NBA / Blazers Thread

[thomas time]

NBA Best record at 21-4 for now, I don't think they would get Asik when things are going so well, don't ruined the chemistry. The bench has been better, but Dorrell has been a little more inconisent then I thought and Mo also has. It will be interesting to see if they make a trade to improve the bench, but they don't have much to offer, maybe Barton or C.J. (I rather keep C.J. though)

[oregontrack]

you don't think our bench is much better this year compared to last?

I think it's slightly better.

I think almost all of the improvement in this team from last years team is credited to replacing JJ Hickson with a true center and the improve play from Mathews & Batum. Both of whom are currently having career years.

The bench really hasn't done much. Mo Williams is actually having his worst year in his career since his rookie season. Dorell Wright has only been slightly better than Babbitt who was absolutely awful.

The biggest improvement was probably the addition of Thomas Robinson.. but that's because we had guys like Claver & Leonard playing those minutes.

every single bench spot this year is an improvement over last year. the mere fact that stotts can go to his bench and not have to call on trash like nolan smith and luke babbitt is a win. it's not like we're stashing starters on the second unit, but it's not a 'slight' improvement. it's visible every single night.

[Boom]

you don't think our bench is much better this year compared to last?

I think it's slightly better.

I think almost all of the improvement in this team from last years team is credited to replacing JJ Hickson with a true center and the improve play from Mathews & Batum. Both of whom are currently having career years.

The bench really hasn't done much. Mo Williams is actually having his worst year in his career since his rookie season. Dorell Wright has only been slightly better than Babbitt who was absolutely awful.

The biggest improvement was probably the addition of Thomas Robinson.. but that's because we had guys like Claver & Leonard playing those minutes.

every single bench spot this year is an improvement over last year. the mere fact that stotts can go to his bench and not have to call on trash like nolan smith and luke babbitt is a win. it's not like we're stashing starters on the second unit, but it's not a 'slight' improvement. it's visible every single night.

It looks better on paper than it actually is. Yes, Nolan Smith was garbage.. that's why they picked up Eric Maynor. Mo Williams has been nothing more than a slight upgrade. Same goes for Dorell Wright over Babbit.

Regardless of how much of an improvement you think it might be.. It's still a major weakness to this team. It's still not a strong bench for NBA standards. Most of the top level teams have 1 or 2 starter level guys coming off the bench. Portland has none. Look at tonight's match up against lowly Cleveland. They bring Jarrett Jack, Dion Waters, & Anderson Varejao off the bench.

San Antonio - Manu Ginobli, Boris Diaw, Marco Belinelli,
Thunder - Jeremy Lamb, Reggie Jackson, Steven Adams

All of those guys are better than any combination of bench players that Portland has.

[Boom]

Lillard with another game winner. He had a monster 36pt game tonight.

[thomas time]

Another big shot by Damein, 8-12 on his 3's. 12-2 on road now, more road wins then all of last season.

[wlduck]

To say that Dorrell Wright has been only "slightly better" than Babbitt is ridiculous.

[Boom]

To say that Dorrell Wright has been only "slightly better" than Babbitt is ridiculous.

Do you watch the games or look at stats? Both players are really bad on the defensive end. They're similar offensive players.

I would like to hear a non bias reason why you think he's been significantly better.. this season.

[oregontrack]

there are certainly better benches around the nba. i was just caught off guard with the assertion that anyone could think this year's second unit is only marginally better than last years, which was bad on a historical level. this year's bench provides an upgrade at all five spots. last year, things went to hell the moment someone needed a rest. luke babbitt will do that to a team. tonight provided a nice example of a starter in bad foul trouble (lopez) and a back-up playing so well (freeland) it just didn't matter. we'll always be starter-driven, but there's a whale of difference between this year and last.

i certainly agree with your point about lopez coming in for hickson and career years by batum/matthews (and lamarcus, of course) also being catalysts for the 22-4 (!) start.

[Boom]

Portland might have the best starting 5 in the west, but I think they have the worst 6th, 7th, and 8th man out of western playoff teams. McCollum could certainly help.. and I do think TRob has some long term potential. But I'm really hoping Neil Olshey can pull something off before the playoffs.

[thomas time]

LeBron James tweeted: One of the best games this year so far if not the best. Cavs vs Blazers

Portland (22-4) has the best record in the NBA and is 11-0 against the Eastern Conference. The Blazers have won five straight and are 12-2 on the road.

[oregontrack]

well, last night was a ringing endorsement for why trading for asik would in fact be a good idea.

[UOducksTK1]

Blazers win a close one against the Clippers. Batum with a huge 3 to send it to OT.

Best record in the NBA at 24-5.

[thomas time]

Tough loss tonight, Bosh hits a 3 with .5 seconds left to give a heat one point win, with Lebron not playing too.

[wlduck]

To say that Dorrell Wright has been only "slightly better" than Babbitt is ridiculous.

Do you watch the games or look at stats? Both players are really bad on the defensive end. They're similar offensive players.

I would like to hear a non bias reason why you think he's been significantly better.. this season.

The Blazers record begs to differ with your entire argument.

[Boom]

To say that Dorrell Wright has been only "slightly better" than Babbitt is ridiculous.

Do you watch the games or look at stats? Both players are really bad on the defensive end. They're similar offensive players.

I would like to hear a non bias reason why you think he's been significantly better.. this season.

The Blazers record begs to differ with your entire argument.

don't be lazy