Game Thread 2022-23 Game #35 - BLAZERS @ WARRIORS - DECEMBER 30, 2022 - FRIDAY - 7:00 PM (PDT) ROOT

Payton “Questionable”

 

Would looooovvvvvvve a W.

 

Win this and we’re goin on a streak. Just lock up Poole and don’t let Dray go coast to coast and we’re good.

 

Warriors are tough at home and terrible on the road.

 

Man, I see nothing but high expectations for Payton to come in and give us this huge boost. I read it everywhere.

 

Alternatively, do you think he is going to bring down the team? We really need another backcourt defender. What's your prediction??

 

I have no clue. I love what he did last season with the Warriors….but that was a perfect situation for him system wise in my opinion. To expect him to do the same here, I can’t. I agree we do need another backcourt defender, he just has to be out there with the right group. I have just been reading all these, “Wait til GP2 shows up” type posts. The rookie of the year candidate will not see the floor if he returns though right? He’ll take Sharpe’s minutes. I’d love to see a small lineup with Dame/Ant/GP/Hart….that would be fun.

 

Agreed

 

Like you say he will need to be out there with the right lineup.
I can see him alongside Dame, Hart, Grant, and Eubanks midway through the 1st.

But who starts the 2nd? They often bring Nurk back in at that time so an Ant, Gp2, Nurk
and ?? Sharpe could be an option if you go with Winslow or Watford at the 4. (We will need an outside shooter)

Or
Take out Grant early in the first and bring him back to start the 2nd. (I believe they did that last game) and go with a
Ant, Gp2, Grant, Nurk, and either Winslow or Watford to start the 2nd.

 

Is the team already in SF?

 

You see what you want to see.

 

I don't think you read it that often here. He's been a punchline most of the time, especially lately, and by lately I mean two weeks

 

Yes, and that's simply because one has shown he can play NBA defense, and as of now, one simply cannot. Hopefully we can still work Shaedon in - but we have been giving away games on defense and he can't help fix that.

 

I’m still not sure he plays? If he does exactly how many minutes? 12? 15?

 

GP2 will take time to acclimate. I hope by Feb. he is making a noticeable difference .

 

So the All Star break now?

 

I think @Cugel was saying by the all star break GP2 will be at his best but the team and GP2 have been saying that his debut has been delayed because they're trying to get him up to speed by the time he hits the floor. I think him and the rest of the roster will adjust quicker than seven weeks from now but yeah I think it will take a handful of games until we see what GP2 will actually be contributing when it matters.