Play to Odens strength not weaknesses

by Planet29 on Feb 8, 2009 10:34 AM PST

Since the 1st of December the Blazers have played 31 games, 15 vs winning teams and 16 vs losing teams. In those games Oden has started them all and has 14 in which he played well(13.9pts, 11.0reb, and 1blk in 28 minutes) and 17 poor games(4.9pts, 3.3reb, .6blk in 21 minutes). Seems to be very inconsistent but really he is very VERY consistent. In the 15 games against the good teams he has had 2 of the good games and 13 bad ones while having12 good and only 4 bad ones vs losing teams. At this stage in his career he seems to be having problems playing in harder games and tougher opponents but not so much vs easier ones. This being the case why not start Przybilla vs the winning teams and bring in Oden off the bench to feast on the opponents 2nd unit. Joel has been pretty consistent if not better against the winning teams and this might give Greg a chance to come in and get his game going(maybe not so many fouls, who knows). At least I do not think he would do any worse than the 5pt 3reb game he would probably get if he started. Against losing teams (like New York tonight) he could continue to start and tear em apart. Anyway in a bold prediction for tonights game against a losing team AT HOME he has a big game 18pt 13reb 2blk, just a guess we will see.

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agreed

Clearly Greg has many things to learn about playing in the NBA. I’m not convinced that putting him up against the best is the ideal educational setting for him. The most notable barometer to his game is whether he picks up early fouls. I think when he starts this makes him more tentative trying to avoid picking up those fouls. If you don’t start him, then he comes into the game later and picking up a foul or two is not as big a deal.

by dogbert on Feb 8, 2009 11:09 AM PST reply actions

Interesting article on how McHale approaches Love's apprentiship.

There are many philosophies about how to approach a high picked post player. Link: http://www.prosportsdaily.com/comments/love-learned-plenty-in-between-starts-200807.html

McHale seems to think it is better to go gradual. He may be right or wrong.

There are many factors to consider also in terms of the team’s situation, availability of other players, competitiveness of team (normal for wing players on non-competitive teams to get more burn). I don’t think that playing GO 30 minutes a game and starting him is the only option (as some seem to suggest).

I am glad that he is getting over 20 minutes even if we do have a very solid vet in Joel. I also think that GO would have it easier if there were more solid vets on the floor with him, thing which is obviously difficult with our roster and injuries. I bet that he would find things easier if Martell and Steve were healthy.

by QuebecBlzrFan on Feb 8, 2009 12:03 PM PST reply actions

Powerful stat

I like your approach. I also think Steve brings vet calm to the point and gives Greg more chances to shine.

If we see the ship righted upon Steve’s return suddenly, does that mean he’s pretty solid here?

Perfect practice makes perfect.

by Ojala John on Feb 8, 2009 12:20 PM PST reply actions

Statistical representation of a known phenomenon

Steve is the only point who I noticed pass the ball to greg more than once in the low post. I enjoy both Serg and Brex, but neither feeds the big man then plays off him. I’d like to see oden come in off the bench, getting minutes the way Brex is. That way the team isn’t getting into foul trouble early if something does happen, and give him3 fouls in the first, and 3 in the last. Otherwise only take him out if he is winded. Consistency is needed for growth, and greg is still a very young man. Feeding him in the post consistently—any time he gets good position, is a solid start.

Having been a big man playing the floor, nothing got me out of the game faster than having a wide open opportunity for an entry pass when I’m less than four feet from the hoop, and having the point decide not to pass it in. Within a few possessions I’d stop posting up my man and just set screens around the perimeter to try to win without the ball.

There are times to go away from the big, but he needs clear communication on what’s going on—not just posting up, no ball, then getting frustrated. Even if he misses a few shots, if he has good looks going up….

The team is operating more like a pick up team than a team who practices together. I’ve seen some nice high-low passes in from LA. I like that set. Either LA or Greg will become a distributor frequently on the offense for this team to hit its stride offensively. I’m not asking for Oden to show Sabonis style passing, but it opens up the offense when the big man can see the floor. Again, Oden needs the ball for that to happen. Roy gets fouled and exhausted too frequently from trying to carry the team. There are now several players who can play, and he should have the option of finishing plays rather than starting them. He would have a much easier time driving against a recovering defense, rather than one that is set. On O, it all starts with using the big man. On D, it all starts with defending the pick and roll. I’d rather see Oden just get back on his man, and let the other teams point take the 20 footer all day. He’ll probably light us up, but that’s not Oden’s man. It shouldn’t be Oden’s responsibility. Team defense is key, but part of team D is to recover to where you are supposed to be.

by lurtsman on Feb 8, 2009 2:00 PM PST reply actions