Forgive me Ann! Forgive me Outlaw!

He’s still capable of making me cringe on defense and at some of the shots he chooses to take (or not take… what was with him NOT taking wide open 3’s last night, especially considering how hot he’s been from there so far this year?), but I’ve been feeling more confident in him as well.

Thine betrayals against our beloved Blazers can only be forgiven if thou wouldst confess them to sir Pritchard.

Outlaw is shooting 65% from 3 point line. That is some spicy shooting. He won’t be able to keep that up, but if he shoots around 40% like last year, it is invaluable to the team.

I think its clear that Outlaw isn’t starting material. His success comes from playing against the other team’s bench or the PF position. His defense is still bad and his shot selection cringe worthy. I rather have him be a catch and shoot player than a primary playmaker. I applaud him for going after rebounds.

I am still in the trade camp, not just for the sake of a trade, but to improve the starting SF or PG position.

And I cant tell you how pleased I have been with the upgrade in Travis’s hustle

I think we know that the Travis as a starter experiment is convincingly over. But he’s got worth as a scorer off the bench.

I like the fact that, if the Blazers can’t get something going, they just throw it to him and he takes a couple dribbles and pulls up and drills it.

But I hate the fact that sometimes when they can’t get something going they just throw it to him and he takes a couple dribbles and pulls up and clanks it.

It’s a love/hate relationship. Okay, not hate. Maybe a love/less love relationship.

even if your Outlaw was not meant as me. :)

that they had no idea why Batum was starting, that Outlaw was a complementary player who fits in the first unit better.

The outside perspective on him is that he is a great talent.

We just need to give them time to settle into the roles that they are given, and start working together as a TEAM. Once everyone know exactly what to expect from each other, they will get “in the zone” like they were during “The Streak” last year. Then we will see some of the most amazing basketball that we have ever seen. I genuinely believe that!

I wouldn’t say I was trade outlaw crazy the past few weeks but even if I was I wouldn’t switch camps as fast as it looks like a lot of you are. I actually tried to defend some of the people who made logical arguments when they complained about Travis, little did I know that many people are now abandoning those statements because (as expected) Travis’ shooting has improved. His style hasn’t changed, his “fit” for this team hasn’t changed, its just that some of those ridiculously difficult jumpshots a lot of people complain about are starting to go down. Travis showed what he can do (rebounding) when he wants to but I don’t see his game changing too much (I would love it, but I don’t honestly believe he will continue to shoot 3’s at this insane rate). what you see is pretty much what you’re gonna get and apparently the only things thats gonna change around here are the “trade outlaw” posts.

Gee, you see the light. Wow. That is great. Then you have to bring up the Basketball IQ non-issue. Thats just a knife in the back. Some labels are hard to peel off, like McCain/Palin bumpersticker some jerk slapped on my bumper.

Travis is not just a good player, he has a desire to better understand the game and does so by listening to the coaches and trying to impliment what they want him to do into what he does naturally on the court. This kid is a talented individual who leaped from High School to the pro’s on sheer athletic ability, promise and potential. He completely lacked fundamental skills and has given 100% effort to attaining an essential understanding of the way the game is played at this level. That does NOT mean his Hoops IQ is 2 or more standard deviations below the rest of the league. Its callous and unfair to continue to perpetuate this myth. No thanks to John Canzano, who during pre-season brought Travis on his radio show and treated him like a first grader in the leg-up program. Soon thereafter Wheels brought in Travis and treated him with respect and kindness and the interview was a smashing success.

I find it baffling how this perception continues, its as if nobody has noticed the improvement Travis has made in his game every single season, and equally as perplexed at those who think his learning curve has peaked and flattened.

Give the guy a break and pull out that serrated Ginsu thats stuck in his back without twisting it. Travis is a great guy, a wonderful human being, a smart, kind, sensitive, considerate winner whose been unfairly categorized.

Pfew… that felt good.

I may still want to trade travis, but I’m waiting until the all star game to decide.