Rip City Current, Part 2: Paddling Upstream 7 games in and we’re at 4-3 but still 1st in our division. Of the 3 losses, 2 have been on the road and only the loss to the Kings was a blowout. One of the positives to take from those is we bounced back each time. The wins have been impressive. We are a top 10 offensive and defensive team so far. Our defensive rating is higher than our offensive rating. Anyone see that coming? Credit the coaching staff and players for a much improved system. The bench rotations have been unpredictable at times and with mixed results. Chris Kaman has exceeded all of my expectations and for now seems to be our 6th man. After 7 games we’re once again left wondering how it’s going to pan out. This week’s list is about the bench and I’ll pose some questions and situations that I think merit discussion. As usual, please chime in in the comment section and feel free to add to the list. Riverman Choices when the starters rest or as in Nico’s case, are injured: 1. Who will start for Nico? 2. Who will back up Nico’s backup off the bench? 3. Has CJ beaten Will for minutes? 4. Has Freeland surplanted TRob for minutes? 5. Could Meyers Leonard and Allan Crabbe actually be the best 3 pt shooters on the bench? 6. Why does Stotts use 3 small guard early in the game at the same time? 7. Does Joel Freeland play such straight up defense because he’s good at it or is it that he just can’t jump? 8. Will Dorell Wright find his shot before the allstar break. (fill in the name with Victor Claver as well) 9. How many players will Stotts use generally in his rotation? 10. We know Kaman is good but how many of us thought he’d be THIS good? 11. Which bench players play better when more starters are on the court and which produce more when they are more of an option? 12. Which bench player (besides Kaman) will get the first double double? 13. Will Barton and Robinson let a lack of playing time affect their game in a good way or a bad way? 14. Will any of the guys get a stint in the D league to get playing time and if so, who?
Thanks Sly! Appreciated! It's tough to follow Forensic Fan as Brian covers so much territory and does such a thorough job.
So did I brother! Second date with my wife (27 years ago) was an afternoon at an outdoor court playing full court pickup games and I learned she's money from 3pt range. I'll never best her at a game of HORSE. She also allows me to be a die hard Blazer fan in peace, even though she won't watch basketball.
Well Crabbe starting sure came out of left field. I liked it though. Wright has finally got me questioning his value...yeah, I know I've been rooting for him. Freeland is firmly in the rotation before TRob. CJ has taken Will's minutes and after the Charlotte nail biter, we can still dig out a win after a poor 1st half. It's exhausing!
