Game 5 Portland vs LA Clippers 7:30 pm

[zzaj]

Where’s the dude who said we’re winning “4 games in the first 41”? I’m keeping receipts on all y’all

Probably me...Blazers have a ton of tough games against winning teams and B2Bs. They are certainly playing a lot better than I figured they would. Mostly they are playing average to above average defense and that's making a difference. I still think that we're going to see some big stretches of losses and end up with a .25 record in that initial stretch. But hey, I'm often wrong...I have no problem admitting that.

Well, we will have the predictions thread at the end of the year

I have FULL faith in Cronin's ability to tank command the Blazers into a top 5 pick. I stand by my predictions. Especially after seeing some of the other "bad" teams win a game or two...

[Norm2953]

That's a Clippers team that is going to fall back to the pack for its an older team that no longer
has Paul George, with Leonard likely missing another 35-40 games

[Walton1one]

Where’s the dude who said we’re winning “4 games in the first 41”? I’m keeping receipts on all y’all

This is not something to get excited about, in fact the exact opposite.

I mean, great for the young players like Clingan\Scoot\Camara\Murray & Rupes! Seriously, good to see.

But winning at a 33% clip (2-4, I am penciling a loss to OKC on FRI, a much better team, that is YOUNGER than POR, with a TON of draft capital) equates out to 27 wins, which if you go by LY equals out to the 7th/8th worst record), which would be DISASTROUS for this team. Still 19-20 games away from a PLAY IN spot and just totally screwed in what is shaping up to be a loaded draft.

8th pick draft odds? Not pretty...
6% shot at #1
6.3% chance at #2
6.7% chance at at #3
7.2% chance at #4

0% chance at #5\6\7

34.5% chance at #8
32.1% chance at #9
7.2% chance of ending up 10/11/12

That is a 26.2% chance at a Top 5 pick (in a draft with 5 consensus high level\franchise level players, that is important) & a 66.6% chance of landing at #8/#9, which for a team that absolutely needs a franchise level player is a DISASTER of epic proportions.

I urge you to think of the bigger picture here. This team IS playing better, which is great, but they are NOT playing better b\c of guys like Simons\Grant & Ayton, who are just playing the way they normally do. POR is playing better b\c of the additions of Avdija & Clingan, the growth\development of Scoot, Camara & Murray (yes, I said growth). All guys 24 & younger, THEY are what is making this team better.

Prioritizing ADDING to THAT core is what Cronin should be doing (maybe that is his plan, hope springs eternal), but if you are a fan who wants to see a championship banner in Rip City again, then adding TO that young core via the 2025 draft should take precedence over ultimately, meaningless wins like last night.

[BlazersBroncos]

I cant stand watching DA play offense anywhere outside the restricted zone. Those madding middies are going to be the death of me.

DC getting 11 minutes is a joke. He can pass, while Ayton really cant, so having him on the court opens the floor a ton for cuts and such.

The most important stat as always - Grant / Ant / Ayton = 52 of 92 shots or 58%.

Deni shot 8 times but got to the line 3X as much as those 3 combined (6FTA vs 2FTA).

Will say it again but as likable as Walker is and as much as he hustles he is a tweener from a bygone era. Rayan should be getting his minutes IMO. Really like what he has flashed, and he is so young.

Kris has really surprised me so far. Nice hustle, pesky defense, getting boards, shot looks better. I think he is passing up a few too many open 3's though. He may be a NBA roster talent yet.

[DusterBuster]

This game just so encapsulates my other post point. Just get all of Grant, Ayton and Simons out of here. I want this lineup all season long...

Scoot
Shae (if he's ever healthy)
Deni
Camara
Clingan

Get these guys their reps, they're the future.