Mike Richman here, the host of the daily Locked On Blazers podcast, with your daily Locked On Blazers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Blazers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Robert Williams Is the Trail Blazers Best Center
Nov 12, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) goes up for a dunk against Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half at Moda Center. |Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Robert Williams was the Trail Blazers best player in Tuesday night’s bounce back win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Sure, the Blazers won the game because they shot a blistering 56 percent from three-point range, the best single-game shooting performance of any team in the NBA so far this season. But hot shooting isn’t sustainable, and it’s particularly unlikely to stick around for a team with the shooting talent of the current Blazers.
What Williams does is sustainable. He can bring the full tool kit everynight. His impact on the game against the Wolves was undeniable. He finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks in 25 minutes, he demonstrated his ability to influence both ends of the court. His defensive playmaking was particularly impressive, as he consistently disrupted the Timberwolves’ offense with his quick reactions and ability to contest shots.
On the offensive end, Williams excelled in his role as a playmaker. His proficiency in dribble handoffs and pick-and-roll situations created opportunities for his teammates, particularly Scoot Henderson and Deni Avdija, who benefited from Williams’ well-timed passes and solid screening. Williams’ understanding of the game and his ability to execute simple yet effective plays made him an invaluable asset to the Blazers’ offense.
Williams doesn’t attempt to do too much outside of his comfort zone, which allows him to maximize his effectiveness. His ability to crash the boards for offensive rebounds and finish plays with simple lobs adds a reliable dimension to the Blazers’ attack.
He’s the Blazers best center. While his availability and minutes may be limited due to past injuries, his impact when on the court is undeniable. If he can stay on the court he is the team’s best big man.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Blazers Podcast:
- An absolutely bonkers shooting night
- Anfernee Simons’ injury
- Deni Avdija playing in a lineup that complements his strengths
For a comprehensive look at these topics and more, make sure to listen to the latest episode of Locked On Blazers.
Klay Thompson’s homecoming to The Bay started well before he hit the floor last night at Oracle with the Mavs and roughly 19,000 fans started waving nautical Captain hats.
It started mid-way through last season, when Golden State didn’t signal they’d immediately be resigning Thompson as the franchise had, up to then, always been in a hurry to. There were shades of it along with Thompson’s frustrations in his game changing, the splashy shots not falling as fluidly as they used to. Clues came in the way the Warriors felt their frustrations as a team: once together, a cohesive unit, and then splintering and individually.
“Even from July, when Klay decided to go to Dallas to us showing up for training camp and him not being here, it was kind of like a slow build to this night for everybody,” Warriors point guard, Steph Curry, said after last night’s game.
Basketball isn’t played in a vacuum, and Curry sharing the psychic and emotional timeline of the team underscores that in a rare glimpse behind the curtain. Sometimes its brightest full-circle moments have to struggle through discomfort, angst and loss in order to come back around. Often, the storylines with the most ups and downs are the ones that end the most cathartically.
Since this season began, Thompson’s been candid about how necessary the move to Dallas was for him. “Every pro athlete’s human, and uncertainty can bear on you,” he told ESPN prior to Tuesday night’s homecoming game.
“Honestly, it’s rejuvenated me and done something I needed bad just for my mental [state] and my career,” Thompson said.
It’s a knife’s edge between animosity for an athlete’s who’s left a franchise they share a storied history with and sympathy for their decision. What tips fans to one side or the other can skew personal, so isn’t always easy to predict, but Thompson’s tendency toward honesty helps. He’s always been someone who wears what he’s feeling on the floor openly, and for that fans — for the most part — respond with empathy. There’s a sense that through all the years he played for the Warriors there was an open conduit of conversation between him and the fanbase.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Trade Bill Oram discusses the potential and urgency for the Blazers to trade a key player. The article explores the team’s strategy and market options. (OregonLive)
Injury During last night’s game against the Timberwolves, Anfernee Simons had to leave due to shortness of breath. (OregonLive)
Legacy Klay Thompson feels “free” after his late-career move to Dallas. (ESPN)
Fantasy Basketball Takeaways From Tuesday - Robert Williams Day
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) shoots the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half at Moda Center. |Photo by Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Tuesday’s NBA games offered a wealth of insights for fantasy basketball managers. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways and strategic moves you should consider:
Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic
- Grant Williams: With his move to the starting lineup, Williams is a viable short-term pickup, especially while the Hornets deal with injuries. His ability to contribute in multiple categories makes him a solid addition in deeper leagues.
- Moussa Diabate: Diabate’s rebounding prowess is noteworthy, especially with the Hornets’ frontcourt injuries. He’s a strong option for those in need of rebounds in deeper formats.
- Franz Wagner: Wagner’s performance underscores his value, particularly with Paolo Banchero out. Consider selling high if you can get a top-tier player in return, as his current production may dip once Banchero returns.
Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons
- Tyler Herro: After a 40-point explosion, Herro is a prime sell-high candidate. His shooting percentages are unlikely to sustain, so capitalise on his current form to bolster your roster.
- Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey: Both players showed their potential to fill the stat sheet. Cunningham remains a must-start, while Ivey’s bounce-back game suggests he’s worth holding onto for his upside.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Blazers podcasts.
Can the Trail Blazers Find Solutions to Early Season Struggles for Anfernee Simons and Deni Avdija? A team meeting, a struggling point guard, and a lost newcomer.
Trail Blazers Embarrassed in Blowout Loss to Memphis Grizzlies A rough weekend ends with an embarrassing loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Shaedon Looks Sharpe in Return to Trail Blazers Lineup But Portland Loses to Wemby in San Antonio We have seen enough. Start Shaedon Sharpe.
