Should Dante Start Against Portland?

[Getting Traded]

I didn't see the game Wednesday so don't know how well Dante defended against CJ or Damian, but from what I heard it was our inability to contain Lillard that killed us. Do you think perhaps we should start Dante and let him guard Lillard?

There's no reason with our depth that we need to stick to a set starting lineup. With the squad we have, it should depend on the matchups as to who should start. I know this hasn't been done before, but why not set a new precedent? We are 11, 12 deep. So let's use everyone to his best advantage. The NBA game is changing and this could be how we best can adapt to it.

 

[NAOS]

Hood can punish McCollum on offense. He has proven he can take advantage of shorter defenders. And with Hayward (and likely Favors) out, we need Rod's offense.

 

[NAOS]

now we need tikllleeen to start an Exum thread.

 

[MDAV28]

Hood can punish McCollum on offense. He has proven he can take advantage of shorter defenders. And with Hayward (and likely Favors) out, we need Rod's offense.

The counterargument would be you would get Hood on Turner.

I can 100% see the thought process and I don't think it's as clear cut. I really think you need to do everything you can to prevent Lillard to get rolling. That said Portland runs so many screens for Lillard on and off the ball, like Curry, it may not necessarily come down to Exum playing Lillard but the wings and bigs being able to switch effectively.

I agree with your point about Hayward and Favors. For that reason, Hood will start. Exum will see a good amount of minutes if he starts out well though.

 

[tleikheen]

now we need tikllleeen to start an Exum thread.

NOASs you can do it yourself

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

CJ plays a lot with the 2nd unit so whenever Dante plays he will have an opportunity to guard either CJ or Dame. I dont think Portland spends much time with both those guys on the bench.

 

[Jazz Traveler]

I think I'd rather see Hood start at the three and Exum start at the 2 and have Joe Johnson come off the bench.

 

[Tom Pitt]

Without Hayward, I say Start Hill and Exum with the game plan committed to slowing down Dame and CJ.

Or you could just start Hood and have him abuse CJ on the offensive side of the ball.

 

[Stoked]

No, I want a fresh body to come in on Lillard after the first. Keep rotating Hill and Exum and have them just go at Lillard defensively. Make the rest of the Blazers beat you.

Starters should be:

Gobert
Favors/Diaw
JJ
Hood
Hill