's specialty (rangy defense, slashing: Aminu). The starting SF position is a gap-filler role on this team. Mo fills the most gaps.
I still think Harkless is Portland's most naturally talented player. If he can shoot at a more consistent percentage, as well as developing the rest of his offensive game, there's no reason why he couldn't be among the leagues elite at his position.
I love Harkless, but he's an effort player. I would argue that the reason he's so good is that, like Ed Davis, he doesn't try to do what he can't. He focuses on what he can.
one interesting point if we ever decide to do a consolidation trade is whether we might consider moving Aminu and moving MO to the PF spot, they are about identical in height/weight assuming listed numbers are reasonably accurate. We have a LOT of pieces, could be a very interesting trade deadline depending upon how our team is doing and if another team may have a serious need or might blow it up (Clips for example)
I agree Moe is strong enough to play some PF, but keep in mind Aminu's standing reach is 6" longer than Harkless'. 8'6.5" vs 9' 0.5"
We need an offensive punch off the bench. I like AC and ET working together. I think their game strengths work with each other.
And I think this is the biggest reason we had such a great season last year. Guys playing to their strengths and accepting their roles. Props to Coach Stotts for that
I think Mo has earned the shot, but who knows.... I'm actually really interested to see what a full 2nd unit of Napier Crabbe Turner Davis Ezeli could do, i think C&T working in the same unit would be an tough matchup for most teams, and I think Davis would shine (as per) Maybe even Vonleh or Davis at the stretch C/PF combo if they are going for a speedy mix? tbh just cant wait for the season to kick off...... strugglin over here...
I bet Clippers fans wish their team had this problem. Last year their starting SF averaged 3.1 ppg (lowest in the league for any player who started at least 50 games) with a PER of 7.3 (second lowest among players who started at least 50 games). 34-year old Alan Anderson, and his 5.0 ppg and PER = 9.2 in 13 games, was signed as a possible starter. Wesley Johnson is their best (but still not very good) option here, but that leaves their already anemic bench even worse. Paul Pierce should have just retired. He's taking advantage of his relationship with Doc to milk his career for another year. With Aminu, Turner, Crabbe and Harkless, we have four guys who are all younger and better than the four options the Clippers have. In other words, our worst SF is better and younger than their best SF. BNM
I'm not ready to say start Vonleh at PF, but if he keeps showing us his improved confidence, I'm not far from it. I seriously believe it's really just his head that wasn't ready. If he gets comfortable look out. He's a REALLY good rebounder and his shot/confidence is improving. There's nothing wrong with giving our shooters more opportunities to score. Back to the topic. If Vonleh took back the PF spot, does Aminu take the SF spot back creating a bigger problem with too many people at SF?
If Vonleh can play (read: score) well enough to take back the PF spot, I keep Aminu as backup SF/PF, and seek to consolidate the C spot.
I don't think Vonleh will take the PF spot this year. He's looked good against smaller defenders in the post with no help defense coming, and basically no tape of him in the post. Vonleh is still a year or two away imo. If he earns minutes it should be against non-starters so he can use his motor and effort to effect the game for the second unit.
Aminu isn't better at SF than Harkless, so no. Aminu's ideal role is off-the-bench. Hopefully Vonleh (or a trade) can put him where he should be.
Aminu is way better than he's looked in preseason....like a lot of guys..we'll see different energy after training camp is over...Vonleh to me, is in the hunt for rotation minutes. Lot of competition in this camp
Joe Freeman agrees with most of us (seems like Lillard also agrees) that Harkless should be the one. I saw something in the story that surprised me; Crabbe is shooting 48% in the exhibition season and 65% from three. I know he works hard to get open so it seems somebody is not trying hard enough to find him; which also seemed to be true sometimes last season. http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...rkless_earned_trail_blazers_starting_sma.html
