Nurk vs. Hassan

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by Stevenson, Jan 31, 2020.

  1. Stevenson

    Stevenson Old School

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    Help me explain something to my wife: Why is Nurk better than Hassan?

    She watches Hassan play, sees his gaudy stats, and I try to explain that even so, Nurk is a better fit for this team. But I can't exactly explain how.

    Help please.
     
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  2. BoomChakaLaka

    BoomChakaLaka Well-Known Member

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    Whiteside is better than Nurkic. Your wife is right.

    :)
     
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  3. GrandpaBlaze

    GrandpaBlaze Predictions Game Master

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    To me, Nurk fits as key member of the team and the team flow is smoother, better. Hassan puts up great stats but doesn't seem to facilitate to flow of the game for the team as a whole.
     
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  4. Hey

    Hey Active Member

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    Better playmaking, better shooter, better perimeter defender, better at team defense.

    Blocks and rebounds are the ultimate “empty stat.” You can pile those stats up to the detriment of the team if you pursue them out of the flow of the offense/defense.

    That said, Hassan is still very good. If there was a way to keep them both, it’d be awesome. Won’t happen though.
     
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  5. royo

    royo Well-Known Member

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    I don't really get this hate for Hassan's blocks. How are they "empty stats". With Lakers trying go back to the game that block on AD surely pulled some air out of Lakers. Please explain.
     
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  6. royo

    royo Well-Known Member

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    Also, guy just went for 12/13 in a W game and you open another hating thread?
     
  7. Pinwheel1

    Pinwheel1 Well-Known Member

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    I get that there are things that Nurk is better at, and I get that there are things that frustrate fans that Whiteside does.
    But the man has so much length, and enough skill, that allows him to be a huge factor in the game. His stats are not empty, they are very much needed.
     
  8. Stevenson

    Stevenson Old School

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    I love Hassan. I'm not hating on him at all. I'm just trying to explain the prevailing take and am having a hard time doing so.

    It's a compliment.
     
  9. Chris Craig

    Chris Craig (Blazersland) I'm Your Huckleberry Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

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    Hassan is a fantastic player. He can get a double/double any night. He can host block parties. But, Nurk moves with the offense. Hassan stands inside and waits. Nurk never takes a play off. Never gets lazy. Nurk can guard the perimeter, he is a pro at the pick and roll. He is the better passer. He facilitates and he dominates. There is only one beast.
     
  10. James lamphear

    James lamphear Well-Known Member

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    They both got there strength and if both of those 2 guys keep there ego in check it could be big for this team and especially Zach coming soon. To me we have to be close for the 8th spot and believe we can over take Memphis.
     
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  11. HailBlazers

    HailBlazers RipCity

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    Want me to have @THE HCP 's Mrs explain it to your wifey?
     
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  12. Drttimmy

    Drttimmy Well-Known Member

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    I think it's because Nurk's more consistent. Hassan's efforts are just too up and down. But when he's engaged, damn, he's a lot better than I realized. Nurk's touch around the hoop has greatly improved since his first season here, but Hassan and that weird little line drive baby hook shot seems to go in a lot. I think they can play together, since Nurk can play in space. The trick is if Stotts can figure out exactly how to do it. I'm not holding my breath.
     
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  13. kjironman1

    kjironman1 Well-Known Member

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    I'm just not seeing "Empty Stats"
    Whiteside is very good.
    Nurkic is very good
    Not sure Nurk is a better fit? The way Dame and Whiteside are starting to mesh is making me wonder.
    Your wife might be right.
     
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  14. SharpesTriumph

    SharpesTriumph Well-Known Member

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    If healthy I'd prefer Nurk at his peak. He's only played one playoff series. I think you could contend with either one or even both.
     
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  15. AldoTrapani

    AldoTrapani Well-Known Member

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    Unfortunately Nurk is never healthy. He’s already had 2 season ending injuries in his young career. I’m afraid that will be his doom. He’s a great when healthy and playing tho
     
  16. Rhal

    Rhal Well-Known Member

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    Better pick n Roll player. Better passer. Better screen setter. Can score in more ways, is a much better team defender and the team is much better defensively when he is on the court. Much better at boxing out, has a presence at the rim that is more like Goberts where people don't want to drive while Whiteside is more like Camby where its not as big a deterrent since players know they can get whiteside to commit to blocking the shot easier.
    Is also only making 11 million a season for the next 3 where Whiteside is probably going to be making 20+ after next season.

    Edit- almost forgot, much better Nickname.
     
  17. Neil O. Shyster

    Neil O. Shyster Well-Known Member

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    He’s not
     
  18. bobf

    bobf Well-Known Member

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    Many thumbs up! Actually a lot of great responses here. You guys captured what I see in the court and subconsciously think but couldn’t bring to the level of words.

    Love’em and I’d like to keep’em except there’s not enough minutes for two centers of their quality. What to do.
     
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2020
  19. Neil O. Shyster

    Neil O. Shyster Well-Known Member

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    Whiteside leads NBA in blocks, 3rd in rebounds, 6th in fg%, 8th in PER... Nurkic will never have a season like this.
     
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  20. bobf

    bobf Well-Known Member

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    Nurk already was better last year than Hassan this year in PER, BPM, and RPM.
     

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