Right now we only have one guaranteed starter. That leaves (potentially) four starting spots up for grabs, as well as another 4-5 rotation spots. We all have our opinions on who we think should start, but I think training camp is going to be brutal. I really hope Stotts puts the starting spots on the table and sees who steps forward to claim them. It sounds like Crabbe, Leonard, and Frazier are all gearing up for the battle. Crabbe sounds like he really wants it. Even Dame is at the PF. I really hope Lillard gets the team together early, like the Roy team did, and start building relationships.
Henderson should probably start, but I want to start a Lillard/CJ backcourt. Might as well figure how well it works.
I just don't think CJ is ever going to be a starter. I think he'll fill both the backup one and two so he can get 30-ish minutes.
Agreed. And it's not to say that he isn't good enough to start, just that his skill set seems to fit the team best as a high-scoring reserve.
Why? Because he fits the mold of a scoring guard off the bench? Most good teams have two shot creators in the starting lineup. The only two we have are Dame and CJ.
I think a large part of it is his size. If Dame was a couple inches taller, sure, but I don't think we're going to put two smaller guys in the backcourt together. I guess we shall see though
I've always found this strange. Of all the games where CJ has played significant minutes, I've never thought he was bad defensively. Undersized for sure, but long arms and pretty active and smart. He's never going to be lockdown, but he's not a liability on that end.
Dame is the liability, not CJ. Lillard really needs to improve on his defense this year. With that said, I think Stotts likes having a known commodity coming off the bench who can score, and that's CJ. Who else would you count on as a scorer with the second unit?
I don't understand how that's CJ's fault? Not like Crabbe or Henderson are lockdown defenders. Who scores in the starting lineup besides Dame?
It's not CJ's fault, but it's CJ's problem because we hid Dame a lot on defense last season. We constantly would have to move Wes or Nic over to guard the point guard if Dame was getting abused. Do you think CJ can fit that role?
If you're looking at the roster as currently constructed, we don't have a Wes Matthews type player. Crabbe and Henderson are not significantly better at CJ on defense. I'd rather start the more talented player and hope he develops familiarity playing with our best player.
I agree that it's going to be a war, though I'm pretty sure Aminu has starting SF locked up. Related Topic: I think our bench this year is actually much more talented than our bench last year.
CJ will be a perennial 6th man of the year contender, like Jamal, but with better attitude. That's all we need from him. Consistent 6th man material.
Right now, I see CJ as a Jason Terry clone who brings instant offensive firepower off the bench. I'd prefer to see a bigger player start at the 2G spot, but if CJ can win the battle in camp, more power to him.
I'd start these guys: Lillard - Henderson - Aminu - Davis - Plumlee experienced, solid, proven NBA players. CJ - Crabbe - Harkless - Vonleh - Leonard would be my primary bench guys I am also high on Connaughton.
I would be curious to see what the offense would look like with that bunch. Lillard is the only real perimeter player there. They may all be solid, proven players, but I don't see their skill-sets fitting well together.
Lillard - Cj - Frazier Connaughton - Cj - Henderson ( Connaughton moves really well without the ball and deadly from range, can drive finish or pass. ) Crabbe - Aminu - Harkless ( Crabbe better from range atm. I think this spot will have the most competition ) Leonard - Vonleh - Davis Plumlee - Davis - Kaman It will very interesting to see how it all plays out, Portland will have a pretty deep squad. I'm starting to think this team might be better than last years team. ( I know bunch of people think Portland will suck ) Once these guy's get chemistry I believe they can be very tough opponent for anyone. My biggest concern isn't with the players we've picked up, more about Stotts and how he uses them. They're all getting a clean slate this is an exciting time to be a fan. It will be a good year for Portland.
I feel like we're an expansion team that just had a really savvy and well-played dispersion draft. It's exciting.
