Game Thread 2023-24 Game #7 - BLAZERS VS GRIZZLIES - NOVEMBER 5, 2023 - SUNDAY - 6:00 PM PST - ROOT

THAT'S SOME QUALITY TANKING!

 

Technically this coach was not hired by this GM, so the cleansing of all things Neil is not complete. There’s still Neil Olstank left on the team.

 

Last night was an extreme example of what we're going to see a lot of this year: the other team digging in on defense and shutting down a Blazers offense that has talent, but no certified go-to player who can be counted on to right the ship when things are going south. It's typical of young teams, even ones that have guys who will eventually become one of those go-to guys.

Rebuilds are painful.

 

Yes but we didn’t try anything. The offense was basic and easy to stop. Same with the defense. The Grizz ran the exact same pick and roll with Bane and JJJ over and over and over and we did nothing to change or adjust. We just let it happen. We stuck with drop coverage the entire 4th quarter and it was a large reason why we lost.

 

I'm not saying that I'm happy with the coaching staff's lack of ability to help stem the tide. I yelled at my TV as much as the next temporarily insane Blazers' fan. Just saying that there are going to be a lot of these nights.

 

Yeah but the guy who was asked that question has been on record on a number of topics.
He or his partner won’t give a straight answer on anything and they know they won’t.
Of course they have their fans that figure they know everything.
He will continue to try to muddy the waters so he doesn’t have to go on record again. It hasn’t worked out well so far.

 

The question that I have is this:

Is this a systemic issue or are the players not listening/executing?

If it’s systemic, that’s concerning that we can’t make basic adjustments when a team is cramming a PNR down our throats.

If it’s the players, that is ALSO concerning because that means that they’re not listening to a Chauncey or they don’t respect him. He should be benching anyone that isn’t executing his plan.

All that to say, I think it’s systemic. I think it’s weird and annoying that Chauncey keeps saying he wants to run and push the tempo and trap and press and yet we do none of those things. So either he isn’t following through or the players aren’t listening. I’d love to know which it is.

 

You are supposed to used the word "Scheme"
Don't you know anything?

 

I appreciate you asking a solution oriented question.

Of course it would be great to have a better coach, run plays that all ended in assisted dunks, and have no lapses in defense. The reality of the situation is we have an inexperienced team, that isn't overly talented, and the coach to match it. My expectations have been tempered as soon as Stotts was let go. I do not believe Billups is an amazing coach, but at this time, I see no reason in letting him go. Unless something goes totally sideways, I'm comofortable giving him until the end of the 2024 calendar year to prove his worth.

 

LOL..."Neil Olstank"!

I'll probably steal that

 

Yeah he's a young coach and should be considered that. I'm looking for growth on his part as well.
Again just like pretty much always "The Coach" gets way more credit for things that go well than he should and the same goes for that things that don't.
If the team quits on Billups then yeah he should be let go. Personally I've only seen that twice in all my years watching the Blazers. PJ Carlisimo and Nate McMillian. Both situations got ugly.
I asked about the GM because this is the position that seems to be getting a bunch of praise right now but I happen to know his partner went all in on blasting Cronin. I was wondering if i could get a position. There are also a few rumors Billups didn't want to continue trying to build around Dame. Also that Dame didn't want to trade for Ayton.
The crazy part is looking back right now at what everyone was saying just 2 months ago is almost comical. The big one is that he screwed over the Bucks by trading Jrue to the Celtics. Jrue just put up 18 points, 9 redounds and 10 assists vs the Nets. The Celtics lead the entire Eastern Conference right now.
What a tangled web we weave.

As far as Jody goes. I think it's pretty consistent with most avid fans that they want the team sold but sold to a good owner. Not just sold to anyone. That might be what needs to happen first.

Bottom line i think we are in for a number of years of this rebuild and Coach/GM/Ownership transfer. Quite a few until there will be solid playoff teams coming out of Portland unless something really good happens.

 

It's pretty good isn't it?

 

After this loss I'm pretty sure we won't be over .500 at any point this season.

 

Yeah, I think that's a safe prediction.

 

I don’t know. We’ve played pretty well the last 4 games until the 26-2 run. Kings have been playing without Fox. Lakers are a mess. I could def see us winning at least one of the next two. Won both and we’re over .500.

 

Nope. Not happening.

 

I wonder if Rob Williams injury deflated the Blazers? Portland went jump shot mode afterwards, no aggressive takes.

 

Somebody please ask this kid for me, that if the Lakers are a “mess”, what the hell are the Blazers?

 

“shit show with some promise”