I read it somewhere. I think from an interview he did or something. He wants to alleviate some of CJs offensive responsibilities to get better on defense. Part of that is not having him lead the bench. It appears Billups feels the best way to hold players accountable is to ask the bench to play a bigger part offensively. He doesn't want the Blazers to have to be saved by Dame or CJ all the time. He wants team effort.
Fair enough... yeah, I've heard him talking about the bench carrying their weight so that Dame and CJ aren't always having to rescue the team. So I get what you were saying now. Thanks for clarifying, it's appreciated.
The starting lineup to open the year will be the same one it was to close last year... but we're not running it back at all. The starting lineup SHOULD include a second all-star, but that guy isn't on our roster, so I'll just stick with what it will be.
The starting lineup is and should be dame CJ Powell Roco and Nurk. Those are the five best players on the team and worked well together last season, albeit in a smaller sample. That being said, Nance should still see starter type minutes. I think a better question would be who’s gonna be in the regular rotation and how many players will Billups use.
Yeah nobody anywhere is talking about a Powell/Simmons trade straight across. Sure are talking about CJ straight up for Simmons.
I'll add to that. If Simmons should start it should be with Dame, Powell, Roco and Nurk. But I still don't want him here.
If it is the same as the team that lost in 6 to a depleted Nuggets team in the Playoffs, it's hard to see how the ending is much different. 'Periphery' Olshey has yet to change anything that gives us an advantage. Nice little team....but no more.
Agreed. I'm a CJ fan, and think he's a talented player, but just not a good fit on the Blazers. It's taken Olshey way too long to recognize this. Now that we have a better fit in the backcourt with Powell (adds that needed defensive balance), there's no excuse not to move CJ to better balance the roster. If CJ is on the opening night roster, Olshey has failed. With all that said, if you were coach, given this roster, would you start with the 3 guard lineup?
I voted Nance in the starting lineup. Covington at the 3. Powell off the bench. Only vote. Covington Nance and Nurkic as your 3-5 can actually defend and cover up for Damian and CJ.
It shouldn't be any of the choices listed. There should be a trade. But given this roster, I'd pick the first option.
KAT Nance Beasley Powell Dame Don’t think Simmons will be a Blazer. However, Portland, Simmons and Philly could put together a 3-team trade
So you're looking at something like this... maybe not enough shooting for Minny but it would still be hard for them to say no to. We get a little bigger but still have to run three guards.
I would opt to keep RoCo and Only include Nurkic if we wind up with KAT! I also meant that we should sign Beasley from Summer League and as such, let’s bring back Curry?
If this is your trade, I don't know if the Wolves do it but it's not terrible... it definitely favors us. I would also think that RoCo would start over Michael Beasley.
