I hope Collins can make the move to being consistent and a valuable/important starter next year, because most likely the roster will be the same, outside of a draft pick.
Anyways back on topic This is the best Harkless has looked in the NBA. Makes me wonder if there’s still a ceiling he hasn’t hit. If he could develop some consistency it’d be huge. Teams wouldn’t be able to stick a wing on our guards because Moe would feast on the guard that would have to defend him. It’d also open the pick and roll with Nurkic back to where it was last year because teams would have to respect his shot. Now picture that mixed in with Collins’ development. Those two elevate us into contention. And if Olshey hits on another draft pick? Fun
Maybe he looked to his right on the bench and realized he was one of the DNP Boys and that got him motivated again. Hopefully he shines the rest of the season and we can package him with our 1st to get Knox in the draft
If we add a SF in the draft with similar upside(not skill set) to Zach I believe we will contend for TITLES in the very near future. We are a piece away.
Actually, that's exactly what happened. http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...ess_how_an_apology_tu.html#incart_river_index
I don't know. My issue with Harkless is that he's always had stretches like this before, but consistency continues to be his biggest problem. He's so up and down it feels like he's bipolar. He himself admits he's moody and it affects his game when his mindset is not in the right place. This isn't the first time he's been able to "find himself". Ultimately, every time he ends up becoming useless again after playing badly for a few games. Not really sure if this is sustainable. History says no, but I'm willing to let myself get suckered again....
Huh, I just realized he was a 41% three point shooter. How the fuck did I miss that? The guy has all the tools to be something really special. Length, athletecism, hops, shooting, and a surprisingly good post up game. But I remember saying all those things about Travis Outlaw. He also seems to have a little too much Leonard in him--living in his own head too much and prone to "rebirths" that never seem to stick. Still, he is only 24, and although he's now in his 6th year those first three were on a train wreck Orlando team. We have no capspace and we're going to get shitty picks, so we have to develop internally (while also rummaging through bargain bins like we did with Mo and Napier). Portland's future improvement pretty much hinges on the growth of Collins and Mo.
The optimist Kool-Aid drinking homer in me says, "YES! Harkless has finally truly turned the corner in his professional development, and will become the legit offensive threat we need at the 3 to open things up a bit more for Dame and CJ." The pessimist cursed Blazer fan in me says, "Harkless is going to show just enough promise over the final month of the season to convince the front office that no upgrade is needed, and then next year he'll revert back to prior form."
The pessimist cursed Blazer fan in me would say, "Harkless is gonna go off in the playoffs and have a massive injury and be out for a year, and never the same again." smh
He has the same bonus as last year which hits if he's above 35% on 3pt%. Right now he's at 41.4% so he probably won't have to worry about one miss costing him $500,000 like he did last year.
His mechanics looks more natural this season. At least it LOOKS more natural, I’m no shooting coach. On some of his attempts against Houston he knew it was in when it left his hand. Never seen that kind of confidence from him. He’s still a young guy, so hopefully this is a sign of growing up rather than just another tease. I mean he’s teased before, sure, but not like this. This is the best stretch of his career.
I thought Pat C was good enough that Cleveland was willing to do a Lebron for Pat deal. I thought they might even throw in a pick to even things out considering the vast age difference.
Harkless not only is a very servicable role player offensively he's also one of our best team-oriented defenders which makes him a big part of our success
Yep. New players are what keep a team interesting, to me. It's what makes me post here, which is why I hardly do anymore.
Harkless is only 24 and is just coming into his own. He looks more mature and he's playing with more confidence. I have gotten the impression he's had mood issues. Lot's of people do. There are pills for that. He seems to be in a good place at the moment. I think Harkless has arrived and he's only going to get better. He's a very well rounded player with good size and athleticism. His defense is good, his three point shot is money, he dunks easily around the basket, his handle is adequate for driving into the lane. With Dame and CJ dominating the ball everyone else has to be comfortable with a reduced roll, but be ready to produce when the ball comes their way. Harkless is doing that extremely efficiently lately. If his improved mood and attitude sustains I see no reason why he won't continue to be productive and begin to play a bigger role in the offense. No telling what's going to happen in the playoffs. But I think the Houston game was a good indicator. Mo rose to the occasion and played well. Twenty year old Zach was a bit overwhelmed. For next season, I'm salivating at a Dame/CJ/Harkless/Collins/Nurk lineup. NBA beware!
This would make you a die hard King fan....they change coaches and rosters more than any team in the league!
