Ranking Current Players

[Butter]

Simple question:
- How do you rank the Blazers current players, best to worst?

Bonus question:
-what are their strengths and weeknesses?

Listed alphabetically

Deni Avdija

Deandre Ayton

Dalano Banton

Toumani Camara

Sidy Cissoko

Donovan Clingan

Jerami Grant

Scoot Henderson

Bryce McGowens

Justin Minaya

Kris Murray

Duop Reath

Rayan Rupert

Shaedon Sharpe

Anfernee Simons

Matisse Thybulle

Jabari Walker

Robert Williams III

[Butter]

Here's my list:

1. Deni Avdija

2. Toumani Camara

3. Shaedon Sharpe

4. Anfernee Simons

5. Scoot Henderson

6. Donovan Clingan

7. Deandre Ayton

8. Dalano Banton

9. Jerami Grant

10. Matisse Thybulle

11. Jabari Walker

12. Duop Reath

13. Kris Murray

14. Rayan Rupert

15. Justin Minaya, Sidy Cissoko, Bryce McGowens


Inj: Robert Williams III

[tester551]

1) Deni Avdija: S- competitive, W- Turnovers

2) Shaedon Sharpe: S- midrange & athleticism , W- passiveness

3) Toumani Camara: S- relentless, W- ball handling

4) Deandre Ayton: S- midrange , W- screening

5) Donovan Clingan: S- drop coverage, W- athleticism

6) Scoot Henderson: S- teammate, W- ball handling

7) Anfernee Simons: S-outside shooting , W- ball hog

8) Matisse Thybulle: S- teammate , W- shooting

9). Jabari Walker: S-hustle , W- 1/2 step slow

10) Jerami Grant: S- 3pnt shooting , W- passive/effort

11) Dalano Banton: S- attacking , W- attacking (ball hog)

12) Kris Murray: S-man defense , W- offense

13) Duop Reath: S-3pnt shot , W- defense

14) Rayan Rupert: S- gym rat , W- basketball

15) Robert Williams III: S- teammate , W- availability

16/17). Sidy Cissoko, Bryce McGowens: TBD- not enough information

18) Justin Minaya: S- hard worker, W- basketball

[HoopsFanAZ]

1. Deni Avdija
2. Toumani Camara
3. Shaedon Sharpe
4. Scoot Henderson
5. Donovan Clingan
6. Kris Murray and Jabari Walker (tied)
8. Duop Reath
9. Rayan Rupert

Players on expiring contracts, expiring in a year, or just should be traded:
1. Deandre Ayton
2. Anfernee Simons
3. Jerami Grant (down year)
4. Delano Banton
5. TimeLord and Matisse Thybulle have been too injured to rank.

The others fill out the bench/roster.

[Norm2953]

Most of us has the top 7 Blazers but the rest of the Blazers can fall in any order which is why going
into next season, the focus should be to reinforce their young core of Deni, Camara, Sharpe, DC and
Scoot.

Imagine if they could add solid vet to that young core for they have found their Nicolas Batum in Deni
and need to find a Wesley Matthews, a player with some size who can defend and shoot

[Wizenheimer]

..................

4) Deandre Ayton: S- midrange , W- screening; W - Rim Protection; W - Post Passing; W - Paint Defense; W - Drawing Fouls

7) Anfernee Simons: S-outside shooting , W- ball hog; W - Defensive Sieve; W - Not a Wing/Size

ftfy

[dckingsfan]

I would break them down by tiers based upon the now, potential and contract size.

Tier 1
Avdija - his year over year improvement was spectacular. He continues to improve his game in little ways that impact his overall performance. He could very well take another jump next year and that would make him a very good player. His end of year performance arguably puts him in the top 50 in the L.

Tier 2
Camara - Very much improved year over year but needs to take an even bigger jump next year.
Clingan - Improved from the beginning of the season. Given how long it takes bigs to get to their potential - he is doing pretty darn well.
Scoot - He took a massive year over year jump, can he do it again.

Tier 2a - run from these players
Ayton - He is what he is on a massive contract
Sharpe - He is what he is and will demand a massive contract

Tier 3
Walker - definitely improved on both ends of the court, can he do it again or at least maintain this level of productivity.
Rupert - too young to judge but I am skeptical

Tier 3a - injuries leave these two as TBD
Thybulle
Grant

Tier 4 - gotta go, addition by subtraction
Simmons
Reath
Murray

Tier 5 - won't play again due to injuries
Williams

It doesn't leave a tremendous amount to build off of... the luck would be on any of Avdija, Camara, Scoot, Clingan & Walker taking big jumps.

The problem is the coach and FO seem hell bent on building around Simmons, Sharpe and Ayton. A slow-moving train wreck.

[PDXKnight]

I think I have to factor upside as bit into the equation

1.Deni - do I really need to explain this one?
2. Toumani -dual threat talent
3. Shaedon - developing into a great scorer
4. White Jordan/ DC - impacts the game without needing to score
5 Ant - horrible defense ok offense
6 Scoot - decent passer. Has shown vast improvement in analytics and should be starting next season to either sink or swim
7. Mathisse- I dont think his injuries will be nearly as bad as robs. He could be a useful role player to someone
8. Jerami - had a down year, could be useful off bench if we can't move on from that bad contract i suppose
9. Ayton - show me the defense otherwise i don't view DA as a starter here
10. Robert- if he stayed healthy he could be 5ish. He's here because he won't play 60 games ever let alone 40 possibly.
11 Banton/walker/Rupert etc- could move on from any of these guys

Note: I ranked ant higher than Scoot because right now he's a better player. That said i wouldn't keep him in Portland as I believe Scoot will be better eventually maybe even next season as he is far less of a defensive liability

[dckingsfan]

I think I have to factor upside as bit into the equation

1.Deni - do I really need to explain this one?
2. Toumani -dual threat talent
3. Shaedon - developing into a great scorer
4. White Jordan/ DC - impacts the game without needing to score
5 Ant - horrible defense ok offense
6 Scoot - decent passer. Has shown vast improvement in analytics and should be starting next season to either sink or swim
7. Mathisse- I dont think his injuries will be nearly as bad as robs. He could be a useful role player to someone
8. Jerami - had a down year, could be useful off bench if we can't move on from that bad contract i suppose
9. Ayton - show me the defense otherwise i don't view DA as a starter here
10. Robert- if he stayed healthy he could be 5ish. He's here because he won't play 60 games ever let alone 40 possibly.
11 Banton/walker/Rupert etc- could move on from any of these guys

Note: I ranked ant higher than Scoot because right now he's a better player. That said i wouldn't keep him in Portland as I believe Scoot will be better eventually maybe even next season as he is far less of a defensive liability

Interesting ratings. Can't disagree on 1&2. That seems to be the backbone of the team.

Nor on Clingan, he really played well above expectations, my only concern there is his FT% for two reasons. One, he needs to get to the line and make them to become an effective low post scorer and it throws all kinds of shade on him being a stretch C over time. I mean, he only shot .222 from 3-10 feet.

Are you saying Sharpe is now a great scorer, will become a great scorer or is showing progress to becoming a great scorer. I don't think you can argue he is a great scorer at this point, no? His year over year progress didn't even match Scoot's, no? It "feels like" he is clawing to get back to his rookie level.

I was surprised how well Thybulle played at the end of the season. Small sample size but... he could well be our 3rd best player next season.

[Myth]

I think I have to factor upside as bit into the equation

1.Deni - do I really need to explain this one?
2. Toumani -dual threat talent
3. Shaedon - developing into a great scorer
4. White Jordan/ DC - impacts the game without needing to score
5 Ant - horrible defense ok offense
6 Scoot - decent passer. Has shown vast improvement in analytics and should be starting next season to either sink or swim
7. Mathisse- I dont think his injuries will be nearly as bad as robs. He could be a useful role player to someone
8. Jerami - had a down year, could be useful off bench if we can't move on from that bad contract i suppose
9. Ayton - show me the defense otherwise i don't view DA as a starter here
10. Robert- if he stayed healthy he could be 5ish. He's here because he won't play 60 games ever let alone 40 possibly.
11 Banton/walker/Rupert etc- could move on from any of these guys

Note: I ranked ant higher than Scoot because right now he's a better player. That said i wouldn't keep him in Portland as I believe Scoot will be better eventually maybe even next season as he is far less of a defensive liability

Interesting ratings. Can't disagree on 1&2. That seems to be the backbone of the team.

Nor on Clingan, he really played well above expectations, my only concern there is his FT% for two reasons. One, he needs to get to the line and make them to become an effective low post scorer and it throws all kinds of shade on him being a stretch C over time. I mean, he only shot .222 from 3-10 feet.

Are you saying Sharpe is now a great scorer, will become a great scorer or is showing progress to becoming a great scorer. I don't think you can argue he is a great scorer at this point, no? His year over year progress didn't even match Scoot's, no? It "feels like" he is clawing to get back to his rookie level.

I was surprised how well Thybulle played at the end of the season. Small sample size but... he could well be our 3rd best player next season.

Sharpe is elite at the rim already at such a young age. It makes me optimistic that if he can improve his 3, it would just make him so much more dynamic and a threat, while right now they can dare him to shoot. If he improves that and his defense, not much else needs to improve for him to have a significant impact.

[dckingsfan]

I think I have to factor upside as bit into the equation

1.Deni - do I really need to explain this one?
2. Toumani -dual threat talent
3. Shaedon - developing into a great scorer
4. White Jordan/ DC - impacts the game without needing to score
5 Ant - horrible defense ok offense
6 Scoot - decent passer. Has shown vast improvement in analytics and should be starting next season to either sink or swim
7. Mathisse- I dont think his injuries will be nearly as bad as robs. He could be a useful role player to someone
8. Jerami - had a down year, could be useful off bench if we can't move on from that bad contract i suppose
9. Ayton - show me the defense otherwise i don't view DA as a starter here
10. Robert- if he stayed healthy he could be 5ish. He's here because he won't play 60 games ever let alone 40 possibly.
11 Banton/walker/Rupert etc- could move on from any of these guys

Note: I ranked ant higher than Scoot because right now he's a better player. That said i wouldn't keep him in Portland as I believe Scoot will be better eventually maybe even next season as he is far less of a defensive liability

Interesting ratings. Can't disagree on 1&2. That seems to be the backbone of the team.

Nor on Clingan, he really played well above expectations, my only concern there is his FT% for two reasons. One, he needs to get to the line and make them to become an effective low post scorer and it throws all kinds of shade on him being a stretch C over time. I mean, he only shot .222 from 3-10 feet.

Are you saying Sharpe is now a great scorer, will become a great scorer or is showing progress to becoming a great scorer. I don't think you can argue he is a great scorer at this point, no? His year over year progress didn't even match Scoot's, no? It "feels like" he is clawing to get back to his rookie level.

I was surprised how well Thybulle played at the end of the season. Small sample size but... he could well be our 3rd best player next season.

Sharpe is elite at the rim already at such a young age. It makes me optimistic that if he can improve his 3, it would just make him so much more dynamic and a threat, while right now they can dare him to shoot. If he improves that and his defense, not much else needs to improve for him to have a significant impact.

Yes, agreed that Sharpe is elite at the rim but... the percentage of shots he takes there has been going down year over year.

The percentage of 3-point shots he is taking is going up and he has fallen to shooting .311 from three.

This talks about motor/will but he is very young still...

His D has improved year over year, I think that some of that is that Camara and Avdija take on the best wings. I don't ever see him being an elite defender due to his size and motor limitations.

Which brings us back to ratings (the notion of this thread). And my question of rating Sharpe over Thybulle (for example).

[BlazersBroncos]

I think I have to factor upside as bit into the equation

1.Deni - do I really need to explain this one?
2. Toumani -dual threat talent
3. Shaedon - developing into a great scorer
4. White Jordan/ DC - impacts the game without needing to score
5 Ant - horrible defense ok offense
6 Scoot - decent passer. Has shown vast improvement in analytics and should be starting next season to either sink or swim
7. Mathisse- I dont think his injuries will be nearly as bad as robs. He could be a useful role player to someone
8. Jerami - had a down year, could be useful off bench if we can't move on from that bad contract i suppose
9. Ayton - show me the defense otherwise i don't view DA as a starter here
10. Robert- if he stayed healthy he could be 5ish. He's here because he won't play 60 games ever let alone 40 possibly.
11 Banton/walker/Rupert etc- could move on from any of these guys

Note: I ranked ant higher than Scoot because right now he's a better player. That said i wouldn't keep him in Portland as I believe Scoot will be better eventually maybe even next season as he is far less of a defensive liability

Interesting ratings. Can't disagree on 1&2. That seems to be the backbone of the team.

Nor on Clingan, he really played well above expectations, my only concern there is his FT% for two reasons. One, he needs to get to the line and make them to become an effective low post scorer and it throws all kinds of shade on him being a stretch C over time. I mean, he only shot .222 from 3-10 feet.

Are you saying Sharpe is now a great scorer, will become a great scorer or is showing progress to becoming a great scorer. I don't think you can argue he is a great scorer at this point, no? His year over year progress didn't even match Scoot's, no? It "feels like" he is clawing to get back to his rookie level.

I was surprised how well Thybulle played at the end of the season. Small sample size but... he could well be our 3rd best player next season.

Sharpe is elite at the rim already at such a young age. It makes me optimistic that if he can improve his 3, it would just make him so much more dynamic and a threat, while right now they can dare him to shoot. If he improves that and his defense, not much else needs to improve for him to have a significant impact.

I am very optimistic that Sharpe can develop his 3. His form is up to snuff, his FT % is good. I think he is just a few tweaks from being a 37%+ shooter.

It doesnt help that he settles for a ton of contested 3PT shots.

But if he can get that % up, with his elite mid-ranged game and elite finishing he should be able to be a LaVine level guy IMO.

Defense is a different monster - that will take a complete change in mentality. If he doesnt find that extra gear, he will be a poor mans LaVine at best. If he does, the sky is the limit. Given his not-in-a-rush demeanor I am not holding my breath on the defense.

But his late season play was uplifting. I have more hope for him than I did midseason, or even at the start. He is really our only hope for a guy that can at least masquerade as a shot creating 1st offensive option.

[PDXKnight]

I think I have to factor upside as bit into the equation

1.Deni - do I really need to explain this one?
2. Toumani -dual threat talent
3. Shaedon - developing into a great scorer
4. White Jordan/ DC - impacts the game without needing to score
5 Ant - horrible defense ok offense
6 Scoot - decent passer. Has shown vast improvement in analytics and should be starting next season to either sink or swim
7. Mathisse- I dont think his injuries will be nearly as bad as robs. He could be a useful role player to someone
8. Jerami - had a down year, could be useful off bench if we can't move on from that bad contract i suppose
9. Ayton - show me the defense otherwise i don't view DA as a starter here
10. Robert- if he stayed healthy he could be 5ish. He's here because he won't play 60 games ever let alone 40 possibly.
11 Banton/walker/Rupert etc- could move on from any of these guys

Note: I ranked ant higher than Scoot because right now he's a better player. That said i wouldn't keep him in Portland as I believe Scoot will be better eventually maybe even next season as he is far less of a defensive liability

Interesting ratings. Can't disagree on 1&2. That seems to be the backbone of the team.

Nor on Clingan, he really played well above expectations, my only concern there is his FT% for two reasons. One, he needs to get to the line and make them to become an effective low post scorer and it throws all kinds of shade on him being a stretch C over time. I mean, he only shot .222 from 3-10 feet.

Are you saying Sharpe is now a great scorer, will become a great scorer or is showing progress to becoming a great scorer. I don't think you can argue he is a great scorer at this point, no? His year over year progress didn't even match Scoot's, no? It "feels like" he is clawing to get back to his rookie level.

I was surprised how well Thybulle played at the end of the season. Small sample size but... he could well be our 3rd best player next season.

More the future on ss, the sample size is too small but ive seen enough to rank him ahead of ant and scoot currently. I dont view him as a 1 or even a true 2 today. His motor is a concern and while he's finished the season strong it is certainly a concern that he can and likely will come down to earth. He needs to work on his 3, that will have a major impact on if he can even be a secondary scorer or if instead his peak will be older demar derozan who would be more of a 3rd or 4th option on a good team. No 3 pt shot and he's a liability and maybe even a negative at the 2. I'd say the number is 35 percent on 3's, lower than that and he probably just clogs the lane. But I think he can improve there as he's only 21. Not expecting this sort of offer but a 2-5 pick in this draft for Sharpe would be worth considering imo because the questions combined with a major contract seem like a gamble. But I'd likely pay shaedon if the alternative is losing him for nothing (after seeing what he does in the final year)

Thybulle really is a great defender, I could almost put him at 4 or 5 if there was more of a sample size but the lack of offense is a major detriment. Not sure if he can't score or chooses not to but I'd like to see him as a spot up shooter averaging 10-15 ppg. If he could ever put up those sorts of numbers he's likely wes Matthews sort of starter or 6moty candidate who is supercharged on defense with less offensive skillset at the rim. Unfortunately he's 28 and I think if he was gonna have that sort of breakout it would've happened already.

[dckingsfan]

Interesting ratings. Can't disagree on 1&2. That seems to be the backbone of the team.

Nor on Clingan, he really played well above expectations, my only concern there is his FT% for two reasons. One, he needs to get to the line and make them to become an effective low post scorer and it throws all kinds of shade on him being a stretch C over time. I mean, he only shot .222 from 3-10 feet.

Are you saying Sharpe is now a great scorer, will become a great scorer or is showing progress to becoming a great scorer. I don't think you can argue he is a great scorer at this point, no? His year over year progress didn't even match Scoot's, no? It "feels like" he is clawing to get back to his rookie level.

I was surprised how well Thybulle played at the end of the season. Small sample size but... he could well be our 3rd best player next season.

Sharpe is elite at the rim already at such a young age. It makes me optimistic that if he can improve his 3, it would just make him so much more dynamic and a threat, while right now they can dare him to shoot. If he improves that and his defense, not much else needs to improve for him to have a significant impact.

I am very optimistic that Sharpe can develop his 3. His form is up to snuff, his FT % is good. I think he is just a few tweaks from being a 37%+ shooter.

It doesnt help that he settles for a ton of contested 3PT shots.

But if he can get that % up, with his elite mid-ranged game and elite finishing he should be able to be a LaVine level guy IMO.

Defense is a different monster - that will take a complete change in mentality. If he doesnt find that extra gear, he will be a poor mans LaVine at best. If he does, the sky is the limit. Given his not-in-a-rush demeanor I am not holding my breath on the defense.

But his late season play was uplifting. I have more hope for him than I did midseason, or even at the start. He is really our only hope for a guy that can at least masquerade as a shot creating 1st offensive option.

Why do you feel that he has an elite mid-range game? Or is this something you project he will continue to improve on.

If he only took that one set of midrange shots and at the basket shots, well then. But he takes most of his shots from places where he doesn't shoot well. To me, this is a BBIQ issue along with your statement, a BBIQ, motor and will issue.

[BlazersBroncos]

Sharpe is elite at the rim already at such a young age. It makes me optimistic that if he can improve his 3, it would just make him so much more dynamic and a threat, while right now they can dare him to shoot. If he improves that and his defense, not much else needs to improve for him to have a significant impact.

I am very optimistic that Sharpe can develop his 3. His form is up to snuff, his FT % is good. I think he is just a few tweaks from being a 37%+ shooter.

It doesnt help that he settles for a ton of contested 3PT shots.

But if he can get that % up, with his elite mid-ranged game and elite finishing he should be able to be a LaVine level guy IMO.

Defense is a different monster - that will take a complete change in mentality. If he doesnt find that extra gear, he will be a poor mans LaVine at best. If he does, the sky is the limit. Given his not-in-a-rush demeanor I am not holding my breath on the defense.

But his late season play was uplifting. I have more hope for him than I did midseason, or even at the start. He is really our only hope for a guy that can at least masquerade as a shot creating 1st offensive option.

Why do you feel that he has an elite mid-range game? Or is this something you project he will continue to improve on.

If he only took that one set of midrange shots and at the basket shots, well then. But he takes most of his shots from places where he doesn't shoot well. To me, this is a BBIQ issue along with your statement, a BBIQ, motor and will issue.

Sharpe is elite at finishing / around the rim shooting 75% from 0-3FT (This is 23% of his volume)
From 3FT to the 3PT line he is at 43% (This is 35% of his volume) - For comparison DDR is at 44% from 3FT to 3PT line and is considered an elite mid-range player.

The real issue is the 31% from 3 (Which comprises 43% of his volume)

Sharpe is arguably showing 'close to best in the league' finishing for a guard, well above average to near elite mid ranged shooting and abysmal 3PT shooting on far too high of volume.

If he can round out that 3PT shot he is going to be a 25+ scorer - granted he needs to work on getting to the line a bit more as well (He should be closer to 5FTA per game). But that 25ppg doesnt mean much if your giving up a similar amount on the other side of the ball - and it doesnt mean as much if your not scoring within the flow of an efficient offensive system (And we have no system so IDK how to judge that).

[dckingsfan]

I am very optimistic that Sharpe can develop his 3. His form is up to snuff, his FT % is good. I think he is just a few tweaks from being a 37%+ shooter.

It doesnt help that he settles for a ton of contested 3PT shots.

But if he can get that % up, with his elite mid-ranged game and elite finishing he should be able to be a LaVine level guy IMO.

Defense is a different monster - that will take a complete change in mentality. If he doesnt find that extra gear, he will be a poor mans LaVine at best. If he does, the sky is the limit. Given his not-in-a-rush demeanor I am not holding my breath on the defense.

But his late season play was uplifting. I have more hope for him than I did midseason, or even at the start. He is really our only hope for a guy that can at least masquerade as a shot creating 1st offensive option.

Why do you feel that he has an elite mid-range game? Or is this something you project he will continue to improve on.

If he only took that one set of midrange shots and at the basket shots, well then. But he takes most of his shots from places where he doesn't shoot well. To me, this is a BBIQ issue along with your statement, a BBIQ, motor and will issue.

Sharpe is elite at finishing / around the rim shooting 75% from 0-3FT (This is 23% of his volume)
From 3FT to the 3PT line he is at 43% (This is 35% of his volume) - For comparison DDR is at 44% from 3FT to 3PT line and is considered an elite mid-range player.

The real issue is the 31% from 3 (Which comprises 43% of his volume)

Sharpe is arguably showing 'close to best in the league' finishing for a guard, well above average to near elite mid ranged shooting and abysmal 3PT shooting on far too high of volume.

If he can round out that 3PT shot he is going to be a 25+ scorer - granted he needs to work on getting to the line a bit more as well (He should be closer to 5FTA per game). But that 25ppg doesnt mean much if your giving up a similar amount on the other side of the ball - and it doesnt mean as much if your not scoring within the flow of an efficient offensive system (And we have no system so IDK how to judge that).

A nit but I believe it is material.

Shots taken

Code: Select all

 0-3   3-10   10-16   16-3P   3P
.226   .140   .106    .101   .428

Shots made

Code: Select all

 0-3   3-10   10-16   16-3P   3P
.755   .419   .470    .396   .311

He fully takes .669 of his shots where he is the least effective. Teams scout you and give you those shots. Sharpe is willing to settle and not force the issue. I think that is the biggest problem he has to overcome. That is a motor/will issue and not a talent issue. Well, it could be a BBIQ issue and that he doesn't understand that fully 75% of his shots should come at the rim or from that 10-16 range. I really hope he gets there but...

[oldfishermen]

Agree with the consensus...
1- Deni
2-Toumani

After that, there are so many fuzzy logic directions to go in.

Bottom line. Too many questions remain after last season. The rapid transitions left too small of a sample size. Even the top 2 "could" change next season.

The most difficult player for me to rank today is, Scoot.

[PDXKnight]

Agree with the consensus...
1- Deni
2-Toumani

After that, there are so many fuzzy logic directions to go in.

Bottom line. Too many questions remain after last season. The rapid transitions left too small of a sample size. Even the top 2 "could" change next season.

The most difficult player for me to rank today is, Scoot.

This. It's super hard to guess his trajectory currently

[dckingsfan]

Agree with the consensus...
1- Deni
2-Toumani

After that, there are so many fuzzy logic directions to go in.

Bottom line. Too many questions remain after last season. The rapid transitions left too small of a sample size. Even the top 2 "could" change next season.

The most difficult player for me to rank today is, Scoot.

This. It's super hard to guess his trajectory currently

Yep.

For me it is hard to project Camara and Clingan as well.

First Camara - I would say he had a breakout year on the defensive end. His blocks, steals and drawing charges were up while taking the best player on the other side of the ball. Now, can he become a defensive all-team guy? That would be his next step.

On the offensive side of the ball he was just more efficient putting the ball in the basket and helping to spread the D with his .375 3PT% all while upping the percentage of 3pt shots. He did take a bit of a step back on taking more 3-10 foot shots and only hitting .401 of them and that decreased the number of FT attempts.

So, my question is does he become an all-defensive player and can he figure out how to draw more fouls and get to the hoop more often. And over the next couple of years can he tighten the handles and become a distributor as well (note, that is what the Blazers asked him to do).

For Clingan, will he be able to gait the fitness to stay on the court for 30+ minutes. I think the fitness would also decrease the fouls he picks up. No question that he can already rebound the ball and rim protect. Can the fitness also translate into quickness as well? That will be what he needs to become a truly solid C, IMO.

The offensive side of the ball is a bit different. Right now he is a pick 'n roll guy - pretty much one dementia. He shoots the ball well at the rim, now can he take it out a bit further and hit those shots? I dunno... his .596 FT% doesn't indicate that but... it doesn't look like a broken shot. Conditioning? He started off shooting FTs at around a .750 clip... then it fell off a cliff. He really needs to hit FTs to take it to the next step. He really wants to be able to move out to the 3-point line. A pick 'n pop would be awesome in his arsenal if he could add it in the next couple of years.

Why those two. Because I don't think the winning streak was a freak. I think it was driven by D and those two and Thybulle could really change the makeup of this team next season. Add Deni who is a solid defender as well and I think they can hang their hat on D to compete.

Now coming back to Scoot he went from a turrible defender his first year to a meh defender in year 2. Can he take that next jump? Is he even big enough to take the jump?

The offense will come if he can knock down the 3 at an elite level. Do we see that happening?

Either way, if Camara and Clingan breakout and Thybulle stays healthy - it could be really interesting.

[DaVoiceMaster]

Someone said Sharpe has improved defensively. I did not watch last season so I don't know what anyone did. I watched every game this season and think Sharpe is lazy on defense. He used to go after blocks, particularly on fast breaks. Now he doesn't even bother trying. That is why I would move him for Dyson Daniels.