of pride, and realistically knows he has to work hard on some things if he's ever going to be the player he wants to be. pride is very different from vanity.

now, whether martell can actually become the player he wants to be -- i don't know. there's some evidence both pro and con.

had martell for lunch.see i've been saying it for 3 years now get me some college men and i'll build you a winner..

It seems that the article is still upbeat about Martell's coach-ability and work ethic, which have become a concern for Jason Quick.  Although his concern may be centered around his lack of growth, and lack of practice, in areas outside of his natural talents.  I don't think that the Blazers can get anything for him, and if any team in the NBA needs a shooter it is the Blazers--which is why I am not sure if drafting Brewer is a wise choice--so I tend to lean towards keeping him.  Thoughts?

remember that it took years for jason kapono to become a productive member of society (or the nba) and he spent a couple of years at ucla. it won't kill martell to ride the pine.

He is still only 20.

He is proving to us that he has the desire to achieve and work hard to improve.

He has the talent to be that killer 3-point shooter that we all know we need.

He is still younger and less experienced than all juniors and seniors in this draft, but he is learning the NBA game and how his talents are going to translate from one of the best shooting/defending guard players-turned coach: Nate McMillan.

Thanks to fill-in-great-guy Ime Udoka, Martell's development CAN take the time he needs so we don't rush him and blow his confidence, or trade him and let another team reap the rewards of his development.  

Martell's abilities are for more than just a pretty shot from the outside.  When he was drafted by the Blazers his draft cards said that his shooting was the best attribute, but at 6'7 225, his body was IDEAL for his 2/3 position, his leaping ability, finishing at the rim ability (dunking and what not), and BBall IQ were all well above average.

True, we have not seen him turn into a starter in his two seasons, but his defensive work showed that he is buying into Nate's program, and the work he is putting in this summer does show that he has enough PRIDE to make it in the NBA.  I like Martell and still believe he will be a great contributor, and possibly our starting SF during the Roy/Aldridge era.

P.S.  Everybody keep your positive thoughts on us getting that top draft picks in the lottery this Tuesday.  Blazers WIN it and get #1 overall!  YEAH!