Blazers by the Numbers- a series of in-depth looks at this iteration of the Trailblazers

Mixum

 

One question...would you consider adding the G to the end of the first name....I like Dang Marang better..just a thought

 

That beats someone asking me if I like Lemon Meringue Pie... so I'll consider it.

 

Batum is an odd example to use. Most people here complained that he DIDN'T put in the effort, because he's so smooth in the way he does things.

 

I'd be interested to see how RoLo compares. I said all along that we'd be worse on D with Plumlee instead of Lopez, it would be nice if the numbers confirmed that.

(I think we're worse as a team on O as well - while I love Plumlee's passing, he can't shoot worth a damn.

 

Also remember that we gave up Rondae Hollis-Jefferson for Plumlee, and RHJ shows the potential to be one of the very best wing defenders in the league. I've never had the impression that defense figures much in Olshey's player selection criteria (RoLo excepted).

 

I think he was using a negative example. People hated Nic because he didn't give the appearance of putting forth a great deal of effort, despite numbers to the contrary (distance traveled) and actual results. Many of those same people love Aminu because he looks like he's trying hard, even though he's barely average at anything. And many of those same people want to sign Barnes to a MAX contract even though "Bad Nic" produced better than Barnes ever has.
BBert's statement is pretty spot on - image is everything! Once a reputation is created it doesn't matter whether it's actually true or not - it is GOSPEL.

 

No blue loves Batum.

 

Always interesting on how we fans view things, my personal opinion is that Mason is at or very near his ceiling

 

That's actually what I meant. Many people tended to not appreciate his effectiveness because of his controlled and smooth demeanor. Meanwhile the average mindless bull in a china shop is revered for giving the impression they are doing something.

 

Wow, I had to read that twice and...
Im gonna read it a third time and let it sink in before I draw a conclusion and offer a thought.

Great mind fuck there Dan.. err.. I mean post!!!

 

I agree with you on Plumlee....Portland fans love these lunch-pail boy next door type players, but he's really over-rated by Portland fans.

Some are calling him the 3rd best player on the team, or a part of our future core. I think he's a good reserve, but he's not a quality starter.

I was just looking yesterday at his scoring efficiency inside. It's fallen every year he's been in the league. For shots at the rim, he went from 76% his rookie year, to 65% his 2nd, down to 60% this year, which is really bad for a big man. Especially for a guy like Mason who doesn't have an offensive game away from the hoop.

He's an undersized center, who's not really that effective being used like Lopez. Anyway, hopefully RHJ doesn't become a defensive star and make us regret this move, and I hope Olshey doesn't give Mason a stupid contract.

I'm not sure why Ed Davis isn't getting more minutes over Mason. Davis is a much better finisher and rebounder. And when you look at those pick and roll defense stats, look who is one of the best (Ed Davis).

 

He was actually #1 in DRPM for all SG's before his injury.

 

Don't say that, never say that, Goonies never say die!

 

Oh the ironing! That was a tongue-in-cheek post about dumb people who thought that our 4th/5th option on offense was the reason for our losses rather than the 1st option who often shot just as poorly as our 4th/5th option.

I liked Nic quite a lot - 2nd or 3rd favorite player, depending on the day. I don't know that I ever complained about him, unless you count being able to admit his weaknesses as complaining. Dame, Wes, and Nic were probably the only players I didn't complain about.