B-Roys Potential... SuperStar?

by Jack Burton on Dec 19, 2007 11:31 AM PST

I asked this question in a recent diary post but believe it merits it's own diary.
Many believed Roys Potential was not of a superstar or even all star player both on this site and Nationally. What I've seen this year has made me change my mind, I believe he can and will become a Superstar.
The most common reason given for Roy's Low ceiling is his lack of Jaw Dropping Athleticism. There have been many great/Superstar players who didn't have that, so why should that limit Brandon's potential?
Here's a break down of his game:
One on One: He is unstoppable one on one, no one can check him, that's the first step towards super star status.
Off the Dribble:
He's very herky jerky, is like a bowling ball going thru the lane, and can finish with both hands. He can also pull up for a floater or a jump shot with pretty good accuracy. It seems Brandon gets the call about 50% of the time that he is hacked going to the basket. If he could just get the call 75% of the time his scoring and FG% would go up considerably.
Shooting: He isn't a great shooter but he is certainly capable. He can knock down enough shots to keep the defense honest, and there's no reason to think he won't improve down the road.
Passing/Playmaking:
Brandon is a great at penetrating which in turn gives him ample opportunity to make plays for his teammates. He's also a very good passer and has a knack for knowing where his teammates are and should be.
Rebounding: Not a great rebounder, but he's solid.
Defense: Brandon is by no means a great defender at this point, but he does shows glimpses that he can be a good one down the road if continues to work on it.
The Closer: There aren't more than 5 or 6 guys in the league that can put the nail in the coffin at the end of games like B-ROY. This aspect of his game can't be understated, because if the game is close, I like our chances.
Intangibles: Brandon's life is basketball and family, so we don't have to worry about him slacking off or getting into trouble, we can look forward to him continuing to improve his game.
He is a natural leader and all of his teammates love him. He's always been a winner, and makes his teammates better, that's another quality every superstar must posses.
So where do you think Brandon's ceiling is now?

Tweet Comment 24 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

all-star

To me, the list of superstars is very short.

Lebron
Dwight Howard (if he's not there yet he will be soon)
Duncan
Garnett
Kobe

That might be it. You could make a case for Nash, Nowitzki, TMac, Wade, and maybe a few others.

Brandon will never be one of those absolute transcendent superstars. He will be an all-star, on the level of a Manu Ginobili. He'll never be one of the top 5 guys in the league but he'll be the piece that puts us over the top if Greg Oden turns out to be what we hope he is.

by jksnake99 on Dec 19, 2007 11:54 AM PST reply actions

What is a Superstar?

I guess it also depends on what your definition of a superstar player is.
I think both Nash and Wade will end up in the Hall of Fame, But you don't consider them superstars. So that's a factor as well.

by Jack Burton on Dec 19, 2007 12:15 PM PST up reply actions

A SUPERSTAR must...

In order to be a "SUPERSTAR," you must do "SUPERSTAR" things...

Like...

1.) Leading your team in multiple categories (typically points and assists for guards, points and rebounds for forwards/centers)...

2.) Playing hurt. A defining characteristic for any SUPERSTAR is that they're team would rather have them at 50 - 75% than a backup at 100%...

3.) Carrying a team through the playoffs. In Roy's case, it might be carrying this team too the playoffs but a "SUPERSTAR" should be able to get his team deep into the playoff mix.

4.) Elevating your teammates to levels beyond that of their talent. Why do we know BJ Armstrong's name? Bill Cartwright? Luc Longley? Because Michael Jordan made them good enough for us to pay attention...

5.) Signing a shoe deal or, better yet, having a brand named after you.

6.) Hosting the ESPYs or at least giving out one of the more prestigious awards.

7.) Winning a Gold Medal with Team USA (the real team, not the practice squad)...

8.) Hoisting an MVP trophy (Season MVP, Finals MVP, MVP of the Olympic Tournament).

9.) Dating an A-List celebrity or a SUPERMODEL.

10.) Leading a squad that features Bill Murray against a band of cartoon aliens who want to steal the talent from the NBA.

11.) Hosting Saturday Night Live- although with the current status of the show, maybe we should switch this to starring as Jack Bauer's sidekick for a full 24 hours...

12.) Starring in a primetime commercial or series of commercials.

13.) Having future players heralded as the "Next" you in a positive fashion...

14.) Being invited to provide color commentary during the playoffs after your team has been eliminated (although, if you're truly a SUPERSTAR, you won't let your team get eliminated)...

And finally...

15.) You have to be in William Wesley's T-Mobile "Fave 5".

by Champs2009 on Dec 19, 2007 12:54 PM PST up reply actions

I love it

I forgot about the off court factors.
I guess it will never happen for Roy.

by Jack Burton on Dec 19, 2007 1:07 PM PST up reply actions

Break down

1.Leading your team in multiple categories (typically points and assists for guards, points and rebounds for forwards/centers)...

I would say yes on this, I can see him leading us in scoring and assists.

2..) Playing hurt. A defining characteristic for any SUPERSTAR is that they're team would rather have them at 50 - 75% than a backup at 100%...
Yes without Question.

3. Carrying a team through the playoffs. In Roy's case, it might be carrying this team too the playoffs but a "SUPERSTAR" should be able to get his team deep into the playoff mix.
YES
Again, in the next couple I think he will do this.

4. Elevating your teammates to levels beyond that of their talent. Why do we know BJ Armstrong's name? Bill Cartwright? Luc Longley? Because Michael Jordan made them good enough for us to pay attention...
YES. I think he already does this.

5. Signing a shoe deal or, better yet, having a brand named after you.
Shoe deal? Yes. Shoe name the Roy, Possible.

6. Hosting the ESPYs or at least giving out one of the more prestigious awards.
Yes- I think you might see that this year.

7. Winning a Gold Medal with Team USA (the real team, not the practice squad)...
Yes. I bet you'll see him on the next squad.

8. Hoisting an MVP trophy (Season MVP, Finals MVP, MVP of the Olympic Tournament).
Yes. I see a finals MVP in his future.

9. Dating an A-List celebrity or a SUPERMODEL.
NO.

10. Leading a squad that features Bill Murray against a band of cartoon aliens who want to steal the talent from the NBA.
That would be a great sequel, but aint gonna happen.

11. Hosting Saturday Night Live- although with the current status of the show, maybe we should switch this to starring as Jack Bauer's sidekick for a full 24 hours...
Maybe not those shows, but a primetimes appearence, could happen.

12. Starring in a primetime commercial or series of commercials.
Why not, maybe DR scholls?

13. Having future players heralded as the "Next" you in a positive fashion...
That has already happend with some college players.

14. Being invited to provide color commentary during the playoffs after your team has been eliminated (although, if you're truly a SUPERSTAR, you won't let your team get eliminated)...
This year? maybe next year?

15. You have to be in William Wesley's T-Mobile "Fave 5".
That will be out of date when he has hit superstardom.

So by my count that is 13-15 with my blazer colored glasses.

by Jack Burton on Dec 19, 2007 1:40 PM PST up reply actions

Sure...

I could toss Nash and Wade into the mix.

by jksnake99 on Dec 19, 2007 12:57 PM PST up reply actions

Nah...

Hahaha poor Dwyane Wade. He can't crack anyone's Fave 5...

by Champs2009 on Dec 19, 2007 1:00 PM PST up reply actions

That is my sentiment exactly

Brandon is impressing many this year, as he did last year, I'm definitely impressed. There is a difference between a "star", an "all-star", and a "superstar". Though I don't necessarily put tons of stock in being included or excluded from the all-star team once a player is in the running, I'd say the numbers reduce in that order, there are plenty of stars, there are far fewer all-stars, and there are very few super-stars. Sure definitions can change from person to person, but on the whole I think most would agree that there aren't more than 5-10 superstars, currently performing as superstars (eg: Shaq was a superstar) in the league at a given time otherwise the term becomes fairly meaningless, why not just go with all-star caliber player at that point.

That is where I do tend to agree with Jack's diary. I don't agree with the superstar label ever applying to Roy, but a year ago I would have said that I seriously doubt that Roy will make the All-Star game spare maybe once, now I'm not so sure. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he does make a few appearances over the course of his career, and getting onto the All-Star team as a shooting guard is no small accomplishment, tons of great competition, I don't think his stats alone will do it, but if he keeps being Mr. Clutch as our team matures, is the go-to guy at the end of games even after Oden and Lamarcus are veterans I could see him making several All-Star game appearances.

by drawingjeremy on Dec 19, 2007 1:09 PM PST up reply actions

WELL

Roy does have a 40" vertical. It's just HOW he usues his athleticism that throws people off. Don't kid yourself, this guy is very athletic, he just uses stop-start/herky-jerky/explode into overdrive so easily you can't tell what just happened athleticism.

Roy's skills set, besides the different type of athleticism, reminds me of LBJ lite. Srocing, passing, making his team better.

Blazer's fan since '84, Currently exiled in Tennessee and North Carolina

by HurraKane212 on Dec 19, 2007 11:57 AM PST reply actions

ONE THING FOR SURE

He's got the drive... From Brian Hendrickson's blog...On whether he is driven to have his name placed in the same context as LeBron James and Dwyane Wade:

"Yeah. It does. I look at it now as, there are still more levels to be reached. I still think I'm here and you've got LeBron, D-Wade, all those guys. It's like, I'm always in that chase mode."-Brandon

by OregOden on Dec 19, 2007 1:44 PM PST reply actions

Superstar's are commercial

It is an elite level of celebrity. I don't think you need to win a championship or be an MVP to be one. You put up numbers and you sell tickets and merchandise at a very high level. Typically you are exciting to watch. Here's the list of the top 15 best selling jersey's from last year:

TOP 15 PLAYER JERSEY SALES LIST:

Kobe Bryant - Los Angeles Lakers
Dwyane Wade - Miami Heat
LeBron James - Cleveland Cavaliers
Allen Iverson - Denver Nuggets
Carmelo Anthony - Denver Nuggets
Steve Nash - Phoenix Suns
Vince Carter - New Jersey Nets
Gilbert Arenas - Washington Wizards
Shaquille O'Neal - Miami Heat
Stephon Marbury - New York Knicks
Dirk Nowitzki - Dallas Mavericks
Tracy McGrady - Houston Rockets
Paul Pierce - Boston Celtics
Chris Paul - New Orleans/OK City Hornets
Tim Duncan - San Antonio Spurs

These guys sell out arenas. They move a lot of product, and that is why you see them do commercials for shoes, sports drinks, cell phones, fast food, etc.

Roy is in a small market, he doesn't get a big hooplah, and I don't think his numbers are gaudy enough for mass commercialization.

Is it a bad thing if he "peaks" as an All-Star, staying our little championship-winning secret?

Can you smell what the Pritch is cooking?

by you'vegottomakeyourfreethrows on Dec 19, 2007 1:55 PM PST reply actions

well

marbury is just lousy, iverson and carmelo are gunners who will never win a ring, arenas is another gunner who only improves his team if hes hot, tim duncan is always getting knocked for being boring and for finals' ratings being down, dirk has seemed to choke, chris paul is unproven in the playoffs, tracy mcgrady has never won a playoff series, paul pierce didnt do much as the putative leader of the celtics (and looks ridiculous in his headband, though not as absurd as kapono once did), shaquille was aided by the refs and should retire yesterday (and his rap albums were judged by the onion to be so bad that it was unfair to others to continue to include shaq's cds in competition for worst release of the year), kobe has been an accused rapist and if judged by phil jackson's book (and some of his on-court behavior like refusing to shoot in a big game because hes in a sulk) is a selfish possible psycho, vince carter is selfish and over the hill, etc....

why isn't gerald green a superstar yet? he won the slam-dunk contest (but can't get off the bench on the nba's worst team). what about sebastian telfair? he had a film made about him. he must be a superstar too.

kevin garnett and dwight howard have a lot to learn.

ignacio

by ignacio on Dec 19, 2007 10:53 PM PST up reply actions

Hey!

I didn't say that I owned those jerseys, just that they were the best sellers. What does it say about the main consumer if those are the guys that sell arenas and merchandise? I enjoy watching Kobe drop 82 points in a game because that is an incredible feat, but I want championships.

I'll take Roy.

Can you smell what the Pritch is cooking?

by you'vegottomakeyourfreethrows on Dec 20, 2007 10:36 AM PST up reply actions

He is A Superstar

I heard before each game, he sticks his fingers in his armpits, smells them, then says "Superstar" before he runs onto the court.

Randee of the Redwoods '08

by tominhawaii on Dec 19, 2007 2:06 PM PST reply actions

probably not a superstar

but a Elite SG, like Ginobili ( he could be even better) who , in my opinion, is the 3rd best SG in the league, after Wade and Kobe.
Players considered superstars are not necessarily the best ones because flashy plays are more valued than the "right" plays, I'd rather have Ginobili than Vince Carter or T-Mac in my team.

by Bruno on Dec 19, 2007 2:17 PM PST reply actions

Was Drexler even a superstar?

I'm not convinced it's possible to be a superstar and play for Portland. Maybe Greg Oden can because of the big personality.

by ranma on Dec 19, 2007 2:30 PM PST reply actions

Not a superstar

The big difference is that Roy's game is appealing to those who know basketball. He is a great all around player, but he isn't going to stick out to those who don't already follow the game. Anyways superstars are made by the league/nike/press/endorsements, and all those things don't really seem to appeal to Brandon.

by TearsforDuckworth on Dec 19, 2007 2:51 PM PST reply actions

I meant super star as in player, not persona

So we're a little of track here in the comments. I was just talking about his ability as a basketball player and a leader. Not how many jerseys he sells or who he dates ect. Just as it pertains to basketball.

by Jack Burton on Dec 19, 2007 3:09 PM PST up reply actions

In my mind

A superstar would be defined as the five best players over a 10 year period.

this means that they're not a superstar one year and not the next, but the best player consistently.

They're play also dumbfounds and defy laws of gravity or conventional thinking or something.

They also win.

Current superstars:

James (hasn't been ten years yet, but can there be any doubt?)
Kobe

ummm...

I honestly can't think of anyone else playing that'd I'd think of as a superstar right now.

A wink is the same as a nod to a bat!

by ratbastird on Dec 19, 2007 6:01 PM PST reply actions

Their

yeah... ummm their.

A wink is the same as a nod to a bat!

by ratbastird on Dec 19, 2007 6:02 PM PST up reply actions

Roy is deceptive

That really defines his game. I was just listening to KEX, and they were posing the question of whether local fans were overrating Roy. At one point, the co-host (I didn't catch his name) showed his ignorance, estimating Roy's vertical jump at 32". (Of course, Roy jumped a phenomenal 40" at the pre-draft camp, and also scored high in speed and agility.)

But there you go: that KEX guy and his partner have simply been taken in by the very deceptiveness that allows Roy to carve up opponents on a nightly basis. He doesn't appear very athletic, but in fact he has remarkable physical gifts. Unlike a Dwayne Wade, though, whose athleticism jumps out at you, Roy likes to play under control, starting and stopping on a dime and juking defenders off balance. He only shows flashes of his remarkable speed, strength, and leaping ability; if you blink, you miss it.

Significantly, Dwayne Wade has spent a large portion of his career--from high-school on--injured. That's inevitable considering his high-flying game. But Roy (heel problems aside) has a game built to last. Mike Rice has compared Roy's game to that of Oscar Robertson--who I saw play once. Although the Big O was one of a kind, I definitely see the comparison. Oscar wasn't flashy: he just methodically destroyed opponents.

Will Roy become a "superstar?" I say no way. Superstars ARE flashy, and they refer to their teammates as their "supporting cast." Those two words will never escape Brandon Roy's lips. Personally, I wouldn't want a superstar on the Blazers. B-Roy is perfect; he'll be an all-star, and he should lead his team to at least one championship (hopefully several).

"Ime caught the guy in mid-air with a fist and calmly continued his dispatching of oncoming people." -Gabe Muoneke

by hurryup09 on Dec 19, 2007 6:15 PM PST reply actions

on the money!

Roy's a great athlete. And Oscar isn't completely far-fetched, though O was a higher-volume shooter/scorer than Brandon is (I even saw him a little in college). Roy really reminds me a lot of Walt Frazier on offense, so under control and smart, though Frazier, a point guard, was always close to the league lead in assists. And if Roy ever gets close to being as good as Frazier on defense (always NBA first team all-defense), then the Blazers WILL win some championships. An excellent perimeter defender to go with Oden inside!

by barryj on Dec 19, 2007 10:50 PM PST up reply actions

I also see the Walt (Clyde) Frasier comparison

On offense, that is. On defense, Brandon has a ways to go.

"Ime caught the guy in mid-air with a fist and calmly continued his dispatching of oncoming people." -Gabe Muoneke

by hurryup09 on Dec 20, 2007 1:05 AM PST up reply actions

Plays like he made tonight

Switch hands in mid-air a few times like he did tonight, a la Jordan, and people will notice. Roy is a singular talent that can't really be defined by comparison to other players because we haven't seen anyone like him. To say he is not athletic enough denies what he has been doing- he is incredibly talented, intelligent, and a leader. Teams in the league design their defenses to stop him and they can't- how about that definition of superstar. He's a superstar already, even if some people don't realize it yet. I wouldn't trade him for anybody.

by Atomic Dog 71 on Dec 19, 2007 10:50 PM PST reply actions