The Five by Five is a one-off installment that dives into the 5 pros and 5 cons of the Blazers during this period of the season. These may be trends that have occurred, things to look out for or simply some fun facts about the Blazers.
First Three Pros
1. Aminu + Blazers = Improved Defense
The month of January is the first month
has been healthy for every game and the Blazers have a defensive rating of 105.8. That ranks 11th this month among all NBA teams. This is no coincidence that Chief’s playing consistently has resulted in a more competent defense. He boasts a defensive real plus-minus of 2.93 which ranks 6th among all forwards in the NBA.
The advanced metrics back the ‘eye-test’ in the fact that Aminu is the lone shining light on that side of the ball. Chief has the uncanny ability to guard 1 to 5, switch onto smaller guards by navigating their speed through screens, while also giving a brave effort at guarding the burlier big men inside. Amongst all players in the league and those that are contesting over seven shots a game, Aminu ranks third in defended field goal percentage (38.1). That is incredible for a guy who has teammates that truly bring the team down in perimeter defense.
2. Crabbe Punch!
Allen Crabbe has done his best to live up to the $75 million he was guaranteed over the summer. Stotts has seen the value with Crabbe’s slithery ability to navigate screens and shoot well off the bench. He has also been the beneficiary of drive and kicks where he is averaging 1.13 points per spot-up possession – better than Isaiah Thomas, Bradley Beal and Ryan Anderson.
He has moulded his game as a ‘3 and D’ player off the bench who knows his role when he comes in. The development of the sneaky one dribble pull-up when defenders close out (on his efficient shot) has proven equally deadly. In order for this to be sustainable, the playing time needs to remain consistent. Crabbe is putting in almost 30mpg from the wing, and just like the player in the next ‘PRO’, this is the only way his pay checks is justified. If they’re given a chance.
3. Evan Turner – The Second Handler
The season started on a bleak note for ‘ET’ who had come in with lofty expectations with his cap hit, and rightly so. But things have looked better for Turner in the new year. He has recently started for the Blazers and Stotts has made an effort to stunt the minutes so Turner is at least the second ball handler on the court. This starts where CJ McCollum is the early sub out and getting Turner on the ball as the facilitator. He’s working pick and rolls and letting Damian Lillard and CJ spot up and cut off the ball. If this continues, Dame and CJ will be fresh later in games as the season goes on. Good offense is also conducive to good defense, and that has certainly been the case with ET.