Watch out, the ATF is puttin’ on her butt kickin’ boots and she’s comin’ to see YOU!!!

Hey man… I sort of agree with you but look:

That Outlaw loves to shoot should come as a revelation to no one. The guy has loved to shoot over the last two years and has hoisted up all kinds of shots. I think it’s just summer boredom that’s causing people to overreact as you suggest.

But I will go out on a limb and pass judgment in this sense: I’m tired of making half-apologies for Outlaw and other players and certainly weary of listening to them.

“…this is not unusual for Outlaw he goes through stretches where he can’t find his comfort zone and sometimes this just makes him a liability on the court”. I’m not okay with that… not anymore. This doesn’t make Outlaw special or desirable; it’s what makes him replacable. Nate talks about reliability and consistency… not gambling on and occasionall rolling the hard-8 for big bucks.

“Consistency or lack thereof is something that has often been talked about as plaguing our other SF but really it’s just as true of Outlaw.” I agree, completely… and I think that makes them ALL rather replacable. We loved James Jones BECAUSE he was consistent yet we seem to love the Outlaw/Webster duality in spite of it.

“Shot selection is certainly questionable at times with Outlaw, but in reality it gets worse when he is not shooting the ball well.” I agree… but I don’t think this makes him desirable. “Team-oriented” basketball, in my opinion, is about NOT taking bad shots. While most great forwards and guards in the league will take “heat check” shots, I think if one charted out Outlaw’s shots you’d find a relatively disproportionate number in the “OMG” category. Again, don’t we want the Udoka/Jones type player to play great D and knock down the spot-up shot reliably?

“Bottom line; take everything with a grain of salt before passing judgment.” I agree about not leaping to judgment as the result of pre-season games…

… but man, it seems like I’ve been waiting YEARS for Outlaw. YEARS!! It seems like every season we go through this sort of ritualistic overlooking of errors from the glaring light of potential. I’m just tired of waiting for potential. I want a James Jones type player back—or Ime—someone who can hold down that position adequately. I submit to you that living through the ups and downs of Outlaw’s game (less so, for Webster maybe) is not adequate in that sense.

So when is it over? When does waiting for potential just become as silly as a group of nerds throwing a party and waiting in futile desperation for attendees? Many would say last year. I say this eyar. Maybe others say next year. But at some point, Outlaw simply has to arrive. As an example, I love Sergio… but if dude can’t make it this year—or at least really show something new—I gotta think we let him go. When has Outlaw showed us anything new?

I seriously doubt that Outlaw is taking more shots than Nate has given him permission to take. Yeah, sure, Nate still pulls him aside after some of his shots and tells him to be more patient. But generally speaking I suspect that Nate has given Travis multiple green lights since about this time last year, and that Travis is just doing what he is told to do.

Now, Nate may be giving Travis all those green lights because that is how Nate envisions his offense operating. He really wants a high octane scorer (like Outlaw on his better days) to come off the bench and light it up with an unguardable jumper or some strong moves to the hoop. If Nate loses confidence in Travis maybe he’ll try someone else in that role. The team could still go out and find someone else to play the SF position and be the main scoring option off the bench.

NO excuses for him to be comming in to camp NOT READY. NONE. HE IS A VETERAN IN THIS LEAGUE.
Roy gets it, Aldridge gets it. Blake gets it. shoot, EVEN SERGIO GOT IT. I’m afraid there wasn’t enough left over for travis.

I got faith he’ll pull it together once the games matter, but golly ge wizzzz. I am disappointed so far. boy should have been pumpin iron instead of fishin the muddy mississippi.

It’s unreasonable to conclude that Trout won’t get back to the last year’s form based on a couple preseason games. But as you alluded to … there is reason to be a little concerned:

1) Trout’s role has changed with Martell’s injury. Can he adjust? Can he D up? Can he avoid using shots better taken by Roy/LMA/Oden when he’s cold?

2) Trout clamored over the offseason for more shots. If anything, he should be taking less shots this year. He is one of the least efficient scorers (if not the least efficient) on the team.

3) The stakes are higher. If the wheels fall off for Trout, who can step in and take his place while Martell’s down? Can Roy slide over to the three for an extended stretch and let Rudy play the two?

4) He’s not one of the smarter players on this team. If Roy or LMA goes ice cold for a few games, it means they’re not dropping 20 on a given night. But those guys are too smart to kill the team by continuing to take shots that aren’t falling. Trout is not.

All in all, no reason to panic. Certainly, no reason to talk about trading Outlaw – if that were even in play. But could this be a factor that prevents the Blazers from making the leap into legitimate contention with NO, Utah, etc. this year? Unfortunately … yes.

I agree that Travis’ style of play (deficiencies included) will be less effective this year due to the new configuration of the team.

And Travis himself would seem to be more comfortable on a team where he is numero uno. So perhaps a trade would be the best option for everyone. I would feel bad seeing him play for another team, though.

Don’t believe me?

• Trader Bob drafted him.
• Travis’ last name is what…?
• Trout and other fishes hate him and his nickname.

get that new internet going.