Movable object vs. Resistable force
Two lackluster defensive teams matched up Thursday night in New Jersey and the Blazers, down the stretch, made more shots, got better penetration and out-talented the Nets. It was a win the Blazers needed — badly.
And — hey, my bad on this one — Jerryd Bayless had a terrific night. He got into the paint and all the way to the basket all night against the Nets, who defend even worse than the Blazers. He was ridiculously good. So good, that I’d be worried he’s going to think it’s going to be this easy for him every night. It’s not. But give him a lot of credit — he recovered from some horrendous shooting in previous games to step up when the team needed him most.
His ability to penetrate, if he can do it on a consistent basis, is a welcome addition — particularly if he can get the hang of laying the ball off to the big men when he draws the extra defender.
Brandon Roy played through obvious pain and did so very well and LaMarcus Aldridge did a nice job, too. The Blazers were very good on offense down the stretch of this game — as they often are when Roy is controlling things.
That was the good from the Nets game — and I guess I can’t blame Trail Blazer fans if that’s all they want to hear. But the fact was, this was another night in which Portland seemed totally overwhelmed by the pick-and-roll. At some point during the game, I got this e-mail from a long-time Blazer fan who now lives in California:
Hi Mr. Jaynes,
Watching this Nets game….what is going on with the Blazers trying to defend the pick and roll???? The guard doesn’t even try and get over, under, or through the pick…they just simply switch. I’ve never seen such poor defense in all my playing or viewing years. Help me understand this please.
Morgan
Well, Morgan, I can’t help you. I don’t get it, either. But I do know one thing — it’s going to be mighty hard to ever win a playoff series simply switching every pick and roll. Good teams dream about feasting off these sorts of mismatches. And it’s just one more thing that takes the Blazer big men and puts them in a vulnerable position. But that doesn’t seem to matter much. With all the minutes Travis Outlaw gets at power forward, with Rudy’s big minutes off the bench, this is on its way to turning into a very small-ball team. A very guard-oriented team, if Bayless begins to get more minutes, because he’s going to have the ball in his hands a lot when Roy doesn’t have it.
It will be interesting to see how that works out.
NBA, Trail Blazers | Dwight Jaynes | January 15, 2009
Brandon Roy, Dwight Jaynes, Jerryd Bayless, New Jersey Nets, pick and roll defense, Portland Trail Blazers, Rudy Fernandez, Travis Outlaw
welcome aboard team bayless!!!! it’s all fun and games on this party train!!!!!!
please trade me!!!!!! My coach does not know how to use me!! GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy crap that was an awesome dunk by Bayless.
Dwight,your website is a breath of fresh air for the fans,keep
talking Blazers !
Bayless has the potential to make game changing plays. He also is the only guard besides Roy who is not afraid of driving to the hoop and getting contact. Like Oden and Batum, we have to be patient with him and realize he will look like a rookie some nights. However, he is well worth the investment
I am real concerned with Oden not getting many minutes. We need to be developing him and it is not happening on a consistent basis…
Our perimiter defense really concerns me…just feels like the oppossing teams guards can penetrate at will.
Dwight, please, please call Nate or find some way to communicate to him, that Oden needs to play more (fight through defensive and offensive learning curves) and get at least 10 shots a game.
I don’t understand what’s happened over the past two games. Oden played awesome against Chicago, practically willing the team back in the game on his own, and then he gets benched for long periods against the 76ers and the Nets. He didn’t even have foul trouble! Do you understand this? If so please enlighten us (specifically me it’s driving me insane.)
Oden didn’t play because his defense was miserable. They did manage to win the game, though. Which is more important?
Oden wasn’t played last night, because they were killing him on the pick and roll. Our guards have to do a better job of getting around / through picks. Oden will always lose when left one on one with Devin Harris.
I see what you guys are saying. But that’s not Oden’s fault. That’s the coaches and the guards faults. Oden should never be left to defend anyone like Devin Harris when they are driving.
Along with amazing strengths, Oden does have weaknesses. It’s the same weakness anyone over 6’9″ encounters. He can’t be expected to do what no other center in the NBA could do.
Oden has got to play. This team is so much better when is out there, and better yet when they give the rock first and then let the offense go.
He deserves at least 10 shots a game. Come on at 52.9% give him the ball all night long. Jump shooting is overrated when you have the big banger down there, who hits pretty consistently from the line as well.
It is never Oden’s fault….. The excuses get more and more comical….
Bob-
While I do like the guy, there are a few undeniable facts about the guy..
He is too slow. I think he bulked up too much last year after his surgery. Watching college footage, it seemed like he got up and down the court faster. Maybe he is still recovering from the surgery, who knows. But if he enters the season next year moving as slow as he is now, I will be ready to give up on him.
He makes some really bad (almost Outlaw bad) decisions. His first foul last night on Harris was absolutley retarded.
That said, you still can’t expect him to switch on NBA caliber guards, and be able to stop them.
Speaking of slow and making TO type decisions, the same could be said of Bobbi Whitsitt’s line of thinking and reasoning, ie myopic view of basketball.
Yes I keep wondering when the #1 draft choice will show up. He does, then he doesn’t.
He sure is a kid who could have used one or two more years in college. And am watching Kevin Love for same,