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Adjusting to new players takes time - remembering Buck Williams


I remember when Buck Williams joined the team and there was much discussion about what impact he will have and how the team will adjust. He joined the team in the 89-90 season. We finished the previous year 39 and 43 and lost in the first round of the playoffs. The next year with Williams we finished 59 and 23 and made it to the finals before losing to Detroit.  That's a +20 win shift from the year before and I was curious what kind of a transition we had beginning that season with the addition of Buck. Over the first 12 games we were +2 wins over the previous year. Over the next 12 we were +1. Over the next 12 we were +2. It wasn't until games 36-48 that we really pulled away from the previous year at +5 and it just took off from there. This year after 5 games we are 2 and 3 compared to the exact same 2 and 3 last year so while if feels worse, it's our expectations that have changed more than anything.

It feels similar to me with Andre Miller coming on and with the struggle this team has shown to find their rythmn, I won't suprise me for it to take a while to work out.  Plus this team did much better last year vs the 88-89 team so I think we're starting from a stronger position.  I know the opponents are different, the league is different and the players are different so this is anecdotal but I still think there is reason not to panic and be patient.  I think it's easy to feel down after how well we did last year and wanting things to pick up where they left off, but I believe the end result will be worth the wait.

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Dont forget

We had a hell of a road schedule last year at this time as well. There is a different mind set all together just with the schedule right now.

Things will work out like you pointed out. We as fans do have our expectations set WAY high right now still coming down from the end of last season.

"OK, it's going to rain tomorrow. And there is going to be a Greenpeace meeting and hippies are going to be protesting" ~ The Buffet of Goodness on Portland

by Blazer on Nov 4, 2009 3:15 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I'm not a fan of the Andre Miller signing

I have fluctuated back and forth trying to understand/accept/get excited about it. However, I have heard multiple reports that say Miller often has a slow start to the season and picks up about 10-15 games in – playing himself into shape as its called. Heard this from the 76ers blogger on this network as well as fans from the Nuggets and Clippers and also in analysis of the Miller signing.

I don’t like the signing because I don’t think it addresses any of our long term issues but in the short term, so long as Miller comes round, it could workout fine.

"What happened to Bayless anyway? Did he turn into a pumpkin? Most teams don’t just let #11 picks rot." - Xiane

by MadBlaze on Nov 4, 2009 3:48 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I predicted we would play .500 ball for the first 15-20 games this year.

Now seeing it hurts a little more, but I still believe this team will turn out golden. I also think a pretty big trade is coming.

by dario argento on Nov 4, 2009 10:51 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

It seems like a trade just injects more variables into a situation that has enough already

But maybe you know something?

"Either way we have two phenomenal units. I'm excited to play with either one." - Martell Webster

by lee3022 on Nov 5, 2009 12:09 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

With two new starters and three new rotation players it does take time

I like you parallel.

"Either way we have two phenomenal units. I'm excited to play with either one." - Martell Webster

by lee3022 on Nov 5, 2009 12:12 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Amen!

I wish we had Buck back, or Brian Grant for that matter. We need their passion, attitude and aggressive play.

Don Clark

by DCBlazerFan on Nov 5, 2009 8:32 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs


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