Hersey Hawkins' book on Damon Stoudamire
By Hersey Hawkins
Special to ESPN.com
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WATCHING LIKE A HAWK |
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|  | | Hawkins |
Throughout the rest of the playoffs, Bulls guard Hersey Hawkins will provide ESPN.com with an in-depth scouting report on several key players. Hawkins continues his series with a look at Portland point guard
Damon Stoudamire. |
Damon Stoudamire always has been key to what the Blazers do offensively. If he gets off to a great start, they play a lot better. If he plays well early, Portland will win nine out of 10 times.
How to defend Stoudamire: Instead of asking what Stoudamire likes to do, it's more important to ask what doesn't he like to do? He likes to create his own shots and push it up in transition. He likes to use the pick and roll, split double teams and get into the lane, maybe for a one-hand floater. He's a good 3-point shooter, there's really not much he can't do.
I think with him, you use your size against him. At 5-foot-10, he's smaller than most guards, but not enough where he can't get his shot off on you. You have to challenge his shot. He's good at getting in the lane and getting the ball to other guys. And Damon's a guy you try to push to the right and to the baseline or keep him out of the middle of the floor.
How Stoudamire defends you: On offense, you definitely post him up. He'll start on Ron Harper, and in this series he won't get posted up by him. Damon does try to play defense, but Greg Anthony's rep is as a good defensive player so he gets time as well. Anthony is just tenacious and always pressures the ball. Stoudamire just doesn't do that.
What role Stoudamire fills for the Blazers: When it comes to Damon vs. Anthony, I think Mike Dunleavy plays whoever is playing good basketball at the time. Or maybe he goes offense vs. defense. Anthony starts all the fourth quarters and is in with the defensive unit. It all starts with him. Then, Damon comes in at the three- or four-minute mark for offense, foul shooting and perimeter shooting.
Their roles are defined at this point. It's no secret what Portland does with them. Basically, both point guards need to get others involved. |
