I agree, the bench is the big story so far, albeit early, this season. It’s surprising because of the collection of basically unhearalded and/or unproven players. So it seems to be a case where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Is their chemistry THAT great? Are they just executing THAT well? Is it a fluke? Whatever it is, it’s fun to watch the ball movement and selfless play. It appears they’ve really bought into whatever Terry orchestrated and what Olshey built so enjoy it. I’m sometimes as critical of those two as many posters on here, but this has been a thing of beauty- they got it right.
If Zach moves to the starting lineup as PF, that moves Aminu to the bench along with ET, Stauskas, Curry & Meyers(?). Still a pretty darned good bench.
I think that this is a combination of roles and fit. Turner is finally used correctly, as a point forward surrounded by shooters, two shooters that can handle the rock a bit (SAUCE and Curry) with 3 good defensive guys to mask their defensive inefficiencies, and finally, the defense is really anchored by a starter caliber player (Zach) who could end up as Portland's 2nd best player by the end of the year.
Huh? Labinot (last night): Hoopsjock: Labinot: Free agency and signing players contracts include SIGNING PLAYERS. You can't argue that he is saying the worst GM at doing those things is effective at recycle-bin acquisitions. It's contradictory and he is continually making statements that he then has a problem with being accountable for.
When did I say that he didn't fuck up in 2016? In fact I'm on record as saying that I'd trade Turner and Leonard for anyone in the league that has an expiring contract, even with how Turner has been playing. I even bashed Olshey several times this summer. To say he is the worst in the league at something and then dismiss that two good moves HE made this summer weren't because of him is just a pathetic attempt to not give him credit because then you'd have to admit that he isn't as bad as you say he is.
You would probably gain a few respect points if you would just give credit where credit is due rather than always looking for a way to put Olshey down. Fact is, he signed both Stauskas and Curry and should be given the credit.
I read between the lines. I also give the benefit of the doubt, and don't worry so much about holding people accountable for fallible opinions. To each their own, I guess.
Lol i've said Curry and Stauskas were good signings, but that doesn't change my oppionion about him, and both Players said they came to Portland because of Stotts' Offense. But the fact is he has never been able to get a star player or at least a very good Player in free agency, even when we had a ton of Cap Space. And you can not say those Players don't want to come to Portland, PG chose Oklahoma instead of Los Angeles for example, a good GM can do it, Neil can not
And which GM has been successful in acquiring big name free agents to Portland? Is it really a GM issue?
Disagree. Now that ET is surrounded by more capable players, he is doing well. Overpaid somewhat but a very productive player. Leonard, on the other hand was a definite mistake but all GMs have those on occasion.
Of course it is, Sam Presti for example was able to Keep PG when everybody thought he would Go to LA. That's what a very good GM is
I'm pretty sure PG stayed because of the players, not because Presti had anything to do with it. lol.
uh, I was referring to Portland's history and it's much easier to retain a free agent than sign a free agent. Let's see, Presti rebuilt the Indiana Pacers as well as Chicago in the last 2 years and has one win to show for it this year.
I'm not sure about that, PG said many Times that he spoke openly with Presti. Presti gambled in the culture he created, and he won with Paul George, i wish we had a GM like him, and not the used car salesman who get's mediocre Players in free agency at best
So then Neil has no faith that Dame can get Jimmy to resign here... pretty sure Dame is a better teammate than anyone on OKC
We're not getting a better GM. May as well accept it. Save yourself a lot of heartache. Look - Portland is not a free agent destination, our best chance is to build through the draft and swing for the fences via Trade when we're on the cusp (a la Afflalo before Wes went down). The smart bet is to continue to develop internally this season and look for a big trade right before Dame's contract is up.
Yeah, the same Sam Presti that lost Keven Durant for NOTHING and traded James Harden for a bag of chips. He had the makings of a young dynasty and let it slip between his fingers. His team is 1-4, finished behind us in the standings last year and currently has the highest payroll in the league. That's right OKC has a higher payroll than GSW. It would be worth it if they were seriously challenging GSW, or even HOU, but they aren't. Not even close. BNM
