This was the PER last year for our 8 man rotation: Lopez: 18.9 Batum: 15.7 Lillard: 16.4 LMA: 20.4 Matthews: 14.1 Wright: 16.0 Williams: 14.4 Robinson: 10.9 Matthews hasn't looked great so far, and of all these guys he seems to be the most likely candidate for a decline in PER. I just don't see Portland putting the ball in his hands as much this year, and he just seems less energetic out there. But otherwise, it's hard to see how their PER's drop this year. Williams was a starter last year, so although he's getting older you kind of expect his PER to climb some as he goes against bench players this year. Batum, Wes, Lillard and LMA earned their PER's while logging ridiculous minutes last year, which generally hurts player efficiency. Each of these guys should see between 10% and 20% reduction in minutes played this year, just because we have talent to throw in there behind them. Lopez is interesting, because he's got the most unassuming stat page possible for a guy with basically a 19 PER. You don't look at it and go, "Oh those numbers were inflated because of ridiculously selfish rebound-grabbing." Or "Yeah, he has a ludicrous FG% based on just dunking." Or "Yeah, he only did it in limited minutes." (He logged 2100 last year.) It's just a nice collection of quietly efficient and competent numbers, and it's hard to see why it would change much this year. If nothing changes, it's a team with a lot of competence and one top 20 player, and a PG who is at least in the top 30. And really, it's kind of hard to see how overall the players on this team don't generally see their PER's improve this year.
I want to know what's going on with Wes. He just doesn't look like himself at all. He barely played in the second half last night. There is something clearly wrong, I just want to know if it's health related or something else.
I don't think he wants to be in Portland any longer. I also think that's why Olshey grabbed many guards. I think the writing is on the wall.
I see Aldridge, Lillard, Wright, Batum and Robinson to have increased PERs. Matthews should drop and Lopez should be around the same, IMO.
But why? That makes no sense. Plus, he's going out of his way to help TRob. I wonder if he's hurt and he's not telling anyone.
It makes sense to me. I think Matthews just isn't into Portland. Call it a hunch; but he just doesn't look interested.
That's the impression I get. Or maybe he's at that stage in Rocky III where he's lost the eye of the tiger a little. The NBA is full of Clubber Langs, and for a hustle guy like Matthews the difference between him and dozens of 12mpg role players is purely the amount of desire he brought. There's a reason he wasn't drafted--he's got one talent (shooting threes) and lots of heart. If he loses just a little of that heart he isn't anything special.
I was surprised that Barton didn't play at all last night either. I get the feeling we're going to see a lot of Mo/Damian on the floor together.
I wish. I don't know if Stotts will ever do it though. That would be such a nightmare for teams. PG and SG usually are at opposite sides of the court. It would so cool to have Batum and Lillard take each corner. I think it would be a nightmare for other teams because of our length too.
Hey I am a big fan of Matthews. I don't want to see him gone. I'm just looking at his demeanor last season and how Olshey reloaded with CJ, Crabbe and Mo Williams. We have so many guards. And if you pay attention; watch how Matthews walks to the huddle.
It's not a motivational thing with Wes. It's an off day for the team today and he's already heading to the PF.
hey, the best thing that can happen is that guys like Freeland, Trob, Crabbe and eventually CJ all show that they can play and play well in their roles. That only increases the chances that we could pull off a trade involving them and/or Wes or some other combo of players to bring in another very good player.
