The issue is that everyone in front of Nas is a vet, and committing to playing him 20+ minutes every night would mean cutting one of those vets’ minutes. The most obvious one being Melo, but Stotts is shit scared of benching him. Personally I don’t see what the downside is. He bitches and whines? I would tell him too bad. If he doesn’t like it, cut his ass. He’d be doing Stotts a favor.
Props to Nas basically requesting the toughest assignment in the floor per the Athletic. That is the type of attitude this team desperately needs.
When a player really only jacks up '3's, step back jumpers or turn around fadaways in the post and then doesn't play defense, the likely hood of getting injured would seem to be diminished.
Fun fact about Nas: in games he’s played at least 20 minutes (37 total) he’s shooting just a tad over 36% from three. And in the six games he’s played over 30 minutes this season, he’s shooting over 40%. I think it’s time to expand his role even more. Should be our starting SF.
That is interesting. Do you think he playing more minutes in games because he's making a higher percentage of his shots... or is he making a higher percentage of his shots because he's playing more minutes?
probably both. Easier to feel confident when you know the opportunities will continue to be there. I think he’s a better shooter than say Aminu, regardless of what the percentages say. Aminu got 4-5 threes a night while Nas gets 2-3. If Nas got more consistent looks I think you’d see his percentages rise.
the podcast with haynes was legitimately good. Nas gave some insight into last year as well where he thought terry actually wanted to play him more but couldn't because of the roster construction. he said he understands why norm/cj get the starts over him and is making the most of his role. i really wish we could see him get 30 mpg consistently on the wings but he either gets hurt or has guys ahead of him in the lineup whenever that chance presents itself.
Little in January 12 starts 31mpg 13ppg 45% FG 40% 3PT Looks like the earlier theory that the more he plays the better he shoots is true. Also seems more consistent defensively. Billups can’t bench him and if he does it better be temporary and a Powell/CJ trade is imminent. Whatever they do, Nas has to be our starting small forward.
He was able to come back last night, but I'm wondering if the front office found his slight injury to actually be a diagnosis of 'tankitus?
I think this is the appropriate thread to ask this question Is next years roster shaping up to be the most athletic Blazers team in recent memory?
Probably, but it due to them being way more willing to run out on the fast break. Haven’t seen that from a blazers team since I don’t know when
