New Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups wants to bring a commitment to defense to Portland, writes Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian. As an assistant with the Clippers last season, Billups was aware of the Blazers’ poor defensive reputation, and L.A. averaged 124.7 PPG against them in three games. A former defensive standout as a player, Billups envisions a team more in his image.
“To go to the next level, and be more competitive, and be more consistent, we got to be so much better defensively,” he said. “I know that. It’s not going to be optional to play hard defensively.”
Portland will continue to use a three-guard lineup, Fentress adds, as 6’3″ Norman Powell will keep the starting role he was given after being acquired from the Raptors at the trade deadline. After the deal, the Blazers’ starting lineup ranked fourth in the league in net rating at plus 13.3.
“I think in today’s game, you can play that way,” Billups said. “But to me, if you’re going to win that way, all three of those guys have to be committed on the defensive end of the floor. That can be an issue. It’s already been an issue.”
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- Rookie guard Bones Hyland looks like he may be the Nuggets‘ latest draft steal, observes Sean Keeler of The Denver Post. Hyland showed off his full range of moves in a 28-point Summer League performance on Saturday. “When the bright lights come on, I never shy away from them,” Hyland said. “That’s been me my whole life. I make things happen when the lights are on. The bigger the stage, the bigger I play.”
- President of basketball operations Gersson Rosas said the Timberwolves are focused on “internal development” rather than trying to make a splash in free agency, according to Chris Hine of The Star Tribune. Minnesota hasn’t signed any free agents except for two-way deals, and Rosas suggests that any significant additions will come through trades. “You’re very strategic in addressing needs, but we don’t want to overpay for the sake of overpaying unless it makes sense for us,” he said. “We feel like the trade market is a little more efficient in that regard and we’ve invested a lot in our own players. We want to give those guys opportunities to take advantage of those roles.”
- The Summer League emphasis is on developing young talent and finding players for the upcoming season, but the Jazz are also focused on winning a title after a 3-0 start, per Sarah Todd of The Deseret News. “I don’t think development and winning are mutually exclusive,” coach Bryan Bailey said. “They can go together. Part of the development is learning how to win. You want to see things, want guys to work on things. But it’s all together, it’s all intertwined.”
Wolves
I’d like the idea of keeping big 3 and make everyone else available for trade
Top 3 teams that are interested in Simmons
Wolves, Wizards and Spurs
I think Wolves can outbid Wizards and Spurs to land Ben Simmons
Big 3 thing gets thrown around too much. Im assuming you’re calling KAT (empty stats, always injured), D Lo (worst contract in the league) and Edwards (second year player) a big 3. Gimme a break
So jarret culiver and naz reid gets it done. But warriors need to trade Wiggins wiseman kuminga moody Poole and multiple 1sts. Okaaaaaay
If you want to find grievances with some of the better players in the league, it’s pretty easy to do. The Wolves issue has been health and talent depth, not lack of production from any of the 3 you mentioned.
One can almost assume a lack of health from Russell. Guy has to relax & be willing to be regular.
when DLo was 6th man the wolves were .500
.500 teams dont have big 3
Bones can really play. Unlimited range and a surprisingly good handle and first step. Dude should have been a top 10 pick at least. Nuggets did it again.
I think we need to start asking is Mr. Big Shot the greatest player/coach combo of all time? I say yes
Yeah but did he pass his SATs?
Talks about “commitment to defense” in one breath and then commits to norman powell as a starter with the next – cant believe how stupid a lot of these people are who make more money in a year than I will in like ten.
Dame and CJ are both awful defenders, can’t keep adding…
Chauncey likes defensive teams and defenseless women. Hey yo
For Minnesota it’s kinda like duh. They had injuries and suspensions derail them but if healthy shouldn’t be that bad. Sounds like it’ll be kat,pf, mcdaniels, Edwards and Russell. Who will be tasked with keeping those guys going. Pf is the enigma though I do like Vanderbilt they prolly could use an upgrade there. If healthy which is hard to project they should do well. I would kick the tire on milsap see if he’ll take the vet minimum or what ever they have. He be a vet voice that can help them
Where is Beasley? 6th man? I’d think they would put J-McD at the 4, and start Beasley, unless they make an upgrade at the PF