Game Thread PRESEASON GAME# 2: KINGS @ BLAZERS - DECEMBER 13, 2020 - SUNDAY, 6:00, NBCSNW

Elleby had more fouls than: points, rebounds, steals, and blocks, combined.

 

So did Skal.

 

He looked good on the 3 he shot tonight. One thing about Giles is he looks to be able to cover bigs on the perimeter.
We need his combination of athleticism and size. He should get minutes because of this. He is certainly quicker than Nurk, Kanter, and Collins. He also looks pretty smart out there. Not a lot of stupid turnovers, so I think Terry will trust him.

 

and like Nurk, his first instinct is to pass. i love that.

 

Good question. I like Giles better than Kanter overall. I think Collins & Giles are best suited to play the backup 5. Nurk should play 28mpg. Leaving 20 minutes for Kanter, Collins, and Giles. If our opponent has some big bruiser in, playing Giles could be problematic in those games. I don't like any of them at the 4, unless we're playing a team that is going big at the 4.

I'm not ready to wave the white flag on Collins (like some), but I do think Giles has a greater skill-set than him. Contract situations would make me want to give Collins more of a look though.

 

Not now. Not strong enough. A lot of room for him to get better. We won't see much of him in the regular season though.

 

I don't know about all this Giles infatuation at this point?
I just don't see much all that special. Kanter showed he was way stronger around the rim and set brick wall screens. Not a knock on Giles, Kanter has been doing that for a while in this league. We also watched the offense gel and then they even took the lead while Kanter was on the floor. Then Stotts paired Giles and Kanter together it didn't work out well with Giles playing the 4. Stotts pulls Kanter and the Blazers immediately quit scoring. Again not entirely Giles's fault. the team went cold from everywhere for a while. He just doesn't seem to be able to work well on the offensive end ?
I'm going to reserve judgement on Giles just yet. Lets see how teams play him? Maybe he can get that mid range to fall consistently?

Preseason game #2 The HCP called it a loss from the beginning. Who knows? Maybe he's right about the game threads?
I'm gonna reserve judgement there also.

 

I watched Brooks play for the Ducks and Elleby seems to have a similar game and body type...he needs coaching ...I think Ernie Kent coached him in Washington

 

After 2 games, Giles is leading the team in ppg, rpg (by a lot), spg (by a lot)

 

Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if Giles is better suited than Collins to deal with stretch 4s. At this point, however, that is mostly guess work. He has to stay healthy or the entire debate is moot!

 

Agree & agree... For me, I'm far more concerned about the quality of our #2-#4 players than I am #9-#11, which is why you won't see me freaking out over the playing time of those guys.

 

Zach has more range.

 

In the first half, he was a + 8. (Only Blazer with a plus +/- in the first half) You put him in there with the starters and he looks much better. He is very active. I agree Kanter played well in the 3rd, but still how long have we struggled against 3 pt shooting centers? Nurk, Whiteside, Kanter....never came close to guarding them out there. Get him minutes because he will be needed against ADavis

 

I love his hands. It’s immediately evident. Fact that he can also play the four will allow him to have a role even when Zach returns. I know I’ve said it before, but Kanter is a liability against a bunch of teams defensively, so Giles may just take the backup center job as well.

 

Yeah, they can't be more different. Both will be effective in certain situations.
I just love the thought of finally pressuring teams when needed. Trent, Jones, Covington, Giles with Dame could be fun to watch
when we are down.

 

One thing I would add - Giles has good hands, but he plays defense with his feet. That sets him apart (in a good way) from Zach "if it moves foul it!" Collins.

 

That's odd because that's one of the biggest knocks on Giles is his propensity to foul ala Collins.

 

Yes... the larger sample size would tell you Giles is not a better defender than Collins. Unless you are going off the theory that Stotts is coaching him up so well on the defensive end that he's much improved. I'm not one of those people.