NBA/Blazers 2026-27 Thread

[Phalanx]

The best starting lineup was Ja and Jrue. Ja was able to break down defenses and get guys on the perimeter open shots, feed a driving Deni or lob to the centers. He had the offense working great while Lillard mostly stood on the wing and waited for the ball so he could huck up a low percentage shot. Wake up, dude, the guy can't take anyone off the dribble anymore. Without Ja, the offense will not be nearly the same. The best starting lineup now is Jrue and Scoot because they can at least play defense and drive and dish to some degree. I am sure that Lillard will still start, but he shouldn't. We just have to hope that Scoot can rise to the occasion and take advantage of the opportunity he has. A couple of those passes he made against the Lakers made me wonder if he should get his vision checked.

[pezsez1]

The best offense is with Dame and Deni on the floor. Ja breaking things down in the paint removes Deni from doing what he does best, which doesn't really make sense as our bedrock system. Dame, meanwhile, is making Toumani into a 50% spot-up shooter simply by being on the floor. Playing Jrue alongside Dame makes far too much sense, and it's what Nori should have been doing from the start. Now we'll get to establish this offense so that Ja can assume the sixth man role when he returns. This is actually the perfect strategy move by Coach Nori, waiting until just the right moment to bring Jrue up into the starting lineup to play alongside Dame. Masterful coaching.

[bellsduck]

The best offense is with Dame and Deni on the floor. Ja breaking things down in the paint removes Deni from doing what he does best, which doesn't really make sense as our bedrock system. Dame, meanwhile, is making Toumani into a 50% spot-up shooter simply by being on the floor. Playing Jrue alongside Dame makes far too much sense, and it's what Nori should have been doing from the start. Now we'll get to establish this offense so that Ja can assume the sixth man role when he returns. This is actually the perfect strategy move by Coach Nori, waiting until just the right moment to bring Jrue up into the starting lineup to play alongside Dame. Masterful coaching.

When a team relies on only one elite driver, the defense can easily "load up" on that player by collapsing the paint, using zone principles, or sending early help. Ja's ability to penetate ultimately helps Deni and spot up shooters like Dame. Ja is not a sixth man on this team. His offensive style of play is what they sorely need.

[Phalanx]

Dame, meanwhile, is making Toumani into a 50% spot-up shooter simply by being on the floor.

This is utter nonsense.

I think we are about to find out what Ja did for the offense. I'm sure you will blame the regression on Jrue and Scoot.