Blazersedge 1/3 Season Awards--Most Improved
by Dave on Dec 20, 2008 11:37 PM PST
174 comments
Everybody and their sister's cousin does mid-season awards at the halfway point or All-Star break. We're being different and doing ours twice, once at the 1/3 mark and once at the 2/3 mark of the season. Voting will be open until Monday when the votes will be tabulated and winners declared.
Scroll up and down the page to see the various awards.
We want this to be legit and official so votes will be recorded in the comment section, made only by registered users. Explain all you want but vote CLEARLY and OBVIOUSLY or I won't bother reading your stuff and counting your vote. Don't make this hard on me by writing six paragraphs and ending with a schmozz vote for everybody.
This award is for Most Improved Player. You can measure from previous season or from the start of this season BUT Rookies (Batum, Bayless, Oden, Fernandez) are not eligible for this award. We haven't had enough experience with them yet to know what their baseline is, thus it's hard to judge improvement. Anyone but the Rookies are fair game.
Register your vote below!
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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Sergio
By far the most improved from last year. (Unless you consider Greg 0% => Greg 50%, which is an infinite improvement.)
by Kaboomm on Dec 20, 2008 11:44 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio Rodriguez
Improved his defense and his shot each by three fold.
The Kings have the best bench I’ve seen. There are easily 14 guys on this team good enough for every bench in the league. Now if we could only get some starters, I’d totally jizz in my pants.
Kings fan
by dyshooter182 on Dec 20, 2008 11:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Roy
It’s gotta be harder to go from Star to Franchise Player than from bubble NBA player to lower tier NBA RE: Sergio.
whaa happen?
by Toby on Dec 20, 2008 11:49 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I still say Sergio
But I wouldn’t argue with any other player. All the ones who are playing have improved. (Except maybe Outlaw, whose scoring is down but 3-point shooting is awesome.)
by Kaboomm on Dec 20, 2008 11:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Brandon Roy
same reasoning as Toby stated
by Bust a Bucket on Dec 20, 2008 11:54 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio is the easy choice (and he has my vote)
but don’t discount Greg’s contributions. He is rapidly improving. and I mean mucho rapido-ly improving. Watch out for this kid.
I think I can only add "The NBA, where caring for everybody but the fans happens". --amlmart1
by prezofdeath on Dec 20, 2008 11:56 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Roy - But unlike jksnake99 here (just jiving ya man) let me elaborate
Mt. Saint Helens from Mt. Adams
by BlazermaniacAndy on Dec 21, 2008 12:02 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Let’s think about basketball skills as an curve on a graph chart that get gradually steeper the longer you play it. In the beginning you grow literally by leaps and bounds, but after a while it takes more and more work to get only so much better. Then you hit a wall. You can choose to stay content with that level of success or you can strive even harder to break down that barrier and reach a new plateau. One you reach that mountain you must climb a higher one. It goes on like this until you body gives out, and Brandon (fingers crossed) doesn’t appear to be breaking down.
The level of success he is achieving right now is unprecedented and something to be cherished.
It’s another level from where he was at last year.
And that’s why he get’s my coveted vote. That, and he gave his 52 point game ball to this Mama.
Mt. Saint Helens from Mt. Adams
by BlazermaniacAndy on Dec 21, 2008 12:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
I love the shooting, now either learn to finish at the rim or develop a pull up jumper.
This is what Lucas would do. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0aPkIE2qK0
by 123_G.O._RipCity on Dec 21, 2008 12:05 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
Rudy made him sauve again.
The Vanilla Gorilla strikes again...
by JohnZ on Dec 21, 2008 12:06 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
B-Roy it is.
I wish I could vote for Oden, but Roy is making the leap.
Jerryd Bayless has two emotions: Kill and Win.
"I want to put points on your face."
-Rudy to Pau Gasol
NorrisHopper30: "someone injure pubert jones"
by rockingharder on Dec 21, 2008 12:06 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio.
Sergio + Rudy = 16
Sergio + Bayless = 16
Batum 8+8=16
by amlmart1 on Dec 21, 2008 12:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Steve Blake
I think Steve has stepped up big a few times, and over all I think he has raised his game from servicable, to being a guy that helps win games. Please remember, B-Roy’s improvement is only possible if Blake (and others) continue to shoot well from the outside. Last point, Blake is the starting point guard for one of the least turnover commiting teams in the NBA
by bad karma on Dec 21, 2008 12:12 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
He’s keeping hardworking Bayless on the pine, he’s got great assist numbers and I’m not longer worried to death when he’s on the court.
I understand why some are saying Roy, but I don’t think you can call Brandon’s improvement that great. I love what Roy is doing, but most of the difference in his game is stylistic. He’s demanding the ball more and coming up big when it matters, but that doesn’t mean he’s made a large improvement in his basketball skills.
"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"
by Magnum on Dec 21, 2008 12:13 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
sergio
thank you for the defense and the fun
by SamGoody on Dec 21, 2008 12:13 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
He’s building on what he started his rookie year. Definately most improved to this point.
Aint nothin to it!
by Too Much Hutch on Dec 21, 2008 12:16 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Blake
He is making the leap from decent pack up point guard to legit starting point and a threat you cannot dismiss.
I will admit, I was on the “blake hate” bandwagon to start the season off, calling for a trade for a legit starting point guard. But he has won me over, I am now completely comfortable with Blake being our starting point guard not just for this year, but for several to come, and I honestly can say I hope it stays that way… that is a big switch over the course of 27 games, and for that reason he gets my vote.
The end is in the beginning and yet I go on....
-Beckett
by eyeotiger on Dec 21, 2008 12:17 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Seriously...
If we’re saying that Sergio’s play has been keeping Bayless on the bench, what do we make of Blake’s play separating him as our starting point-guard?
At the beginning of the season we all debated who should have the spot between Blake, Serg and Bayless. It was up for grabs and I personally thought Jerryd would get it. Point is, Stevie has earned it because he has improved into a pretty darn good pg for us.
————————-
A close second would be Joel… Two years ago I wondered: “what are we doing with this guy?” 10 mins ago I just voted him as our Roy-less “MVP”.
by pdxer in dfw on Dec 22, 2008 9:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Brandon Roy
52 points…. can I say more?? He’s moved up to the top 3 or 4 in shooting guards in almost all conversations around the league. Blake and Sergio are very close behind him for most improved though.
by volcompro11 on Dec 21, 2008 12:20 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
This one was tuff but I will give it to Sergio. I like that he has been trying to play better D and has actually made the difference in a couple of games.
by jcoop85 on Dec 21, 2008 12:20 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'm voting for Przybilla
He is shooting 80% from the field and has one of the three highest rebound rates in the NBA. Prior to this year, he was plagued by stone hands. No longer.
honor rasheed wallace
by Cablinasian on Dec 21, 2008 12:22 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
if I could vote twice
I would cast my second vote for pryz
The end is in the beginning and yet I go on....
-Beckett
by eyeotiger on Dec 21, 2008 12:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i dont think it was an improvement per se but
he has mentioned that because Greg is there he doesnt have to worry about picking up fouls. Maybe that has helped him more than picking up new skills.
by lakitao on Dec 21, 2008 1:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Defensively that's why.
But offensively he has improved dramatically.
honor rasheed wallace
by Cablinasian on Dec 21, 2008 11:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Blake
When the season started it’d be fair to say that most thought Blake was just a placeholder, and Sergio and Bayless would displace him. But he’s established himself as the clear starter.
by grimc on Dec 21, 2008 12:30 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
This vote was difficult. I wanted to vote for BRoy, Pryz and Blake also. I am choosing Sergio because last year was a complete loss for him. This year I look forward to the exciting things that will happen.
Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LaMarcus Aldridge you are LaMONSTER!!!
BRoy is a SUPERSTAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will do this just once to honor BRoy!
43:49 Mins 14-27 FG 5-7 3s 19-21 FTs +12 1 Off 5 Rebs 6 Asst 1 Blk 52 Points - BRoy vs PHX 12-18-08
by LaMarvelous on Dec 21, 2008 12:37 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
sergio
remember how everyone wanted him out of town at the beginning of the season?
by phillyduck23 on Dec 21, 2008 12:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Blake
This was tough, but here’s my logic. I didn’t want to vote for Roy just because of 52. Pryz has Oden to take pressure off him and just having Rudy around makes Sergio better. Blake’s improvement seems, to me, to be more of a personal achievement.
by alacritybagel on Dec 21, 2008 12:56 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
sergio
this was hard, prizbuzy, roy, and blake all deserve a nod on this concern
December 18, 2008.
"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212
by maid tu rek on Dec 21, 2008 12:57 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Brandon Roy
He has really learned what it means to be the leader of this team. His aggressiveness has elevated him to a new level.
by kono on Dec 21, 2008 12:59 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Greg Oden
He’s way better than he was last year. And he’s improving game-by-game.
by Jumbo on Dec 21, 2008 1:02 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
This is a hard one. I think Brandon has in fact “taken it to the next level” and so is a strong consideration. But I’m looking at it from a % over last season perspective, and on those grounds I think Sergio is indisputable.
by conspirator5 on Dec 21, 2008 1:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Joel Przybilla
I can’t give the vote to Sergio, because if he’d had consistent time last year (and not yanked for Jack after 1 bad play), he’d likely have played similar to this year. I try not to give most-improved awards to players who simply get more playing time. That leads to Dan Dickau winning or something.
Joel has improved under similar conditions to last year. He’s aggressive, he’s found a shooting touch, and he’s noticeably more energetic. I wonder how hard he works over the summer, in order to come back better two years in a row.
by Timmay! on Dec 21, 2008 1:17 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio...
He’s made great strides… and come from pretty far down.
by ranma on Dec 21, 2008 1:29 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Vote: Sergio Rodriguez
No longer have to cringe when he’s put in the game. Joel improved but he’s always had those skills and he’s probably benefitting from resting on Oden’s minutes.
by amitp06 on Dec 21, 2008 1:40 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
SERGIO!
Blake is a close second but Sergio has impressed me alot!
"Sometimes I catch myself watching him and he's shooting floaters all-net. And just to watch how he's talking trash. I loved it. I loved every minute of it. Rudy's a competitor." - Brandon Roy
by Trail Ducker on Dec 21, 2008 1:53 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Przybilla
"Brandon Roy, that man is unstoppable, it's like he's playing NBA Live." - Anthony Johnson
by jamon51 on Dec 21, 2008 1:54 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Przybilla
His numbers are better and he looks better on the court. He’s shooting 80%.
by Avoozl on Dec 21, 2008 1:58 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Rodbilla
A tie between Joel and Sergio
Can I buy you a fish sandwich?
by silkybrown on Dec 21, 2008 2:39 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
He´s not been eaten alive by Bayless (like everybody thought before the season started…)
by Datmater on Dec 21, 2008 3:19 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Przybilla
His scoring and rebounding have become extremely well. He should be in the running for MIP, DPOY and Sixth Man in the LEAGUE and not just BE. Sergio gets a nod for making people forget his abysmal last season and comes in second.
by Norsktroll on Dec 21, 2008 3:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Steve Blake
Better shooter, better defender, more able to take it to the rack, and he hasn’t lost the ball control that made him a dependable starter int he first place.
by FlyingOutlaw on Dec 21, 2008 3:55 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio Rodriguez
He looks more confident and is getting to play in longer stretches of games. The bonehead plays have dropped dramatically. Roy and Przybilla are close behind.
I have a love/hate relationship with the Cardinals' middle relief corps.
by madding on Dec 21, 2008 4:19 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Ike
He’s been working hard in practice and he’s earned some time at the 4. I don’t think the roll switch between him and Channing was all of Channing’s fault. I think Diogu has stepped up his game. Maybe he can be the banger we need off the bench down low.
by SteveBlakeFan on Dec 21, 2008 4:55 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
Finally getting a consistent role in games and that’s down to hard work.
by BeloHorizante on Dec 21, 2008 4:58 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Przy...
He’s come back with a vengeance. You gotta love what he’s bringing this year.
"I love this game!" -Moonbeam, from 'Rollerball' right before he was knocked into a permanent coma
by -ken on Dec 21, 2008 5:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
His shot went from Kate Hudson to Selma Hayek.
Well, I could be wrong, but I believe diversity is an old, old wooden ship that was used during the Civil War era.
by RoyDrexler on Dec 21, 2008 6:37 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
better shot, better at running the offense, better at staying in front of his man
by chickenmelt on Dec 21, 2008 6:59 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Joel Przybilla
When people say that Oden isn’t even outplaying Przybilla, they fail to realize how much Joel has improved this season. For Oden to outplay the Przybilla of this season would be phenomenal.
While Joel has never been about stats, the statistical change between this year and last is huge. I would have put Przybilla at around an average starting center last year already.
His field goal percent rose from 58.1% to 78.7%, causing a +1.4 increase of PPG without an increase in minutes or shot attempts. His rebound rate, assist rate, steal rate, and block rate are all up; his turnover and foul rates are both down. This is a pretty insane statistical change for one year for a guy of any age.
While Sergio, Roy, and Blake have also improved greatly, Przybilla wins this for me…one-third of the way through the season at least.
by poster on Dec 21, 2008 7:03 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Joel
It’s tempting to say Brandon based on the last five games, but it’s just that. Five games. If he keeps it up for the 2/3 mark, then he’ll probably take it. So right now, Joel and his amazing efficiency on the glass and under the basket. Plus his hustle seems even better than before.
by Entity on Dec 21, 2008 7:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
Because he was mostly a liability last year. This year his impact has been felt at times and he has been steady the others. Not to many lows. Brandon is better as well, but his is more a mindset than a skill set improvement.
"I saw him in the face" Sergio's quote on the latest alley-oop to Rudy.
by blazermaniac32 on Dec 21, 2008 7:27 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio's is both.
"I saw him in the face" Sergio's quote on the latest alley-oop to Rudy.
by blazermaniac32 on Dec 21, 2008 7:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Roy.
He’s making The Leap.
Sergio and Blake are also great candidates.
by howlingfantods on Dec 21, 2008 8:14 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
Going from nothing to something is impressive.
by PoliSam on Dec 21, 2008 8:35 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Joel
Steve, Brandon, & Sergio all deserve high mention.
It is kind of surprising that the two oldest players are in that list. Usually, you expect that some of your younger players will be the ones that will show the most improvement.
If you can't convince them, confuse them -- Harry Truman, U.S. President
by jscot on Dec 21, 2008 8:43 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
He’s taking care of the ball better and has improved his shot. Roy has been playing amazing but he always has…he’s just taking charge more now which is great.
by Jetpack: Missing on Dec 21, 2008 8:47 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
It's got to be "the Surge"
Who would have thought that Bayless would have so few minutes. Surgio beat him out. Fair and square. And this is coming from B-Rex’s biggest fan.
by parkinglotj on Dec 21, 2008 8:48 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Joel
Numbers are up from career averages, but more than that, he has a solidity that anchors the team when he comes in off the bench. That’s very valuable.
by ofred on Dec 21, 2008 9:01 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
I was going to give it to LMA for expanding his repertoire of shots and playing better defense, but then I remembered the slump he went through and changed my mind. Maybe at 2/3 or season’s end.
by jorga on Dec 21, 2008 9:02 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking that as well....
… but being the most obvious is not quite the same as showing the most improvement. However, up until last week, Sergio probably would have gotten my vote.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Dec 22, 2008 7:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Roy
though I vacillated between blake and sergio as well for about 5 min
by Jesus Shuttlesworth on Dec 21, 2008 9:17 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
All players from last year, with the exception of Travis and the injured, have improved their games. Sergio’s better most dramatically.
And that’s the truth.
by Trutherlizer on Dec 21, 2008 9:25 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
Sometimes he plays defense, and it really stands out
by jaywalker on Dec 21, 2008 9:27 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
worked hard in the off season and it shows
by SalemORguy on Dec 21, 2008 9:39 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Joel
Sergio went from awful to OK, but Joel went from OK to great, a much more difficult feat in my mind.
by nikolokolus on Dec 21, 2008 9:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Blake
Agressive, shooting, leadership.
by crakarjack on Dec 21, 2008 9:44 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Roy
many have touched on it already. It’s much harder to grow from all star to super star than it is to go from scrub to not scrub.
myspace.com/marktwainindians
by mark twain on Dec 21, 2008 9:48 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Batum
" if you don't like it, you can shove it
but you don't like it, you love it!"
- Weezer (Red Album)
by halfasiansensation on Dec 21, 2008 9:56 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio...
Although, the Spanish Connection needs to start incorporating one or two more players and make it a love triangle (with Zilla) or a love flex-cut (with Outlaw).
"Now, you take a bobcat or a Jayhawk. You know they'll run if you give 'em the chance. But when one don't run, why, you shoot him and shoot him quick. Raef's my dog, Pa. I've gotta do what's right..." Old Yeller (1957)
by RoyGoesTheDynamite on Dec 21, 2008 9:58 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
Everyone else on the team has continued more or less on their consistent trajectory, other than a few players having slightly disappointing years (Travis, LaMarcus) or badly disappointing ones (Frye). Sergio, on the other hand, has gone from being an afterthought and a liability to a consistent contributor and an important part of the team.
by markc_wa on Dec 21, 2008 10:06 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Joel Przybilla
Not even close anywhere else (aside from Roy, but I also factor in “unexpected” in the most improved vote, and Joel’s fantastic play is somewhat unexpected… at least this CONSISTENTLY— and I knew in my heart Roy would make the 3rd year jump).
Mortimer
by Mortimer on Dec 21, 2008 10:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Blake
He’s now our 3rd scoring threat in the starting lineup (3rd in team scoring and shoots 41.7% from 3-pt line), and usually at the end of games. He makes shots early in games that keep us from starting poorly, and makes big shots late in games that helps us close out wins. He will start at PG again next year unless we trade for another PG.
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Dec 21, 2008 10:14 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Aldridge
No one else was giving LaMarcus love here…
Despite one slump, he has done well, and improved. The Blazer improved consistency probably has more to do with LaMarcus and Roy then anyone else. When LaMarcus establishes himself low the Blazers don’t lose, and his ability to do that is much better this year.
by ITSChuck on Dec 21, 2008 10:26 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
OUTLAW
he has had to make the biggest adjustment in his role this season due to added fire power and depth and has improved his 3 pointer a ton; exactly what he needed to get better at this season with oden joining the party
by storm on Dec 21, 2008 10:26 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Roy
He made the jump to near superstardome. Sergio has really excelled in his role as well and Blake is having a killer season but my heart just has to go with Roy….. c’mon he broke his career high twice in a week.
Michael....Tell them what they've won!!!!!!!....... *iinsert reference to a baseketball game*
by Blazerhopeful on Dec 21, 2008 10:40 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
ROY
Runner up would be Blake – but all I have to say about Brandon’s game this season so far is OMG
Oden & Rudy co- Rookie Of The Year ---- Brandon for MVP!!!
by Ripped City on Dec 21, 2008 10:56 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
I thought Sergio stunk last year but this year he’s won me over. His shotting and defense has improved enough to hold off a very atheltic rookie who badly wants his spot in the rotation.
JRogero
by JRogero on Dec 21, 2008 11:01 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Tough but Roy
Sergio definitely deserves credit, but I think Roy has completely refined his game, both physically and mentally. He understands his game more this yea and it shows every time he makes an opponent look like a kid in Jr. High when they guard him. He understands more of what is expected of him and most importantly what this team NEEDS from him.
Back when Wallace was the key member of our team everyone wanted him to step up and be THAT guy; the member of the team that said “don’t worry, I got this”. Obviously he never did it nor was he ever willing to even try. Brandon is THAT guy and is more than willing to be THAT guy…for good or bad. That is a true sign of a leader.
by bigdaddy4838 on Dec 21, 2008 11:01 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
BRoy
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
by TwoDeep on Dec 21, 2008 11:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
The vanilla gorilla-pryzbilla
I almost had to vote Sergio because Pryzbilla seems like such a background player, but he comes up big when he needs to and has been playing some solid D, and I love the put backs….
I do want to see him try just one shot from beyond 5 ft at some point though, just for fun.
by pklym on Dec 21, 2008 11:09 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Blake
Tough one to decide between Blake, Roy, and Joel. Outlaw, Sergio, and Aldridge have all-improved but not as much as the other three. Brandon’s bar is higher than the other guys but if he keeps close to the production of the last 5 games, he will my pick at the 2/3 mark.
PTB Liberation Day - 2/10/04
by tssbro on Dec 21, 2008 11:21 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Joel Przybilla
"Thanks for coming to the game." - Kevin Pritchard
by DarthBlazer on Dec 21, 2008 11:24 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Blake
Barrett was commenting preseason how much Blake has improved, and at clutch time (except with Clippers) he’s the man when Brandon doesn’t have an open shot. Game winner in Toronto, and key shots in Phoenix, are recent examples.
by 3pointer on Dec 21, 2008 11:28 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
Blake seemed like a good choice till I realized we’re watching a veteran enter his peak years. He’s good and even getting better; but, the kid from Spain is working hard and playing pretty well. Not great, just pretty well. Too bad about his jerky agent.
by oregonslee on Dec 21, 2008 11:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
He has become an integral part of the team. We would not be where we are without him!
by shamman on Dec 21, 2008 11:43 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Roy
Sergio a close second
when i get sad, i stop being sad & become awesome again. true story.
by Net Ranger on Dec 21, 2008 11:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Joel
Just ask anyone, Sergio was this good last year, he just couldn’t get any playing time because of Nate’s mancrush on JJ. Roy has blown up for four games, but I don’t think his improvement has been as marketed as Joel’s, and Joel’s improvement has the added benefit of constancy.
"There is a difference between having two guys banging down low and having two guys who can bang down low." - Blazin'
by tominhawaii on Dec 21, 2008 12:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Gotta be Sergio
there was a group (myself included) who thought that Sergio was probably not going to see much time with the arrival of Bayless…I was WRONG! While Sergio’s shooting percentage hasn’t changed much, his shooting form looks much better, and does a great job running the offense. His defense also looks better this year. Its possible part of the reason Sergio is doing so well is the arrival of Rudy, but Rudy doesn’t improve his ‘d’, so i give him the nod, with Przybilla a very close second
"Smile! You're on a poster!!" - Mike Rice
by lefty6283 on Dec 21, 2008 12:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
His decision making has become so much better this season. Getting cut from the Spanish national team really lit a fire under his shorts.
Some men see things the way they are and ask why, I see things that never were and ask why not. -Robert F. Kennedy
by kevinschock on Dec 21, 2008 1:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Steve Blake
He’s gone from being seen as an easily discarded part of the starting five in favor of Sergio and Bayless to such an integral part of the offense that when his shot isn’t falling, we’re not winning. That’s improvement.
by usdblazerfan on Dec 21, 2008 1:26 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Joelzilla!!!!!!
Any other answer is uncivilized. He’s clearly playing the best ball of his career.
by Qyntel Woods on Dec 21, 2008 1:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I should explain...
He’s improved his shot and is an amazing floor general. He’s the bench point guard we need and he’s delivering the tempo changes that we wanted for our bench
--
by CaptainSexyJacob on Dec 21, 2008 1:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Brandon Roy
1st Year: Rookie of the Year
2nd Year: All Star and Rookie Sophomore game
3rd Year: SUPERSTAR (top 5 player in the league w/Howard, Kobe, Dwade, CP)
- NOBODY makes that jump their 3rd year. It seems kind of lame giving a “most improved” title to an all-star…but he’s made a leap that is incredibly hard to make – and that’s deserving of this award.
by lumberjak on Dec 21, 2008 1:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
and whats funny is
that as much as some might think this conversationg is to soon, its happening. NOBODIES tlaking about travis outlaw in that light, and outlaw is NOT being asked on national telavision questions like “recently your were quoted as saying that you dont think your name should be mentioned with the likes of k*be and dwade, y is that”? that was on a national level, now this isnt unanumis, but the talk is starting.
December 18, 2008.
"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212
by maid tu rek on Dec 21, 2008 7:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Roy.
He’s the number one target of defenses and yet he’s still managed to raise his ppg by 5 as of now.
That’s flat out ridiculous.
Sergio with an honorable mention.
"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 21, 2008 2:23 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
"Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis" Dave 12/18/08
by shua on Dec 21, 2008 2:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Roy
I was tempted to go with Steve Blake because he’s played out of his mind this year. But the leap from pretty good/All-Star level guy to superstar isn’t made by many players. I truly believe this last week is an indicator that Brandon has made that leap, so to give it to anyone else just doesn’t hold water. It’s got to be Brandon, he went from “Maybe he’ll make another All-Star team if Portland starts out okay,” to “He’s a definite All-Star, and we can mention him with Wade, and M—ba.”
by morg on Dec 21, 2008 2:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Brandon Roy
He was already great. But now he’s ridiculously fantastically amazingly incredibly unbelievably great. He is now so much better than I ever dared hope he could be.
More Blazing, Less Trailing
by Bretski on Dec 21, 2008 2:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Steve Blake
He has brought his A game every night, and is having an incredible season behind the arc. The only downer was the missed free throws, but he has still been solid this season.
by Switchie on Dec 21, 2008 2:50 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Suuuuur jeeee oooooo!
11
rolling hard
by Billy Ray Bates on Dec 21, 2008 3:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
What do you know? He has been given minutes and has one of the best assist to turnover ratios in the league…
Smile, you're on a poster!
by RoysOurBoy on Dec 21, 2008 3:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Serg....
He’s earned his minutes and has been playing under control, love that guy.
by uojones on Dec 21, 2008 3:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
assist/turnover
chemistry w/ second unit
defense against top tier pg’s
shot improved dramatically
Sophia
Though patience be a tired mare, yet she will plod. - William Shakespeare
by BlazerFan1 on Dec 21, 2008 3:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
joel
since i still can’t spell his last name (even though i’ve been watching him since his time at umn).
by brettw on Dec 21, 2008 3:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
El Chacho
Sergio has shown the most marked improvement thus far. Roy’s ascension to superstardom has been impressive, but Sergio’s transformation from third-string scrub to reliable (and some times exceptional) backup has been more of a surprise.
by Roy Wonder on Dec 21, 2008 3:57 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Blake.
"Now with a non-provocative footer!"
by timbo on Dec 21, 2008 4:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
aaaww timbo,
you know you really want to say sergio, lol =)
December 18, 2008.
"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212
by maid tu rek on Dec 21, 2008 7:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Steven Hill
leads nba in PER
"shaq and zach randolph have the same trainer... "
best one liner i ever heard.
by bowdown on Dec 21, 2008 5:21 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
Roy was already phenomenal, and is embracing it, too – so maybe Roy…
by Knobby on Dec 21, 2008 5:22 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Brandon Roy
The leap into superstardom he is making is monumental.
No one can top that.
The Oden Era, Day 548
by Heymoe on Dec 21, 2008 5:26 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
He’s making better passes and fewer boneheaded errors.
by martinezec on Dec 21, 2008 6:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
Things happen for a reason they say, but I say there's a reason things happen.
by sixth on Dec 21, 2008 6:54 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
but I was torn between him and Blake. Blake has become the solid PG we desperately needed, thereby toning down my search for the perfect All-Star PG for this team to trade for (do we even need one any more?); but Sergio came from nowhere to become the solid backup PG we ALSO desperately needed. Okay, not from nowhere, but who predicted THIS?
by SkyDave on Dec 21, 2008 7:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
tominhawii did
he said that when rudy showed up that sergio would be reborn, and he was right
December 18, 2008.
"Roy is Roy, and if I were to bet my life on a game of 5-on-5, I’d bet on whichever team Roy was playing on." by HurraKane212
by maid tu rek on Dec 21, 2008 7:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not to toot my own horn...
but I said that Surgio would be much improved and more comfortable. I made this prediction before the season started. Of course, I also said that by now Blake would be 3rd string and Bayless would be starting. Whoops!
by parkinglotj on Dec 22, 2008 12:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
Tough one to call though.
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by dcblazer on Dec 21, 2008 8:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
BRoy
As posted above – The jump from- I made the
All-Star team to MVP candidate is HUGE !
Joel a close 2nd.
It's GO time !
by walkoff41 on Dec 21, 2008 9:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Roy
1 on 1 ? done. 1 on 2 sure why not? 1 on 3 I can do that.
by meatwad3 on Dec 21, 2008 9:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Blake
Sergio would have been my next choice probably but the only reason why he seems so much better is because he is actually getting playing time this year so now he is just showing what he can do (and probably always could do) with some P/T. But Blake is playing the same amount but producing much better and more efficiently.
by Camtown20 on Dec 21, 2008 9:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Roy
There is no other answer. He was really good last year but there’s a REALLY huge difference between being really good and being great – a franchise guy, a guy who could lead a team to a championship, a guy the other team can’t stop no matter what they try.
The jump for Sergio from being a scrub back up point guard to being a decent to good back up point guard is not NEARLY close to as big as the jump for Roy from being good to great.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on Dec 21, 2008 9:52 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Roy
Finishes in the lane better than any guard in the league. Parker, Wade and Therapist included.
Last year he was a borderline all-star. This year he is a borderline MVP candidate. Big big jump
Blazer fans tell me, where were you,
When our Brandon Roy dropped 52?
by GreatOden'sRaven on Dec 21, 2008 10:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Brandon
As B.M.A. mentioned, it’s much harder to improve over All Star to Elite Player but our boy Roy looks to be making that leap right before our eyes. It’s not just the 52 point game (or the game-winner three), it’s the confidence to know what to do and when to do it to clinch a game. Is he all the way there yet? No. But he’s well on his way.
by DonkeyShins on Dec 21, 2008 10:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Also
I wanted to add that in one mans humble opinion.
Travis has regressed farther than anyone. Even Channing. Our backup PF is certainly not set. I don’t know what KP is gonna do, but he needs to do something. Martell and Nic at SF are fine. We need a solid PF to run with LMA
Blazer fans tell me, where were you,
When our Brandon Roy dropped 52?
by GreatOden'sRaven on Dec 21, 2008 10:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
We can say it’s because of the increased minutes or something else, but he’s been much more productive, especially on defense.
Travis Outlaw is an alien, but in a good way.
Awesome Graphic was provided by CIC, because he felt like he should be hazed.
by Clevelander among roses on Dec 21, 2008 11:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Joel
He’s having an all-around career year and rightfully deserves it. I’ll give the nod to Brandon once he scores an average 30+ over 20 or so games.
by JoeBlazer on Dec 22, 2008 12:19 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Roy
He asserts control for the entire 48 minutes of the game ( versus final few minutes last year ).
Roy, is much more aggressive at taking over the game at ANY time if a team goes on a mini run.
by roy2rudy on Dec 22, 2008 12:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
B-Roy is MVP without question and I don’t think there has ever been a player awarded MVP and most improved in the same year.
Joel has jumped ahead of last year in production but even he attributes that to Greg, Last year he mad the improvement to being aggressive. This year he can do so against reserve centers and not have to hold back.
LaMarcus has improved his defense and continues to develop about as expected on offense. He is more important but not most improved.
Blake also jumped his production two years ago in Denver and this year has shooters who hit shots. But he also has benefited from a stronger #2 PG.
Leaving Sergio who certainly helped lure Rudy away from millions in contract and feel comfortable in Portland. Sergio gives Coach Nate aggressive backup at PG and if there is anything near and dear to Coach Nate it is an aggressive and talented PG. Of course if he could just shoot….
whoo, Katy bar the door! - Maurice Lucas anticipating Greg Oden's development
by lee3022 on Dec 22, 2008 5:03 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Joel Prz-uh-billa
The cowards never started
The weak died along the way
Only the strong survived
They were the Trailblazers
by lukeyhere on Dec 22, 2008 5:56 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Brandon Roy
Steve Blake and Joel Pryzbilla are playing the way folks ( or at least me) think they can play. For Steve I think it’s just being more comfortable with his teammates and knowing he’s the starter. For Joel, it’s being 100% healthy, the ease of mind that he’s not the only big anymore and the desire to show he deserves to be on the court and not watching from the bench.
Sergio has probably exhibited the most obvious improvement, as evidenced by his increased playing time. But being the easiest to recognize is not the same as making the greatest improvement.
That, I believe, has to go to Brandon Roy. It’s easy to take Roy for granted, he’s so smooth, yet often unassuming. Rookie of the Year, 2nd year All-Star, the Man for Portland come crunch time. But in the past week or so, Brandon Roy seems to have transformed before our very eyes. From a graceful young hawk to Mothra, able to destroy entire teams. And best of all, that transformation has occured in his head. I’m pretty sure that he’s just now realizing what he can do. To date this is the single most important improvement for the Blazers.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Dec 22, 2008 7:21 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Most Improved.
I have to go with Pryzbilla. His toughness while anchoring the middle has been phenomenal.
by BlazerAZ on Dec 22, 2008 9:24 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sergio
If Rookies aren’t eligible its got to be Sergio. Oden would have been my pick if he were eligible
by coachgruhler on Dec 22, 2008 11:16 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Brandon Roy
Sometimes it is hard to notice when the best player on the team is also the most improved. I thought that Brandon had a smaller ceiling than the rest of the team because realistically how much better can you expect a guy named the Natural to get? However, He has clearly shown the most improvement of any player on the team and this evident in how much his play has improved the play of others on this team.
by Michael D on Dec 22, 2008 12:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Blake
I had a bunch of stuff to say about sergio vs. blake but it’s pretty obvious both of those guys, roy, and pryz have improved in most categories this year.
Activate Shavlik Randolph
by appel82 on Dec 22, 2008 2:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
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