Today's Poll -- You Be the Coach
by Ben Golliver on Dec 4, 2008 2:14 PM PST
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PrintHappy Birthday Martell Webster! For awhile, Marty pointed to tomorrow's game as his target return date from foot surgery. It's starting to look like he might not make it. But that's ok. There's been a lot of talk about how things will change with Martell back but we haven't yet voted on it. So let's do that now.
Make your case in the comments. You never know, Nate might be reading what you've got to say.
-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)
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Channing is skrew'd.
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
Out of the fryeing pan...
into the fryer?
"I like blocks," Fernandez said.
by joelor on Dec 4, 2008 2:29 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I'll admit,
it took a second to kick in, but I giggled a bundle after I got it. :)
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
a basketball game?
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
by faith on Dec 4, 2008 2:43 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Damn you Tony Luftman
Damn you straight to H-E-double hockey sticks.
there has to be a competition
plus the month isn’t over. We’ll put you bad joke up against other jokes that got votes and see whose is the worst.
"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"
i like your wit
(in an opera voice)
rrrrrrrrrrreeeeehhhhhhhhhkkkkk’d!
That is really hideous
--jscot
This
Mix either Batum or Martell at the starting 3 depending on the match up and what sort of help we need. Play TO at both 3-4 and shave fryes minutes.
Option 5 seems so obvious
I can’t see how “work Martell in very, very slowly” isn’t the obvious choice for everyone. For one thing, he’s had a bum wheel, which means that unless he’s been hooked up to the magic “stay in playing shape” machine while he’s been sleeping, he’s got some work to do before he’s full speed.
Plus, we’re playing with great chemistry right now, and I just don’t see the point of disrupting that. Ease him in? Sure. Throw him in with 25+ minutes per game right off? Risky.
Also – and I know I don’t have the popular opinion on this issue – I just don’t think Martell’s that impressive. And I really like Batum & Outlaw. So since we can only run 12 guys on the active list, I say trade him.
I agree
Similar to what we did with Greg… Slow, ease, with composure. The team is playing well right now and we all know that Marty will get there eventually. There’s no rush because this season is going to have more than 82 games.
I agree with you all the way down to trade Martell
We’re playing well and he’s going to need some time to shake off rust. Work Martell in slowly and see how he plays.
"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"
you didnt used to be in the minority
When it comes to Outlaw and Webster. It’s kinda funny how Webster hasn’t played but people are already picking him over Outlaw, including myself. I’ve always been on the Webster over Outlaw side of the argument.
Maybe it’s just me, but when Outlaw comes in the game sometimes, not always. I can just tell that the offense won’t run as well. The beginning of the fourth quarter last night is a good example, the offense died when he touched the ball. People quit cutting and people quit expecting the ball back once he touches.
IMO Portland has two starting quality small forwards and one quality backup forward. Martel showed last season that he is a viable starting SF for this team and Batum has showed it so far this year. Unfortunately Travis’s game doesn’t work well with this teams starting unit because he is so inconsistent in rebounding and at defense. His play doesn’t look smart too often and he loves to shoot the ball. All of those attributes are fine for a starting SF on a lesser team, or for a backup on a good team.
I go with Batum at the three until Martel takes it from him if he ever does, which I think he will. And let Outlaw and Frye fight for the backup PF minutes. However if he need the scoring punch I think Outlaw will get most of the nods. And as always go with who is hot. (and I don’t mean in the way we all think of Rudy)
Being a Blazer fan is fun!
by Blazermaniac77 on Dec 4, 2008 2:58 PM PST up reply actions
I picture Outlaw as being a 6th man type for a very long time. Kind of a Vinnie Johnson/Toni Kukoc type. A guy who can come in and provide a scoring punch at anytime in the game. So I agree with categorizing Travis as a quality back-up, but I think I see it more as a plus.
So far this season, he’s added reliable 3-pt shooting to his game. Now all he needs is to develop that hunger for the offensive board/put back. He could generate a lot of his own offense that way.
Last night’s horrific beginning to the 4th wasn’t just Travis. The whole unit wasn’t running anything resembling an offense. Yes, Travis was guilty of firing up at least one incredibly ill-advised shot during that stretch but… Sergio’s looked bad too (he was taking bail out shots, but one could argue that the reason we had to bail out was his fault to begin with) and with Travis, I’m just inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt. Sure, he takes some wild ones, but they do frequently go in. Unless I see his shot % drop into the 30’s, I’d be willing both as a fan and a coach, to let him use possessions with those. They get him into his game face even if they rim off. You’ve gotta let the scorers shoot.
So I really like the Batum starting/Travis off the bench scheme that Nate has tapped. Outlaw’s getting more minutes than Batum, but he’s way more effective coming off the bench, so it works out just fine for everyone. Plus, Batum has such a huge upside, getting him those starting minutes is like investing in Microsoft in 1993.
That said, I think a lot of the push-back on Travis is a result of some comments in his summer interview in the Oregonian in which he said he yearned for that green light. Personally, I think those comments are just fine. I like people to hunger for a bigger role – so long as they are willing to understand their role and play for the team when the coach defines it. And so far, he has.
Anyways, this has gone on and on, but ultimately, we have too many players. Someone’s going to have to accept a reduced role or a new team. And this season we’ve been great without Webster.
agree
Fry,Outlaw, Web, Batum, fightling for minutes and may the best man win… My pitch for Batum is; He gives you a different dimension and is the defender you need…….he also has better overall BBIQ and runs the floor better…a better open court player….so IMO he should not lose minutes based on seniority.
You may have either him or Web in depending on the match ups So at some point, either could start, depending on the situation…. scoring is what people notice the most ….So ….sadly,… Batum will, most likely, get overlooked at times, because we are still looking to outscore teams……his value will come, when you play good teams that force you into playing good “D” because the outside shots and 3’s are not falling…..We will live and die by them…..and were making a pretty good living at it right now…..Most coaches realize that the kick out 3, and the set up 3 are a wicked weapon, when you have several players that can make the shot……very tough to defend…..so it’s offense vs “D” and right now we are still in a very offensive mode……Batum is a player….hope he still gets some minutes….His most valuable asset to the team will not be scoring, however….
'Liability on defense, is an asset on the bench" a quote from my basketball coach, who believed good defense won games and made the offense a product of it
by 67 on Dec 4, 2008 3:36 PM PST up reply actions
Mortal Kombat!!!!
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
Dude!
Do you have a coonhound??? I have an 8month old named Buddy (short for Butters). He’s in a terrible chewing phase right now but overall is an amazing puppy with a bright future, kind of like Martell.
We should start a on OT coonhound fanshot or something.
"Life is a meaningless sequence of events in between Blazer championships"
> Unfortunately Travis’s game doesn’t work well with this teams starting unit because he is so inconsistent in rebounding and at defense.
I think it’s the other way around. I think he plays with the bench guys because he is the one who can get his own shot. I think his rebounding is good – borderline great. And last year, he was the guy who guarded K*be and did a decent job of it. – Elgin
He who life can no longer surprise raises his eyes, beholds a planet unknown. - Peter Gabriel
what?
Respectfully disagree.
You think Outlaws rebounding is borderline great? Maybe when he wants to, unfortunately he never seems to want to. And you can’t just pick and choose times to show good defense, because I said he’s inconsistent, meaning sometimes good and often not good.
The whole inconsistent argument is based on the fact that he could be amazing, when he’s good, he’s real good, unfortunately when hes not good he’s often the goat of the game. I don’t dislike Travis, I think he’s incredibly inconsistent and often hurts the team because he seems like he has not clue what he is doing once he has the ball in his hands, luckily for him he makes up for it with circus shots that go in.
Being a Blazer fan is fun!
by Blazermaniac77 on Dec 5, 2008 6:28 PM PST up reply actions
after rereading what you wrote
I do agree with you that, he fit our second unit well because of his scoring punch. but if he could have played in the first unit he would be playing in that unit. remember he had first cracks at it in LA
Being a Blazer fan is fun!
by Blazermaniac77 on Dec 5, 2008 6:30 PM PST up reply actions
Option 5 is the one for me
All of this is going to pan out. It’s all going to present itself as we go and there is no need to grip over it or slam the guy that you like less (which for most people seems to be Outlaw, and I still can’t figure that out). Martell is saying all the right things and seems very patient with the situation.
The Blazers are loaded and this is one of the repercussions. It will pan out. – Elgin
He who life can no longer surprise raises his eyes, beholds a planet unknown. - Peter Gabriel
I think Martell is a starter
I say when he comes back, start the game with Batum 5-7 minutes, unless he is hot, then put in Martell. Play him 5-7 minutes, unless he is hot, then put in Outlaw. Start the 3rd quarter the same way.
I wouldn’t do that for more than five games, then I would start Martell (if he is ready), then have Outlaw first off the bench.
Outlaw will still be that guy who is instant scoring off the bench. If Martell starts, then Nate should put in Outlaw next unless the other team is torching the Blazers, and they need Batum to defend the guy.
Boiled down. Here is my depth chard. 1. Webster 2. Outlaw 3. Batum
If Batum wants to play more, he has to earn the minutes. He may have earned the right to start, so has Webster, if he is healthy. I think it is up to the players and their ability as to how it all plays out. None of them deserve anything, they all have to earn their minutes.
by tominhawaii on Dec 4, 2008 2:40 PM PST reply actions 3 recs
I think in the long run
Nic will fit better with the Euro shock troops off the bench,unlike Travis he knows what a pass is,I lost count of how many times last nite Travis chuckked a brick while Rudy was wide open.
by southern oregon on Dec 4, 2008 3:55 PM PST up reply actions
Yes
In the short run, I see Martel working his way back in and quickly becoming the starter. In the long run, I see Batum having a serious chance to move up your depth chart.
by unemployedreflection on Dec 4, 2008 4:44 PM PST up reply actions
I get the feeling Batum is starting to surpass Outlaw in Nate's head
Nate reverses this on nights where Batum is looking a little more… rookie-like. But I think Nate sees something in Batum he didn’t expect.
I suspect the SF order will soon be: Martell, Batum, Outlaw (regardless of who starts
And the PF order: LMA, Outlaw, Frye
And the Center order: Oden/Pryz (tied), Frye
Just a feeling based on Nate’s recent rotation patterns.
In the short term
I think your right…I do think Batum is the future…and at some point minutes for each player will be a problem(not so much for the team, but possibly the players)…they all want to play, so it will certainly be a question of willingness to accept less minutes ….for sure, there is an odd man out ….I don’t think we will adopt an 11 man rotation……….
the ensuing battle for minutes is actually healthy for the team….but it could be a problem for the players at some point, if they lose significant minutes….it’s also a matter of individual performance, knowing that it is difficult to get to the top of your game when you don’t play much…..
'Liability on defense, is an asset on the bench" a quote from my basketball coach, who believed good defense won games and made the offense a product of it
by 67 on Dec 5, 2008 9:55 AM PST up reply actions
that is totally projection dude.
Batum surpasses Outlaw in your head. – Elgin
He who life can no longer surprise raises his eyes, beholds a planet unknown. - Peter Gabriel
depth chard
strange delicacy grown in deep pits in Hawaii – Elgin
He who life can no longer surprise raises his eyes, beholds a planet unknown. - Peter Gabriel
i think that’s pretty safe. although maybe not 100 percent guarantee. that’s where i would be placing my money.
Draft Kyle Singler.
My opinion:
Start Webster, give him 25-30 minutes. Back him up with Batum, with the rest of the minutes (15-20 minutes).
Trade Outlaw and RLEC for solid veteran presence.
The end.
If you're paddling upstream in a canoe and a wheel falls off, how many pancakes fit in a doghouse? None! Ice cream has no bones!
Who is that solid veteran presence?
I had an acquaintance in college, who was the younger brother of my friend. The young man never went to college and lived with his parents. When he was asked what he would do with his life, he would say, “I don’t know, I guess I’ll invent something someday and live off that.” He hasn’t invented crap and now he is a telemarketer. (Not that there is anything wrong with telemarketing.)
Nothing wrong with telemarketers?
I guess you are not getting calls from them twenty times a day like I do.
+1
outlaw takes every good thing and brings two bad things, and he only plays defense hard after he makes a turnover, nick blocks way more shots and gets way more steals, i think martell fits better with the first team offense since he is more consistent than nic from three and wont be as easy to leave for a double team, plus at the end of last year he was learning to slash and dunk, which travis doesn’t do
by blackandwite323 on Dec 4, 2008 3:38 PM PST up reply actions
We HAVE a solid veteran presence.
His name is Brandon Roy.
I don’t see ANY player in the NBA that is going to come into the Blazer locker room and have a more positive effect on the team than Roy. He is HUGELY wise beyond his years…..just look at the things Nate says about him…..how the rest of the team WILLINGLY defers to him.
i think its safe to assume diogus out of the question.
I would:
Crunch out a little blake/sergio for rudy (3-5 mins total).
Start Batum at the 3, bring Martell off the bench at the 3 & 2 (take some of Rudy’s mins at the 2 now that he gets some more at the 1).
Bring Outlaw at the bench at the 3/4.
Bring Frye off the bench at the 4.
This way Frye, sergio/blake, and maybe Outlaw lose some minutes (in order of decreasing loss), and Rudy keeps his minutes as he should.
Save your cringes
but then we need to make a trade. we need to evaluate our identity and decide who is more valuable: Sergio or Blake? Outlaw or Webster?
Blake’s playing out of his mind right now and while Sergio’s shown promise, he did demand a trade earlier. I would probably rather see Blake go though. Although he’s a company man and playing out of his mind, he is older, will demand more value in a trade, and Sergio has been solid this year.
Outlaw is consistent and last year I would choose to keep him in a heartbeat over webster. This year? I’d choose Webster. Of course we have to make sure Webster’s in good form, has improved since last season, etc, but we need what Webster should give more than what Outlaw does. Outlaw provides an instant shot in the arm through his scoring and he’s very athletic. Sometimes that makes up for his weaknesses, but often I see him out of place on defense, stagnant on offense (even when he gets the ball the offense is stagnant). He is clutch in the 4th but Rudy is too and doesn’t he provide that instant scoring we need—with a little more variety to his game?? Trade Outlaw because Webster brings 3 point shooting, a decent (and hopefully improved) slashing game, and a better body for the 3 spot. He doesn’t need to play at the 4 to be effective, has shown he can start effectively, and is a more solid defender.
Next q is who to trade FOR. Could make it big, toss in Frye and get a GREAT PF. Could go for a solid PG. I just don’t think we’ll have problems with the 3 spot anymore.
PF?
I agree what your saying about troutlaw, but I gotta wonder – why a new, great PF? We don’t need anyone cutting into LA’s minutes, at least not heavily. Thats not really our weak position. PG? Yes.
PF, but not a starter...
It is our weak position on the second unit. I wouldn’t mind using some of Paul’s cash flow to pick up a banger to come off the bench to spell Aldridge. Our bench squad doesn’t need an outside shooting big that can’t protect the paint.
my bad.
about the PF, yah our priority is at the 1. I was writing somewhere else about Amar’e and had it on my mind. meant solid PG :)
And I wouldn’t say outlaw is consistent but I would say Outlaw is consistent relative to Martell. At least he was last year.
Which Martell is coming back?
Not a hater on Martell but he has more holes in his game then a torpedoed battleship, he needs to elevate his game this season regardless of if he starts or comes off the bench. He is the second most tenured Blazer and really needs to show some fire every single game this season.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team."
Martell:
+ Shooting (especially catch and shoot)
+ Youth (relative to Travis, not to Nic)
+ Athletic abilities/quickness
- Ball handling overall, especially with off-hand (tends to lose control)
- Defensive consistency
- Never had more than 30 points (despite over 20 in a quarter)
- …help me I am reaching :)
I am with the majority on option 4 on this poll.
I didn't see your + and -
at first so I was like “Shooting, Youth, and Athletic abilities are holes?? How?” But now I see.
Batum hasn’t ever scored 20 I don’t think, much less 30. So that doesn’t quite hold water. Martell’s ball handling is the biggest hole I see, followed closely by his lack of poise in some situations.
"I believe in [Joel]. I just love the way he plays." - Nate McMillan
It’s was a quick copy paste from a previous comment where I wrote up a quick pro/contra profile of our three SFs. All of them have different qualities and areas to improve. SF is not a particularly good position to lead a team in scoring (except if you are Melo and have complete freedom to shoot like Travis lamented in the off-season), but I still found it interesting that Martell has not yet been able to break that mark despite obviously being able to run hot.
Absolutly
He does not score consistantly, after 4 years he should be alot bigger part of the offense, he is not a good defender gets constantly burned off the dribble drive, he makes to’s at crucial moments in the game.
Most importantly he cannot follow up a very good performance, How many times has he scored 20+ points in a game and followed it up with any kind of an offensive performance. Martell was drafted because he was so gifted offensively. Thats what portland fans were sold I buy into individual workout reports the team built Martell up as somthing special.
3-4 outbursts offensivly are not anything special over a 4 year run in the nba there alot of nights Martell is just taking up space.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team."
Isn't this Martell's 4th year?
Meaning he’s had only three seasons in the NBA. He was a starter by his third season. Not bad for a guy straight out of high school.
Bigger part of the offense? The way Portland has been constructed, no one is going to be a big part of the offense, at least not every night. They are a team with multiple players who will be able to carry the scoring load during a game. If you are going to evaluate Blazers against players on other teams, they will likely not come out as good by just looking at per game averages.
From what I remember from last year, Webster did a credable job on defense. He wouldn’t win any all defensive team awards, but he was alright. Particularly for a third year player. And regardless of what either your or my opinion is of his defense, you can be assured that it is ok if Nate is playing him regular minutes.
But I don’t have to try to convince you of the error of your ways. I believe Marty will do that all by himself.
hakkaa päälle !
Start him!
He’s earned his starting spot, and he shouldn’t lose it just because he was injured. Give him the Nicolas treatment while he’s recovering though. Play him maybe 15 minutes the first game back.
he earned
the starting spot on a team that was 500 and minus 3 active new contributors from last year….this is a new team and although it is unfortunate he was injured, he still has to prove he’s a starter on his new team…he’s not filling his old shoes in other words…..and also not starting where he left off…..There were still many doubts in his game at the end of last season…..this is where he left off….so this is where he starts back in…and it’s a tougher go around this time…..for one thing , you don’t just jump right in after a injury….it would should not be expected that he is at the top of his game…ease him in and let his play determine what happens after that……
'Liability on defense, is an asset on the bench" a quote from my basketball coach, who believed good defense won games and made the offense a product of it
by 67 on Dec 4, 2008 3:55 PM PST up reply actions
I really hope Nate isn't taking advice from this site.
How could anyone vote on anything being that Martell is out of rehab for 2 months and no one has seen him play competitively since last April? I just hope he comes back strong and goes from there.
Poor Frye.
What if I had told you last year that Travis would be a volume three point shooter who had the highest percentage on the team? There is no way Frye beats him out for minutes.
by Nick Van Excellent on Dec 4, 2008 3:14 PM PST reply actions
bye bye Frye.
Start Batum, bring Marty off the bench… until Marty’s ready, then Marty starts and Batum comes off the bench. Travis assumes the backup 4.
At the backup 4, Travis > Frye.
Sorry Frye… I love ya…
"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 4, 2008 3:19 PM PST reply actions
unless Outlaw is trying to guard Amare one on one
in which case Frye seems the better option, to me. – Elgin
He who life can no longer surprise raises his eyes, beholds a planet unknown. - Peter Gabriel
Something else.
Start Batum at the 3 until Martell’s backup play earns the starting spot. Move Frye to the backup 4. Crunch Travis’ minutes.
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"
just saying
for all the talk of not seeing marty play, he was tearing it up with Rudy in the preseason, and by all accounts this stands to be his breakout year. Let him come off the bench fora while, get into the swing, gradually increase minutes. Shift Troutlaw to some time at 4 and make channing earn his PT.
I voted with the majority
but I still think either Martell or Travis should be traded, and I lean toward moving Travis.
Boomshakalaka
well we have too many people
I say stockpile draft picks. Especially from perennially bad teams. Never know when that lottery ball’s going to bounce our way again.
too many people is not a problem
unless they hate each other. – Elgin
He who life can no longer surprise raises his eyes, beholds a planet unknown. - Peter Gabriel
I don't have an opinion ...
… other than “That’s what Nate gets the big bucks for.”
He’ll figure something out. If I had to guess, I’d probably flip a coin between Marty starting within a couple games of being activated and his coming off the bench behind Batum for 2 – 4 weeks. It’s supposed to be one of the unwritten rules that having earned a starting spot, you don’t lose it because of injury. Plus, if Martell is pencilled in as the starting SF in Portland’s long term plan, then they’d want to get him integrated with that unit as soon as possible.
hakkaa päälle !
Nic should start
imho, I think right now today he is best of the three, I know he has a better understanding of defense then Martell or Mr Ahhh shucks. He is fearless when he has an open shot, you cannot say that about Martell he pass’s alot of good open looks up, on the other side of the coin Outlaw will force up a bad shot instead of passing the ball to an open shooter when he penetrates.
Its kinda funny the logjam at the 4 does not bug me abit or the 1, but the 3 is driving me nuts.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team."
Something not listed above
I’ll actually watch how he does in practice and how he’s fitting in before I decide how I’m going to bring him back.
And I bet Nate does what I just said.
Do you like asparagus?
I apparently joined the choir.
Looks like everyone’s feeling pretty comfortable on where things are likely to go!
I didn’t expect that much of a landslide when I chose the dominant option. Wow.
Dang it...
I voted for the first option without reading all of the answers first. I should have clicked the fourth option.
Didn’t I learn anything in school??!?! ALWAYS READ ALL THE ANSWERS!
I’d like to see Nicolas Batum remain in the starting lineup. I think all of the little things that he adds is very valuable, and particularly valuable to that starting unit.
Bring Martell off the bench to begin his comeback and give him the opportunity to play his way back into that starting lineup, but do not put him back straight away. That’s my preference.
http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/
Batum or Marty to start?
Hmmmm, that’s gonna be some fine entertainment watching those two fight it out.
Don’t talk down Frye. The dude can play and he’s such a positive influence. Please, don’t mess with the positive karma this team has.
But what if the perfect point guard is offered up for some kind of trade? Oh-no, are we throwing the baby out with the bath water???
Frye
I’ve watched every game so far, and I’m not sure what Frye gives us. Outlaw can be a much much more effective backup 4 than Channing. All I see Frye do is jack up shots from distance whenever he gets a chance, and he only shoots it at a 42% clip. I’m pretty sure Outlaw and Webster are far more effective shooters than him. Channing also manages to put up a decent amount of shots in the limited amount of time he does get. He laso doesn’t redeem himself on the defensive end. Nor does he rebound. I think as a 4, Outlaw would be a more effective rebounder than Channing.
I would say bring Martell in slowly, and then ultimately start him if he proves to be a little bit better than last year. Somehow Batum needs his 15 mins a game, he’s done a marvelous job so far. And Outlaw can pick the rest of the minutes, hopefully at least 25. Ultimately we will have to consolidate all this talent, not sure how or for what though. But for the time being I hope Channing gets benched.
Martell is ripped
Have you noticed the change in his body. My goodness, he looks like he lives in the weight room. In pre-season against Sacramento he was a beast. Dropping threes, sky walking and slammin.
Batum is a rangy player. He kinda reminds me of Tayshaun Prince. He’s gonna be a good one, no doubt about it.
Just wait, it will be an epic battle.
I think depends on the matchups. Outlaw will get killed at the 4 against bigger lineups.
MLB2PDX!!! (someday...)
by The Cactus Leaguer on Dec 4, 2008 5:15 PM PST reply actions
Batum
Batum has the potential to be part Prince, part Pippen. Take a look at their stats per 36 minutes:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/pippesc01.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/princta01.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/batumni01.html
At age 19-20, Batum is already making three pointers and blocking shots as good or better than Prince; he is racking up steals in a young Pippen-esque fashion; and, although his assists aren’t quite up to Pippen’s level, but he has shown tremendous passing ability (better than Prince) in his limited touches.
The dude Will be scary good. I get the comparisons to Prince because of his frame, but to me he will be much better than Prince as an all around player (superior passer, more steals).
MLB2PDX!!! (someday...)
by The Cactus Leaguer on Dec 4, 2008 5:32 PM PST reply actions
With you on this
I think Martell and Nic will make a fine 2 headed beast at the 3 for years and are both about the team and mature enough to not get in a snit about who starts,having said that I think Nic will turn out to be the better player but Martell sure aint choped liver
by southern oregon on Dec 4, 2008 5:46 PM PST up reply actions
pretty small sample size
I love the way Nic has been playing. I hope it’s a trend that continues. I wouldn’t want to weigh him down with expectations (ask Oden how cool that feels). – Elgin
He who life can no longer surprise raises his eyes, beholds a planet unknown. - Peter Gabriel
Problem: Travis has problems crashing the boards at the 4.
Wean Martell back into the rotation, we lack 3 point shooters.
Sorry Channing.
The Jinx Effect...a Mike Rice specialty.
Not exactly
I mean, all your points make sense except “we lack 3 point shooters”. We’re tearing up the league in this.
Do you like asparagus?
how about never play outlaw ever again?
id be a ok with that!
"im a buffet of goodness"-Channing Frye
Break him in slowly.
Batum is playing well in Marty’s absence and when he gets back move him into the rotation slowly. Oh yes, and Happy Birthday Martell Webster.
by CanadianBlazerfan on Dec 4, 2008 6:34 PM PST reply actions
Start Martell - Trade Outlaw
Start Martell, give Batum the back-up minutes at SF, leave Channing as the back-up to Aldridge, and TRADE OUTLAW!
"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
Trade Outlaw
I was a huge TO fan over the last couple years, but while everyone is getting better, TO seems to be regressing. He can’t play the 4 because he doesn’t rebound. Batum should start and bring Webster off the bench for a bit. Once Webster is back in the flow of things have him start with Batum backing him up. Frye isn’t the best 4 but he would play much better in that spot then Outlaw.
Outlaw is starting to remind me of Darius Miles (when Miles played). They both had so much talent and glimpses of greatness, but they were only flashes. Outlaw’s bad passes and constant bad shots have a much bigger impact then his few flashes of unbelievable moves.
I am bound by my word
To explain in the comments:
Start Martell at the 3, split outlaw’s minutes between 3 and 4, give batum the spare change in appropriate situations. Channing gets filler minutes (<5 a game)
Martell: 20-25 at 3
Outlaw: 10 at 3, 10 at 4
Batum/Rudy: mix and match for the other 18
flex somewhat on a game-by-game basis
Things happen for a reason they say, but I say there's a reason things happen.
Trade Webster...
for a high draft pick and a case of good beer. He is redundant to our team, and we should part ways with him (and LaFrentz too) to clear room for a run at the 2010 free agent class. Travis is a better shooter, and is more athletic. Batum is a better defender. Webster is only useful when another player goes down.
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