Game Thread GAME# 31: BLAZERS @ NUGGETS - FEBRUARY 23, 2021 - TUESDAY, 7:00, TNT

On defense, yes. I have a theory that Stotts approached defense and offense differently. On offense he kind of gave them a framework and permission to make their own decisions, to read and react. On defense he gave them a very rigid, simple system. So they never had to think on defense. If you don't think, it's hard to make decisions quickly when you need to. So, now they struggle whenever he tries to introduce something new on defense?

 

Could very well be true. I was talking about the IQ of the players, not the coach.

I agree our defense is not great, hasn't been great, is unlikely to be great. The why is up for debate. Is coaching scheme a factor? Probably. Is negative point-of-attack PG & SG defenders a factor? Probably. Is having Kanter as our main center a factor (right now)? Probably. Is only having one healthy guy above 6'7" a factor? Probably.

The constants over the last 6 years is Dame, CJ, and Stotts.

 

It’s on the same foot, but in a totally different location. The one in college was a Jones fracture, which is on the outside of the foot. This one is on the top of the foot close to the ankle. From what I read and saw on videos at the time of the injury, where Jones fractures can be very slow to heal, this one is in an area that usually heals quickly. I think he’s likely back after the AllStar break, but only time will tell for sure.

 

I wouldn't want to be that Jones guy

 

As far as IQ of players: I'm saying I don't know on defense because they haven't been given enough of a chance (until lately) to demonstrate it. On offense, in some ways it's the same. Lillard does all the thinking.

 

Agreed. Both Dame and CJ have bones to pick with him. (See what I did there? I crack myself up. Others, not so much).

 

Jones' Bones were fragile.

 

I think that guy that can create his own shot is extremely redundant on that end of the floor and far worse on D than what we have... and I don't care what the stats say, Gary might not be a lock down guy but he's a better defensive option than CJ. The Pick n Roll center, I'm cooler with. I'm just afraid that if Olshey isn't fired right at the end of this season he'll extend and overpay that center who is not athletic enough to be highly paid in today's NBA.

I will be rooting for a big trade, even though it's extremely unlikely, until the trade deadline and then I'll be rooting for CJ and Nurk to do the best they possibly can when they're almost certainly still on the team. Hell I'll be rooting for them to do the best before and after a trade if there is one. Both seem like great guys and I appreciate the effort and character they've brought to this team.

 

Why is everybody talking so much shit about @BonesJones? If this continues, I'll have to report you.

 

Melo wasn't the reason we lost last night.

 

So then the next couple of losses shouldn't be a surprise right?

 

@BonesJones How do you defend this action?

 

You need guys that can drive and kick. No one on our team is good at it except Dame. I still see it as more of a personnel issue. It's not in Ant, Gary, Melo, DJ, RoCo, Enes and Hood's DNA to pass.

 

Olshey had Whiteside on a huge expiring contract last year and didn't budge at the trade deadline. I wouldn't hold my breath this year.

 

First Philly game disproves this, in my opinion.

 

Don't think one game disproves years of sample data. Also, being able to do something a few times vs. being consistent with a skill is entirely different, imo.

 

Theres far more evidence to the contrary. An offensive system and style of play isnt solely defined by its players, especially to the point where it's the most basic and stagnant offense in the league.

 

I've literally watched a player get a defensive rebound and proceed to go 1 on 1 on the other side of the floor. Not one pass.

Melo, Damian, Simons, Gary, Hood, they've all done it. That's what's encouraged by the coach. Obviously.