Game Thread 2022-23 GAME #25 - BLAZERS VS NUGGETS - DECEMBER 8, 2022 - THURSDAY - 7:00 PM (PDT) ROOT - NBATV

Gonna be a decent rest that they need this week.

 

Gary Payton gonna play this game?

 

Want to see Payton, but curious where his minutes are going to come from. With Nas out, that makes it easier, but with Payton and then Keon (who is maybe their best defensive guard beside GP2), the backcourt is way overcrowded.

Cronin will have some work to do.

 

We just saw how quickly it can get thin.

 

Especially since Hart doesn't seem 100%.

 

I hope so

 

You ain’t jokin. Roughly 5 nights off at home NOT working in the past 33 or 34 days.

 

Depth is a good thing. How can you not understand that after the last few weeks? We’ll always have 13-15 players and only 8-9 will get to play in the big games no matter what trades Cronin makes.

 

This is a real test and I think we can beat em!

 

Me too. I think the coming road-trip is sweepable. These next few weeks will be the turning point of the season.

 

...

 

How much should work in the trade market should he really be doing this year? If Ant hasn’t done enough to show we need at least a full season to see how the roster works out, I don’t know how much more he can do.

Has Keon done enough to get a competent backup big on this team? Who knows, but I’m leaning towards no.

We don’t have a 1st this year. Grant will be re-signed. Outside of trading Hart at the deadline, we’re stuck with this roster, which I’m fine with. The backcourt really isn’t as overcrowded as you think, considering our guards haven’t shown they can all stay healthy at the same time.

 

for what you do, from my know-nothing perspective, I'd say the travel would be worse than the actual work. At least it would from my POV; of course, I hate to travel on planes and stay in hotels.

 

When I was younger without kids the travel was awesome. Of course a week working in Buenos Aires in a fancy hotel beats a volleyball game in Corvallis at The Super 8, but once the kids came into the mix, it’s tough. So I don’t mind going and seeing things around the globe I would never have a chance to without my job, but being away from family is the toughest part.
Now remember I’m on the team plane and hotel. So we park right next to the plane on the tarmac, no airport security lines, no check in and out at the hotel. It could be rougher.
That said, the change of time zones, late arrivals and back to backs definitely takes a toll and I’m not even playing. This much travel wears people down.
I think that isn’t looked at enough, especially for our guys who travel more than any other team. 3 games in 4 nights in 3 different time zones will impact the team for sure.

 

Be sweet to blow out the Nuggs ...make up some ground in the west! GO BLAZERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

That’s awesome you get to fly on the Team Plane. You must see some crazy stuff being that close to the team and seeing the NBA lifestyle. I bet being away from the family is super hard though.

 

It has been a fantastic experience over the years for sure. Heard and seen stuff that I joke around and say I’ll save for my book. When I travel for work the other 6 months of the year, it can definitely be rougher, but you get spoiled pretty easily during the NBA season.

Like I mentioned the missed dance performances/games and Christmas shows have been rough. I bring the family out when I can, just like I did for Thanksgiving in NYC…. And to be honest with my son in LA now, I’ve been able to visit and hang with him basically for free recently, And with my daughter heading of to the Bay, hopefully I’ll get some down time to be with her in the future on my employer’s dime.
I’ve had REAL jobs, so I realize how good I have it now.

 

Could not resist!