Injuries may be a blessing in disguise

I know injuries to key players suck badly, but this maybe a case where injuries help.

We've got extra burn for players that usually see no time or limited minutes. T.Rob and Freeland are starting to get even more comfortable, with Stotts giving them burn in crucial times in ball games. Wright and Crabbe are earning more trust with Stotts, solidifying the rotation at SF.

I want to add that when Aldridge is out, Batum has to look to be more aggressive on the offensive end. He didn't do well vs Houston, but he was extremely aggressive against Philly last night.

Whatever the injury, it seems our role players have been stepping up; which only helps the core strength of this ball club. Dame, Matthews, Batum and Aldridge are starting to get timing down for the sweet spots for our rotational players. We maybe onto something really special here guys!

 

You gonna go out for a beer with me when we fly to rip city for finals mags?

 

nice Mags.

dang.."Must spread around"

 

Hellz yeah!

 

I was disappointed with T-Rob, but thought Claver had a decent game. I always thought he was a solid bench player and wondered why he was so seldom used.

 

Yeah, Last night was good, it seemed like the bench won that game rather handily. The Blazers didn't miss a beat with two big guys out.

 

I agree.

 

The thing with T. Rob is his value takes a drop against athletic energy teams. Claver is more heady player.

I don't see why Claver isn't playing either. He looked good to me

 

Agree with the premise. Freeland and Crabbe have really benefited from the extra playing time. To a lesser degree CJ, Wright, TRob and a bit of Clavier.

However I don't want to see TRob in the regular rotation at all. He should just have a bit role if we really need some reckless energy in a special circumstance. He makes terrible decisions; whenever he makes one good play he thinks it entities him to waste a possession on offense and jack up a terrible shot. He should never be shooting from outside the paint; period. Its a contract year, his 3rd in the league and he still doesn't understand the very basics of his role as a hustle energy guy. I'm glad we declined his option.

Clavier is solid and I trust him to not make mistakes. I'd rather see him at backup C/PF than Meyers or TRob. I honestly believe he is a much superior defensive center than Meyers.

 

I agree, smart guy with a very high BB IQ..his big problem is with being able to get the orange ball into the round netted thing attached to the backboard.

 

I think I'm the only guy around here who has liked DWright and Victor Claver more than TRob and Barton. Dorell and Vic are underrated defenders and play smart team ball. I was glad to see both contribute to the win last night. I really hope Victor gets more opportunities. I agree that playing the bench is helping

 

When you shoot 4 times in two years or so..(exaggeration) it's not easy to find your shot. Wes said Victor was a way better shooter than we know. Hard to improve in a suit on the bench though

 

you have a valid point, although I seem to remember him getting playing time a few years ago, and was never a threat to score, even considering the shit team we floored at the time.

 

I love our perimeter defense when Claver is out there. He is long and creates issues for the other team. The play last night where he tipped it and Dame (I think) was able to steal it was a great example.

In any event I agree, the bench has benefited from the injuries. Especially since the injuries have not been season ending.

 

I feel like we've seen some real growth from Freeland, Crabbe, and even Wright.

CJ is still finding his way back into the rotation, and Robinson is one of those young guys that will excite you one minute and frustrate you the next.

I'm done with Barton and Leonard. The People's Champ is a chucker and Leonard has shown zero growth in three years.

 

If one of the youngins could develop into a legit backup that would certainly lend creedence to my clearwater

All said though, winning without the full team healthy bodes well for when they are!

 

It fores Stotts to do what Pops does all season... Use your bench so they are comfortable and ready to step in when needed.

 

Yup. It's been very Pop-esque.

 

Similar to when Trob shoots a jumper.