Switchability

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by PtldPlatypus, Oct 20, 2022.

  1. PtldPlatypus

    PtldPlatypus Let's go Baby Blazers! Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

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    We've talked for years about having a roster full of versatile, switchable wings/forwards that minimize deficiencies and reduce the impact of mismatches. Was last night evidence that we finally actually have (a slightly short version of) what we've been calling for? Hart, Winslow, Sharpe, Nas, Grant all seem to be able to fill multiple roles and offer tons of lineup configurations. Keon and Walker didn't play, but they have the potential to offer similar value, and GPII and Watford should fit into that group as well when available.
     
  2. SharpeScooterShooter

    SharpeScooterShooter SharpeShooter

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    But Joe sells snake oil, screwed the pooch on his main trade and made us worse!!!!!
    :smiley-195517897341
     
  3. illmatic99

    illmatic99 formerly yuyuza1

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    I am cautious about projecting too much about that lineup after only seeing them against the Kings who kinda just imploded with stupid decision making down the stretch. There were a few instances where Dame/Ant ended up behind Sabonis and the Kings' guards couldn't get him the ball.
     
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  4. Hoopguru

    Hoopguru Well-Known Member

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    If hart plays like that all year he alone was worth the CJ trade.
     
  5. Hoopguru

    Hoopguru Well-Known Member

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    And its appears we may have both forward positions able to score off the dribble which we haven't seen for a while.
     
  6. PtldPlatypus

    PtldPlatypus Let's go Baby Blazers! Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

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    Understood. There's a reason I used the word "evidence" rather than "proof".
     
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  7. illmatic99

    illmatic99 formerly yuyuza1

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    i also wish they were all like an inch taller. Hart especially. Dude does so much with his frame just because he has a nose for the ball. Imagine if he were a legit 6'6 with a 7' winspan and his tenacity/skill, he'd be a 20 mil+ player.
     
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  8. SharpeScooterShooter

    SharpeScooterShooter SharpeShooter

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    im not being over the top i dont think in saying that Platy brings up possibly the most significant impact this team can have to improve throughout the season. Switchability only works well when players are locked in with one another. Player hesitation, spacing and placement can break the defense down instantly. So what platy is touching on i feel is the biggest reason we have high hopes of significant improvement to become a playoff team and possible a good one with a consolidation trade for at star a the deadline.
    As the players and coaches learn more aBout each other i fully expect this to improve

    Sorry, but bye Nurk. We need a mobile center that fits better with this vastly improved switchability we have.
     
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  9. PtldPlatypus

    PtldPlatypus Let's go Baby Blazers! Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

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    And then we never would have been able to get him. And I think the same could be said of all the guys in the OP.
    • 6'10" Jerami Grant? All-star.
    • 6'7" Justise Winslow? Likely never leaves Miami
    • 6'7" Nassir Little? Probably starts at UNC, doesn't drop to us.
    • 6'7" Shaedon Sharpe? Slots in at SF, maybe Indy takes him over Mathurin.
    I tend the think that the reason we have all the players mentioned in the OP is that they're just an inch or two shorter than they should be in order to be top-notch in their roles.
     
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  10. SharpeScooterShooter

    SharpeScooterShooter SharpeShooter

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    So if Joe would just invest in one of these, we are championship bound?
    upload_2022-10-20_10-51-2.jpeg
     
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  11. BankTeller

    BankTeller Well-Known Member

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    My guess is he can/may likely be playing himself into a $20+m/yr contract this season anyway even at his size.
     
  12. AmirIcon

    AmirIcon Well-Known Member

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    They should skimp on the center position and pay Hart to be honest. Do what Toronto has done and just continue to collect really good wings and figure out the PT later.
     
  13. PCmor7

    PCmor7 Generational Poster

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    I agree with your first two examples, but Nas not starting at UNC wasn't because of his height and Sharpe didn't drop to us because of an inch in height.
     
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  14. blazerfan11

    blazerfan11 Well-Known Member

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    Stupid decision-making is common in the NBA.
     
  15. PtldPlatypus

    PtldPlatypus Let's go Baby Blazers! Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

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    After all the "Nurk and Simons are killing us" talk, I just keep coming back to this thread here. It's a long season, and they're not even tradeable yet anyway, but I just can't help but think that if those two could be swapped out for guys who fit better into this switchability mold--a bigger guard and a more mobile big--we could really have something here.
     
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  16. B-Roy

    B-Roy If it takes months

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    Sharpe is a starter in waiting. If we could somehow trade Simons + Nurk and upgrade the center position (Ayton?), that would do wonders for the team.

    But I don't think Simons is getting traded this season. They are going to give it at least one full season with Dame/Ant to see if it can work.
     
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  17. PtldPlatypus

    PtldPlatypus Let's go Baby Blazers! Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

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    Agreed on all counts. Still, I can't help but think about it.

    Given that Vucevic is heading into a free agent year, I wonder if they would be interested in a center swap. Would Nurk/Simons for Vuc/Caruso and our pick back be a ridiculous overpay given their ages and skillsets?

    upload_2022-11-18_9-32-8.png
     
  18. B-Roy

    B-Roy If it takes months

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    What the fuck please no. Vucevic is a disaster on defense. Worst pick and roll big defender in the league by the stats. Caruso and Payton are duplicate players.

    The only center out there that I would be open to is Ayton, but Ant would need to go to a third team, or CP could retire, lul.
     
  19. Blazinaway

    Blazinaway Well-Known Member

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    Hartenstein is the guy I'd target, likely getable for a reasonable price
     
  20. Cugel

    Cugel The epitome of mediocrity

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    The market for Nurk has to be practically non-existent; I think Dame wanted him re-signed. Seriously, what team would want Nurk and his contract? He is worth 10 a year max.
     

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