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Blazers 80 Jazz 93: The Preseason Trudges Along

Ben_tiny by Ben. on

Boxscore.

No Brandon, No LaMarcus, No Rudy, No Martell, No Channing, No Steve.  Other than that, this afternoon's scrimmage against the Jazz featured all sorts of great action.  In today's bizarro world, Greg was the only one of our original projected opening night starters that actually played.  Could anyone have guessed that 3 weeks ago?

The team has this entire week to lick its wounds and get some serious practice time in, and it's a good thing.  Not that much could have been expected from the tatters of our lineup tonight against a Jazz team that featured both Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer, but there were definitely some areas that could use some correction: offense, defense and turnovers among them.

Some brief thoughts:

Nic Batum: greatest small forward ever, or THE greatest small forward ever?  He won his position against Andrei Kirilenko tonight, hands down.  When those two get together it's like 18 feet worth of arms.  Anyway, given the size of their contracts, it must have made the brain trust smile to see Batum do what he was doing.  Nic shut him down, stayed with him, out-worked him and contested every shot, except one alley-oop dunk in which he got fooled on a back cut. Also, when guarding Korver, Batum unveiled a vet's trick (no doubt taught to him by Monty) of grabbing KK's back while coming off a screen.  Ref couldn't see it so it didn't happen. Nic you're a quick study.  The radio guys are pushing for him to start in lieu of Martell's injury and Travis's comfort in leading the bench unit.  That is a longer-than-long shot but there's a poll at the bottom so that you can vote on this.

Sergio did better than expected against D-Will.  He did sail one pass into a pack of Jerry Sloan's friends near the beginning of the game, and he did get his pocket picked clean for an and-one layup during the 2nd half.  Otherwise he was solid.  Especially given the talent that was surrounding him tonight.  He is tracking nicely into the backup point guard slot.  How many minutes that spot gets once the season starts, well, we'll have to wait and see. 

Bayless is dealing with the cold reality of being a rookie.  The player on media day who said that he wasn't afraid of anyone is not the same player who found himself sitting on the ground at the end of the team's bench tonight, frustrated look fixed on his face.  He was in full-on predator mode on the court tonight; Dick Bavetta, you're lucky to be alive.  We all are.

Random Game Notes:

-- UW coach Lorenzo Romar was in the building, sitting about 8 rows in front of us.  His daughter and wife have the exact same haircut. Literally, exactly the same.  Awk-ward.

-- Rumor has it that at least one important member of the Blazers brain trust is solidly in Shavlik Randolph's corner.  Quick has already reported that Nate has hinted that Steven Hill will be the guy at spot #15.  Don't call it a chasm.  With 43 power forwards on the roster and only 2 centers, it still seems like the safe money is on Hill.  But, I guess this can continue to be a debate...

-- Shavlik fun facts... he is named after his grandfather who was also a big time basketball player... His brother is named Dexter... He wears #42 because his grandfather wore #84... so that's like half, right? I see what you did there, Shav.  At least you didn't go square root on me.

-- Is Sergio rubbing off on Jerryd?  After an airball, Jerryd looked down at both of his hands in disbelief. 

-- Travis finally found his jumper, thank goodness.  It must have been hiding from his green car.

-- On the plus side, Jerryd and parents did convene the first meeting of the Blazers Sartorial Club (name pending) with team President Larry Miller after the game tonight.  No two people in the organization floss harder than those two.  Tonight, Jerryd's shoes appeared to be Italian leather and are worth more than my life.

-- Ike Diogu. You're killing me.

-- Nate was a little bit terse at the post-game session today, answering questions with a slight annoyance to his voice that normally isn't there.  I know I get pretty antsy whenever Brandon isn't around too, so I understand and sympathize.

-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)

Poll
Barring any more injuries and assuming Blake, Brandon, and Rudy are healthy, our opening night lineup will be...
Blake, Rudy, Roy, Aldridge, Oden
509 votes
Blake, Roy, Outlaw, Aldridge, Oden
296 votes
Blake, Roy, Batum, Aldridge, Oden
347 votes
Other
33 votes

1185 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 159 comments

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Comments

Display:

At this point I'm in favor of Batum.

He has been surprisingly consistent on defense. That would be a slower paced, good defensive line up. It may not be as exciting as option 1 but I like it.

by Bskey on Oct 12, 2008 7:22 PM PDT   0 recs

Give us Batuuuuuum

and if all else fails, bring in Outlaw to start. And if that fails, bump Broy to the 3 spot.

He who laughs last thinks slowest.

by prezofdeath on Oct 12, 2008 8:24 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I would be more comfortable with Roy starting at the three.

I read somewhere that if you take calculate Roy’s height, reach, and vertical he actually plays more like someone who is 6’7. I think he would do really well at the three. Plus, can you imagine the ball movement that would come along with having Roy, Rudy and Blake all on the floor? It would be like a passing clinic.

I think the thing that Batum has really shown us is that Outlaw is probably expendable once Webster comes back. This team REALY lacks perimeter defense. So much so that even a slightly above average defender like Batum seems like a dream come true. We need a perimeter defender. I don’t know if Batum is the answer, but I know that Outlaw is not.

If somebody hits you with an object you should beat the hell out of them.-Charles Barkley

by Winchester on Oct 12, 2008 8:50 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Now wait a minute

Batum was playing GREAT defense today. I was at that game and it’s the best perimeter Defense I’ve seen since (gulp) Ruben “KobeStoppa” Patterson. Mind you I hated Patterson but that guy could really defend. Batum played excellent defense tonight and if he is able to show ANYTHING like that on a consistent basis you have to consider starting him. Regardless of whether he starts he will be a real asset down the road no doubt about it.

He's Coming! Oden Slayer of Giants

by Idog1976 on Oct 12, 2008 9:02 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

+1

Batum will be the answer…sooner than people think…he is the real deal…Outlaw is what he is and that will prove itself out and end up with something to be desired …. …And for Webster …Can’t really count him in either…If he comes back, in jan.09, it will take him a month to get timing and conditioning back…and then it will take who knows how long to get him back to contributing to the team….it will be tough emotionally for him to get it together this year…Batum may be the guy by then…Tough luck for Web (it looked like he was ready this year)…but we gotta move on

by 67 on Oct 12, 2008 9:06 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I just think you don't want to get in the habit of playing your best player out of position

no matter what the situation…unless it’s like….OH NO WE HAVE TO START RLEC AT SMALL FORWARD….then i’d rather leave brandon in his position where he can work his magic.

Having blake + rudy is a big defensive liability.
Brandon would have to play bigger guys then him
Greg and Joel would pick up more fouls
Our defense, as a whole, would be less effective.

He who laughs last thinks slowest.

by prezofdeath on Oct 13, 2008 12:05 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I tend to agree but..

If the ball movement that would come along with having Roy, Rudy and Blake all on the floor, It would be like a passing clinic. How would it be if, instead of Blake, you replaced him by Sergio?

by cbp on Oct 13, 2008 4:14 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Batum

When the final book on the 2008 NBA draft is written, it may well turn out that the day’s savviest deal was not Pritchard’s sleight-of-hand that brought Bayless to Portland.

Rather, it might end up being the nifty little maneuver in which the Blazers traded up with Houston to snag Batum out from under San Antonio’s nose. Recall that the Spurs were playing some crafty little games of their own in an effort to ensure that the Frenchman would fall to them at the 26th pick. With Batum’s stock dropping due to rumors of possible heart problems, the Spurs were reportedly hoarding a medical report that gave him a clean bill of health. Despite all of that, Pritchard moved up to 25 to steal Batum away from the Spurs – a move that went mostly unnoticed except by many Blazer fans who were incensed that he traded away the rights to Darrell Arthur and Joey Dorsey to make it happen.

If the preseason is any barometer, the Spurs’ scouts look to have identified another gem from overseas. But while R.C. Buford & Co. had their eyes squarely on the prize, they neglected to notice that their erstwhile colleague, Kevin Pritchard, had his eyes on the same target and was peeking over their shoulder as well.

by knickfan on Oct 12, 2008 9:37 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It's only the preseason, but

I like the idea of Batum starting. I like the fit better than any of the other combinations. I like Travis being the man off the bench. We’re going up against a tough schedule early, I don’t think the difference between Outlaw/Rudy vs. Batum in the starting lineup costs us any of those games. And I think putting Batum out there will really help his game in the long run or hopefully, by the end of this year.

"It was halfway through the fourth quarter of an exhibition game, a 30 point blowout, and I absolutely did not want it to end. Time: move slower so this moment stretches.

Dunk Parade.

Forever."

-Ben

"...our second unit is probably going to be a little better than your second unit…and by "probably going to be a little better than" I mean "is going to crush like a dump truck running over an empty beer can""

"YOU MOVE NOW! GREG DUNK BIG!"

-Dave

by Magnum on Oct 12, 2008 7:22 PM PDT   0 recs

Utah's open game thread only had four posts,

and one was from a Blazer fan. We had almost 700.

If somebody hits you with an object you should beat the hell out of them.-Charles Barkley

by Winchester on Oct 12, 2008 7:32 PM PDT   0 recs

If Tom had posted there

they would have had 500 ….and he would be banned

"I figured out how to get the canoe down the mountain, but I will need a snow blower and all your butter"-Michael Kelso

by 92wastheyear on Oct 12, 2008 7:33 PM PDT to parent up   1 recs

Their hole team

Gets lest posts than you?

by southern oregon on Oct 12, 2008 7:38 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It's true

I get more hits than the Jazz…..yay me!!

"I figured out how to get the canoe down the mountain, but I will need a snow blower and all your butter"-Michael Kelso

by 92wastheyear on Oct 12, 2008 8:26 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Dont say I didnt warn you

This kid has game and is the answer at the 3.

by southern oregon on Oct 12, 2008 7:32 PM PDT   0 recs

I'm starting to agree

S.O. I’m starting to agree…

He's Coming! Oden Slayer of Giants

by Idog1976 on Oct 12, 2008 9:03 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It looked to me like

Jerryd thought the airball slipped out of his hands. (Or wanted to pretend it did.) After his incredulous look, he “dried” his hand on his shorts. Who knows.

by Section323 on Oct 12, 2008 7:47 PM PDT   0 recs

I like the Tommy Boy reference

about Bayles’ shoes!

My favorite teams are the Blazers and any team that is playing the Lakers.

by OCBlazerFan1 on Oct 12, 2008 7:51 PM PDT   0 recs

Batum is a great fit....maybe

Nic is seeming to come into his own both on defense and in the flow of the offense. Though he was the leading scorer for the Blazers tonight, he passed up several good looks (that Travis would have taken) in order to pass the ball and get others involved. He seems to want to play a more team-oriented game than some of the others (talkin’ bout you #25). I was impressed with his willingness to get in the face of his opponent and not back down. Yes, he’s a rook, and a young one at that, but he’s got moxie!

I was also surprised at the ineffectiveness of Sergio. I know that Ben said he held his own, but I thought he stunk. Yes, he ran the ball up the court, but then he proceeded to pound the air out of it. When he did think to pass, he struggled to get the ball inside to the big guys. It seemed as if he rarely passed to his first option. The more I see and hear of him, the more I think we need to cut bait. Maybe dangle RLEC and Sergio for the missing piece (whatever that may be).

by BlazerHomer on Oct 12, 2008 7:54 PM PDT   0 recs

re: sergio, keep in mind he was playing against deron williams. also, it’s a two way street when it comes to completing a pass.

it’s a lot easier to complete a pass to your starters playing in their familiar positions than it is to bench players still learning where to be.

did i ever think i’d find myself defending sergio? no. no, i didn’t.

when it comes to flipping RLEC, you need to get a 1 or a 3 back. if you get a 1 back, sergio can go. if you get a 3 back, it’s hard to include sergio because if blake goes down we are in serious trouble. this wouldn’t be the case if bayless was playing to expectations, but he’s not.

honor terry porter

by Ben. on Oct 12, 2008 8:00 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Mmmm, true.

Rudy, Roy, LMA, and Martell all have some idea by now of what Sergio might do with the rock when he’s got it.
These new guys aren’t used to it – and Sergio’s passing style DOES take some getting used to.

"Mister Oden is a very, very big human being." - Jerryd Bayless

by QualityPie on Oct 12, 2008 9:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

VEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERY TRUE

I would add that playing PG is the most difficult position in basketball. To make matters worst, he is not a real PG yet, so imagine how tough is to him.

by cbp on Oct 13, 2008 6:30 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It's also tough on JB

because he believed he was a “natural” point guard. How he internalizes this will either make him or break him.

the Spanish contributors on this board are hella cool

by G_dubs on Oct 14, 2008 8:21 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

What does a guy gotta do around here...
I was also surprised at the ineffectiveness of Sergio.

Really? Ineffectiveness of Sergio? After Batum, Sergio was our next most effective player out there today. 9 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 5 steals. Most of that versus one of the very best PG’s in the world. I guess when it comes to opinions on players around here, its not so much about what they do on the court, but rather, what you said about that player in the past.

If Batum can become even half of what Tayshaun Prince currently is, we’ll be set at the 3 for the foreseeable future. I know a lot of people, myself included talked about how it was going to take him time to become “NBA ready”, but honestly, the skills that are important to us from the small forward, he already has down. He’d be one of our best defenders immediately, and if he can run in transition and make the 3 point shot at even a remotely decent clip, he’s ready day one. Travis… its time to figure out the “team” concept… your time is running out.

Jerryd Bayless should be ahead of this. I penciled him in as the backup PG to begin the season, and really thought the only thing stopping him from supplanting Blake as the starter was time. He needs to figure out his role. If he’s going to be that Monta Ellis/Leandro Barbosa type of guy, he needs to get out there and do it. Those guys realize they’re not PG’s, and they act accordingly. This is going to be one of those things I probably bring up repeatedly, but it has to be said. For Bayless to maximize what he does, he has to play alongside Brandon Roy. Every weakness he has, not being able to run an offense, not being able to defend the 2, not knowing when to take his shot, is covered by one player. When Jerryd plays with other guys, he’s going to have a devil of a time fitting into the scheme. Golden State had this figured out because of Baron Davis, a player big enough to defend 2’s while being the teams PG, and PHX had it figured out by essentially playing a different style of defense (based on turnovers). If Jerryd is going to thrive here, its going to be because Brandon Roy makes it happen.

by as11osu on Oct 12, 2008 8:34 PM PDT to parent up   2 recs

"Every weakness he has, not being able to run an offense, not being able to defend the 2, not knowing when to take his shot,.."

The guy has been out of high school 1 year. He’s practiced with the team about 3 weeks. He’s played in four pre season scrimmages.

How many years – years – did it take Steve Nash to reach his potential?

We really need to take some deep breaths before we start deciding what players will or won’t accomplish for the rest of their careers.

by raoulduke on Oct 12, 2008 8:50 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The kid has been playing basketball his whole life

Steve Nash started out with an innate ability to run an offense. Obviously all players need time to attain their true potential, but its not like all of a sudden Steve Nash just became this world beater. Steve Nash for example came into the league a poor defender. All these many years later, he’s still among the worst defenders in the league. Players come into the league with a certain fingerprint. Skills they have, and skills they don’t have.

Jerryd Bayless is starting on the opposite side of the spectrum. His ability to run an NBA offense doesn’t begin at good. Running an offense isn’t on his NBA fingerprint. A players strengths are his strengths, and his weaknesses are his weaknesses. In the NBA for the most part, to be in the league you’ve got to be elite at multiple traits. Jerryd is, but lets not confuse that fact, with what type of player he is. Bayless is elite at penetrating the lane, finishing strong, getting free throws and shooting wide open jumpers (he’s actually very good at this). All of these things make him a potentially All-Star level NBA player. What they do not make him is a floor general. It just so happens, the player he is, fits in quite nicely with a core group of players already on the team.

Ideally, he’ll be starting next to Brandon Roy… the problem is going to be his ascension into that position. He’s probably not going to excel in his initial roles because of the type of player he is. That said, I want him to be, and think he would make a good starting guard next to B-Roy… eventually.

by as11osu on Oct 12, 2008 9:23 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

* sigh...
Steve Nash started out with an innate ability to run an offense. Obviously all players need time to attain their true potential, but its not like all of a sudden Steve Nash just became this world beater. Steve Nash for example came into the league a poor defender. All these many years later, he’s still among the worst defenders in the league. Players come into the league with a certain fingerprint. Skills they have, and skills they don’t have.

He started with the innate ability to run an offense? Really , use some numbers to substantiate that please. What does your opening statement really mean? When did he start this innate ability to run the offense? Birth? When he 1st picked up a basketball? In college? You mean to imply he didnt have any coaching as to how to run an offense? Come on, he had to learn it somehow right?

Obviously Nash didn’t just become a world beater he had coaching, teaching , learning and practice to do. Thanks for proving your own point wrong?

I wonder if his poor defense has anything to do with DiAntoni as his coach and pretty much living and dying by the "run and gun score 115 ppg " offense and never really focused on defense. I bet if Nash played for say, Nate, he would be a better defender.

The statement you make to conclude the paragraph is partly true, but you are getting into nature v. nurture type stuff here. What IS a basketball player born with? What skills are he better at ? Just because a player is better at one skill set does not mean he cannot improve on another, ya digg?

Sophia

"Feminism encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcreaft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians. [speech at GOP Presidential Convention 1992] Rev. Pat Robertson

by BlazerFan1 on Oct 13, 2008 10:23 PM PDT to parent up   1 recs

You're both right.

Nash was twice the West Coast Player of the Year in college. He already had the brains and skills to do well in the NBA. He really just needed the opportunity, which he got when he played for the Mavs. But he and other players do have strengths and weaknesses. Like anyone in any endeavor, hard work can make you successful if not phenomenal.

"Personally, I'd rather give an elephant a prostate exam on Chili Day." --Dave on rooting for the Lakers or Celtics

by MiledAnimal on Oct 14, 2008 9:16 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

And his surrounding cast at AZ wasn't the strongest.

If he had played a set-others-up game there, it’d have been clank city.

He needs time to adjust to playing with his equals and betters before he can be Blake-ish by nature.

"Mister Oden is a very, very big human being." - Jerryd Bayless

by QualityPie on Oct 12, 2008 9:34 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

thx as110su

I read his post and thought “What game was he watching?!” Sergio with his ineffective 5 steals and game leading 8 assists. Glad to know at least one other person saw the same game i saw.

Free Sergio! http://www.freesergio.com

by sergioFTW on Oct 12, 2008 9:41 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed.

Sergio + Rudy = 16
Sergio + Bayless = 16
Batum 8+8=16

by amlmart1 on Oct 13, 2008 2:09 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed too

I didn’t watch he game but if Sergio can deliver consistently 9 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 5 steals while making his team wins more than 60% of games played, I would say he would be the starting PG.

by cbp on Oct 13, 2008 6:38 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Stats can be misleading

especially assists. I didn’t actually get to see this game, but going through the play-by-play I see that 1 of Sergio’s assists was a layup on a fast break, one was a hook shot, and 6 were on 16ft+ jumpers. Compare that with Rudy’s debut against the Kings where he only ended up with 5 assists but all of them were dunks. Sergio’s 8 assists might seem better at first glance, but in reality Rudy’s 5 assists were probably more valuable because he set up teammates for easier shots.

As I said before, I didn’t see this game so I can’t say for sure how effective Sergio was at running the offense, but it is definitely something that can’t be measured very accurately just by counting assists. There are some situations where a player can end up with a lot of assists without running the team very well and without creating many easy shots for his teammates.

by trk on Oct 12, 2008 10:11 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

stats aren't misleading

BUT they don’t show the full picture, it is ture. What they don’t show is he had FOUR excellent passes inside to people who got fouled trying to dunk it and netting 8 free-throws—he got no assist stat for those, but they are just as important. Also he hit Randolph twice on nice drive-and dishes to get him wide-open 15 foot jumpshots that he missed both times. What I’m saying is, Sergio could have easily, very easily had 3-6 more assists.

Free Sergio! http://www.freesergio.com

by sergioFTW on Oct 13, 2008 7:52 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't think

the Blazers have ever thought that Outlaw or Webster is their man at the 3 (or will become the man) . There has never been anything consistent in either of their play…just flashes…That is why they did not hesitate in signing Batum this summer….they saw something in this kid and he’s hasn’t disappointed anybody so far….. if he scores some points, it’s just an added bonus….He has all the tools…I’ve seen him play twice and he is a pleasure to watch….

by 67 on Oct 12, 2008 9:46 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It's funny that the two positions that we lack, SF and PG, are two of the easiest to fill.

I mean, Matt Barnes just signed a cheap one year deal with Phoenix for crying out loud. How hard is it to find a decent roll playing small forward in this league?

If somebody hits you with an object you should beat the hell out of them.-Charles Barkley

by Winchester on Oct 12, 2008 10:37 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The Blazers already have role players at small forward.

Matt Barnes doesn’t do anything that can’t be done by Travis Outlaw or a healthy Martell Webster; thus, that’s not the issue here. Instead, Kevin Pritchard should consolidate the team’s talent at small foward.

In theory, that could be accomplished by turning Raef LaFrentz’s expiring contract — along with either Outlaw or Webster, as well as maybe even Jerryd Bayless — into a top-of-the-line starter at the wing to play alongside Brandon Roy.

by AK1984 on Oct 12, 2008 10:51 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

exactly ,getting a veteran player

at the 3 should be in their minds (it has to be)…Even if is just a 2 or 3 year deal for a proven player that Batum can play behind…Clearly the obstacle to the playoffs is at the 3…Web is broken and even if he wasn’t, you trade him for a solid 3 and you’ve gained a lot more than you lost Outlaw the same, and easier to deal, Diogu?Bayless,Sergio? …it’s a simple law of deduction….what are your needs, who can fill those needs, and what players are expendable to get you what you need….

by 67 on Oct 12, 2008 11:24 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You really think Batum will take a 2 or 3 years????

Look up the recent posting of his interview.
He’s shooting for next year. I think he is on target.

by spencerbutte on Oct 13, 2008 12:59 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Not sure

I read the interview and it does show he has a great mindset….His play, so far, has been very promising. But he would benefit from having a good player to play behind…it would take a lot of pressure off him as well….He has been somewhat of a surprise (by looking to be more ready than projected)…he certainly has thrown another equation into the mix at the 3 spot

by 67 on Oct 13, 2008 11:50 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Why do people always want to play at being GM?

Do you guys seriously think you can do a better job than Pritchard? Instead of telling us your thoughts on how you would improve our team, how about just sitting back and enjoying the show.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Oct 13, 2008 7:57 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Wow, Did you write this?

 I sometimes think that if Pritchard could have a do-over…

… it would be to have re-signed Ime.

WE ARE NOT THAT SERIOUS IN HERE…WE HAVE SOME FUN AND SOMETIMES WE SAY THINGS JUST TO GET COMMENTS FROM OTHER FANS…..LIKE YOU ….SO WHAT WE SAY IN HERE DOESN’T PREVENT ANYONE FROM ENJOYING THE SHOW…..THIS IS JUST IDLE CHATTER BETWEEN THE MAIN EVENTS…..DON’T YOU, BE SO SERIOUS

by 67 on Oct 13, 2008 11:38 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You are right. I'm not the blog police.

But I for one get tired of posts talking about how we need to trade this guy or that Outlaw doesn’t fit, lets trade him, or we need -- fill in the blank -- maybe Raef, Segio, Webster and whomever should be traded to get him, or lets get that veteran guy, or what do you think of this neat trade I just ginned up on the trade tracker.

It’s just my opinion, but that sort of stuff is sort of the elementary phase on being a BE fan. If people were not attracted to the junior GM role then fantasy leagues wouldn’t exist. But after a while I want to see interesting discussion about the team and the players (with an occasional aside into how Tom’s nuts are doing). Talk about trades in the preseason just strikes me as absurd. Halfway into the season with the trade deadline on the horizon makes sense. Because then we have something to go on with regard to performance and trades become a real possibility. But now – I just don’t see it.

Besides, I challenge anybody to name one player who is a) better than who we have now on the roster AND b) realistically available. At best you are talking about a guy to challenge Hill, Jackson and Randolph for a seat at the end of the Blazer’s bench.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Oct 13, 2008 12:30 PM PDT to parent up   1 recs

+1

Blazers Edge has an alarmist vision and a poet's heart.

by tominhawaii on Oct 13, 2008 3:03 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

trade talk

whether you like it or not, is part of the NBA…. It does get discussed out of reality in the fan circles, and I don’t read most of the exuberant ones…..If I do read and think it’s ridiculous, I let it go…..it’s not worth arguing over a difference of opinion or whether it’s logical or not…
   Over the last few years the Blazers have a history of not trading players during the season/preseason and I don’t expect that to change, But to think there is not any thought about possibilities, would be underestimating KP….You always leave the door open to try and make your team better. Sometimes the options are not the best available, but you still may need to make them. Having a need is not the same as getting a player to fill that need. (other teams will keep their good players or ask too much for them, so landing a blue chip player is not likely) but KP pulls things off and this can contribute to trade talk among fans.
      If the people in here want to play around with that, it doesn’t hurt a thing and shouldn’t bother you so much….everyone in here has their agenda for discussion, but you can choose to ignore it if ruffles your feathers.

by 67 on Oct 13, 2008 4:41 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I think what Timg56 was getting at

Is due to Trader Bob, a lot of Portland fans are almost bigger fans of trade then they are of the actual team. I think I need to lump the draft in there as well, even though Bob is not to blame for the fans love of the draft. Trade and draft fans think they are a cure all and often fail to look at the big picture.

Blazers Edge has an alarmist vision and a poet's heart.

by tominhawaii on Oct 14, 2008 2:39 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

there is, and always will be

a difference of opinion on what people want to talk about….. and nothing wrong with that…I would rather not make a point of it, because some people can’t offer opinions without making rude, personal remarks ( even though the merit for the remarks is always personally assuming)

by 67 on Oct 14, 2008 11:12 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

No point guard is going to look good if he has only scrubs

to go to. Sergio had several steals and played decent defense on one of the best points in the league.

If Blake goes down with a long term injury – say the way Martell did – our PG situation will look thin and bleak if sergio gets traded.

by raoulduke on Oct 12, 2008 7:59 PM PDT   1 recs

hey wow. look at us saying the same thing at the same time.

honor terry porter

by Ben. on Oct 12, 2008 8:00 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Actually I was a minute sooner....

And about 50 words more concise, but who’s counting?

by raoulduke on Oct 12, 2008 8:06 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

gold star.

honor terry porter

by Ben. on Oct 12, 2008 9:00 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Refs called a very very tight game for both sides

Made it boring. Bayless got no respect at all. The Blaze video was funny with the Jazz monster.

by Sabonis4Ever on Oct 12, 2008 8:05 PM PDT   0 recs

Travis indicated in Quick's long article on him

that he wants to start and be a star in this league. If Nic is really outplaying him, rocky shoals ahead…

"Personally, I'd rather give an elephant a prostate exam on Chili Day." --Dave on rooting for the Lakers or Celtics

by MiledAnimal on Oct 12, 2008 8:08 PM PDT   0 recs

and

Outlaw’s motor is running, but it ain’t in the water…

by 67 on Oct 12, 2008 9:53 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Well

I was at the game today. Considering that todays starting five was totally different than last year, and its preseason blazers did fine. When Batum went down I was about to rip the seat out, but I looked around and there was allot of intelligent fans so I cooled down. Oden is not there yet and it might take 2-3 months before he gets in shape and starts to act faster when he gets the ball. He looks like he travels allot. I like Batum he is good defender. Sergio is getting better too, and no he is not getting traded soon cuz Bayless is still a rookie. I hope our starters can play next game to get a feel for each other before the regular season starts.

by RipCity on Oct 12, 2008 8:15 PM PDT   0 recs

Haven't been able to watch any games

but I’m curious to learn people’s insights into why Oden’s rebounding numbers have seemed somewhat underwhelming.

In fact, looking at today’s box score, I found it rather surprising that he got so badly outrebounded by Fesenko. I mean the big Russian dude is supposed to be completely raw and far less NBA-ready than Greg. Yet somehow he managed 10 pts & 10 boards to Oden’s 6 pts & 6 rebounds in the same number of minutes.

Like I said, I haven’t been able to actually see one minute of Oden in action so I have no idea why he’s not snagging more boards than I’d think he should be. Is it due to rust or a lack of conditioning? Is he being consistently boxed out? I’d be interested to read some eyewitness feedback on this.

by knickfan on Oct 12, 2008 8:19 PM PDT   0 recs

I think he is trying to avoid fouls

that is just my sense…the most boards he does get are on the offesive end….and usually end in a dunk or free throws

"I figured out how to get the canoe down the mountain, but I will need a snow blower and all your butter"-Michael Kelso

by 92wastheyear on Oct 12, 2008 8:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

This what it looks like to me

Oden is not very active. He’s a big guy, but he’s not actively going for the rebound. Most of the time he has his man behind him, but I could see times where he would be out of position going for a block or a quicker guy going around him. I think it’s mostly due to his conditioning, hopefully it’ll come around and he’ll be more active on the boards. Adding his total rebounds so far he is averaging 10.8 Rebounds per 36 min. That’s not too bad. It’s not as good as Joel’s rebound rate, but I think it’s alright considering Oden is still getting his legs back.

BINGO, BANGO, BONGO

by blzrfan on Oct 12, 2008 8:33 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Jazz doubled up the Blazers in rebounding

Nobody rebounded well. Plus this game was sloppy. Tons of bad shots. Lots of times people would get 3 or 4 rebounds on the same possession just mob of people tipping the ball. That being said Fesenko looked very very good today.

by Sabonis4Ever on Oct 12, 2008 8:34 PM PDT to parent up