to the OP, didn't we have one of the toughest or THE toughest early schedule of any team? My thoughts preseason were to wait 20 games to make a judgment on this team, so far they have far exceeded my expectations and I have enjoyed the hell out of watching them play "Chancy ball". And of course, watching Sharpe who for me is doing way better than I ever expected this early.
He does seem to start off slow but usually has it going by crunch time. I agree though, I can't wait until he heats up a little more. The Blazer definitely can play better. It will be interesting to see if having a full line-up on most nights helps or hurts. For some positions, I think Chauncey will want to alternate games for backup players rather than trying to play 11 guys. Maybe Eubanks one game and Watford the next, and SS one game and Little the next? Don't want to consolidate because players will get injured. Guards: Dame- Simons-GP2 (Keon only when an injury occurs) SF: Hart, SS/Little (maybe alternate Little and SS) PF: Grant, Winslow/Watford C: Nurk, Eubanks/ Watford.
Been pretty busy the last two nights and her schedule is tight for the next few days. I never get to see Disney on Ice?
I think he's a better shooter than he's shown so far this year. But at the same time, he might not be as good a shooter as his tanking-time/backup-minutes stats from previous seasons implied. He's a number two option right now, and his minutes are staggered with Dame. Opposing teams come into Blazer games with a focus on stopping Dame, and when Dame is off the floor, that focus will often shift to Ant. in other words, he's facing more resistance this season, and his shots are more contested. He actually may not be a perennial 40%+ shooter from three as a starter
Ok....this is all the sageness I can muster for ya. Lean in close....cuz I'm gonna whisper.........................it doesn't matter. Got it? This is because, the only thing that matters....the ONLY thing, is your experience! If you choose to see them as all that, then you get the benefits of watching their badassery in real time! If you choose to wait.....or goodness gracious, need permission to "get on board", then you will be safe from the incredible humility of having believed before they deserved it. (couch, cough.....sarcasm). Remember, this is advice, not criticism. I've seen a lot of Blazer teams....a LOT. This is the most energetic, determined yet humble, hard working group of "team" players I have ever seen assembled for this franchise. Who gives a monkeys ass what level they actually are. Just marvel at the beauty of this thing, and enjoy every fracking moment of it while it's here. Dame is all that. Simons is becoming a game controller that continues the blazers offense when Dame is absent or on the bench. Grant is Loooooonnnnnnggggggg. He is a mismatch that our coach knows how to use. His role is still defining Nurk is finally looking like he has the role he has wanted. He's stepping up and controlling games when his position requires it. Hart is Mr. Attack. Our freaking Hart Attack. Every team would love to have a player of his drive and unselfishness. Little looked like he was determined last night to get in on the "I want to get in on this wrist tapping shit!" Anyway, take the time to enjoy this. If you truly see them as the next coming, and they flop, who gives a shit? You at least enjoyed it while it was happening.
Yeah, outside of a backup C, I don’t think a “consolidation” trade is neccessary until the summer. Let’s see what we have after a full season first.
Did anyone else notice Calabro calling Anfernee Simons " Anfernee Simmons" at 7:19 left in the first quarter? "Anfernee Simmons tough pass picked off.." That was a weird moment.
Just saw this article talking about the Blazers defense and thought I would share. https://uproxx.com/dimemag/portland-trail-blazers-top-10-defense-scheme-video-breakdown/
