Screw the alpha narrative; I want an Omega on this team. The guy who can take that last shot and finish the game as a W.
Yup I think he could be that guy for us. But as rookie, it might be hard for him to step into that role at the moment. As he gets more experienced and more established then it’s possible. Has any rookie came into the NBA and been that guy for a team?
Yeah, I do think if Scoot's game ever catches up to his attitude he could be that guy that not only can take over when the team struggles but pull guys like Shaedon along with him. We just really have to hope (and there is good reason to) that Scoot is eventually as advertised. A high energy, high octane, slashing, drive and kick PG who plays hard nosed defense and hopefully can learn to consistently hit open threes without falling into the Westbrook trap of thinking the ability to hit an open spot up three is the same as being able to consistently make pull up threes off the dribble. If that dude ends up being who Scoot is, then we have an Alpha in him who can maximize all of the gifts Shaedon has through leadership.
Agreed. The lack of dog in our starting frontcourt troubles me too. Jerami's a good player but he needs a physical center with an edge to him that does the dirty work and rebounds better.
I don't interpret Chauncey's statement as speaking to an Alpha on the team, as in the alpha dog that takes over during the game and their teammates defer to. I think he's saying they don't have a guy who wants to dominate the other team's players and punch them in the mouth from the opening tip. Someone like Westbrook, which we hope Scoot will be in a few years. In the meantime, I'm sure the team is looking to trade for one.
I do. That guy laid into the team last year in the playoffs during a timeout. Multiple times has leveled an opposing player for cheap shots. Calls for the ball and delivers when the team is struggling. Jokic is "Dawg" through and through.
I typically think that a player is born with the competitive spirit to be a leader and assassin on the court. But I must say I am coming around on the idea that players can be molded into leaders, alpha's if they are surrounded by the right players, coaches and management. I look at players like Jokic and Booker. Even Curry. They were all good players in their early years in the league but then management made them the face of their organizations and then they exploded. They had the backing of the entire organization to lead and impose their will on games and teammates. Same happened with Lillard in Portland when Aldridge left. Had Aldridge stayed he was probably the face of Portland. But he bounced and it was an easy decision to make Lillard the face. Billups is correct. Portland does not have an alpha. Management does not know who the face of the franchise will be. Obviously it will not be Grant or Brogdon. Same for Ayton. Those are the vets and the they get respect, but not the commitment. Guys like Camara and Walker I obviously glue guys. Portland is waiting for Scoot or Sharpe to take the reigns. Both are being groomed and I am sure there is hope that the next lotto pick can be an alpha as well. But if management decides they do not have a face of the franchise in these young guys they will have to try to trade for one. That is why they picked up future draft capital and most likely will be looking for draft capital in return for possible trades of Grant, Brogdon and even Ant. I don't think anyone on the roster is truly safe. But Portland will not be making ridiculous deals for aging vets to be the face of the franchise. The new CBA will be making all teams players in free agency because there is only so much cap space. I believe the league has finally found a way to even the free agency playing field. Portland needs to be positioned to capitalize on it and also be positioned to trade for a star that is not happy with his current team.
You're probably correct, I just didn't see him as the vocal one but he does his talking with his play. Dame was/is the same way.
