Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Dissecting Nick Diaz's Positive Drug Test

Typical Blazer Conversation

Star-divide

Bru # 1:

While I think the Blazers are over achieving right now and doing a great job amidst a tough schedule, I see one glaring issue. . .
We've got a log-jam on our team. . . and these players are predominantly found at two positions.


PG and SF
PGs: Blake, Sergio, and Bayless in that order
SFs: Webster, Outlaw, and Batum in that order
Mike and Mike this morning reported that Bayless is frustrated and potentially would like a trade because of his limited playing time.
Earlier this season, Outlaw verbalized his frustration with getting his starting spot taken from a rookie.
Same thing with Sergio. . . he was frustrated earlier this season.
We're a quarter way into the season and while we're one of the deepest teams in the league, do you really think the Blazers front office/coaching staff are going to be able to keep all 15 over-inflated NBA egos in check? Doubtful. . . Players want the playing time to get paid more when their contracts are up. That's how the NBA works. You can't keep potentially great players on the bench and expect them to not complain. If I was Bayless, I would be complaining to. I just tore up summer league, I'm a savage on the court, and I'm getting 6 minutes a game.
When was the last time a lottery-pick rookie averaged 6 minutes a game? Especially one with as much potential as Bayless.
As much as Blake is a good person, loves Portland, he's an extremely average NBA player. He's got poor lateral quickness, no strength, and limited driving ability (I know Roy does, but it would be helpful to have two starting backcourt players with that ability).

Bayless also has something that both Blake and Rodriguez lack. . .that edge, that ability to not back down to anyone (e.g. see elbow to Kobe in game one, and walking through Garnett's antics last game against Celtics). He's a better defender, has better driving ability, and is considered by the squad to be one of the best, if not thee best shooter on the team.

Everyone is always saying, "Let's just let this young team grow together."

We can have a great young nucleus that grows together, but realistically, our most valued assets are Roy, Oden, Aldridge, Fernandez, Martell, and Bayless (I think he's going to be great). We can let these guys grow together, and throw in a star vet and be in the NBA elite now and later, instead of just later.

I would like to see a package of Outlaw, Frye, and Rodriguez and/or Blake for a veteran PG and bruiser PF (a Brandon Bass type player comes to mind) as a backup for LaMarcus.

I would really like to see Bayless become the second string PG. . .as mentioned before, we need a better defender that will stop opposing PGs from getting down the lane and someone to take a little pressure off B Roy. The more experience we give Bayless now, the faster he can progress into becoming that great combo guard the Blazers could really utilize.

My thoughts on the situation I guess. . . regardless, I'm excited to be a fan of such a promising young franchise built around great character and talent. I'd be happy playing with what we have. . .I just worry about playing with almost too much depth, and having to deal with the frustration of deserving players getting snubbed and becoming problematic.

Thoughts?

First Reply (Bru#2):

In regards to Bayless;

There have been plenty of lottery picks that haven't seen playing time from the get go. Jermaine O'Neal, Darko Milicic, Andrew Bynum, Martell Webster, Luke Jackson, Fred Jones, the list goes on. While I would prefer Bayless on the court to Sergio or Blake even, I don't think he is ready. I also don't believe he asked for a trade. Are guys unhappy when they don't play, always. I want my guys on the bench to want to play, that is competitive nature.

I want Bayless to be the starter in 2-3 years. I do see a need to get him more playing time for development purposes and I think after this season, Sergio will be gone.

One thing that isn't talked about is the development of Fernandez's game. His all around game is average. While he is a good passer and shooter, he can't drive and is mostly dependent upon a playmaker to get him the ball, that is partly the reason Sergio is sticking around. He and Rudy play well together. Rudy needs to figure out how to create is own shot that isn't a step back 3. This will allow him to fit better with Bayless, Blake or Roy.

I love Channing but I agree he will be gone next year if not this. This will open up minutes with Travis at the 4 in the second unit. While he may not be strong he will be helped by the length of Przybilla and Batum with Rudy and Bayless/Blake. Diogu can also fill in.

All this said, I don't think anything needs to be changed this year. Martell still hasn't been integrated into the team and that could change our makeup. I say let it ride into the offseason when some of the money comes off or our books so we have flexability and we can decide then.

Second reply (Bru # 3):

 think we already have the bruiser in Ike Diogu (who I have always thought was better then brandon effing bass). I'd like to see a GOOD point guard, not a VETERAN point guard. Whether or not they have been in the league awhile doesn't really mean s*** to me. I don't want a Jason Kidd type or a Mike Bibby type or anything like that. Somebody who is good and still has something left... and honestly there aren't a whole lot of candidates out there. I think finding a good 3 might be a whole lot easier, but then you cut into a lot of guys' minutes. I'm still for standing pat, unless you can get something for Frye.

Graham, I agree almost completely with the slight correction that J O'Neal wasn't a lottery pick. Anyways, Lottery picks frequently don't get to play, especially when they are 19 year old college freshmen. I actually like sergio's game, and see him as a longer term solution then Blake. You can always teach someone to shoot, and thats what he's missing on the offensive end.

Third Reply (Bru #2 again):

Sergio needs to improve shooting and defense, and that is the most important thing Bayless brings. We give up so much penetration, which can be attributed to so many things like bigs not sliding over, but mostly it is Sergio and Blake's lateral quickness, or lack thereof. Neither is athletic which is Bayless' advantage.

Good catch on "What about Jermaine?" I'll substitute it with Marcus Haislip of Bucks infamy.

Comment 10 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

Bayless needs more minutes

Just for the simple fact we need perimeter defense. We give up far too many 3 pointers and often let the other teams guards penetrate to the rim. Blake and sergio are great options as backups but bayless has the most potential.

by bleedrednblack on Dec 19, 2008 1:39 PM PST reply actions  

potential yes

but right now we need a pg that doesn’t make many mistakes, and kills from 3. Did you see the Suns game? 6 TO all game. Blake played well on offense, and Nash only had 14pts. If Bayless could run the offense better than Blake or Sergio, without making turnovers, he would be starting. In time, with the Blazers or somewhere else, Bayless will be a fine NBA player. But right now, he is not as good as Blake at running the offense.

by bad karma on Dec 19, 2008 1:53 PM PST up reply actions  

Sergio was a total non-factor yesterday

8 0-3 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 1 0 0 010

Not a trend since he got double that time against the Kings and Clippers, but not a good sign either. Nate tried to put Rudy on Nash for a few times, with mixed success since Rudy also isn’t at the top of his game right now. Good that Brandon is.

I think Bayless needs less time than 2-3 years to be a solid player. The Blazers will probably pick up Blake’s last year (at $4 mil. he is comparatively cheap for what he does), and after that see what they got in him and others.

And yeah, the easiest position to upgrade is SF. The Blazers are probably looking at a variety of options, deciding who would fit in best in terms of character and style/abilities. Gerald Wallace is shopped by the Bobcats, Turkoglu is becoming a free agent, etc. Some nice players have been locked up, but there are more quality forwards out there than PG that are available now or as free agents.

by Norsktroll on Dec 19, 2008 1:59 PM PST reply actions  

Annoying Falsity Continually brought up
Sergio needs to improve shooting and defense, and that is the most important thing Bayless brings.

Sergio has been very good on defense this year. He’s held his opponent to 38% eFG. Bayless was a poor defender in college, and to assume he’s going to be a better defender in the pros (especially immediately) than he was in college is just dumb. If you’re arguing for Bayless over Sergio, defense isn’t a real rational reason.

by as11osu on Dec 19, 2008 2:40 PM PST reply actions  

Totally Disagree

Watch a game. Sergio’s man penetrates “by” him and can dish or pass, field goal percentage only tells part of the strory. Sergio isn’t smart defender either. Who presses Rajon Rondo at half court. He can’t even shoot threes and his speed is his most dangerous asset.

Then watch Bayless, his “potential” as a defender is overused because you can see him cut of paths to the basket and recover in time on a pick and roll so that the big can get back into position.

by Grey Home on Dec 19, 2008 3:19 PM PST up reply actions  

You make a bunch of assumptions... and use no facts as a basis

Sergio has been a poor defender in the past, but this year has been one of the best perimeter defenders we’ve had all year. He gets on his man at half court, and prevents his man from getting good shots from anywhere. Or at least thats what you’d have to assume if you’ve been watching the games. Its been the exception that someone has gotten by him. Certainly the Rondo example is valid, but few PG’s in the league can stick with him, Bayless certainly isn’t among those… he was a poor defender in college getting beat by the likes of Tajaun Porter. If you’re going to analyze something, do it fairly. Sergio has been our best or second best defensive guard this year (not really saying much), and calling him out for defense is like calling Travis out for shooting too many 3’s. Its certainly not option one, but its working. People saying Bayless deserves to be in there based on his defensive merits over Sergio, simply don’t know what they’re talking about, and its pretty clear that no matter what happens on the court, people that say this, from this point on are straight Bayless honks. He STUNK out loud on defense in college, has stunk in limited minutes in the pro’s defensively (20.5 PER given up), and is still just a rookie. Meanwhile, Sergio has been one of our best defensive guards (11.2 PER given up), has great chemistry with Rudy and the whole of our second unit, and has earned based on his play, the backup PG spot on this team.

by as11osu on Dec 19, 2008 4:38 PM PST up reply actions  

I agree with you

but you lit that dude up about using facts, and you didnt use any. Sergio is a better pg right now. Its that simple. Still don’t know if Bayless will be a true PG.

by bad karma on Dec 19, 2008 4:52 PM PST up reply actions  

Facts

“He STUNK out loud on defense in college, has stunk in limited minutes in the pro’s defensively (20.5 PER given up), and is still just a rookie. Meanwhile, Sergio has been one of our best defensive guards (11.2 PER given up)”

I count at least 2.

by Jumbo on Dec 19, 2008 5:35 PM PST up reply actions  

there have also been comments on how much more of a true pg bayless looks each time he gets minutes again

next time we get a blowout it would be nice to see him from the middle of the third on, maybe getting even 20 min, and see what he could really do. how many people have proven themselves in 6 minutes?

by blackandwite323 on Dec 19, 2008 9:48 PM PST reply actions  

That first Bru dude

must be talking about some other Blake. The Blake that plays for Portland has matured into a hugely competent journeyman PG. what he lacks in athleticism he makes up in skill and decision making. He may be backup quality but we’re going to hang on to that dude. Just saying.

by oregonslee on Dec 20, 2008 10:33 AM PST reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

The ultimate coverage and analysis of the Portland Trail Blazers.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Small
The Blazers Future Regarding Free Agent Signings
Small
Thunderous Manboobies
Img_0878_1__small
Why do we hate LaMarcus Aldridge?
Small
Oregonlive "journalists" 2 new posts...same old drivel
2474796688_7cdc78828f_o_small
Greg Oden Suffers Life-Ending Injury; Gets 3-Year Extension

Recent FanPosts

Small
How can the All-Star game be more fun and competitive?
Small
Earl Boykins!
Small
LaMarcus Aldridge about to become the 10th highest scorer in Blazers franchise  history
Small
New trade that gets us a new point and a three point shooter
Small
Portland getting.....
Small
The Sun Behind the Clouds: Blazers still on track.
Blazers_small
What are we missing?
Red_blazer_logo_small
The Felton Trade, Linsanity, and the PG Position 1 year from now
Small
Effort?

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recommended FanShots

Blazers Broadcasters Mike Barrett and Mike Rice re-enacted NBA referee Scott Foster's controversial goaltending call on Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who was defending Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star forward Kevin Durant, during this week's edition of Blazers Courtside. Remarkably, no one was injured during the taping of this segment.

Original video of the play here. 
Quotes from the players and coaches here. 
The NBA admitting it got the call wrong here. 
Dave's  extended thoughts here. 
BlazersMakr's FanShot: Major Vegas action on OKC prior to tip here. 
Audio of Chad Doing of 750 AM The Game going HAM on Foster here.

OK, that should just about wrap up the goaltending discussion.

Courtside video via Blazers Broadcasting cameraman John Curry.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter
In 2008 Tim Donaghy indicated that Scott Foster was a ref that also fixed games
Blazers Owner Paul Allen Ranked No. 3 American Philanthropist In 2011
Rhino
I'm sure you've all heard the news by now that I'm having a scope on my...

Recent FanShots

LaMarcus Aldridge Needs Support Around Him
LaMarcus Aldridge Finds Out He's An All-Star With His Teammates
Congratulations to Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, on his first All Star selection.

As seen on www.trailblazers.com
AWoj: Aldridge an All Star
It's pretty clear that the season is over already ;)
Double rainbow of sadness:

1) JBay is getting shorter
2) We never got to see him with a mustache

I miss you tiny raptor man.

via The Basketball Jones http://blogs.thescore.com/tbj/2012/02/09/things-of-note-for-february-9-2012/#more-34561
CRAZY stat from Houston game
NBA MVP Rankings... LMA @ #10
Celtics interested in Rondo - Gasol swap? ...
Batum - Top 10 NBA Sixth Men

+ New FanShot All FanShots >


Editors

Kitten_small Dave

Headshotsmall_small Ben Golliver

Lead Moderators

Getfuzzy-satchel_small Timmay!

Bucky3_small Cablinasian

Authors

Plainlc_small Storyteller

Moderators

Lamb_small T Darkstar

Small douglast

Terryporter_small prezofdeath

Small usmcr3049

Lrg_magpie_small Corvid

Wallpaper_small geoffm