FanPost

Rising Higher


How can the Blazer's progress further into the playoffs? Before I give my prescription look at this graph:

2v3_medium

via 2.bp.blogspot.com



All of the participants in the Conference finals shot above 50% in 2 point shooting and were above average 3 point shooting teams. The Trailblazers shot below the league average in 2 point shooting while keeping pace with the elite teams in 3 point shooting.
Of the top twenty players making the most 2point field goals both Aldridge and Lillard rank 19 and 20 respectively in 2 point field goal percentage of those twenty players!
Clearly they need to shoot better. Kaman might help out by allowing more rest for Aldridge. Rest might not be a factor for Lillard because his drop in 2 point shooting percentage from his rookie year probably stems from his challenging in the paint more. Improving his technique here might correct his 2 point shooting percentage.
Better bench play is clearly needed--however the question might not be talent so much as approach. Remember the Spurs showed the league how to beat the blazer's (put a big guy on Aldridge), so some adjustment on the court will have to be made (again Kaman may help with this).