Energy and trade talk

by CMCWizard on Apr 9, 2008 9:31 AM PDT

Last night's game showed me a number of things that are great indicators for next season and our ability to finish this year with a winning record (albeit a difficult proposition at this point).

-The energy that was shown last night was phenomenal. It makes me wish that we had 8 home games against the FL*kers every year. The offensive execution in the two home games this season was superb and we got huge games out of Brandon and LMA. Hands down we just come to ball when the L*kers are involved. If our guys can get up like this for every game, particularly the home games I see many more 13+ win streaks in the near future.

-Nate's post game comments were spot on last night. Most interesting to me was the comment on how our guys tend to have "too much respect" for our competition. Odom's Flagrant foul on Roy was a real wake-up call I think. LMA and Troutlaw getting in Odom's face was a great sight to see. They didn't take it too far, but it showed that we aren't going to get pushed around by anyone, title contender or not.

-There's been a lot of speculation as to what KP will (and should) do concerning the two weak spots in our line-up. Last nights game showed me one thing: we can play playoff caliber basketball with the guys we have, even short handed (No Pryz and Webster). We could use an upgrade, but if the price isn't right I think KP should sit and be patient. KP has a lot of leverage with our young talent, so a deal is entirely possible, but I'm sure KP will not overpay for any player in a trade.

-Raef doesn't get much credit for anything, his influence on this young team is invaluable. He may not be a big minute caliber guy, but he's an intelligent player and knows the ins and outs of the pro game, and confers that knowledge to our young guys. While his contract is ridiculous and I foresee him as part of a trade this year with his expiring contract, I think he deserves some props for his positive attitude all year and mentorship of the young Blazers.

Any other fans out there think that waiting until we see Oden in the line-up to pull the trigger on a huge deal? Do we want more draft day theatrics from KP? Do we wait till the trade deadline to make our blockbuster deal?

Draft day gets my vote. It's easier to rip off a team draft day with all of the excitement that most GMs get over unproven players, especially since deadline deals depend largely on the state of each team involved.

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I'm glad...

...that this latest young incarnation of The Blazers seems to "get" the rivalry we have had with The L*kers for decades.

Once Derek Anderson was asked about an upcoming game against The Lakers and said something to the affect of "it's just another game" that he didn't feel we really had a big rivalry with them, that was when I wanted to jettison Anderson.

I think a Primer on the Blazer/L*ker rivalry should be created and shown to every new Blazer. This team seems to understand. I look forward to a rekindled and vibrant rivalry now and ahead.

"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"

by Krang on Apr 9, 2008 10:22 AM PDT reply actions

Wait to see Oden in the Lineup.

Great post.

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, this Blazers team is going to be very different when we see Greg Oden in the starting line-up night in and night out. Defenses will have to shrink to the middle to account for two offensive presenses (like we saw last night with Channing Frye's huge game), giving a more consistent opportunity for our wing players to see open looks and scoring chances. Plus on defense the Blazers game will be different with two shot blockers down low (Oden+LMA), not to mention the physical presence of 7'0" 280lbs ripped baller flexing in the key to keep people from slashing against us. This should help out our perimeter defenders quite a bit, like Martell at the 3 and if Blake is still starting at PG.

Oden is going to be an NBA Superstar, an All-Star and a force for the Blazers franchise... I believe he will have more impact on our team than B.Roy (even though Roy will most likely always be the "leader" of this bunch). Because of that, it is probably the most prudent idea to wait and see what life is like with Oden swating shots and dunking on peoples heads before shuffling a bunch of cards.

I also don't doubt for a second that we will see some draft day theatrics from KP & Co. I see the Blazers getting at least one draftee out of this draft, one additional Euro prospect, but any big "blockbuster" moves won't happen until next trade deadline or 2009 offseason.

by Scotty the Mastermind on Apr 9, 2008 10:32 AM PDT reply actions

I'm in favor of waiting too

It would be cool to just keep the team the way it is. Don't trade anyone except maybe a scrub or two, and draft the best available player. If we trade our scrubs maybe we could package them with a couple of our second rounders and move up a few spots in the draft. The only nonscrubs I would trade are Jack and Sergio. I think Frye is going to fit well in the Blazers' future.

Nature bats last.

by fisheyes on Apr 9, 2008 12:27 PM PDT reply actions

I like the waiting game...

but at the same time, draft night is so much fun when KP goes beserk!

by The Graduate on Apr 9, 2008 2:41 PM PDT reply actions

I think

we need to wait to see exactly what Oden brings. Maybe pg won't be such a pressing need. Blake has a good eye for the open man and with Oden rebounding LMA can fly to the other end and suddenly we have more fast breaks and fewer set plays. He MIGHT be all we need - and we can bring Sergio and Petteri along slowly until they have proven that either they are or aren't NBA starters.

Rudy is a SG isn't he? He's projected to be Roy's backup? What if he is better than a backup? Could he play pg or sf?? Will Roy play more pg? I'd like a pass first pg to play with LAGO and I don't see Roy as pass first. (He should be scoring.)

I think this year was the one where we were supposed to identify any missing ingredients. I don't think our timetable was set back an entire year as we learned rapidly what BRoy and LMA can do and we briefly saw LMA with GO in Summer League, but we still haven't seen GO with Roy or Blake or Frye or Sergio, Travis or Martell. Or Rudy with any of them.

We know that too much talent can be a problem (or at least that particular talent with that particular coach) ... do we actually have four potential all-stars? Is Rudy that good? Isn't that enough? Or is that too many??

Again, I say wait. Let's see if we have consistent role players already on our roster that will result in a season long White Unit - not just as a holiday treat. McBob can be brought along to fill in wherever he's needed -

"Go out and play with attitude and try to mess with some things in the West."-Nate McMillan 04/08/08

by jorga on Apr 9, 2008 6:28 PM PDT reply actions

Brandon is a player

who can carry any of the wing positions. He was needed as a scorer this year but still is 21st in the league in assists/game (ahead of all other Blazers). Coach Nate is big on matchup problems for other teams and Brandon is one of several who can be shifted around to take advantage. I really think Brandon prefers being a distributor and facilitator to being a scorer. Even so he will get his points.

Chris Paul averages 21 points and 11 assists so the two functions are not exclusive.

by lee3022 on Apr 10, 2008 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions