He did not manage to persuade Stern to divide the game into 16 sections - so he can shoot a 3 at the end of each one. If he did that, he would get 48 PPG just from end of "section" buckets.
Did you not hear McMillan's statements about the preseason? Did you not hear Camby's concerns? Did you not hear what Barrett said at the game? Lots of people were concerned, both within the organization and the media. The world is much larger than this board. You ought to get outside of it once in awhile.
Obviously, then, this board is smarter than the rest of the world. There was no reason to be concerned with Roy based on his preseason play. Ed O.
And apparently even smarter than the coach of the Blazers!!!! McMillan spends every day with the team, sits with them on the plane, eats with them, talks to them before and after the games, hears their concerns, knows all about their nagging injuries, and yet most of the people on this board are smarter than him when it comes to the Blazers. I think that is just remarkable.
Where is the quote from Nate about how concerned he was? I remember a quote from him saying all he wanted to do was get through preseason without injuries.
I think I read that Nate said it is hard to flip a switch - so he expects the team to play hard - but I am certain he has to say it - you can not coach in this league and come with a "sure, we can flip the switch" comment - but I am also certain that Nate has no problems letting Roy coast in the pre-season.
"This is a tough time of the year. I really hate it and want to get through it because different players approach it differently," McMillan said. "It's hard to get the sharpness and the focus. Some are trying to get into shape. The rookies are going hard to get minutes, and the vets are just trying to get through it to get healthy for the regular season." "I'm not all that concerned," said Camby, who said he will be ready to start at center on Tuesday, his 15th season. "We haven't had all of our guys out there at the same time. But we still know the season is a week away and we have to find a way to sharpen things up and come more together team-wise." http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2010/10/trail_blazers_enter_final_pres.html STOMP
I will say, however, that I have noticed a change in Roy's game. I am wondering if he is physically 100%. His outside shooting seems to be great this year, but I am a little surprised to see him unable to get to the hoop at will for lay-ins that he seemed to do in prior seasons. I'm not being negative or whining. I wonder if there is something a little off, or if he is just adjusting his game in an attempt to be more efficient and take less pounding. But it seems like even on plays where he tries to take his man off the dribble, he isn't being successful this year.
I doubt he's just lost that aspect of his game. I think he's just kinda setting himself up for a long season and taking it easy, I think preseason was evidence of that as well.
I hope that is the case. It has just appeared at times that even when he tried to attack the rim, he couldn't get by his defender like he used to.
McMillan Quote: Interviewer: "How would you say you guys have been?" McMillan: (Shaking his head) "Not good. Not good. We're going to certainly have to be much better." http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2010/10/trail_blazers_enter_final_pres.html Wesley Matthews Quote: Interviewer: "Do you guys need to start taking care of business?" Matthews: "Yeah, we want to come into the regular season running. We don't want to stumble, and then pick it up. There's no magic switch to turn on. We've got to turn it on now, and let that momentum carry us through the season." http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2010/10/trail_blazers_practice_whats_t.html
You know, I wonder if it's just a change in style to protect himself. Roy has always been known for his fearless charges into the paint for sick layups, but it's those kinds of plays that can lead to injuries. As MJ got older, that's when he started to transition to the post up game and fade-away. Maybe Roy is trying to transition away from slashing because he's concerned about injuries and his career.
Or maybe he knew he was just fine with his jumper falling. The place where this "theory" will really be "tested" is when Roy has a poor shooting night. If this happens and he still does not try to get into the lane... maybe. I think that Roy playing off the ball with more motion is the main reason, the fact that when he is playing with the ball he mostly plays backup PG to initiate the offense 2nd and the fact that his jumper is falling 3rd.
