Blazers Debut New-Look Rotation to Start Play in Bubble
I can’t claim to understand Stott’s rotations all the time… but he values having another player besides CJ or Dame who can handle the ball (and defend – from time to time.) Right now, that is Hezonja. And just like Evan Turner, Hezonja receives the fans’ ire (including my own!) Another Stotts trait is to finish with a different group than started. This was true for Mo Harkless often in the past. But, for this run, it is Trent Jr. who doesn’t start… but I could see finishing most of the time. Because hhis emergence could mean playoffs for our team!
Forecasting the Impact of the Blazers’ Improved Depth
shot a career high 105 points per 100 shots per CtG. The 31st percentile was his best as a pro. This year he isSMASHINGthat previous best by 5 points per 100 shots, 10 points better than his first year with the Blazers. Combine that with an assist percentage that is approaching his Boston pinnacle and it looks to me like Evan Turner is playing better than he ever has in nine years as a pro. It’s awesome that he feels better about his role and has started eating like a professional athlete, but I can’t help but wonder if he is really going to be able to keep it up. Even if he doesn’t though there is probably room for Curry to pick up some of the offensive slack if/when Turner’s shot starts to regress.
The smartest thing Olshey and Stotts have done with Turner is to sell him on this Turner + shooting bench mob approach. At the exit interviews last year Turner’s biggest remark was the lack of identity on the team outside of Dame and CJ, so this year they concocted one for him. Dressed it up, gave it a name and everything. Apparently that strategy has worked wonders. If they can continue to have success this is probably the most important thing Stotts and Olshey have done to contribute to the team’s on court results since going with the two big wing starting lineup.
Blazer's Edge
a Portland Trail Blazers community