Player-by-Player: Cousin Oliver and Ensign Leibowitz

by Dave on May 4, 2008 11:29 PM PDT

I don't really have any stats or brilliant analysis here, but I thought I'd leave a post open in case you wanted to comment on the season or future of Raef LaFrentz, Von Wafer, or Josh McRoberts.

--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)

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Tonight

I made goals and plans for the Blazers. They mostly involve the roster. I will stick to them, until proven otherwise.

"Show some respect to this living legend, this hall of famer...Arvydas Sabonis." - Bill Walton

by tominhawaii on May 5, 2008 2:56 AM PDT reply actions

You didn’t read any of my other comments tonight. The three guys Dave mentioned aren’t in the long term plans. LaFrentz and McRoberts have at least a year, to soak in the culture. After that, McRoberts has to find a role or he’s gone, and LaFrentz is just an expiring contract.

"Show some respect to this living legend, this hall of famer...Arvydas Sabonis." - Bill Walton

by tominhawaii on May 5, 2008 3:08 AM PDT up reply actions

The current team's expiring contract

is a heckuva better player than the starting center was in the early days of the team. Anyone remember Dale Schlueter?`

by MiledAnimal on May 5, 2008 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Awwwwww,

When did Shecky Gruberman get cut. :*(
I’m gonna miss that dude. He could straight up BALL!!

My ignorance is my greatest weapon

by shenanigans on May 5, 2008 5:50 AM PDT reply actions

RAEF = MVP in 09'

Not since Tom Ownes has there been a “vanilla” type big man who could prove to be so valuable to the future of the franchise.

And all this requires is to just have his arse firmly planted on the bench for all of next season.

The Oden Era, Day 320

by Heymoe on May 5, 2008 7:50 AM PDT reply actions

Ah... the immortal Tom Owens.

I have always found it ironic that it was Indiana’s pick that the Blazers used to get Bowie…but they never get any of the crap about “The Pick That Could Have Been Jordan”. At least Bowie netted Buck who led directly to 2 finals appearences when Indy got a journeyman center that lasted about 2 more years

"Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors... and miss" Robert A. Heinlein

by 92wastheyear on May 5, 2008 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions

Ah.... the Tom Tom Owners?.

For meat´s wolf, teeth of dog.

by amlmart1 on May 5, 2008 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions

Keep Raef

His expiring contract is what the Blazers want and need. Letting his contract expire is what makes him so valuable. Trading him means the team has to take on $14 million worth of probably long(er) term contracts. Unless it is a home run, the Blazers would have more options to with that money as they choose.

My english is poor on this post. I am not quite awake.

by clonigro on May 5, 2008 8:28 AM PDT reply actions

HAHAHAHAHAHA

Von Wafer… when he’s played he’s done rather well. I suspect that if he can break a rotation he’ll find a place in this league. Good luck breaking our rotation though. he’s outta here.

McRoberts is a Joke. He can’t cut it in D-league he has no place with us.

LaFrentz. well… nuff said there.

Here's to being hated. Come on #1 pick!

by ratbastird on May 5, 2008 8:33 AM PDT reply actions

Von Wafer

I think has a future in this league. He already showed he could dominate D-league last year (he was all-Dleague first team) and was impressive in summer league as well. While his shooting percentage in the NBA is low so far, we know he can shoot: he had FG% around 50% and 3PT% over 40% in both summer league and D-league. In the past, defense was considered his biggest weakness, but he also said when he joined the team that he was practicing defense more than anything else in an effort to improve. When I was watching him, his defense looked pretty good. I remember him being assigned to guard that other #24 shooting guard (you know, the one who plays for the L*kers), and I don’t think that other #24 scored at all when Wafer was guarding him. Wafer is still only 22 and should have significant potential for further growth, so I would be in favor of giving him a new contract if we can find a roster space for him.

McRoberts is less promising. He was near the top of his class in high school, but hasn’t been able to make much impact in college or D-league. If he doesn’t show major improvement next year, I don’t think he will be able to stay in the NBA. Joel Freeland may end up taking his roster spot.

LaFrentz, at this point, is more of an expiring contract than a player.

by trk on May 5, 2008 10:02 AM PDT reply actions

I agree

Von Wafer could very well have a future on this team.

by jamon51 on May 5, 2008 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Hey 92WTY'!

Nice recall on the details. I could not pull it out of the cobwebs, I just remember what a steal of a trade that was when we gave him up to Indy. Tried to locate the specs on the PTB site, no help there. Nor on Wiki P’ either.

Do all of you out there realize what a unbelievable trade that was at the time? CudahadJordan 4 Tom Owens????

Now we have Raef sittin’ here like he is the golden egg or something.

Oops, he really is.

The Oden Era, Day 320

by Heymoe on May 5, 2008 5:44 PM PDT reply actions

OT

Did you just see what Chris Paul did?

"Show some respect to this living legend, this hall of famer...Arvydas Sabonis." - Bill Walton

by tominhawaii on May 5, 2008 8:38 PM PDT reply actions

Yes. He's amazing. Bring on the Fakers.

"We comin along." Travis Outlaw

by annthefan on May 5, 2008 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Is anybody else excited to see Brandon in the playoffs next year?

I think the kid is going to just take it to another level. Him is da future.

by Sabonis4Ever on May 5, 2008 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Ohhhh yeah m'main man

Roy is built for legendary playoff basketeering antics. Great clutch player, big moment player, timely blocks, steals, shots, 3’s, it’s gonna be beautiful.

We all know why Roy is great, but outsiders look at his numbers and go “ehh”. Roy’s true value shows up in those final moments, and those final moments in the playoffs is what makes legends. When we win our 10 championships, Roy will be the guy everyone loves or hates because he takes over.

Paul sure is amazing though.

Mortimer

by Mortimer on May 6, 2008 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Raef, Von Wafer, McRoberts

Raef…. loved watching Raef early in his career, you know, when he cared. Now he’s only valuable for his undeserved contract. Im not sure why Raef wasnt given more time last season, maybe injury or just unable to crack the line-up for minutes as a skilled big who can shoot.

Von Wafer—- kinda liked Wafers game…. theres potential there as a streetball legend. Too bad he hooked up with the team with no room to spare. Milwaukee always has roster space.

McRoberts—- trade fodder at best. If you believe in Josh you believe in Joel Freeland. Drafted unnecesselery as Odens pet buddy, and he has the work effort of a stubborn mule.

If you dont talk to your cats about catnip, who will?

by bow4meow on May 8, 2008 10:46 PM PDT reply actions