Roy Finds Old Self With New Change

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Roy Finds Old Self With New Change

Written by wendell maxey

Sunday, 22 November 2009 05:19

brandon1

I have to confess. It was a bit hard for me to understand why Nate McMillan would tinker with a starting lineup that just went 7-2.

Sounds like one of those situations you let play out. The numbers are there – even if those wins came against mostly subpar teams. But Portland is in a tough spot right now being down Nicolas Batum and Travis Outlaw. As McMillan said pregame, he pretty much has to work with what he has right now personnel wise. That means playing the hand you are dealt. That also means knowing when to tinker with the lineup in order to balance the tables.

But it’s funny. Even before the game, McMillan wouldn’t reveal his starting hand. He played this one close to his vest, even if everyone in the room knew what was coming.

Yet probably the best part about this move – the one that inserts Martell Webster back into the starting lineup and moves Andre Miller back to the bench – for the Blazers, is that once again the ball is in Brandon Roy’s hands. Typically, good things happen when this occurs.

He doesn’t need to concern himself with playing against bigger small forwards, all the while knowing he can handle opposing shooting guards.

It’s a new lineup, but it’s the same old Roy.

Working the game for NBA.com, I asked Brandon afterwards how his game changes with Miller moving back to the second unit.

“For me I’m back playing closer to the ball and I can do what I do best, which is to create opportunities for myself and my teammates. I can get into a better rhythm earlier in the game. I’m back at my natural position,” Roy said.

Sounds like this Webster-for-Miller lineup move is going to treat Brandon Roy just right.

photo:trailblazerscentercourt

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Comments (2) Add Comment

3 G Lineup
written by Kelly AuCoin, November 23, 2009

A problem I have with all this is that we have yet to try Miller in the starting lineup. What's going on? is the Blake-to-the-second-unit move not even being attempted? I understand that Roy seems to like it better. I understand the RIGHT NOW he he much more comfortable with Stevie B as his running mate. But something is really wrong with the way all of this has gone down.

no go for steve off the bench
written by wmaxeyjr, November 25, 2009

sorry to break it to you kelly, both there aren't any bigger cheerleaders of steve blakes on the team than brandon and nate. knowing this, blake's spot in the starting lineup - like it or not - is pretty much set in stone.

they are going to ride or die with him running the team, even if that means dealing with a silently disgruntled andre miller. that's just the way it is.