Dare I say, leadership?

by TP43 on Nov 2, 2006 2:57 PM PST

I can't believe I'm writing this, but I think I saw what I saw.

Right at the end of the game Nate pulled Zbo for Joel on an offense - defense switch. Zbo didn't appear to complain but he stood right next to Nate literally bouncing up and down shouting instructions to the guys because you could just tell he was so into the game. Nate put him back in and then left him in for the rest of the game even when he had opportunities to sub him out for defensive purposes.

Now, I don't want to read too much into this but to me, this is Nate rewarding Zbo for acting like a leader. Star players and leaders are in the game at the end even if they aren't the best defender because they need to be to support their teammates and that's how I see this little mini-episode.

OK, now come tell me how wrong I am!

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another reason...

joel can't make a free throw to save his life. I think Nate didn't want to take the chance that Joel would have the ball in his hands and get fouled. I thought it was a great move. Plus, Zack was a beast on the boards all night.

I see your point, and I know the exact moment you are talking about. Bo-bo was jacked up and very much into the game. The best point in the game came in the last minute when the Blazers had to make a defensive stand while up by 1. They came out of a timeout and all five players (travis, jack, roy, ime, zack) huddled together and encouraged each other. Then, they made a HUGE defensive stop. That was a good sign for what is to come this season.

by mcmillion on Nov 2, 2006 3:30 PM PST reply actions

Yeah, I've got to admit

after all of the homerism about how Bayno is reconstructing his freethrow form ... not impressed. Love the big guy, but that "new form" just looked ugly.

by TP43 on Nov 2, 2006 4:56 PM PST up reply actions