…and Rudy

He needs to start showing something or he’s not gonna get much playing time this year.

Is he ready for a starting role in Martell’s absence or did he just channel a few Shavik Randolph 9/9 type games and get lucky?

In the two games that I’ve watched (one live, Utah, and one Tivo’d, Golden State) I have been disappointed by Ike’s play. Having seen him rise through the ranks of the Pac-10, I thought that throughout his NBA career teams had not utilized his talents. However, from what I’ve seen, I am siding with his past coaches. Yet, I want to be proven wrong. I am hoping that he is just not in game shape and his better side is coming out in practice but to date, all I’ve seen is a poor man’s Z-bo with fewer offensive weapons.

He should be back on the floor for Tuesday’s practice.

How’s his stamina after surgery?
How’s his shooting?
Is his whole summer of work for naught?
Is he thinner, quicker, or even just better than last year?

We’ve seen Martell, I wanna know about the other big contract-year player.
Of course, if he doesn’t practice at full speed, I’m curious about Steve Blake, too.

With apologies to slots 10-15, Sergio is the most interesting preseason storyline that’s actually relevant to the season.

because there’s one starting position not nailed down: SF. Unbelievably, TO may actually be competing with the youngster for the spot and I’d die to see them go against each other in practice. Can the Flying Frenchman continue his impressive play? Is he already a better on-ball defender than Outlaw? Do his skills and mentality better mesh with the starting unit? With whom does Nate mostly group him during scrimmage? Is he really learning as fast as his preseason performances suggest?

I want to hear more about Blake and what type of difference he makes on the team. He is the starting PG and we have yet to seen him play with Oden.

Shecky Gruberman! Please! I needs my Shecky fix!

Wait…he didn’t get invited to camp? What a huge mistake on KP’s part.

—Dave

it’s a good story, and from what I’ve heard, we wouldn’t see the real oden in practice.

And can you please bring your camera in case there are any taking his shirt off moments?

Ok, ok. In all seriousness, I want to know how Outlaw is matching up in practice. It seems to me like he is not playing “as a team” on the court and I want to know how it is reflecting in his practice.

I’m really interested in knowing if his defense is up to NBA standards making him a legitimate threat to start.

guess I’m going to choose Outlaw. Since he came to camp out of condition and is playing out of position (first unit) I want to know about his work ethic. Is he working on his conditioning? What are the coaches asking him to work on? Is he paying attention to them? is he serious or cracking jokes? Compare his practice to Brandon’s. (e.g. – approach to what coaches ask. Ask questions of coaches? Pay attention when coaches talk to another player? amount of reps – minimum or more than asked? Interaction with others on unit.)

Is this going to be a daily feature with a new player each day or were you planning on one player all week?

Since Travis is on the bubble with a lot of fans I want to know just how seriously he wants to stay here – and how he shows it in actions, not words. I’m still on the fence about him and need to make up my mind.

Let us know what they’re doing to get that big lug in shape!

… but the rules stated they had to be healthy, active, playing, which disqualifies Blake and Frye.

so….

I’ll go with LaMarcus. I think he’s going to be a monster this season.

PS – if Blake is available, then count my vote for him.

So many good stories. I’d love to say Batum, but that’d be trendy. Likewise, Trout and Sergio.

I’m going to go with LMA – I want to give him the attention he deserves.

Batum is interesting as the flavor of the week, but I just want an update an where Outlaw is at. He has gotten better every year, but he seems to be back in the doghouse for many fans.

Is Outlaw more of a team player in practice? Does Nate yell at him for taking bad shots.. or is encouraged as his role?

How does Outlaw’s ballhandling look?

Can you give us a play by play accounting of Outlaw v. Batum?

Let’s go with Batum, Rudy, Sergio, Outlaw……….

Oh wait, you said one. OOPS!

I keep hearing all this whispering about how much improved he is, but what exactly does that mean?

Batum was lost in summer league, and now he’s developing nicely (to put it in understated McMillan-type terms). How is this happening? Sure, the kid has talent, but I suspect he’s also really good at absorbing what the coaches have to offer. This coaching staff is probably one of the best in the league when it comes to developing players, and I’d like a little more insight into what they’re doing, using Batum as a focal point.

(Yeah, I’m curious about how Blake and Frye are doing, but I don’t want to focus the microscope on them at their post-injury practice. They’re going to be rusty, and it just doesn’t seem fair to discuss them in excruciating detail.)

and I hope to hear about all of them, but #1 for me is Batum. No one expected anything out of him for at least two years, and we’re already wondering if he will start. His learning curve is steep but he’s on top of it. He has a real opportunity for good minutes at least, with Martell out for a while. Will he continue to impress? Will he continue to absorb information like a sponge and only need to be told something once? Will he gain the confidence of his teammates? Will he start? Is Nate willing to trust him to that extent? What will happen this week during practices? Who will Nate have him playing the most with? Most importantly, when will Tom stop rubbing Ben Gay on his privates?

All around player.

And how they are doing the matchups at the 3

How’s that defense coming along? Is he getting adjusted to the hand-check rules of the NBA?

gotta go with Nicky.