| 22 November 2009
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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