The case for inactivity

by DrivetheLane on Apr 17, 2008 9:55 PM PDT Comment 9 comments

Is there one? Talking about trade possibilities is fun and all, but if we step back and take a closer look, might it be that standing pat is the way to go? Now, obviously we've got one more roster spot to trim to fit in Rudy and, fairly obviously in my opinion, Baron Von Wafer won't be returning. So that's that. Now, everyone is bandying about names like Devin Harris, Jose Calderon, Kirk Hinrich, and others and it's fun thinking about it, but think about this: the biggest problem we have with the PG is turnovers right? Jack just finished his (I believe) 3rd year in the league. 3rd year. Think about that. It's not a long time. Might it be conceivable that he will develop further? All he really has to do is learn to make better decisions and we'd all love him. He drives to the basket consistantly and his little floaters are getting better all the time--he can score. His defense will improve (along with Webster's and Outlaw's). Might he end up being the PG we need? It's at least conceivable right? And isn't the SF situation the same? Webster and Outlaw can both improve to be the guys we need them to be: great defenders who can spot up (Webster) or create (Outlaw). I'm not advocating standing pat neccessarily, but with the freakishly good chemistry this team has (most people don't get along with their own families as well as these guys get along) is it worth the risk of upsetting a situation where each guy is accountable to another for making each other better, where each guy is competative and driven to win for the sake of what we think is an upgrade? Can the team as it sits now (taking in to consideration adding Oden and Rudy) win a championship? I have a feeling they could if given one or two more years to work together (which is the same time frame as if we got an "upgrade.")

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It is way easier said than done.

he has not improved this year, and looked good on last years team because they didnt have anybody else. I dont think he can develop much more, and you said that all he needs to do is make better decisions…that is not something that is reversable.

by raging WebTed on Apr 17, 2008 10:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

How long since he stepped out of bounds?

He’s improved in that. It took a while, but he has improved. These things take time because everything is done at such a high speed, you don’t have time to think through where you are going to step, where you are going to pass, etc. But over time, young guys who want to can learn and improve.

I’m not entirely persuaded we should keep Jarrett, but to say he can’t improve on decision making is not supportable by fact. I will readily concede the point that he has not improved much this year, but he’s been in a different role, too, so I’m not prepared to assume that lack of improvement necessarily means he’s hit his ceiling. I don’t think he has, but I do wonder if his ceiling is high enough to make it worth waiting longer.

When I rule the world, every fan post will be an encomium to the Blazers.

by jscot on Apr 18, 2008 1:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I appreciate the effort

But I still can’t help but salivate over the 2008 free agent class. Kwame? Smush? White Chocolate? Ratliff?

All joking aside I want Antawn Jamison.

BLZRS FRVR

by nightbluefruit on Apr 17, 2008 10:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Lets not do anyting

Until draft day. Then blow up the team for Shaq and Kobe. They won three championships. They are super.

by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 17, 2008 10:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I like Frogs

Rudy can take Mile’s spot. Wafter would have to go for the draft pick though. I keep thinking they should buy out Raef to make room for the Finish guy, but that would be stupid since a lot of GM’s will be wanting that contract in a trade around the trade deadline. The question then is, for what player and what team?

Ask not what Blazers Edge can do for you; ask what you can do for Blazers Edge.

by tominhawaii on Apr 17, 2008 11:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Rotation

This season was played with a 9 man rotation. Adding two more in Rudy and Oden and keeping the team the same would make for 11 players expecting playing time. Nate appears to be most comfortable with stable rotations and would be forced to juggle and several players would get their minutes cut. It seems likely that even with no new players (besides Rudy and Oden) one or two players will go.

by underhill on Apr 18, 2008 5:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's more than turnovers ...

It’s court vision, distribution, decision making, outside shooting, athleticism, and perhaps most importantly-defense … Each of our guards has one of these things-maybe two—but we need something with more than that.

For the next 10-12 years, we’re going to battle against the likes of Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Monta Ellis, Jordan Farmar, Tony Parker, etc …

I’m not satisfied with what we’ve got.

by bfan on Apr 18, 2008 8:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Look at Jordan Farmar

You can’t watch a Lakers game without hearing the announcers gush at the improvement by Farmar this season.
Now think back to just a few months ago everyone was saying the Lakers desperately needed someone like Jason Kidd if they wanted any chance to compete in the playoffs.
Did he really improve that significantly over that period of time?
Or do you think the improvement of Bynum / pickup of Gasol might have had a little more to do with it?
Personally, I agree with DriveTheLane.
Jack’s going to get better. At least as good as Farmar, who’s the backup PG for a team that has a very good chance at a title this year.
And even if he doesn’t become Deron Williams or Chris Paul, who’s to say that they’re really what we’re going to need in a few years when we may be the championship frontrunner?
I say give him time and if things don’t work out, there’s always the 2009 offseason.

by Praisebecrom on Apr 18, 2008 1:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Standing pat

I think we should do exactly that. Thank you. Finally, a voice of reason on this site. Lol, only half serious with that one folks!

But, yeah. Stand pat, keep the juices marinating. Nuture the young players, keep the connections these guys have uninterrupted. Like a carousel, up and down and around. All good things. Leave the team looking pretty much the same…Pretty. Pretty frickin sweet!

Von Wafer and McBoberts, we should get rid of them and trade the 2nd round picks this year for future 2nd round picks, and maybe do the same with the 1st round pick or sell it for cash (like what Phoenix did with Rudy/Sergio).

We’ll be in good shape. Trust me.

We will never see another player quite like John Stockton. Never.

by doublezeroduck on Apr 18, 2008 4:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs