“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” – Dickens
I know Charles Dickens was talking about the French Revolution, but really it fits for the Blazers frontcourt as well. Portland has witnessed play so far this year that has made them forget about losing a four time all-star. But, Portland has also watched games that will have them crying into their Rip City blankey all night(yes it is perfectly normal for a grown man to have a blankey). Before we cuddle up with old reliable once again, lets try to take a rational look at this bi-polar big man rotation.
Mason Plumlee held his own against Utah, even in a tough match up with star big man Rudy Gobert. He posted his first(and only) double double of the year against the Jazz. He then went toe to toe with all star Marc Gasol. His work in transition and reduction in turnovers helped the Blazers overcome a scrappy Grizzlies team.
Just as everything was going right, Plumlee ran into hurricane Drummond. Andre Drummond made 20 points and 20 rebounds look about as easy as Tommen Baratheon’s accession to the Iron Throne. Drummond ripped down nine offensive boards, creating deadly second chance buckets for the Pistons. Despite Drummond, things do seem to be improving for the new starting center. Plumlee managed to go a season best 5-7 from the free throw line against the Nuggets. It will go a long way to raise his porous FT%(currently at .344).
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The most polarizing Blazer this season is hands down Meyers Leonard. After going 2/18 from beyond the arc in his first five games, Leonard has recovered by going a respectable 5/12. An injury scare in Utah seems to have revitalized the fourth year man from Illinois. In the loss against Denver he pulled down a season high nine rebounds. Granted, eight of the nine were defensive, but at this point Portland will take any glass work from the big fella.
Nov 8, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24)
Just when you thought it was safe to get your Ed Davis custom jersey, he goes and gets himself ejected. Three quick double digit rebounding games had everyone declaring Davis the next mayor of Rip City. Sadly, Davis has since shown why he has played for five teams in his young career. Davis has looked incapable of receiving an entry pass at times, a common problem among all Blazer bigs.
A phantom ejection against the Pistons has Davis in a free fall, but now is not the time to count the big man out. One thing that hasn’t changed is his relentless motor. Forget this poor week of play, Davis will be back to fan favorite status in no time.
That leaves the youngsters. Noah Vonleh leaves much to be desired so far this season(the fact that I am about to put him in a category with Cliff Alexander should speak volumes). Vonleh has made three field goals in his last four games, I’ll leave it at that. It will be interesting to see how coach Terry Stotts incorporates the use of Vonleh and Alexander going forward. Both players could be the future at the power forward position, but how many minutes is Stotts willing to sacrifice in the name of development?
The Blazers continue play against the Spurs Wednesday night. Word on the street is the Spurs have a new all star big man, hopefully we can contain him. Have your blankey handy just to be safe.