Blazersedge 1/3 Season Awards--Rookie or Sophomore of the Year

Seems obvious enough. Although my sentimental favorite is Batum.

he isn’t flawless and doesn’t walk on water, but Rudy is a basketball superstud and a NBA baller in the making. I think he will be a big part in getting our bigs playing at a higher level throughout the year.

Just because he’s not currently on the all NBA team doesn’t mean that he’s not our best rookie.

Do you know who is tied with Shaquille O’Neal with 8 double doubles this season?

It’s Greg Oden.

The obvious pick is Rudy. But I think Greg is making Joel better by allowing him to stay fresh and healthy. Since Joel is playing well, we now have perhaps the best Center duo in the league. I think that has helped us win more games than Rudy.

I also give this one to Greg for just making it. The guy has gone through so much adversity in the last two years, all the highs and lows… to be able to come to work and get the job done AND STAY HEALTHY, that deserves kudos.

he’s filled in marvelously for Martell.

You can make an argument for Greg, but he isn’t as valuable simply based off Joe’s backup job.

RUDY is my vote.

Rudy is good, real good, and I still dream about him almost every night, but Batum has shown to have an immediate effect. His stats don’t show in the box score, but Batum’s defense beats Rudy’s offense.

Sorry Rudy! I still have a man-crush on you though…

He’s done a great job creating havoc in a few games and has really been much more than expected. After holding Caron Butler to two points in a half, and combining with Travis and co. to shut down Dwyane Wade, I have to throw a bit of credit Nic’s way.

He also runs the break almost as well as anyone on the team. Which is both good and sad. We are so bad at the fast break a 20 year old rookie from France is better at it.

Vote goes Batum.

I do think Batum’s D has been an awesome surprise, but Rudy’s offense has been a big difference maker for us. I

I am a huge Rudy lover, his game is amazing to watch and I am always happy when he is on the floor, but everyone knew he was going to be pretty much exactly what he is, matter of fact at times I personally feel he is under performing (though that is probably a side effect of how much hype he had behind him coming into the season).

The surprise of the season as far as the rookies go is hands down Batum, and in just about every blazer win I have watched this season it seems there are at least two hustle plays from him that give a momentum push to the blazers when it was really threatening to head the other way. So for that reason my vote is going to Batum.

(and like I said, this is taking nothing away from the production we are seeing from Rudy, I’m basing this more on what we are getting VS what we expected to get, rather than a simple look at the stats)

Rudy brings IT!
Batum would be second to this point,
Greg 3rd.

Don’t underestimate his effect on the energy of the team and the crowd. And I don’t just mean his high flying alley oops or lights out 3 point shooting.

No explanation needed

But I wouldn’t mind it going to Batum. Greg isn’t too far behind either. Rudy is pure energy on the court and he gets his teammates and the fans pumped. Batum just quietly does the little thing that very few player do. One more thing on batum since I didn’t vote for him. Every once in a great while he makes a move going to the basket and I just say wow. Everyone talks about his great D but i think in a few years people might be surprised by his O. Could he actually be our answer for another guy who can drive it to the basket effectively?

I think he has been the biggest surprise and i think hes really stepped up for the when lacking webster

because everyone else wouldn’t be able to sleep if he didn’t check under everyones beds at night to look for Kevin Garnett.

The team asked him to start and he has filled the role perfectly and exceeded expectations. He has incredible potential as a defender and a 3 point shooter. Batum has been the biggest surprise of the season and an invaluable contributor to the starting line up.

Rudy.

I love Rudy, but I think Greg is making the most substantial impact on this team among those eligible. It’s not just the steady diet of double-double’s he is providing the team, which contribute to our league-leading rebounding… it’s also the way his presence has, IMHO, improved Pryz’s game, which I feel Greg should get substantial credit for. Joel gets a tough opponent in practices to hone his game against, an internal competitor to drive his intensity, and less overall minutes on the floor which in the end also helps his intensity. Their start/bench combo has erased last season’s defecit at the 5, and while Rudy seems to be hitting the rookie wall, Greg’s energy and endurance appears to be climbing.

Then Rudy, then Batum.

But it’s all by paper-thin margins right now. Someone will probably separate themself from the pack as the season wears on.

Im giving him the nickname Daboy because he has the same name as a famous Filipino actor who recently died. They called Rudy Fernandez Daboy over here so thats what I’ll call him from now on.

Batum and Oden have made great contributions but Rudy’s are night in and night out, even when he has off shooting nights he knows how to help the team and that is important!

Much as I love rudy (My wife and I have matching I {(Heart} Rudy T-shirts), and he is a joy to watch, he doesn’t compare with Oden.

Rudy had some really amazing games very early in the season when other teams didn’t have him well-scouted, and didn’t realize it was a bad idea to leave him open. I expect Rudy to continue to grow into a great player, but he isn’t the impact player yet.

Oden makes an impact whenever he sets foot on the court. He affects the game in ways that are hard to measure in the box-score. He areadly has 8 double-doubles. Because of Oden, we now have 48 minutes per game with a respectable center, and all of a sudden we are a top-tier offensive rebounding team.

I do wish Oden didn’t look so glum all the time on the court or on the bench, but smile or not, he’s the man.

More for his genuine and inspirational win first attitude than his on the court play… he’s been great on the court too though.

Shouldn’t this be in the form of a poll?

The Rudini of the court brings instant energy to the second unit. His alley-oops are rudyculous. Viva la Rudylucion.

But Oden is right there. He’s been a pretty servicable rookie, on average, and the skills he has are more rare and appetizing than Rudy’s..

He adds a legitimate scoring threat to the team and he’s someone you’ve always got to keep an eye on.

 purely because he has gone above and beyond of what was expected of him.

breaks what is very nearly a three way tie.

Not for his stats or how he has helped the team on the court (which probably nullifies my vote) but how he has electrified the fans and brought excitement to the second unit. Has there ever been anyone on the 2nd unit who has people on the edge of their seats waiting for him to come in? Sure in the past both Travis & Sergio have had that effect on a few fans, but they didn’t inspire the fans to start chanting their names the instant Nate called their names.

Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful

his steals, movement without the ball, and spirited play

Made the departure of James Jones seem insignificant.

I know everyone else will vote for Rudy and Greg, but Batum is the reason Trout isn’t starting and is on the second unit where he belongs. The games that Trout started were unmitigated disasters.

Just for the excitement he brings to the game. I’m starting to wonder a little about his ceiling in the NBA, but still love watching him play.

IMO Greg is the best rebounder in the league right now and after he gets all the rotations down/recovers his quickness and leaping ability he will be the most dominant defensive presence in the league. Right now he is a very good defensive player and on offense he has been getting a ton of attention, which has allowed guys like Rudy and Batum to get easy looks.

Each team that we’ve played has devised their defense and offense to stop Greg. They’ve tried every thing, zones, hack-a-Shaq, immediate doubles…and more. They don’t do that to Rudy. There is a reason. Other teams fear G.O., they have pretty much played Rudy straight up…sometimes Rudy’s man even doubles down on Oden. That doesn’t happen the other way around.

Rudy is going to wear down some. Remember he played a lot last summer.

I think Oden’s progress is particularly remarkable in part because he just started playing during training camp following the injury.

right now

Slumping a little lately, but has been doing nearly everything well most of the year. A serious NBA candidate for Rookie of the Year this year. A serious candidate for Sixth Man of the Year next.

And that’s the truth.

Rudy brought an NBA-ready game to the Blazers and has had an immediate and major impact.

he’s slipped a bit as NBA defenses have learned how to play him. HOWEVER, he has an insanely high basketball IQ, and he will figure out how to work his game around them soon.

Rudy isn’t guarding Shaq.

PER 3rd in the entire league amongst rookies and 16th in entire league amongst ALL shooting guards. For the Blazers – 4th in scoring, 4th in assists, tied for 4th in MPG. His defense is improving (only 27 NBA games).

He came in having the most skills and most experience…He gives the team some extra mobility and hustle…..But he needs to be open for improvement…he still lacks some essential fundamentals (especially on "D")…If he decides to cruise, he will get passed by Oden and possibly Batum…..
  That said, he has been a great addition to this team and has had an impact on the team’s success, so far….

Started all but one game, very consistent, good defender, good shooter, probably the most athletic Blazer.

I love them all- Oden will anchor the middle. Will Rudy be our 6th man of the future? I don’t know if ultimately him and Roy our a good fit.

 But Batum is the our small forward of the future, the perfect complement to Roy and Oden.

Hey Dave! It’s because of all he has gone through and yet still shows us that he gets better with every game and unlike Nicolas or Rudy he does not force teams to adjust when he is on the floor – VOTE FOR GREG ODEN!!!

Rudy is the crowd pleaser but Oden’s the one grapping rebounds, blocking shots, and getting double teamed in the middle. He our best rookie just based on his ability to take up space in the middle.

followed closely by Sergio and Batum

He has cooled off a bit as teams are getting familiar with him but he has had a bigger all-around impact than anyone of our younger guys yet.

He’s got ESPN and TNT announcers saying things like “Fabulous talent” and “very athletic” since he fills up the daily, weekly and monthly highlight reels. People aren’t used to seeing a white guy fly around on offense and defense. Oden is doing great, however.

When he checks in everyone moves to the edge of their seat.

Makes a big impact, doesn’t get any credit because he looks unhappy and isn’t scoring 5000 points a game

While Rudy is exciting and spreads the defense, Greg Oden is a presence in the paint and changes both ends of the game.

He gets this easily. Rudy has played very well but he is not the reason we are winning. Oden is changing how other teams play offensively. He is also helping Joel have the best season of his career.

When espn/nba/etc are calling him the fourth best rookie in the league, we’ve got to stand up and take notice at how good he is. He does have room to improve, but he is my choice for Blazers rookie of the year.

No question! IMO – Rudy can make a 3 pointer or two against a lame 2nd unit zone defense – and he can catch an ‘oop with the best of em – but Greg Oden is BY FAR most valuable. Rudy doesn’t change the game – Oden does. Granted Oden is less impressive than I had hoped for, thus far- but even at this point, he effects the game the most. Rudy has a great all around game…and I’m writing this wearing a Joe’s “I <3 Rudy” t-shirt…but Oden just does more for us at this point – 8 double doubles!!!! All he has to do is work on footwork…offensively and defensively. This fixes the foul problem and the turnover problem…give him 20 more games. By the end of the year, there will be absolutely no discussion on this topic.

has changed the team the most

However, Oden may surpass him before the end of the season, as he gradually gets up to full speed.

and I gotta use it.

Rudy and Oden.

Last year rebounding was one of our biggest problems, not this year.
Our blocks are up from last year.
Opponents points against us have dropped by about 5 ppg.

Rudy is awesome and changes our second unit offensively, but defense wins games. Oden has made it so we constantly have an excellent defensive center on the court.

Not close.

For the first 1/3rd. I think the rest of the season belongs to GO though.

and not just because I think he is hot. Nic has been an integral part of the emergence of the team this season. Nic hustles , plays superb defense and is getting better at hitting the open shot. He moves and passes on offense, knowing he is not in the starting lineup b/c it needs an extra scorer. He has been the most consistent of each rookie .

I think Rudy and Oden are tied for first runner up because they do have flaws but their presence is unmistakably important and necessary to our success.

Sophia

Honestly, how awesome is it to have a guy like that coming off the bench?

deeeee

Are people REALLY voting for Oden?

Really?!?!?

With hm the paint is once again our friend, and getting much more so with each passing game.

A no brainer here.

he has been playing pro for a while.

Then there’s Batum!!

His impact off the bench is immense.

Has made the most dramatic and important change to our style of play, especially for the 2nd unit.

Oden is making the biggest impact on this team so far. I think Rudy is an O.K. player so far but I think he is getting votes because he was so hyped up before he got here and hes a really flashy player. All Rudy can do is hit threes and slam that lob pass from Sergio. If Rudy want to be win this award in the 2/3 season awards he needs to work on his 2 pointers.Even though Oden has come along very slowly he has made the biggest impact on the Blazers because of his defense.

1. Dominating physical presence
2. Great rebounding – (Excellent per 48)
3. Intmidating shot blocking
4. Dominant offensive rebounder.
5. Improving low post threat. (Loved the lefty hook)
6. Helps improve team defense
7. Great practice partner for Joel.
8. Getting more fluid and active.

Rudy is a poor man’s Pistol Pete and Batuuum will
only get better. BRex will be ready when called and
LOOK OUT !

No doubt Oden has the most impact. Rudy does things lots of other Blazers do well. He passes and shoots. Oden rebounds and plays D, and there’s only one other Blazer who does any of that whatsoever.

Rudy’s the most fun to watch, but Oden brings the most to the table as far as winning games is concerned.

Kid makes the starting roster as a 19 year old? Then loses it, then Nate realizes he was right the first time? And plays well enough to keep the job? That’s my rookie of the year.

The only reason I’m putting Nic ahead of Fernandez and Oden is that we expected good performance out the gate for Rudy & Greg. Nobody expected much except D-League out of Nic in his rookie year yet he earned the starting SF position in Martell’s absence and has been performing quite well given that he’s only 19. Yes, he still gets lost on plays occasionally, but he does what he needs to do for the Black Unit (defend, stay out of the way of the scorers, occasionally take a jumper or use that speed to make a breakaway dunk / layup).

Batum has impressed and I see great things for him. Greg is getting so much better every game, he is gonna be a monster.

But without Rudy there is NO WAY we have the record we do now. and thats my logic

But by the end of the year I think it will be Oden.

through the legs, rainmakers, oops, shake bake & pop, zip pass, teardrop, REBOUNDS, STEALS, tail-chasing screen runoffs; all that and Killer Bounce Passes: got to be RUDY!!!

Though I love all our rooks, GO changes the game at both ends of the court already, and hasn’t even scratched the surface of what he can do.

Its not even close. We aren’t voting for who has fufilled expectations, we’re voting for who has played the best so far. Oden is constantly double-teamed, which is a decent enough metric to use, would anybody think of doubling Rudy or Batum?

Although I think it’s more of a tie between him and Oden. I’ve been impressed and unimpressed by both of them so far.

Rudy and Greg have both been unreliable/inconsistent, but shown they have the ability to do big things. They both get the crowd fired up—Oden with his monster dunks, and Rudy with his threes and alley-oops. I think Oden changes the game just by being on the floor in a way that Rudy does not. Often, if Rudy can’t get open for his threes, you hardly know he’s there. Oden also gets an extra bump for being a “true” rookie.

but the rookie that has impressed me the most is Batum.

Just because he hasn’t lived up to the expectations of some should not blind folks to the fact he’s had the greatest impact of any of the rookies / sophmores.

What did almost everyone here acknowledge was lacking from the Blazers last season? Rebounding and interior toughness. Greg Oden, in synergy with Joel Pryzbilla, has turned that around.

I really wanted to vote for Nic Batum, as he’s been such a pleasant surprise. But ignoring Oden is like pretending you don’t see the elephant standing in the room.

His energy is amazing, the dude has people chanting his name at away games. Next year it will be Oden.

Oden and Rudy are tied.

My vote for is for Batum. He has definetly stepped it up. Start of the year, I wasn’t that high on him. He has definetly emerged.

His energy and scoring is not matched.