I am seeing Greg's face while sitting near the bench much more this year than in past years when he's been out for the season.  This seems like a good thing, but I wonder how integrated he is socially with his teammates.  It seems like chemistry is more than just playing together.   At times he has seemed kind of estranged from the team.

  If I ran the zoo, I'd have him attending every single practice at least observing what is being taught and walking through plays with assistant coaches.  He should learn all of the Blazers plays and defenses so that when he starts playing next year he won't be starting from square one.  When he's sitting by the bench I'd have Camby sitting next to him pointing out all of the defensive calls that Camby would be making on the floor, and pointing out opposing players tendencies and strategies for defending them.  After sitting out two full seasons I think Greg should have increased his BBIQ considerably if these measures had been taken.  How many more minutes per game next year could he play if he had been learning how to avoid rookie mistakes costing him senseless fouls.  I understand that watching film is no replacement for playing, but you'd think his mental understanding of the game could have been improved considerably.  One thing I've thought of is a more interactive way of watching file from the perspective of a player playing his position.  He could be watching a play unfold in real time, and then choosing how to respond.  Help out, or stay with his man.  If the game was done well I could see it being a pretty valuable training aid.  He could learn how to spot double teams, finding the open man, making the correct play

I doubt whether any of this is being done, but of course I have no idea what Greg does other than rehab exercises.


Of course I have no idea if the Blazers do any of this, but I am doubtful.