Before these preseason games I've never had to ask this question. Bringing myself to write this quandary is more difficult than coming to the inevitable answer, because I feel we all know what has to be done. I've been a stanch supporter of the developement of Outlaw, waiting for his "arrival", anticipating his maturation to the completion of a playoff bound Blazer's roster! And yet I, and undoubtedly the vast majority of observant Blazer fans, are still left in wanting, parched for more continuity.
In your comments I'd appreciate you bring up and look at a few points. One of my own:
Yes, it is still incredibly early in the season to paint a broad stroke of abandonment to a player "competing" for a starter position... BUT, how many possession where Outlaw took it upon himself to be the offensive option resulted in the betterment of the team? We can pile through the stats or we can look at what he does as a substition of Zach Randolph's black-hole-sydrom. Except this version is woefully less accurate, leaves more room for the opponent to capitalize, and the most blarlingly obvious trait is that it is unequivocally predictable!!! Dribble, dribble, jab step, shot. K*be and Tracy, he is not, nor will he ever be. He's in his fifth year, this is it. But it works for them. They are focal points. Outlaw's offense should be anything but with what the Blazers have. Oh, and they make their shots.
I first thought of Travis as the one bright spot in an era of abominable Blazers basketball. We can't blame the poor guy for now perpetuating what he first learned, for it's those early impressions that are the ones that stick with us. As a person and a character guy, he fits Portland. As a player, he is sadly lost in a bygone age. Instead of being selfish with our sentimentality and grasping to keep Outlaw aboard, we need to ask what is best for the team. And in my very humble opinion, I think we all know what that means.
Poll
What do we do about Outlaw?
Nothing, let him start. (16 votes)
Sit him, and make him a permanent fixure coming off the bench. (37 votes)
Trade him along with RLEC. (62 votes)
Other: Have a better option? (2 votes)
117 total votes


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