SI: Where Nash could go, Portland mentioned!

by santeesioux1 on Dec 12, 2008 4:12 PM PST

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/ian_thomsen/12/12/weekly.countdown/index.html?eref=T1

"b. Trail Blazers: They could package Raef LaFrentz's expiring deal along with Sergio Rodriguez and/or other young talent; they could even expand the deal while taking another expensive contract off the Suns' hands."

"Fans of Nash may get worked up by this speculation. Let me emphasize, however, that it is all a lot of pap with no basis in reality. I have no inside information that Phoenix is interested in trading Nash, nor that any of these potential suitors is actually interested in acquiring him (though, wouldn't he look good in a Trail Blazers uniform?)."

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I seem to remember recently reading...

that Nash was grumbling about the pace Phoenix has been playing under TPorter. If that’s true, he’d probably not like to play for our McMillon.

But it’s hard not to think about what he could do to this team.

"When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car"

by you'vegottomakeyourfreethrows on Dec 12, 2008 4:18 PM PST reply actions

I thought that was the reason Diaw was traded

his discontent w/ the style of Play TP runs down there. I thought Nash was just sad to see Diaw go.

Sophia

Though patience be a tired mare, yet she will plod. - William Shakespeare

by BlazerFan1 on Dec 12, 2008 4:26 PM PST up reply actions

The whole team could be ready to mutiny...

run for the hills, TP!

I knew he shouldn’t have taken that job.

Poor TP.

"When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car"

by you'vegottomakeyourfreethrows on Dec 12, 2008 4:32 PM PST up reply actions

Yeah I think it has to be difficult dealing w/ a new system!

I was not dissagreeing w/ ya just asking

Sophia

Though patience be a tired mare, yet she will plod. - William Shakespeare

by BlazerFan1 on Dec 12, 2008 4:41 PM PST up reply actions

I know

He’s gotten the shaft in his coaching gigs. First Milwaukie (right?) and now Phoeninx.
If his GMs could just keep their hands off the trade phones he might be able to instill a system. He’ll probably get fired which is truly unfortunate for TP, he’s a fine coach dealing with an impossible situation.

I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

by haildablazer on Dec 12, 2008 4:58 PM PST up reply actions

Terry Porter shouldn't be a head coach in the NBA, with his failed stint in Milwaukee and ...

already problematic tenure in Phoenix thus far indicating that he should find a new profession.

by AK1984 on Dec 12, 2008 8:00 PM PST up reply actions

It's so convenient to not consider the nuanes of a situation

it leads to easy conclusions and suicide bombings.

I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich

by hobobob on Dec 13, 2008 11:58 AM PST up reply actions

nuances

I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich

by hobobob on Dec 13, 2008 11:58 AM PST up reply actions

Suicide bombings are more effective than Terry Porter's head coaching career.

Okay, that was a low blow by me. Yet, I still think that Porter is an also-ran as a coach.

by AK1984 on Dec 14, 2008 6:34 PM PST up reply actions

both he and Bell were openly disgruntled with Porter's system

also, Shaq may or may not be dissing Amare via Twitter. and of course Amare is still having his own diva issues. Nash is pretty much their only major player who is keeping his thoughts to himself, other than a bit of sadness to see two of his close friends on the team traded away.

by abdelnaby on Dec 12, 2008 4:36 PM PST up reply actions

TP

does not deserve this, I know he wanted to get back in the main chair, but this job could do to his future opportunities what the Clippers did to Alvin Gentry.

Bayless has been testing the fences for weaknesses

by blazeraddict on Dec 12, 2008 4:39 PM PST up reply actions

You're seriously equating

taking over a 55 win team with taking over a 15 win team?

I thought Terry deserved another chance after Milwaukee, but I’m rapidly revising that opinion. It’s just been sad to see what he’s done to the Suns.

by howlingfantods on Dec 12, 2008 5:11 PM PST up reply actions

It's not the same dynamic

D’Antoni had. You’ve got an old, overpaid Shaq who still thinks he should be the man, disgruntled Amare, and a cheap owner. D’Antoni left a sinking ship, unfortunately TP jumped on.

Bayless has been testing the fences for weaknesses

by blazeraddict on Dec 12, 2008 6:24 PM PST up reply actions

55 wins

is not a sinking ship. Shaq might be old and overpaid but he’s playing as well as he’s played in years. Amare’s disgruntled? He’s been disgruntled every year he’s been in the league. Cheap owner? That’s new?

by howlingfantods on Dec 12, 2008 10:33 PM PST up reply actions

Morale has been sinking

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Dec 13, 2008 1:38 AM PST up reply actions

Yeah. The argument here

seems to be that Terry’s the victim not the cause. I’d argue the reverse.

by howlingfantods on Dec 13, 2008 5:14 AM PST up reply actions

Maybe both? But it's very hard to argue that the Suns were not

on the decline.

I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich

by hobobob on Dec 13, 2008 12:00 PM PST up reply actions

Bell

Not Diaw. Raja was Nash’s best bud.

I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

by haildablazer on Dec 12, 2008 4:59 PM PST up reply actions

He was sad to see Bell go, and Bell was the one that demanded a trade

Viva la Rudylucion

by Norsktroll on Dec 12, 2008 10:40 PM PST up reply actions

I think it has more to do with the pressure

Steve Kerr is putting on TP and not TP himself

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Dec 13, 2008 1:37 AM PST up reply actions

Nate would loosen the reins if he had Nash

Not saying he’ll go 7 seconds or less, but I think a big part of Nate’s hesitancy to run lies in the fact that his starting PG is more in the “game manager” mode (Blake is kind of like a hoops Trent Dilfer with the Ravens – won’t make the killer mistake to lose a game, but he’s not the guy you should ask to win it on his own) and the two backups are young guyshe’s not comfortable giving total control over to yet. Look at the greater freedom Sergio has this year, and more than that, look at the style Nate’s best Sonics temas played – Lewis, Allen, Ridnour, Vlad – he let those guys run and gun. Nate is willing to adapt his style to the strengths of his personnel, and if he had Nash running the point, he would let him play to his srenghts.

Bayless has been testing the fences for weaknesses

by blazeraddict on Dec 12, 2008 4:38 PM PST reply actions

I agree

He has shown over the last couple of seasons that he adjusts to whatever his players give him, and I have no doubt that Nate would trust Nash to make the right decisions.

by Blazerfan72 on Dec 12, 2008 4:43 PM PST up reply actions

Whoa

A praising post for Nate? I’m definitely not in Oregonlive forums anymore, Toto…

I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

by haildablazer on Dec 12, 2008 4:50 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

I highly, highly doubt that one bit.

Regarding Nate McMillan, he was a very stubborn man concerning his slow-paced, methodical offense when coaching the Seattle SuperSonics. McMillan and Steve Nash would mix together like oil and water, with a clash between them bound to happen sooner rather than later.

I, by the way, am actually a fan of slow-paced offenses — even though McMillan’s love for mid-range jump shooters is somewhat troublesome — particularly when a tall, careful ball-handler such as Brandon Roy or Antonio Daniels is running the point.

Lastly, you’re hilariously incorrect with regards to your @$$umption that McMillan supposedly allowed the 2004-2005 Seattle SuperSonics play any sort of up-tempo, run-‘n’-gun offense. In reality, the SuperSonics were 27th out of 30th in pace factor that season.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/2005.html

by AK1984 on Dec 12, 2008 7:49 PM PST up reply actions

The contrasting styles of two lead dogs

I’m also of the opinion that a slow-it-down, halfcourt offense is what it takes to win in the playoffs. Nash is a great player, but he’s like Fran Tarkenton…how many championships has he won?

Nash and Roy backcourt? Steve trying to get Brandon to hurry the ____ up?

That would be a test of wills on a nightly basis…I respect Nash’s game, but I’d be shocked if KP went after him

by two4larue on Dec 13, 2008 11:47 PM PST up reply actions

pushmepullyou

the two-headed llama from Dr. Doolittle, that’s what I’d expect from a Nash/Roy starting duo

by two4larue on Dec 13, 2008 11:53 PM PST up reply actions

It would fix our pg problems now

but in two or three years will bayless be ready? If Blake isn’t part of a deal and moves to the bench, I don’t think Bayless would see much action. probably even less than he is getting now.

by Blazerfan72 on Dec 12, 2008 4:38 PM PST reply actions

I vote Yes

It's all blues and no dinner at the Ministry of Bag. The steaks are getting thinner. The office is a drag. - Pete Brown

by 22baylor on Dec 12, 2008 4:51 PM PST up reply actions

woooooooh

did i miss something? i dont remember meating BlazerFan2 through 71….

Travis please save us

by Sabonis4Ever on Dec 2, 2008 5:14 PM PST Gameday Open Thread: Blazers vs. Knicks on Blazer's Edge

by maid tu rek on Dec 13, 2008 7:10 AM PST up reply actions

Maybe it'll work.

All this talk of Nash coming to us makes me think maybe it’ll work. I wouldn’t hate it, but won’t lose sleep over it not happening. Nash and Roy could be good. Lots of other reasons why I like it ( favorite player close to home, 2 favorite players on same team etc ) that I have been over before. I have heard talk of him to Toronto. The chance of finishing his career in the home country, isn’t exactly unattractive. It might work for us getting him.

by CanadianBlazerfan on Dec 12, 2008 4:47 PM PST reply actions

the others would run with him

expensive fix tho ay? but so many scorers…35 assists a night…

by LetsBlaze on Dec 12, 2008 4:48 PM PST reply actions

I think it's spelled "eh" eh.

I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich

by hobobob on Dec 13, 2008 12:03 PM PST up reply actions

But

Would just RELC and Surge Rod (yes, I know how wrong that sounds, Mike Rice called him that, and I laughed… but I digress) be enough?

Probably have to be Blake, Outlaw and RELC for Nash… and…?

I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

by haildablazer on Dec 12, 2008 4:49 PM PST reply actions

Grant Hill?

That would be disgustingly lopsided in Portland’s favor, and he’s one of the few level headed guys on the roster that TP can trust, but it would help the SF situation with Webster down and Batum developing. Plus, he wants a ring, I don’t see him re-upping for the re-building in Phoenix. I just don’t know how ready Phoenix is to mail this year in, but Grant would be great in Portland.

Bayless has been testing the fences for weaknesses

by blazeraddict on Dec 12, 2008 4:52 PM PST up reply actions

I agree

But, yeah. Probably not going to happen unless KP unleashes his Jedi Mind Tricks again

I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

by haildablazer on Dec 12, 2008 4:54 PM PST up reply actions

Of course

this was the same owner that thought trading for Shaq was a great idea.

by Blazerfan72 on Dec 12, 2008 4:59 PM PST up reply actions

That move

Was endorsed by Nash at the time, and Marion was becoming a huge malcontented liability.

I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

by haildablazer on Dec 12, 2008 5:06 PM PST up reply actions

I'm getting goosebumps

thinking about the way Rudy moves without the ball coupled with Nash’s passing.

Bayless has been testing the fences for weaknesses

by blazeraddict on Dec 12, 2008 4:50 PM PST reply actions

Mmm...

That would be a sweet sight… Would have happened already too if the Phoenix owner weren’t such a skinflint… Thanks for the Draft Pick Suns!!!

I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

by haildablazer on Dec 12, 2008 4:52 PM PST up reply actions

That team

could have been a thing of beauty if Colangelo had held on. Don’t forget the Joe Johnson trade was a cost cutter as well, I feel bad for any Suns fans out there

Bayless has been testing the fences for weaknesses

by blazeraddict on Dec 12, 2008 4:54 PM PST up reply actions

Partly

But Johnson wanted out.

I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

by haildablazer on Dec 12, 2008 4:55 PM PST up reply actions

yeah double no look to LMA down low,,,,,

by LetsBlaze on Dec 12, 2008 5:00 PM PST up reply actions

I'd rather

Attempt to pry Marion from the Heat…

I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

by haildablazer on Dec 12, 2008 4:51 PM PST reply actions

(Nash - D'Antoni) + Nate < Duhon + D'Antoni

I think the last few months have revealed that Nash’s “MVP years” were largely a product of D’Antoni’s system. Considering that (1) Nash’s production has plummeted since Coach Mike left for a bite of the Apple; and that (2) D’Antoni has taken a journeyman NBA PG in Chris Duhon and transformed him into Nash V 2.0, it’s not unreasonable to conclude that the “good Nash” was what they refer to in the NFL as a “system QB.”

As was pointed out upthread, there’s absolutely no reason to presume that an aging Nash would magically regain his MVP form on a Nate McMillan led team. If the Blazers want to acquire that Steve Nash, they might as well try and pry D’Antoni away from the Knicks and let him make over Sergio or Blake the way he did with Nash or Duhon.

by knickfan on Dec 12, 2008 5:06 PM PST reply actions

Nash was a very good player in Dallas

pre-D’Antoni. He only became an MVP player when he was in Phoenix, but he was very, very good with Dirk and Finley.

honor rasheed wallace

by Cablinasian on Dec 12, 2008 5:15 PM PST up reply actions

Agreed

He was a product of the system.

by Sabonis4Ever on Dec 12, 2008 5:33 PM PST up reply actions

He still shoots the three pretty darn well.

Well, better than Raef and anyone else on the team anyway. Could spread the floor for 48 minutes with Blake in there. If we’re relying on Blake having a decent night to win, might be better to rely on Nash. I’m not syaing we’d get the MVP Nash, but even what he is now, would shore up some pretty significant holes and make life WAY easier on Roy/LMA.

Also, I think the handcheck rule was as responsible for his rise as any system. I only think that because I heard someone smart say it somewhere.

I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich

by hobobob on Dec 13, 2008 12:07 PM PST up reply actions

The change seems wrong to me

This seems wrong to me on 2 accounts.

First, if you are Phoenix the only reason you get rid of Nash is if you realize that he isn’t the style of PG you need for a TP coached team. If that is the case you definitely don’t replace him with Sergio Rodriguez.

Second, if you are the Blazers and you are committed to winning championships starting in about 2-3 years then you don’t go for Nash unless you are convinced that that style of PG is what you need. And if you are convinced about that then you certainly don’t trade away Sergio.

What does that tell you? It tells you that we would have to be committed to that style of PG and keep Sergio as Nash’s understudy and gradual replacement. Phoenix would need a different style PG in return. It would have to be Bayless and RLEC for Nash which works in the trade machine. Phoenix saves money and gets the hometown kid. Seems to me that they would have to think that Bayless is the next D Wade to pull that off though.

by danielfarrell on Dec 12, 2008 5:38 PM PST reply actions

They will want Bayless

He is from Arizona.

Fits better then Sergio & Nash in TP’s half court system.

Maybe even reminds TP of himself.

by TheGreatDane17 on Dec 12, 2008 5:45 PM PST reply actions

I want to keep Bayless and get Nash.

So Nash can train Bayless in the point guardy type things. Then Jerryd could be athletic and run the fast break, make the alley oop pass… be the perfect complement to Roy.

honor rasheed wallace

by Cablinasian on Dec 12, 2008 5:51 PM PST reply actions

Point Guardy?

I agree, but… GUARDY????

I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

by haildablazer on Dec 12, 2008 6:05 PM PST up reply actions

Read My Comment above

They will want Bayless. Nash is a perfect Mentor for Sergio.

by TheGreatDane17 on Dec 12, 2008 6:15 PM PST up reply actions

Well we ain't givin' Bayless up

What will Nash do for Sergio, tell him to pass nice? He does that already.

Ya don’t trade a guy with the potential of Bayless less than 10 games into his career for a rental, no matter how much I think Nash COULD help this team (and specifically Oden and LMA).

M—

by Mortimer on Dec 12, 2008 6:34 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Let Me Explain

How to handle yourself on the court. How to create space between yourself, confidence in your shot, veteran tricks(Most importantly, fooling opponents to attempt to block/disrupt shots & go up with a quick release. He will help him immensely with finishing at the rim).

Imagine being able to study under your favorite player. Study his game every day in practice, the little things.

by TheGreatDane17 on Dec 12, 2008 6:39 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs