I think it’s racism or astigmatism.

I think I may have a different idea of his full potential. From what you describe it seems like you feel his full potential would be a guy like Shane Battier. I think he could be better than that because he is capable of that kind of defense but his offensive game is more diverse: Martell can hit the three (obviously) but if pressed and given the opporunity, I think he could create his own shot, drive and play above the rim, and hit mid-range pull up jumpers-Martell has shown flashes of all these. I would even say his offensive ceiling is higher than (dare I say it) Travis Outlaw, who is freaky athletic, but lacks the aggressiveness to drive. If pressed, I would maybe argue that if Martell was allowed to reach is full potential-given toches and the offense ran through him at times— I think, provided he works hard, he would be on the same as Carmelo Anthony with possibly better defense.

My above argument, however, is that I think he should be kept and allowed to be Shane Battier for us rather than us just feeling bad about him becoming Carmelo after we trade him. In re-reading ratbastird’s original post, what I’m discussing is his argument that it would suck if he is “less than he can be” with the Blazers. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, necessarily.

The only issue I see is that I don’t picture Outlaw as a starter.

I DO believe he’ll become a baller on another team. Nate hasn’t exactly been playing webster to his strengths. Rather he made webster fit in here, and I think that will help webster in the future but holds him back here.

We’ll see of course. I just think that people will complain when webster does well, and so I’m pointing out now that it’s for the best and most likely the reason why is because webster doesn’t want to fit the mold that nate is forming for him.

ooooh (shiver)

I think Martell is gonna be a player, Frye has endeared himself to me by endearing himself to Portland, and I think Jack’s best days are ahead of him and his biggest negatives are fixed with experience.

Unfortunately, the contract and salary cap issues are very real and throw a big wrench in the ‘big plan’, and each guy is kinda at a crossroads in their career. If it is up to me, I keep Martell and try to sign him to a deal similar or a lil’ more than what a lottery rookie gets (or somewhat similar to Outlaw’s), and keep it short so if he breaks out he knows a big deal is coming very soon.

I love Jack, but I’m not sure what role he can have on this current Blazer team. Rudy takes his backup combo minutes, and Blake has been a better starter thus far. Perhaps Jack can overtake Blake (he has the talent), but that’ll take time to see… I don’t mind taking the time of course, but perhaps KP can make a deal now that can’t really wait. Who knows.

With both Frye and Martell, they are each so young and have 10 years or more ahead of them… settling for less money but more wins now isn’t what usually happens, no matter how nice of kids they are. I can’t begrudge them if Martell could only make MLE type money here, or 8-10+ million as a starter scoring 20ppg somewhere else. This is his livelihood, and he has a very short time frame to get what he can out of it.

And Frye has to realize he can’t do better than backup on the Blazers, and if you’re counting on injuries to give Frye playing time, that’s just not the way to think. He’s a luxury, and I’d love to keep him, but he’ll likely make more and be able to DO more on another team without two of the best post players.

Maybe being a Blazer is important to them, but I can’t count on it and I just can’t blame them if they want to go where they can play and make a SIZEABLE amount of more money. If it’s just the “make same salary but be in a bigger market because I am a tool” excuse, then I get annoyed. If it is Joe Johnson making a lil’ bit on the Suns and being a backup, or make MAX money and be the star for the Hawks, I can’t blame Joe Johnson for leaving.

Most of me just hates the idea of moving a youngin’ before we see what we got. I hear ya on the cry over spilled milk thang… this salary cap hold is a bee in my bonnet and is boogers on my toast!

Mortimer

Kinda like a Pippen in a PG body… does the lil’ things on defense, is versatile but not great at any one thing on offense, and smart. He has a better attitude than Pippen of course, and I ain’t saying DEVIN HARRIS = SCOTTIE PIPPEN, but that sort of ‘star role player’ who is a glue guy, but better…

A Teyshaun Prince of PGs, perhaps.

His speed and actually good defense (which seems so rare in good PGs these days), just makes me go googly for him. PLUS, I see him as semi-available for the right price, and since he seems attainable, he seems hotter to me. Chris Paul is much more sexy n’ beautiful, but I can’t pull that bird, mate! Harris won’t turn me down, so he gets my dander up, if you catch my drift.

And by ‘dander up’, I mean I want to marry him and make an honest man out of the kid.

I’m gonna listen to the podcast now, I love these.

Mortimer