Game 57: Portland vs New Orleans 7:30pm SNW/ESPN

[d-train]

We are missing 3 of our 4 best and 4 of our 8 best players. The important thing is we didn't have a combination of players to run plays off tonight. Maybe against some teams that have a harder time matching up against Melo, we can generate a little offense. We just don't have the weapons to dig us out of the hole we are in.

[Norm2953]

I wish we could find guys like the Nicolo Melli who is a 29 year old European veteran who hit a number
of key shots and looks to be a serviceable player. Are there any other experienced Euros out there who
would be willing to come here to play a role and can do one thing reasonably well?

[Matt800]

We are missing 3 of our 4 best and 4 of our 8 best players. The important thing is we didn't have a combination of players to run plays off tonight. Maybe against some teams that have a harder time matching up against Melo, we can generate a little offense. We just don't have the weapons to dig us out of the hole we are in.

You could also add in Skal and Gasol. Who are off the team because they were hurt. Skal was productive and a healthy Gasol probably would have been too. Although the team was pretty much asking for an issue when gambling on Gasol's health in the offseason. But Skal was helpful and it's not like he's been replaced.

[JasonStern]

I'm afraid the Blazers are not in the run for the 8th spot.

I told you that 2 months ago. You ASSURED me that we would be a 5-7 seed, and talked about putting money and bets down on it. This was predictable months ago. But the franchise prefers to be rudderless and won't commit to a development year.

the season wasn't over 2 months ago. the season was over at the trade deadline when Olshey's big move was Skal for cap relief. now I can understand not wanting to give up long-term assets to try to compete for the 8th seed, or not wanting to use the disabled player exception for luxury tax reasons. but running 7 man rotations while keeping an empty roster spot instead of signing a washed up placeholder like Ryan Anderson or Jamal Crawford to a league-subsidized veteran's minimum, just to save a few bucks, is a total white flag from management.

[monopoman]

While I am always looking to be as competitive as possible whoever gets the 8th seed likely loses in at most 5 games. I would have liked to see another move besides dumping Skal but really if the Pel's or Grizz want that so bad they can have it. A young team benefits a lot more from making the playoffs than guys nearing age 30 that have been there many times.

The biggest downside of missing out on the playoffs is we break the streak Dame has had in making it every year since his Sophmore year in the NBA. I would much rather have a small chance at a top pick or a slightly better pick in the upcoming draft than making the playoffs as the 8th seed and getting crushed in 5 or 4 games.

****, we are only 1.5 games ahead of Sacramento right now and they have the 11th worst record in the league and if the season ended today they are looking at a 9.4% chance at a top 4 pick. Ever since they changed the odds to be more even it has made it far better for those teams that barely miss the playoffs.

[JasonStern]

I'm fine shutting down Dame and all, but I doubt Dame is fine shutting it down when there's still a chance. And the schedule from here on out is easier than it was in the past. Plus Melo doesn't have much left in the tank...

Still, Dame and CJ were healthy for most of the season. Not a good look long-term for the team as they age and take up most of the salary cap.