Listening to the Locked On Blazers podcast, it sounds like Skal really doesn't know the playbook very well from the PF position, and so starting him was...a non-starter.
I don't see how thats the case for a few reasons. The PF has far less responsibility in our offense than the C, and he's been here since the deadline last year... A lot of our sets are flippable making the PF/C distinction irrelevant. Also, that doesnt explain why Tolliver has played some C minutes over Skal.
Skal has potential, but he is lost out there at times and his defense and setting screens still needs lots of work as well to really be effective. I trust Stotts and his staff a lot more than posters who live on a forum.
Per/36 through 4 games 22.6 PPG 15.4 RPG 2.1 BPG 23 years old, but not that inexperienced that he should be eased into playing time. There’s no reason why Tolliver should be getting twice the minutes, I don’t care about any defensive lapses. Only way he’s gonna grow is by playing, and tbh he’s a more polished offensive player than Collins imo.
Skal is such a slow reactor on both ends. Can finish plays and has nice shooting touch, but on the whole his production outweighs his actual impact. Once Tolliver finds his shooting touch and Zach and Pau are back, there will be no reason to play him.
I like Skal but in perspective, Dame said Biggie looked NBA ready and had a great rookie training camp....and said that about TRob as well....same with Ed Davis...all 3 are no longer Blazers. Skal is going to have to learn the PF position to keep in the rotation when Nurk, Zach and Pau get back ...he's going to have the role Zach had last season
Me? That's rich! I didn't start this thread or a podcast about Skal...you've started a few Skal threads haven't you? I like Skal and give him props ….and I offered my opinion on his rotation situation...if you're looking for someone to agree with you that he's our starting PF....I'm sure someone will but from what I've read, you've posted more about the guy than any forum member....If I were that occupied with it, I'd be starting these threads and podcasts and arguing in every game thread about it...I'm not. I think you have an issue with me supporting Tolliver as a guy who can contribute....and that because I can cheer for Tolliver I must hate Skal….couldn't be futher from the truth but it's my opinion...
He has shown promise but is soft IMHO. Mason Plumlee destroyed him on fakes on two low post possessions (and Mason ain't exactly known for his footwork). This team has too many nice guys. Two players with 'tude, Nurk and Zach, are hurt. The Blazers aren't tough enough. Whitesides needs to bring it more and get vicious.
I literally haven’t started one podcast or thread about Skal. But I’m invested in him because I like him. Where did I deny that? You keep posting about he’s not this and he’s not that like you have some investment in him as well. Actually it’s not just Skal. Anytime anyone goes against management or coaching you’re right there to cape. It’s annoying to read, especially since it’s filled with non factual bullshit so often.
He's slow on every defensive possession and is generally slow to react to play calls. He hasn't earned the coach's trust. Someone is always yelling at Skal what to do when he's in the game. His production is actually quite nice, boxscore wise, but coaches tend to favor veterans and predictability, and Skal is not that. I think he should get more minutes, but he also needs to learn faster.
I don't remember Biggie, TRob or Ed Davis having the 3rd best PER on the team after 3 games. I do remember Biebs having a large PER, but no one has ever said he had the best training camp on the team. Skal is not a rookie.
Yes, I too wonder why he's sharing his opinion on the Portland Trailblazers on a Portland Trailblazers discussion board.
The funny thing is I don’t think anyone is actually pro Skal because of something Lillard said. Don’t need to rely on words when there’s a sample of play. Also, Ed Davis in the same sentence as Biggie....huh?
Skal is "slow to react" and confused out there which makes the team play much worse when he is in the game. This is in stark contrast to z3, who is a long time vet, whose savvy makes the team play much better when he's in the game. Clearly, Skal's +/- is way worse than z3's. Oh, wait.
