https://theathletic.com/1090949/201...azers-options-in-determining-their-rotations/ He wrote a whole article but here was the most interesting part: ——— That defensive question will most likely be magnified at power forward, where behind Collins the Blazers will have options in Hezonja, Tolliver and, in rare cases, Hood. Hezonja is strong and played power forward early in his career in Orlando, but he said he felt he was out of position. Hezonja envisions himself first as a point-forward and feels he flourishes in the open court. But indications are the Blazers want him to play chunks of games at power forward. Tolliver is a natural power forward and a smart defender who routinely draws charges, and he is an above-average 3-point shooter. But he is coming off a season when he averaged just more than 16 minutes, and it’s unclear how big his role will be. A wild card will be Labissiere, a talented but raw youngster who has made huge strides since arriving from Sacramento last season in a trade for Caleb Swanigan. In the season finale last year, Labissiere had 29 points and 15 rebounds against the Kings. After his encouraging month of workouts in June, the word is the coaching staff is ready to give him a shot to earn playing time.
The only change I would like to see in that is Dame and CJ's minutes dropping a bit if Ant can handle more minutes. And, I'm with tlong in hoping Skall can steal some minutes at the 4/5.
This is exactly why i wouldn’t mind seeing LMA back in the Crimson & Black — he would be a great tutor and mentor for young Skal as their “games” are purportedly very similar.
I really don't think Stotts will be happy with Zach starting at PF. I can see a wildcard starter (a "placeholder" starter - like the guys who started in front of Lou Williams or Manu Ginobili and, Danny Green aside, never played many minutes) like maybe even Nassir Little, if he practices his three. I think Stotts will miss Aminu terribly, and Little is like a kind of poor man's Aminu. (More likely option: Bazemore.)
It's kind of cute how we keep using phrases like "power forward" when the NBA went away from positions about 5 years ago.
There is one PF listed on that chart and zero small forwards. Is it like college where we are going away from that phrase too?
Didn't you get the memo? Old school positions are out of style in today's "positionless" NBA. I think it's pretty obvious that Olshey and Stotts are planning on Zach and Toliver to pull the majority of minutes at PF, with Skal and Hezonja getting some time there as well. It seems like they've abandoned the traditional SF spot in favor of three guard lineups featuring bigger SGs in the 3 spot. Works fine offensively, but I think it's going to be a challenge defensively against teams with big wings. I am intrigued by the Blazers' move to big C/PFs, which pretty much flies in the face of Warriors-style small ball lineups to close games. It's going to be interesting on those nights to see which team blinks first.
Quick's minutes don't add up. But the biggest revelation in that figure is the positions listed. We have 1 PG, 5 SGs , 0 SF, 1 PF, and 3Cs
I agree that I want to see Skal play at least 10 minutes a game. But I do think that Terry might play Tolliver or Skal vs Tolliver and Skal at the 4 spot. I wonder if one of them might be just there for just depth in case of injury. But like you said if Skal can play center as well there are a few minutes to spare from Whiteside and Collins. As for Dame and CJ I also agree their minutes need to come down. There is another 5-6 minutes that can go to a ball handler. Not sure if that equates to more minutes for Simons, Hood, Mario, or someone not yet on the team.
I wonder how many of those we are looking at in the west now that Durant is gone. (besides LBJ who is basically an extremely skilled PF) Kawhi of course will be a problem It seems to me that perimeter D provided by quicker SFs with good wing spans is more important. Bazemore is deceptively strong with a 7' wing span. (Which is the same as Harkless) Mario at 230 -240 is also an option.
On one hand I wouldn't mind Aldridge if he weren't so expensive to acquire. On the other, I'm not sure I want him anywhere close to Skal. I don't really see Aldridge as a positive mentor. And I definitely don't want Skal's game to be like Aldridge's. Skal is much more versatile and athletic IMO.
I don't have a clue how the minutes will play out. But, I really like so many players battling it out to earn their minutes. May the best men win, and the opponetes lose.
I don't want anything from Aldridge's mind to rub off on our young guys... His body and physical ability are his only redeeming qualities. And they are awesome qualities to have. Unfortunately he can't pass those along to any of our young guys.
