Why the DNP-CD's? And if it's because he was playing like shit, WHY was he playing like shit? Thoughts?
He still looks outta shape in my mind. Came in to camp overweight and he's been slow and plodding. He was an elite O-rebounder last year, now he doesn't have the lift to jump for boards.
My theory is that the brass have decided that Davis won't be a part of the team next year so they're giving his minutes to Leonard in the hopes that he may be able to show something to justify his contract before the end of the year. Just a theory. Your mileage may vary.
I would go the other way on that. We know what we have in Ed Davis and he is on a great contract. We may trade him if we like the deal of course but more likely I think we are benching him to showcase Leonard (that may not be a great idea since he looks worse the more he plays but doesn't stop them from trying) so in the hopes that we can trade him during the draft.
My guess is that it's a combination of factors: 1. He wasn't playing well anyway (still a mystery). 2. He is what he is - so playing him more won't develop him. 3. We're tanking, so there's no point in just playing him to help us win (and people don't come to the game to see him, so unlike Lillard or CJ, nobody's going to complain if he's DNP) 4. It's been decided that he doesn't work alongside Nurkic. But considering Dame called him his favorite teammate not so long ago, I guess I don't get it. We're certainly rebound-challenged and isn't that his forte?
#3. Plus we really need Meyers to rebuild some of his value, either for our own team (don't laugh, when Meyers plays well he makes a difference) or for someone else in a trade.
Isn't that "Dame's favorite teammate" thingie usually the kiss of death for guys on the Blazers' roster?
My theory is based on the prospect of Olshey having his year-end meeting and having to explain giving Leonard his new contract. Your theory could be right as well. Most likely it's just a case of a coach on a team that's losing trying to mix things up to see if he can find a combination that works.
In Ed's defense he busts his ass. Always one of the first guys showing up putting in his work. Hope they figure it out, quality guy right there.
There giving ML the opportunity to make his case that he can back up Nurk and he has these remaining games to prove that or they will try to trade him in deal around draft or off season. For Davis I think he won't be here next he will be traded in the off season.
The most convincing theory I heard was that the 20 pounds of muscle he put on in the offseason ended up affecting his quickness, which is what his game was based off of in the first place.
My theory is Ed is our backup and we aren't showcasing him to sell high ....problem is we are showcasing Meyers and he hasn't built his value....Ed is who he is and he's affordable
A thread offering theories! My kind of thread. Mine is that they don't like his name. "Ed Davis" is too working class. "Meyers Leonard" sounds like an effete snob, and attracts rich season ticket holders.
If everybody who put on "twenty pounds of muscle" in the off-season actually did the NBA would look like the WWE. Ed Davis has all the tools but lacks the desire.
Only reason to be playing Nards over Davis as the backup 5 is if you're going against Boogie or you're intentionally trying to lose games.
I'm several years removed from seeing him in person. I will accept that HCP says he works hard. I don't know if that translates into ambition.
In his last five games that he has actually played, he is shooting over .600 and bringing in almost 12 rebounds per 36.
