December 1, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) defends against Los Angeles Lakers small forward Xavier Henry (7) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
3. Develop Xavier Henry. While Xavier played back up point guard against the Trailblazers the last game, ball-movement died as a whole. He kept looking for opportunities to attack the basket from the same position, draw in the defense, and then kick out to shooters. That is one of the many elements required of a point guard. Passes were limited. Shot selection was out of sync. Once he broke out of that mold into the 4th quarter, it created easier opportunities for him to attack the basket. The shooters presented themselves as perimeter threats. The lanes opened up, and he was able to get to the free throw line.
A critical decision needs to be made by the team. While I do not think a free agent pick up will be taken, I do think there will be some growing pains in adapting Kobe Bryant’s role, or developing Xavier Henry’s role for a month. My expectations for the team weren’t high at the beginning of the season, but, the season is a marathon, and this is the first critical stumble to push on through.