The Official Blazersedge Joe Alexander Thread

Alexander recorded the second fastest sprint in the pre-draft combine, and was second on weights in this one. Further, he ranked high in the standing jump (As I recall, it was in the top 4 or 5). Sorry to disagree with some of you, but he is not another Outlaw. He has a well earned rep for hard work – indeed the trainers repeatedly stated this fact. He simply outworks most other players – if not all of them. He, in sum, has a motor. And you can’t teach motors or desire – you have it or you don’t. Mentally, as such, he’s superior to a lot of NBA players. Having said this, you can also point out that this won’t necessarily make him better than Outlaw, but his work ethic guarantees that if he can be better, he will be. This is why a lot of GM’s are looking hard at him. Every year, you get all the hype about all the wonderful athleticism of everyone drafted, and then 1/2 of them disappear. If you assume that they were 1/2 the athletes the hype promotes, they shouldn’t. It comes down to desire. One of my favorite stories came from Magic on Bird. The night before a playoff, Magic and several lakers wandered down to look at the arena they were going to play in the next day. It was after 8 pm. As they walked into the arena, they heard the familiar sound of a basketball. And they then stood silently in the stands and watched Bird. He had several racks of basketballs, and was shooting them, alone – over and over again. Magic and the lakers, soberly left, and Magic was thinking – “man, doesn’t he every quit”? They knew he was a warrior. Everyone else was where-ever they were – but not Bird. He never had the athleticism of a lot of players, but he had that motor. And it made him a perennial all-star. Joe may not be the guy KP wants – but you know one thing about Joe’s history – he’ll give you 100% every night, and he’ll work 12 months a year to be better. And there are worse things.

OK, I have seen the highlights and we all know that he is a talented kid. Looking at what he would bring, I think he would be a solid addition to the second unit. I think the he is versatile enough to play the 3 and 4 and that will come in handy when Portland is forced to play small ball. For some reason, I see him more in the mold of a Stephen Jackson (without the ‘tude) than a Travis Outlaw.

But, is he the right guy? I think that, barring any big trades or big draft surprises (Westbrook or Augustine falling), Alexander would be a pretty good fit. I like the fact that he can shoot from outside and that he willingly made a position change to make his team better. That type of maturity will be needed when he is riding the Pine or playing in Idaho next year.

if Blazers’ brass thinks that’s the right pick. I figure we need perimeter defense the most in a pick, so either a point guard or SF pick (made properly) could provide that. A sf will help with rebounding, a pg will help with fast breaking and running plays. I worry a bit about Webster and Outlaw though. Will they continue to improve if they get challenged for minutes by a player like this?

This is a tough one. I don’t see the PG of the future in this draft or on the trading block right now. I keep thinking KP may have to wait until next year, and use the $30 million in cap then, along with some of these pieces to get a PG. This could leave us at #13 and someone like Alexander. After all, we don’t need another SG with Fernandez coming in, and we certainly don’t need a PF or a center. Yet, we have to clear some roster space for these players to keep getting the minutes they need to improve. One option, of course, would be to strategize Alexander as the #2 SF for now, much as some think Fernandez will be the #3 or #4 guard. Then, we might see KP move several players from the Frye/Webster/Outlaw/Jack/Rodriguez group for an expected mid round #1 next year, and possibly the 3 #’2’s for similar spots or a low #1. Then, he could use the picks and cap space next year for a PG. If nothing else, I can appreciate the headaches KP has right now.

and not because he can leap out of the gym, or that he’s a rat that lives in the gym, but c’mon people, HE HAS A SOUL PATCH!!! No good can come of that, next thing you know he’ll be sporting a puka shell necklace, retroactively joining a frat, and spending all of his free time at the ohm or Berbati’s Pan.

I think Joe Alexander will be drafted before #13. I think Portland should trade their three second round picks to Orlando for pick #22. Then since I have heard that one of the picks #14 through #16 is available for purchase we should purchase it. Then we should package picks #13, #15, and #22 and trade for pick #1 or #2. Maybe we could get Derrick Rose. What do you think? This also would not disrupt the current players.

You could be right about Alexander moving up the board. But then, there’s so much moving around in this draft that you really have to wonder. Serge Ibaka, the unknown 18 year old from the Congo jerked a few heads recently at the Euro Camp. He was sitting in the low 20’s on some drafts, then started moving up. If you wanted to draft and leave someone in Europe – you could certainly look at this one. Lopez has been projected from 3 to 11, Mayo from 2 to 5 or 6. Six guards, Rose, Mayo, Bayless, Gordon, Augustin and Westbrook have been projected into the top 10 or 12. Gallinari moves up, and then down. Love seems to be a concensus now before 13, as is Augustin and Westbrook. Alexander is moving around too. KP had it right in the beginning. He said there was a lot of fluidity between 5 and 20. Rush. Batum and Greene don’t seem compelling picks right now given who we already have. And frankly, I’m not that sold on all the guards. There’s a lot of hype, and most are19 years old. They have upside, a lot of risk, and it will take 4-5 years to make them into the PG we want – if you want to wait that long. And I don’t see any other than Rose and Augustin that are a lock at PG. Most just keep repeating the mandtra that “they maybe could be if”. Personally, I think KP wants a vet – not another rookie. Like some, I think he’s setting up that scenerio, regardless of who we draft – or don’t draft.

he won’t get past milwaukee at no. 8

i watched alexander a lot during the year and he became one of my favorite players because he did stuff on the court that was unbelievable…he jumps like he’s on a pogo stick – straight up, seemingly effortlessly…his shot is unblockable, he has a beautiful midrange bank shot…there are other parts of his game that he flashes not as frequently, but when he does, the whole package is breathtaking – i saw the picture perfect 3, the no look pass into the post for an easy layup, ridiculous weakside shotblocking, gorgeous spinmove for layup…he’s got it all, if he puts it together
two more things…he was by far the best athlete tested in orlando 6’8” or taller (probably the best overall, which is almost impossible for a guy his size) and is like the 3rd or 4th fastest guy ever tested there (again, ridiculous at 6’8” 220)
of all the top prospects this year, he is the only player to average 2.5 assists and 1.5 blocks…oh, he shoots 80% from the free throw line and i never saw him argue with a ref all year

Oden and Fernandez, the #13 or a trade, and the cap next year means we have to clear some roster room. 4 new players – if we go there, means something needs to give. KP isn’t going to tip his hand to me – that’s for sure. And frankly, he’s in the middle of it now, and it isn’t over. And, the deal he does or doesn’t make on draft day may not be the last one. And, given that a lot of other teams are busy talking as well – you never really know what might show up. And, it is amazing how these mock drafts keep revising their boards. Who knows, for you guard guys – will it be Augustin? He’s here for a full day alone. Someone likes him. Personally, I think Alexanders a good bet too. Oh well. Then some love Westbrook. He’s always had his fans. And, if Jordan and Alexander move up – it almost guarantees that Augusting will drop into our lap, and Westbrook will be within a couple of spots. If KP wants them – he can get them. And that’s the good news. We’ll be better. Questions is, how much?

Koponen is apparently coming to Portland soon to be ready for Summer League. He is supposed to be 6’ 4” or so. Sergio is developing although he is not a favorite of Sarge. If we cannot move up to get Westbrook or Bayless, why take a point guard? We also have a number of good developing small forwards. Martell should be a senior in college this year. Remember how young he is and how much he has improved already. I think of Travis as a small forward. If they cannot resign Jones then it makes sense to draft Alexander.

With the number of injuries our big guys have had, I suggest we draft big either Brook Lopez who has dropped some so far, or DeAndre Jordan but who is 6’ 9.75” barefoot, or Kosta Koufos this year’s freshman Ohio State center (what an oddity—taking back to back Ohio State centers). We will be losing Raef LaFrentz after this season. Koufos is said to be a sure top 10 pick next year. Take him this year and let him grow on the bench.

For those thinking of a big man, don’t forget Serge Ibaka. He’s the mystery man some think may move up. He’s raw, out of the Congo, only 18, but at 6’10” and almost 230 lbs, showed the type of skills recently that caught the eyes of a number of GM’s at the Euro-Camp. Most seemed to think he had the most raw talent of anyone at that camp. And, he’s got the tools to be a real banger. Some GM’s commented that he might end up being the best PF out of this draft. The mock’s have had him in the 22 to 30 slots. Now, some think he may move up into the 15 – 20.

Some of you may recall the rumored Blazer interest in Ben Gordon. The HoopsWorld Analysis of the Chicago Bulls and their salary structure makes a solid case that if the Bulls draft Rose, then it’s almost certain that Ben Gordon will be gone because they can’t keep both Deng, the 1st rounder and Gordon, without going over the top number w/the luxury tax of $70 million. And, with a core guard group of Rose, Hinrich, Hughes and Sefolosha, Gordon would be out. Further, Hinrich will stay as even though Rose is the PG of the future, Hinrich provides the veteran PG necessary to both play and support Rose. At the same time, Chicago can’t dump Gordon’s expected $9 million salary if they take back a similar salaried player. And Portland’s younger guards don’t have that issue. Interesting.

1. he’s only been playing organized basketball for 5 years. is this a bad thing? not for the blazers. if he’d been playing longer, we might not even be talking about the possibility of drafting him. the fact that he’s good enough that we are talking about drafting him despite this little experience is tremendous, and the upside to this kid is incredible.

2. it’s popular to call joe alexander a ‘tweener 3-4. a lot of the time, that’s bad news for a player, because the usual implication is that the person in question can’t play either position. in Joe’s case, i would call it more of a strength. his body type is very similar to LeBron James’ body, and his athletecism is also on par. i know that sounds like a really lofty statement, but consider this—there is a still photo floating around the ‘net of Alexander headbutting the rim on a one-step vertical jump… after a 3 hour, high intensity workout, and after a dunking exhibition which included him dunking from the foul line, and doing a one-step vertical dunk into elbow-hang (the one made famous by vince carter).

3. weaknesses? the biggest knocks on joe alexander right now are these:
a) his jump shot is inconsistent. why is it inconsistent? he’s got a little scissor-kick he does when he goes up to shoot. his form from the waist up is not only solid, he also has a very high starting point for his jumper—about five inches above the top of his forehead, a la Michael Finley, Rasheed Wallace, etc. then there’s the fact that when he shoots a jumper, his natural lift is over 2 feet off the floor. that adds up to a shot that’s nearly impossible to block. AND, all it’s going to take to make him more consistent is a season or two working with a shooting coach to correct that scissor kick.
b) his ball handling isn’t as stable as it could be towards the end of dribble drives. i have yet to note, or to read note of any report citing issues at the start of moves from the wing. his first step is a doozie. again, this issue is easily corrected over the course of one or two seasons.
c) his lateral quickness on the wing is said to be average, which people say may cause issues for him guarding NBA 3s. you know who else has average lateral quickness? paul pierce… the guy who has been causing all these issues for Kobe (who i should point out is faster than virtually any nba 3, or most of his fellow 2s for that matter). all this means is that he’ll need to refine his footwork and understanding of nba team defense. this won’t even require a full season with his work ethic, assuming he has a good defensive coach working with him. say… what is mcmillan known for, anyway?... i’m just saying…

4) strengths?
a) he’s a beast in the mid to low post. remember that inconsistent jumper? well… his turnaround jumper isn’t getting any complaints about inconsistency. from 10 and in, it’s pretty much money in the bank. and he still gets that incredible lift, and has that high release. he can also shoot his turnaround going to either shoulder equally effectively. that’s a very rare thing, and makes him a huge pain to cover.
b) athletecism. he’s a demon around the rim, whether it’s rebounding or exploding to the hoop for scores. he isn’t the kind of guy you’ll see go to the rim showing dunk, then trying to twist for a layup if it’s contested. he’s the kind of guy you see go up and try to rip someone’s arm off if they contest him.
c) tenacity. he’s famous for being a workhorse. he said going into his predraft workouts that one of the main things he wanted to show teams was that he “is very coachable”. guess what reviews are saying? he’s extremely coachable! people putting him through drills or scouting him continually talk about his motor and his will to do anything he can to help his team win. they also talk over and over again about how fearless he is.
d) his learning curve. he’s very smart, he’s a basketball junkie, and he is incredibly driven to get better. remember that bit about only playing organized ball for 5 years? consider how far he’s come already. now… consider what a guy this smart, with this work ethic, humility, and athletecism is going to look like after 2 seasons with nba coaches developing him. seriously.

5) he’s a character guy. we love those.

6) rudy’s coming for the ‘08-’09 season! if he’s anywhere near as good as advertized, i think we’ll be looking at a future backcourt of Rudy & Roy. while they are both natural 2s, they also each have well above-average ball handling ability, great size, and are above average passers. if we use those two in the backcourt together, and have them split handling duties, we’re looking great, and we won’t need to draft a 1.

7) travis outlaw, martell webster… these guys mean we have all the time we need to let alexander become the force he can become. if he evolves into a starter (and i think he could, easily), we have the luxury of keeping Outlaw coming off the bench. i know a lot of people want to start him, but the bottom line is that Outlaw coming off the bench is a huge problem for a lot of teams. he can come in at the 2, 3, or 4 as needed, and he is instant offense and energy. webster? he’s not as consistent as he could be, but he’s still young, and he’s making good progress. again, a guy who can come in at the 2 or the 3 and pose problems.

8) matchups… a big theme in the nba. you want as many of them to be favorable as possible, right? your starting lineup in 2 years would probably be rudy, roy, 3, aldridge, oden. since we know mcmillan likes a pure-shooting 3 at the 3 spot, lets say it’s webster still. time for a breather? no problem. you sub in outlaw at the 2, 3, or 4, and alexander at the 3 or 4. those two guys coming in allow you to pull out any 2 of your starting 5 and cause automatic matchup issues. imagine being an opposing coach trying to match up against:

rudy-
roy-
outlaw-
alexander-
oden—

sure, your center goes on oden. here’s the issue… your 1 and your 3 are getting posted up. your 4 is on either alexander or outlaw, and that guy is being pulled away from the bucket to make space for your post advantages, or to find his help cleared out while he gets blown by. on the other end, alexander is strong enough to cover 4s, which means outlaw, roy, and rudy-who are all long and quick- are sharking passing lanes with oden clogging the middle. all of your help defenders are long and agile.

and the fast breaks? you’re all quick, your trailer is a truck, and every one of those guys can play way above the rim.

please draft joe alexander.