Meyers Leonard can advance the Blazers in the remaining games of the regular schedule and playoffs. With Jusuf Nurkic, there has been a lot of progress, and in my view, Meyers can make a major contribution. Meyers needs to have a positive thought nickname, and I propose MyLe (say MyLee) to signify that he can help us advance by miles (into rounds of the playoffs). MyLe has studied and can run the pick and roll offense that Jusuf has demonstrated can lead to 30 or more points of offense from the Center. Here is what I see MyLe doing to score 15-30 points per 36 min. From the screen pick and roll to run through the paint, the Center can get a return pass that leads to a dunk, layup, reverse, or hook shoot in the paint, scoring 8-12 points per game. When not open for a pass, getting to the basket allows for offensive rebound putbacks in addition. From the drives through the paint, he will earn another 3-6 points in free throws. From the spaced offense with ball movement, MyLe can contribute 9-12 points per game from 3 point shots, and should avoid taking the midrange shots that account for a large fraction of his misses. Points scored to expect are thus 20-30 per game. On defense, MyLe needs to have hands high enough to cause the shooter to change the trajectory of his shot; when he does this, he causes a lot of missed shots and gets blocks. Until Jusuf can return, MyLe can advance the Blazers miles into the playoffs. Let's be optimistic!
Without Nurkic, (and this goes without saying) there will be one thing that we are sorely lacking......rim protection. I have always tried to be optimistic with Meyers but the way he conducts himself on the court just saddens me. He looks awkward as hell in the paint on defense (always has). I know when we were kids the saying was to force baseline but he doesn't force baseline, he gives up the baseline every G** D*** time! I've gotten to the point now where I expect him to foul every one he guards in the paint instead of attempting a block. And that's just his defense. After five years, in the league (and with the same team) he still looks lost in our offensive scheme. I'm not sure if it's a confidence thing or what be he definitely lacks that "chip on your shoulder" attitude that you need in this league. I don't know, I just don't see Meyers ever being a realistic option for us as far as getting us anywhere positive. If we could sell him for cheap this offseason I would be ecstatic.
This is his chance to salvage his career in Portland imo. I'm more interested in Vonleh but Meyers will get his minutes as well. What's funny is I was looking at his stats and saw that he was shooting well over 40% from downtown this month. If he can just set screens and knock that shot down, I think our offense will keep rolling. Defensively I've given up on him. Just pray for Vonleh.
Okay, so you really think that "Myle's" (which sounds like your making him into Miley Cyrus by the way) contribution of 10-12 points a game is going to make a difference for us? That's basically what you're saying. I think he's a liability on the court not only because of his defense but his spacing as well. The dude's got a natural gift that he is using to stand in a f****** corner all game instead of helping his team out and trying to get a rebound like a real contributor does. I'm not trying to be a troll or a pessimist like I am sounding like. I used to love Meyers. I used to love the thought of having someone on the team that could spread the floor, but the return we are getting for our investment in having a 3 and sleep guy on the team is not good enough at this point to justify saying he would contribute in a positive way at all.
Only swish3 can bring the mojo to Meyers! Good to see you show up and right on time.....Meyers actually played better defense against the Rockets...this will be his make it or break it playoff season. I hope he helps us win a few before Nurk comes back...raising his trade value
I really hope he has a Memphis type first round....if anyone needs to build some trade value it's Meyers.
Hi Typhoid Jerry. No. I would not limit him to 12 points per game. When his per 36 are counted and in his best games (both offense and defense), MyLe adds a lot to the Blazer cause. While you can always criticize the play of any chosen Blazer, these negatives are depressing, not helpful. Just consider what results from running those Nurkic plays down the paint and what MyLe has done in his best games. Let's give credit and encourage actions and efforts to make the best of our Blazers. Do you have a positive nick name for Meyers? Let's stop with Butters and Biebs.
Hopefully 48 minutes. Personally I would rotate Vonleh and Aminu (yup) at center. Aminu/Harkless/Turner rotate at the 4. Crabbe gets a bump in minutes as well and approaches dame and CJ territory.
I agree, and look for contributions on both ends of the court. What MyLe needs is some encouragement to play loose and enjoy the competition. The destructive comments of some on this forum decrease the Blazers chance for success. Let's have more optimism!
Good point. It's probably this season honestly. Was just starting to get the faith back until the news about Nurk yesterday. How about:
