I definitely agree that the last two games would have been a great time to get Bayless some run, for all the reasons you addressed, but I have to believe Nate has his plan and is sticking with it.

One possible explanation is that from a traditional coaching standpoint, you can only develop so many rookies on the floor at once. Bayless has ended up being the 4th rookie in this scenario, and I can’t think of too many NBA coaches who would be so willing to rely on 1st year players to generate wins to the extent the Blazers have done this season.

but the game was close right up until the end, and I guess Nate didn’t want to risk putting in the rookie point guard. However, in retrospect I think you are right. We did not have things clicking all night long and maybe a spark plug like Bayless could’ve made a big difference for us. It would’ve been a risk. But one I think worth taking.

That being said, you can see the difference between the 2 teams defensively. While Tony Parker is really not a very good perimeter defender, our point guards could not make them pay for his lack of defensive prowess. Why? Because the Spurs work well as a defensive unit and do not rely soley on great individual defenders. In short they have a plan defensively. They know where they want the other team to go and then push the other team that way. With Portland, I could not really tell what their strategy was on the defensive side of the ball. It seemed confused, reactive and a step late.

The kid either looks brilliant or absolutely not ready for the NBA at times. Unfortunately we usually see both in a matter of minutes…..not exactly someone a coach has confidence to put in against one of the top PG in the league (that happened to be blazing hot at the time).

I’ve been trying to pay close attention on how we run and defend the Pick and Roll.

UofTorange mentioned Tuesday that we run so many Isolations….but it works…gonna make the playoffs…

I think the OP here has a point. It seems that Blake, Sergio, Outlaw, (all outside defenders including BAtum sometimes) all play so far off the ball they’re in the worst position possible to guard the PnR. I see a few repeating styles

A) they don’t make a big enough effort to get close to the ball handler (before the pick) so they can get over the top

B) are too lazy (or not quick enough) when the pick is coming to fight over the top. Or at least get into position where they can be just behind the ball handler after going around the pick to force a tough shot.

c) When we switch our bigs rarely show hard enough to force the ball handler out above the 3 and create some reaction time for our smalls.

The last home game was the first sign of life as far as our bigs showing and making the ball handler react. As expected though that was lost once they hit the air plane.

When we run the PnR on offense their big either shows and pushes our ball handler way out or their PG goes over the top. Our bigs are usually in a good position rolling, but our smalls can never get them the ball.

I have faith that Nate is prepping them to be a great team defense. However; the way the play right now. The PnR will be the end of them in an early playoff series outing.

We could have used a little spark of Argh out there. Even if he made a few mistakes it would have been good for the team to have a guy (besides Roy) with a refuse to lose attitude. Might have rubbed off on the regulars. One day maybe we’ll have a veteran to provide this, but for now Bayless is as close as we have off the bench.

What about the fact that Bayless simply has some legs and energy, oh, because he didn’t play the night before?