Why are some of us so critical?

by timg56 on Mar 14, 2008 7:14 AM PDT Comment 19 comments

I was watching the feed from the Kings broadcast last night and saw something interesting. The announcers were talking about Portland and their age and how in just a few years they may be the team to beat in the west. They then posted a graphic listing the ppg average and age of

Roy
Aldridge
Outlaw
Webster

All are 23 or under and all are averaging in double figures. Jack just misses the list, as he's averaging just under 10 points a game. How many other teams would like to have Portland's problem? Who else in the league could field a starting 5 that is 23 or younger and averaged 65 - 75 points per game? And we haven't even added Oden to the mix yet.

I understand getting frustrated during a game. We all want to see our team go out there and win every game. Who doesn't want to see the end of our bench playing the 4th quarter of every game because our starters have built up an insurmountable lead. I know I get frustrated. Last night it was LaMarcus again. He was letting Mikki Moore pretty much dictate where on the floor his shots would come from. Now Moore is actually a pretty good defender, but Aldridge should be getting his shot where he wants it at least half of the time even against a good defender. Still, as frustrated as I might get watching a game, I don't let it carry over to the next day. I don't rant about how we should trade Aldridge because he's never going to develop into the greatest basketball player in the history of the game.

The same applies to every other player on the team. I groan when Martell misses wide open 3 pt looks. Or when Jack and Blake hesitate and then pass on good shots, or Channing Frye and LaMarcus wave at guys penetrating the lane rather than moving their feet, or Aldridge, Jack and Outlaw hold on to the ball for a few seconds while they think, instead of knowing what they are going to do within a second of receiving it. But that doesn't keep me from seeing what a wonderful group guys we have. Not just wonderful as people, but as talented basketball players.

I realize that most of what frustrates me from these guys can be fixed with experience, meaning all I have to do is be patient and I will see what might end up being one of the best teams ever assembled. I don't think that's too much to expect of Trailblazer fans. At a minimum, we should all remember that less than two years ago we were watching a 21 win team whose core was built on Randolph, Miles and Telfair. That we've come so far so fast is truely amazing.

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You're right

Good point. We need to keep this team in perspective. However, for all of our sakes let us never speak again about the 05-06 team... the horror... the horror.

Extend NBA League Pass to Europe!

by Fryer4 on Mar 14, 2008 7:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I truly believe

That God gave us the gift of Oden because I watched every game of that '05-'06 season with the hopes we would pull it out down 20 in the 2nd quarter!

Smile, you're on a poster!

by RoysOurBoy on Mar 14, 2008 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So Critical

One reason we are so critical at times is this blazer team showed us just how good they really are when they went on that long winning streak. Yes, you are absolutely right they are still the youngest team in the nba but most of the starting line-up has been together for 3+years now and should start learning from the mistakes they are making. And how long has these guys been playing basketball. Thats why i still feel we need some veteran experience mixed in with this blazer team to gel. Greg Oden will next season but still we have to start learning how hard you have to play on the defensive end to reach that next level. Nate Mcmillian is a very patient coach, thank goodness for that. Thank you for reading and commenting back.

BILL MCGEE

by BILLMCGEE on Mar 14, 2008 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually,

the core guys have been together just over 1 & 1/2 years. This is Roy's and Aldridge's 2nd season. It's Jack's & Webster's 3rd season. Blake has not played with most of these guys. Jones is new to the team. Frye is new to the team.

Plus Aldridge, Roy and Pryzbilla all missed significant time last season. So, no, this team has not been together 3 plus years.

by timg56 on Mar 16, 2008 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because there's no excuse for some of the stuff

we're seeing. For example last night.

You're planning on competing for the playoffs and beyond in a couple of years, right? Don't you want to have the correct pieces in place?

Ignoring the evidence simply because these guys are young is silly.

Time isn't a magic wand that is going to cure JJ's shaky handle or poor judgement, Outlaw's lack of brainpower, LMA's tendency to coast at times, etc etc. Maybe in some cases time will fix the problems, but for some guys it's not.

If your expectations are low, your results will be too. That's not to say every mistake should be nit-picked on, but repeated ones absolutely should be.

by leeroyjenkins on Mar 14, 2008 8:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Flip side....

The evidence that I have been seeing this year is improved play.

Martell has a killer look in his eye rather than an intimidated one... he EXPECTS to sink all his shots. When Martell dunks, he brings it hard to the rack and goes back to the other end like he is handling his business. Martell has also shown a great deal of improved effort on defense, no he hasn't stopped the great ones, but you can tell by watching him that he is focused on defense and trying to do his job. He is 21, time and exerience, teamed with hard work and good coaching will be the magic wand that transforms him into a legit NBA threat.

LaMarcus does look like he is coasting sometimes, and other times he looks amazing. For being 22 years old, he has a great shot, has good timing on rebounds and is a natural shot blocker. Yes he needs to dominate the block a little more, not get pushed around so he can take HIS shots and grab more boards. LMA has shown improvement. Let's not forget that he only played part of the year last year, and not very many minutes. This year, he is posting 17points and 7 rebounds. If he isn't giving Portland 20ppg and 9+ rebounds per game next year I'll be shocked. What more could you ask for from a 23 year old?

Outlaw had become a BE fan favorite between December and February this season. He was consistently defended in trade talks as a KEY to our future success. Well, he has been quiet for a few games and now he back to being overrated talent who needs to be moved. That to me is weak. You either think a guy has upside, or not. If Outlaw has upside (not just UPS like he showed in the Sactown game where he got the Technical for hanging on the rim after that gangly power dunk)and he improves, yet again, on his numbers he will a 24 year-old 6'9" forward who consistently gives us 14-16 ppg, but has the ability to blow up for 25. He is a great shotblocker, but a little slow on defense (we can't have everything now can we). So, our backup versatile forward who will give the Blazers instant offense is going to be traded because he is a weak man-to-man guy, even though he can make up for a little with his shot-blocking prowess. Outlaw's greatest improvement this year has been his confidence. He does know that he has the athleticism and skills to play and do great at this level. If Outlaw keeps improving his confidence, he will no longer be seen as a player who lacks brainpower (or who used to sometimes just be too timid). I think he is a keeper and long-time asset to the Blazers.

Jack played his best year when he started last season and had a big man underneath he could count on (Z-Bo). Do you think Jack's game will be better with Oden in the line-up? Maybe. Jack does have bouts of poor ball-handling or bouts of poor judgement, but yes, experience is a cure for that. The other cure is dedication to improving yourself and work-ethic. Jack won Nate's award for most improved over the off-season. That is the kind of work-ethic I would bank my dough on if I owned a team. Jack is 23, and he is closest to showing what he is going to really be worth as an NBA player of this bunch, but I still feel that he can and will be a very solid & efficient NBA point guard. Of the group, I am lowest on Jack, but I still feel he has his place with the Blazers.

My expectations for all these players is very high. I see their improvement and it keeps me excited for next year with Oden in the mix. I expect that these guys want to keep playing together and that the work-ethic as a team is great with Nate and BRoy as leaders. The Blazers are young, TIME isn't a magic wand, but Time+work ethic+good coaching+more talent around them+improved confidence will be the formula that makes all these players continually better.

Leeroy, you can keep your negative-glass-is-half-empty GM plans, I'll keep this Blazers squad and watch them keep developing into a dominate force in the NBA. Oden, Roy, LMA, Webster, Outlaw, Pryz, Rudy, Jack... yeah, that looks like some great pieces to have.

by Scotty the Mastermind on Mar 14, 2008 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great post

We can rant about what they did wrong in a game, but over the season almost every player has improved. This is what I focus on, even though I get very upset during games and even a for a few days after sometimes.

Go Blazers!

by usmcr3049 on Mar 14, 2008 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nicely said - I feel the same..

This is not to say I have any problem with people recognizing errors on the court. And fans being frustrated with missed opportunities is a sign of a true fan. Not a problem there. On the other hand, let's not be deluded into thinking we necessarily have greater understanding and concern into such mistakes than the players and coaches themselves do. I expect they are rather more intimately familiar with the issues than the fans are. There is a balance to be maintained, between getting frustrated with a player's error, and impulsively deciding he needs to be traded. Everybody has their ups and downs. But as long as their good games get better, or more consistent, and they learn from their errors. They deserve support. I actually find it pretty cold when a player is genuinely showing passion and hard work in practice and in games, yet has a bad game, and some fans heap abuse on the guy. We want players to play with confidence. Part of that comes from players feeling the support of their teammates and fans. I don't know how much the players themselves might be checking out these various diaries and game threads. I wouldn't be surprised if thy do. Showing some consideration for the players as people, as opposed to stat sheets should not be forgotten. A big factor which I feel is often neglected in various trade senarios is the potential effect on overall team chemistry. I am glad that is one of the strengths of our team. We lament the egotistical prima-donnas and dysfunctional relationships on some teams. I'm delighted we don't have that problem, our players have a good bond and appreciation of anyone's success on the court. That is part of what we all like about them. But as good as that bonding is, is also as potentially damaging trading players in and out is. Just not something to be taken lightly, and judging by the lack of trading we've seen this season, Mr. Pritchard appreciates that too. Anyway, it's a bit late and I'm going on a bit much. In sum, glass half full, glass half empty - good analogy. People's viewpoint probably has more to do with their own personality than the team. Generally, I think we have a pretty civil and thoughtful group here, or I would probably not be here. And I do enjoy and learn. Peace.

Trail Blazers - reigning champs of the NBA lottery !

by DaveR on Mar 15, 2008 3:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

FAN = FANATICAL

Some of us are just crazy (myself included)!

by clonigro on Mar 14, 2008 8:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

People are negative and don't care

Good diary, I started to write one like this the other day and then refrained, because I felt like I was calling people out. Your diary is much better than mine.

If you look back on a lot of the games the Blazers lost, they lost to a superior team. I have never seen a middle of the pack team, where the majority of thier opponents place such a high value on a win over them. Teams are not playing down to the Blazers. The Blazers are exceeding most peoples expectations, and because of the winning streak some people expect the Blazers to never lose another game.

On that same note, it is not that often, where just one guy, one coach, or the refs, cause a team to lose a game. A turnover in a tight game in the fourth quarter, will be what everyone focuses on and they will forget the third quarter, where the team was outscored by double digits. People just want someone to blame because they are frustrated or do not understand reality.

I think the hate keeps people warm. I heard it can get chili in Oregon.

"And even as I wander, I'm keeping you in sight. You're a candle in the wind, On a cold, dark winter's night."

by tominhawaii on Mar 14, 2008 8:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

WOLVERINES!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Colonel: "All that hate's gonna burn you up, kid."
Robert: "It keeps me warm."

If you have not seen it, you are missing out on an American classic.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087985/

"And even as I wander, I'm keeping you in sight. You're a candle in the wind, On a cold, dark winter's night."

by tominhawaii on Mar 14, 2008 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

part of being a fan

is to have wildly optimistic expectations for your team. When things don't go your way its pretty easy to get disappointed and turn to the dark side. The great thing about this site is that there are plenty of people to put your negative thoughts in perspective.

If you become totally consumed by negative thoughts then maybe you should follow a different team. I hear the NY Knicks need some more Isiah haters.

Seriously, how many of you at the beginning of the season would have been disappointed at a 40-42 season?

Trust the force, Luke

by blazernerd on Mar 14, 2008 9:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I understand and respect the optimism

We'd hardly be fans without it. What I have a hard time with is this: when the team or a player (understandably in most cases) doesn't reach those wildly optimistic goals, people don't admit their over-estimation and own their resulting disappointment. Instead they externalize all of it, finding someone to blame. This year, for example, we are over .500 heading into the last few weeks of the season. Comparing that to the last few seasons we should be ecstatic. Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge didn't have to develop this well this soon. A lot of young guys--even guys projected to be stars--don't. Our supporting cast didn't have to step up to the degree they have, play so unselfishly, or throw their hearts into it. And all of this with Oden out. All in all this is an amazing season. And yet some of the things we've heard repeatedly about players and coaches boggle the mind. We seem to bear more ill-will towards guys in our own uniform and organization than we do againt the L*kers. But it must be somebody's fault, right? It couldn't be that I jumped the gun or was just mistaken.

It's been embarrassing at times, and quite distasteful in my view. It's also very, very hard to keep reading such things. I have no problem with optimism and high hopes, but this stuff bugs me. I think optimism is good and necessary, but I don't think it's a quid pro quo that this other stuff must follow optimism.

--Dave

by Dave on Mar 14, 2008 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I should add

that I am not speaking specifically of Blazersedge or its readers/commenters here. This is more of a reflection of the whole online atmosphere, which certainly includes Blazersedge but is not exclusive to it.

--Dave

by Dave on Mar 14, 2008 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

silver lining

I think it is difficult to see the silver lining in a pretty bad game like the Sacramento loss, and easy to focus on the negative aspects of why we lost. We don't need to be Mary Poppins optimists, but often a little perspective is healthy. Dave, you do a pretty good job of keeping us balanced.

I think a lot of the negativity toward Jack and Frye is a bit over the top. Is Jack playing a lot worse than last year? I don't remember any issues with his decision making, or turnovers last year. This year, our expectations are higher, and he's under the microscope a bit more. I think he's pushing the envelope a bit this year trying to help us win. It's a learning curve, and I don't begrudge him his occasional setback.

Frye has been playing out of position all year and has been doing whatever was asked of him. He clearly has been making the effort to be more of an inside presence both in rebounding and defense. Hey, inside banging is not his game, but I give him a lot of credit for trying. Next year I hope to see him playing with the second unit along side of Joel filling the LMA niche.

by blazernerd on Mar 14, 2008 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know the analogy is poor

and there are lots of holes but it keeps running through my head...

You go to a new job, very likely your first in your chosen field. You work in a loose "team" of 12-15 others, most of whom are almost as green as you are. Your main work is in groups of five, but that personnel may change from minute to minute, and they have varying skills. You seldom work more than 10 minutes at a time. Maybe it is only two minutes. Your total time on the job is likely less than 30 minutes every two or three days. You may not even work for days at a time.

Each project changes a little. You may be expected to do slightly different things each time. You do get a little time with your team between projects; maybe you'll work with your supervisiors going over possible scenarios for the next project for a couple of hours, but most of it is hanging out time.

Your work on the projects is viewed across the world - live and in living color. You are judged not only by your supervisor and everyone above him, but by millions of others. Oh, and your work is always done in front of around 15,000 people, sometimes they are friendly, sometimes they are hostile.

You do half of your work in a city you've likely never visited before and it may be too hot or too cold or too rainy for you, maybe too big or too small but you are stuck there. Perhaps a friend or a brother came with you, but you might be here with no friends or family within 1000 miles. The rest of the work is done in cities across the country meaning long hours on airplanes and sleeping in hotels.

How long will it take you to learn your job? to work at a consistently high level project after project? to work well with every member of your team no matter how poorly they are performing?

How much criticism should you be subject to by people other than your supervisors?

"Aldridge is currently ranked as the 12th best power forward in the NBA.." - B.Hendrickson, March 7, citing sportsline.com

by jorga on Mar 14, 2008 10:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

good point

How much criticism should I get from my boss for spending all freaking day, every freaking day here on BE?

Fans are emotionally attached, we get impatient.

Livin' on the (blazers) edge! ~Aerosmith

by you'vegottomakeyourfreethrows on Mar 14, 2008 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No Kidding

I swear, this choked me up. If I write anymore, I'm going to sound like a smartass, but seriously, I freaking teared up. I can't type anymore.

"And even as I wander, I'm keeping you in sight. You're a candle in the wind, On a cold, dark winter's night."

by tominhawaii on Mar 14, 2008 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What a great analogy Jorga.

I've always loved the Blazers but I really love this team and feel extremely protective when people trash any of them. I'm not talking about offering constructive criticism or opinion but the uncalled for, very nasty and hurtful comments some people make about individual team members. I try to control my temper but when anyone does make those kinds of comments it makes my evil retaliatory nature rear it's ugly head and I want to demean them 100X as vituperatively as they've demeaned Travis or Brandon or anyone else on the team. Am I a homer? I guess so.

by annthefan on Mar 14, 2008 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs