Martell Observations

by Majikj0n on Nov 20, 2008 5:04 PM PST

I was at last night's game. Man what a fun game that was.

I got there more than 80 minutes prior to tip-off. There were, as always, a number of players shooting around as the crowd filtered in. (Thank you to the Blazers for opening the Rose Garden 90-minutes prior to tip rather than 60 minutes like last season.)

Alongside Blake and Shavlik Randolph, a clean-shaven Martell Webster was there shooting threes.

He looked very good. He wasn't running or cutting or anything, and it's hard to judge true accuracy from a shooter when there's no defender there creating mischief. However, almost every shot was right on the money.

He didn't show any signs that his foot was bothering him any. If he's cleared to practice next week, December 5th seems entirely reasonable to me for his return.

I'm very excited to finally have the possibility of a 100% full (if not entirely 100% healthy, at least 100% PRESENT) roster.

The only downside I see is it probably means fewer minutes for Batum (like, probably NONE in most cases, unless we have extended garbage minutes like last evening). It could also throw a wrench into team cohesiveness, but that's already pretty up-in-the-air right now due to the Oden adjustment, so I can't imagine Martell's return is going to make waves that are any more noticeable than that. In any case, the sooner he comes back, the sooner we can work out the last kinks in our lineup, and finally see what we have.

If last night was any indication, this team could be ready to make serious waves RIGHT NOW. Go Blazers.

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It will be nice to see our full roster.

I do see Batum losing minutes, but I think he will still play. I think what will happen is Frye will be getting less minutes and Outlaw will be getting most the backup 4 minutes. That’s his best spot for now anyway. I think Batum will still get minutes based on defense though. From what I hear Martell could have stepped up his game a lot. And we know who’s the better offensive threat. I remember close to the end of last year when Webster was really attacking the basket, we need more of that. Imagine the inside out game were gonna have, Martell is perfect for this. He can drive, shoot threes… Man it feels good to be a PTB fan! Get well asap M-Web

G.O. for R.O.Y.

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by J-Xile on Nov 20, 2008 5:49 PM PST reply actions

Both Webster & Outlaw

Are big freaking wildcards. They still have so much potential & are VERY young.

Someone needs to step up & turn that potential into production.

Acquire Serge Ibaka.

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 20, 2008 6:29 PM PST up reply actions

Isn't that weird to think

that a player on a 2nd contract still has potential? I’m glad to see that Trout is improving, but he’s pretty close to his potential I believe.

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Nov 20, 2008 11:08 PM PST up reply actions

Thats the magic of coming out of High School

Acquire Serge Ibaka.

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 21, 2008 7:47 AM PST up reply actions

I watched him too

I loved that during the game he would move to people who came out of the game just to talk with them.

I don’t like it when some players who are out will just sit at the end of the bench. He was up and talking with the team the entire game.

by Powder on Nov 20, 2008 8:01 PM PST reply actions

I smell a trade brewing.

I won’t try to predict who’s moving and who’s staying (aside from the obvious quartet or quintet of "untouchables") but this team is going to need a consolidation trade in the worst way soon, or there is a very real chance for chemistry to start unraveling — not to mention the way 11 or 12 rotation quality players complicates Nate’s job.

strangely enough I think Travis playing D, rebounding well, and hitting 1.6 threes per game (on 3.2 attempts) has totally eclipsed the role that Martell played for this team last year … and Rudy is filling it up from behind the arc, so how much use we have for Martell’s particular skill set remains to be seen.

by nikolokolus on Nov 20, 2008 10:14 PM PST reply actions

if KP can keep the team together

on our team for a few years and if Nate can keep everyone happy…I’d think that Nate would be the best coach ever, regardless if we win a championship or not.

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Nov 20, 2008 11:10 PM PST up reply actions

Again

Depends on how Martell responds after he starts playing. We should have a good idea of what he could be in terms of our future SF or just trade fodder.

Acquire Serge Ibaka.

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 20, 2008 11:25 PM PST up reply actions

i don't see why channing can't just take a seat for a while

outlaw move to backup pf, backup forward in general, batum backing up martell.

why move anyone? there are always going to be more sprained ankles and other injuries.

ignacio

by ignacio on Nov 20, 2008 11:24 PM PST reply actions

Taking a seat in a contract year

tends to make players veerrrrry angry.

Not to mention their agents.

—Dave

by Dave on Nov 21, 2008 1:41 AM PST up reply actions

Yeah but wouldn't it be really cool to see Channing seriously pissed off?

It would be an amazing experience, and there’s no way to imagine it beforehand.

by pualo on Nov 21, 2008 4:32 PM PST up reply actions

i hear martell is changing

the song they play after he scores baskets to that …bum bum…..Ohhh – Yeah.

by riccc_l on Nov 21, 2008 1:44 AM PST reply actions

i still want to hear a over pronounced mexican R

by the anouncers for rudy and see some rudy shirts on the market.

by riccc_l on Nov 21, 2008 1:46 AM PST reply actions

Spanish R Friend :)

Acquire Serge Ibaka.

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 21, 2008 7:47 AM PST up reply actions

Dave

Which take us back to a post of yours recently where you commented that someone is going to have to take the hit on minutes at forward once Martel comes back. As we all know. Fernandez/Webster/Outlaw and Batum are chewing up minutes at SF, and this pushes Outlaw to the PF, which pushes Frye’s minutes down.

But, I’m a firm believer that KP is being KP. He’s letting it gel, but constantly talking to the other GM’s, as he’s experienced enough to anticipate these situations before they develop, not just sit around and then react.

by Eben Calder on Nov 21, 2008 5:44 AM PST reply actions