Blazers: what kind of growth the future holds

by futurenba23 on Nov 7, 2008 3:21 PM PST

1. Greg Oden becomes consistent with that hook shot, along with getting back down to 260 pounds, eventually averaging 16 points, 12 boards, and 2.5 blocks per game.

Comparison: Those with David Robinson seem unfair to me, a more realistic one is (to me) is Al Jefferson, with a more refined defensive game and a less refined offensive game.

2. LaMarcus Aldridge develops more of a post game, developing an arsenal of hook shots, turnaround jumpers, while still having the versatility to step out and hit the 20 footer. potential stats: 20 points, 9 boards, 1.5 blocks

Comparison: Seriously, Lamarcus reminds me of KG. Totally. The only thing missing is the passion and leadership, which will come with time, but for now Roy is this team's leader.

3. Nicholas Batum becomes a lock down defender, and one of the best in the league, able to guard anyone ranging from the opponent's point guard, to their power forward. His outside jumpshot becomes more consistent and because of his basketball IQ, the assists will come also. stats: 13 points, 6 boards, 3 assists, 1.5 blocks, 2 steals

Comparison: With his length and defensive capabilities, it is definitely fair to draw comparisons of Batum to Tayshaun Prince.

4. Rudy Fernandez becomes a better defender, not great, but isn't able to be consistently beat on the dribble. He develops a great connection with Roy, enough that Nate is willing to start them both at the 1 and the 2. stats: 16 poitns, 5 boards, 5 assists, 2.5 steals

Comparison: With his athleticism, knowledge of the game, and ability to make big plays, Rudy reminds me of Andre Iguadala.

5. Brandon Roy is already one of the best all around players in the NBA, but the one thing he struggles with is defense. I foresee that Roy will develop a passion for defense once he realizes that defense wins championships, also, Roy moves to point guard while Rudy starts at the 2. stats: 23 points, 5 boards, 8 assists, 2 steals

Comparison: There really is no one to compare Roy to, he's one special player.

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Nice write-up and good comparisons

To me Rudy looks very much like Kevin Martin when he came into the league (more than e.g. Ginobili who was also compared to Rudy). Comparing Martin videos from a few years ago to Rudy’s ACB clips side by side show some uncanny similarities, like their slim physique, the way they dunk, and the slightly unstable jump shot (though the way Rudy releases his shot could be even a bit better). Iguodala looks to drive to the rim more, and Iggy is a very able defender in my book which Rudy isn’t yet.

by Norsktroll on Nov 7, 2008 3:43 PM PST reply actions

Rudy and Kevin Martin hve some very similar moves

though I think Rudy is a better passer and defender while Martin is a better scorer (right now).

by trk on Nov 7, 2008 4:53 PM PST up reply actions

I agree

Martin is a better scorer, but he is NOWHERE as good of a playmaker/passer as Rudy is.

Rudy’s got that scoring potential, but his all-round game is way ahead of Kevin Martin’s (though Martin’s offensive game is one of the best and most efficient in all the land. He just don’t do a lot more than that).

Mortimer

by Mortimer on Nov 8, 2008 6:06 AM PST up reply actions

Rudy is a special player

I like Iggy but I like Rudy better. K Martin comparison is mentioned a lot and I agree with it. Go Blazers!

by Lu on Nov 7, 2008 4:18 PM PST reply actions

If you're looking for a comparison for Roy

it’s LeBron. Roy isn’t as athletic, big, or quick and his skills aren’t as spectaular and obvious, but as far as a player with a well-rounded game who can bend the game to his pace at will, that’s the comparison I would make. If Lebron is capable of 30-8-8, Roy could be 23-5-5 and that’s pretty great too.

I like the LaMarcus comparison, but he’ll be a little more Rasheed than KG I think, just because he isn’t as tenacious as Garnett so he won’t be as big a threat on the post. Plus, that 3 ball is only gonna get better. He’ll get that left corner now, then the top of the arc in a year or two.

I think you’re dead on with Batum also.

by DrivetheLane on Nov 7, 2008 4:21 PM PST reply actions

YES!

I think you’re dead on w/ the ‘Sheed comparison. I think it’s too obvious. The high release, nice inside/outside balance, and of course the ability to step out and hit the 3ball, which I also think will become a part of his game. Luckily, the uncontrollable temper and the weed smokin’ are not comparable!

by Mallardvalue on Nov 7, 2008 4:49 PM PST up reply actions

The Aldridge/Rasheed comparison is good

I think that the KG/Aldridge and Lebron/Roy comparisons are a little over the top though. KG and Lebron are absolute top tier players and I would be very surprised if Aldridge and Roy ever became that good.

by trk on Nov 7, 2008 4:58 PM PST up reply actions

good write up

probably too many steals projected though. Steals are more telling of a player that gambles more than plays good defense

Woof

by Charles Barkley McLovin on Nov 7, 2008 4:29 PM PST reply actions

Somehow I don't think that our starting lineup is goint to average 88 points and 37 rebounds per game

I mean, our bench players will be playing part of the game too.

Also, I think if Rudy and Roy are going to be our starting guards, Rudy will be the PG and Roy will be the SG. The offense hasn’t been running very well with Roy at the point, and it looked like it started running a lot smoother when Rudy started playing the PG role near the end of the Rockets game.

by trk on Nov 7, 2008 5:08 PM PST reply actions