Tatum For The Loss

by Ben Golliver on Oct 17, 2008 11:38 AM PDT

Shall we blame this on market volatility?

TRAIL BLAZERS WAIVE JAMAAL TATUM
Roster now stands at 17 players

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Trail Blazers waived rookie guard Jamaal Tatum, General Manager Kevin Pritchard announced today.

"Jamaal came in and did a great job for us, and we look forward to watching his career progress," said Pritchard. "We really enjoyed our time with Jamaal and wish him all the best."

Tatum played in three preseason games, averaging 0.7 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 5.7 minutes. The 23-year-old played four seasons at Southern Illinois, averaging 12.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.21 steals in 131 games.

With Friday's move, the Trail Blazers roster stands at 17 players.

Finally, someone Jerryd Bayless beat out.

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

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That...

(“Finally, someone Jerryd Bayless beat out.”) is COLD!

Bayless is gonna be fine, given time. And I mean fine as a PG. The guy, from what I can see, wants to learn.

In general, the art of government consists in taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other.

by TTRocks on Oct 17, 2008 11:41 AM PDT reply actions

You beat me here by few seconds. But how much I like Ben throwing these punches in all directions!

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

by amlmart1 on Oct 17, 2008 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions

gallows humor

i love bayless.

honor terry porter

by Ben Golliver on Oct 17, 2008 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah

in case I was misunderstood, I realize it was all in good fun. Love your posts here.

In general, the art of government consists in taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other.

by TTRocks on Oct 17, 2008 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions

I know you were just kidding, but it’s a little “snarky”. Bayless is our Blazer Rookie. Okay, Gallows humor and all but this is by all reports a high strung kid to start with, I’m just afraid he might not be ready for the sarcastic ribbing. I mean if he should happen to read it, I’m afraid it could ruin his whole day. I like Bayless too, but all reports have him as a very serious kid.

You want to joke about a Blazer try Channing, he seems to have an unsinkable attitude. Infact, I kind of wish he’d mentor Bayless, he could take a page or two from Channings aproach to the game. Channing seems to be able to prepare like a professional while staying positive and not getting too down.

Geesh, finally someone Baylees beat out! That’s all the kid needs is more pressure, his head is going to explode!

"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"

by Krang on Oct 17, 2008 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah but its not fun to joke about Channing cause he wouldn't care.

It’s like the one friend in your group of friends who gets the greatest ribbing, but the only reason it’s funny is because of their reaction. If they just shrugged it off it would go away. Same idea.

Word.

by joelor on Oct 17, 2008 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions

If he can't take the pressure....

… he doesn’t belong. One piece of sage advice that’s been around as long as there’s been sports and newspapers – don’t read (or listen or watch) the papers. Particularly if you are sensitive.

Besides, it’s true. Bayless has been running with the 3rd unit. That’s not a knock on him. He’s a rookie on what looks like a fairly deep team. Plus Sergio seems to be stepping up his game. I took Ben’s comment as a reminder not to get all worked up over the hype.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Oct 17, 2008 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions

jb is doing fine

chill out.

honor terry porter

by Ben Golliver on Oct 17, 2008 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Are you aware...

… that Channing and Jerryd went to the same high school in Phoenix?… and that both went to the same college as well? They have known each other for years.
Lets just hope that Jerryd keeps his ears wide open. He is brash, he is confident, and he also has a lot to learn about the pro game.

" Are you ready for the season?'
Really. REALLY? He's going to ask that? Doesn't he know who Jerryd is? Doesn't he realize Jerryd was born ready?"
-Ben

by cic on Oct 17, 2008 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Are you aware

that although they went to the same high school they missed each other by a year or two and definitely did not play together in college? They know of each other, but they dont really know each other. I have faith in Jerryd, people’s expectations are wayyy to high for him. Especially with the talent around him.

by JBinO on Oct 17, 2008 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions

I'll go ahead and summarize the next 100+ comments:

Why does Ben hate Jerryd Bayless?

Jerryd Bayless has two emotions: Kill and Win.

"I think it’s going to be very beautiful game next year."
-Nicolas Batum

NorrisHopper30: "someone injure pubert jones"

by rockingharder on Oct 17, 2008 11:46 AM PDT reply actions

Cold

It’s all about Ben and Jerry(d)

quid Latine dictum sit, altum viditur

by dvcastle on Oct 17, 2008 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions

His stock was trading pretty low.

I heard WaMu or JP Morgan was going to buy him up, but now who knows.

Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.

http://www.myspace.com/y5k

by Y5k on Oct 17, 2008 12:14 PM PDT reply actions

Why does Ben hate Jamaal Tatum?

Odenied: If you're given lemmings—make lemming-ade (Bow4Meow)

by Norsktroll on Oct 17, 2008 12:16 PM PDT reply actions

OMG

I reallllllllly hope you are kidding! LOL

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 17, 2008 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Sure, because not everybody can accuse Ben of bias against Sergio or Bayless. That's not filling the day.

Tatum has the potential to be a fringe NBA player, or have a solid international career. Otherwise the Blazers would not have invited him to camp. But it was clear from the start that we already have enough guards this season and he is already older than e.g. Rudy.

DraftExpress attests him at least D-League readiness

Jamaal Tatum, 6-2, PG/SG, Southern Illinois
Another top prospect in this draft, Tatum should be looked at as the perfect building block for a team to build around. Tatum is a rookie out of Southern Illinois, fresh off an outstanding run leading his team to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Tatum is a combo guard who has shown excellent glimpses of potential in terms of running a team. He’s also a lock-down defender thanks to his tenacity and smarts, as well as an accomplished perimeter shooter from college range. Tatum is a good fit for the D-League because of his excellent intangibles and unselfish mentality, which is often just as important at this level as talent is.

Odenied: If you're given lemmings—make lemming-ade (Bow4Meow)

by Norsktroll on Oct 17, 2008 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions

With a team like the Idaho Stampede of the D-League, ...

Jamaal Tatum would learn from Randy Livingston, who was recently hired as an assistant coach.

by AK1984 on Oct 17, 2008 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Ben not funny man i could seriously punch you leave jb alone nm

by Lu on Oct 17, 2008 12:26 PM PDT reply actions

KP sounds like a poet

In his quote….

I didn't mean to turn you on

by dukedee on Oct 17, 2008 12:27 PM PDT reply actions

My Guess

Is that they saw Blake was back and ready to play. Tatum didn’t have a chance of a real tooth in a Beaver’s fan’s mouth of playing.

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

by tominhawaii on Oct 17, 2008 12:43 PM PDT reply actions

SuhhhhhhNAP

Someone doesn’t love the Beavers.

quid Latine dictum sit, altum viditur

by dvcastle on Oct 17, 2008 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions

BURN!!!

Sorry for Tatum, but let’s be honest, he wasn’t going to crack the location.

by DonkeyShins on Oct 17, 2008 12:47 PM PDT reply actions

wasn't going to make the team, either.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Oct 17, 2008 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions

D'Oh!

I meant ‘rotation’ not ‘location’. That’s what trying to work when I should be posting on B.E. will do.

by DonkeyShins on Oct 17, 2008 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions

I knew that.

It was just a reflexive action on my part. Blame my dad. He had a hand in developing my natural talent as a smart ass.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Oct 17, 2008 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Right

Typical liberal psychobabble, blame your own actions on your parents.

You just pretend to be kind of conservative.

The most amazing thing about my amazing ego is I have amazingly little about which to be egotistical.
The pick and roll this year will emphasize "roll" followed by "dunk", followed by the wailings and lamentations of your women.

by jscot on Oct 18, 2008 5:25 AM PDT up reply actions

Actually, a lot of people blame my dad....

…. for not smothering me with a pillow.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Oct 21, 2008 7:42 AM PDT up reply actions

I blame your mom

For sleeping with your dad.

Eh, howzit, brah. You get any da kine?

by tominhawaii on Oct 21, 2008 8:52 AM PDT up reply actions

No worries

Jarryd is a young guy starting to learn to be an NBA point guard, the hardest position to learn. He also has some good players ahead of him. He has a lot of upside and once he develops some patience and willingness to listen and learn, it will go easier.

There have been a number of point guards who were in the league a few years, but you hadn’t heard of them until they improved enough to be newsworthy. Sure, we can expect a lot from Jerryd eventually, but the team is solid with both units already. If he does well when he gets the modest minutes he’s given, he’ll earn more.

No reason to bash him at all at this point. Point, get it? Now in 2-3 years if he hasn’t progressed, then bash away. Sergio wasn’t to great last year, but so far we have sen better from him this year. Give the guy, and the team some time.

GameFace

This isn't the Lakers,...
"It's not Show time. It's GO time!"

by GameFace on Oct 17, 2008 2:32 PM PDT reply actions

Hey, don't forget Petteri

Bayless “beat out” Koponen, too…and another guard in summer league whose name I’ve forgotten

Eventually, Jerryd will beat ‘em all out, ’cause that’s what Rex’ do

by two4larue on Oct 17, 2008 4:56 PM PDT reply actions

Down to 17

Who is next?

by richarda97 on Oct 17, 2008 6:16 PM PDT reply actions

Oh Man

I miss Blazers Survivor. It breaks my heart, break my heart, and I expect Luke Jackson is next.

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

by tominhawaii on Oct 17, 2008 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions

With fans as fickle as they are...

I’m surprised that no one has asked for Jack back yet. After all, Bayless has turned the ball over more often in less floor time than Jack did.

I kid, I kid!

I’m all for giving him plenty of time to figure it all out. Jerryd will be fine, eventually. He’s a rookie, and a young rookie at that. We’ll be glad we have him.

One of Two Official Blazer's Edge Poets Laureate for the 2008-2009 Season

"In vino veritas." - Latin proverb
"Ich sitze hier und trinke mein gutes Wittenbergisch Bier und das Reich Gottes kommt von ganz alleine" - Martin Luther
"μηκέτι ὑδροπότει, ἀλλὰ οἴνῳ ὀλίγῳ χρῶ διὰ τὸν στόμαχον καὶ τὰς πυκνάς σου ἀσθενείας." - 1 Timothy 5:23

by T Darkstar on Oct 17, 2008 7:07 PM PDT reply actions

Bayless Bayless Bayless...

SERGIO’S THE MAN!!! good job sergio!!!!

The faith (and I'm a guy) perverts. :)

by faith on Oct 18, 2008 8:03 AM PDT reply actions

the twisted fate of a low headline post

Ben, You just made it more interesting and debatable by throwing in the Bayless….just like a journalist would….you succeeded…It could have been boring and you opened it up….Pretty good job for just a few words………………
You hooked me, so here goes…
IMO…Bayless is a “freelance” player….He is an individual playing in a team game…..I think changing his style may be fruitless, in that his effectiveness will be diminished if you do so……He can be an asset, but probably only if he is let loose to do his thing….this will not get him too many minutes, in Nate’s system…..He’s played a lot of his preseason time in the point guard slot and this leaves him way out of his element….He is a 2 and only a 2….at this point……he will need minutes and a couple of seasons to get a chance at converting his play…..but his best chance to shine is at the 2 and we are stacked with good players at this spot…..So they took this guy in hopes he may become a 1 or at least a semi-1…he has talent, and should be able to play NBA ball…they did not waste the pick…it will have value either on this team or with another (depending on how it plays out)……

by 67 on Oct 18, 2008 8:54 AM PDT reply actions