When he was finally given the nod the last two games, he played great. His confidence is at an all-time high (per his exit interview). The starting center position is wide open with Nurk recovering, and Kanter unlikely to be retained. And he's going into a contract year. So while he's been many people's favorite punching bag over the past 5 years, next season is set up perfectly for Meyers to finally have his breakout season. Does anyone believe in Meyers 8.0? Does he show himself to be a starting-caliber center? If so, does he stick around after Nurk's return? Do the Blazers keep him past the trade deadline? Does his presumed role get usurped once again, this time by Zach Collins? Get your way-too-early prediction in now: what do you expect to see from the wildcard that is Meyers Leonard next year?
His performance is a product of how GS defended the rest of the guys. We had this same discussion after the Memphis series. This is who he is.
I made this same kind of thread 4 yrs ago. http://www.sportstwo.com/threads/what-is-meyers-leonard-capable-of.287116/
That was right after Kim Hughes was fired though, right? I hope my thread doesn't portend a similar blow to Meyers' historically fragile psyche.
So this time he will (presumably) have a much greater degree of continuity from one season to the next, as contrasted with the major overhaul the franchise saw in the summer of 2015. Might make all the difference in the world for the guy.
I swear... People only look at one side of the ball. Meyers Leonard was HORRENDOUS on Defense in both playoff games...
He had a critical stop on Curry in crunch time. Even though he fouled the shit out of him. It was hilarious watching the replay cause JVG was trying so hard not to blast the ref for not calling the obvious hack on the arm.
Against OKC, he played excellent defense on Adams, and played very well when switched out onto the perimeter as well. Nobody on the Blazers played particularly good defense against the Warriors, so it seems silly to hold that against him. Still, I made no proclamations--simply asked about people's expectations. I don't think anyone expects him to be even an average defender as a starter next season.
Yes, Meyers is the best for starting Center until Nurk returns, as WCF Game 4, SAC, and UTA wins of the games where he started have proved. No one else holds the NBA Playoff record for 10+ swish3s scored, and no one else was better than 5 of 6 swish3s and 10 of 12 FGA in the 1st half than Meyers. If only the Blazer coaches had continued to rely on Meyers instead of Rodney and CJ and Evan to make 2nd half shots, we might have won. Not playing Meyers more and not running game plans to emphasize Meyers on the arc for catch and shoot scoring was the mistake that should be corrected for the next season. Blazer coaches must learn to recognize and feed the hot hand. To fail to call on league leading shooting talent will translate into losing, especially in tough intense Playoff games. Let's rely on Meyers and win!
Meyers is a negative on D. He's a step slow mentally almost every time. He doesn't even put his hand completely vertical. bending his elbow on shots he could be blocking. He's SLOW. I hope he played himself into a trade.
Well, to be fair, that's the way everyone defends us in the playoffs. Meyers got some consistent run in both series and beasted. That's more than can be said of anyone on the roster other than CJ.
That's what we're calling that?? Calling it assault would be a better description. I honestly believe the refs held their whistles on that on purpose.
What would help is for Meyers to feel fan appreciation, like what I see here for Zach. Meyers played defense, bothered shots from Steph, Klay, Dray, and Looney, rebounded, had a steal and a block, and set solid screens, in addition to leading Blazer scoring. For the Blazers to get the NBA Championship next year, what I imagine is to put the reflex and now baseless degrading comments in the past, and provide recognition of Meyers accomplishments. Getting respect from fans does help every Blazer play at his best, as basketball is a game of confidence. Let't do it!
