FanPost

What do you need to see from Blake in 2008-09?

After reading Jason Quick's piece on Blake today, I asked myself what I wanted to see from Steve this season that would justify keeping him on the Blazers beyond next June.  After all, his contract for $4 million in 2009-10 isn't guaranteed, so the team has no financial obligation to him after 6-30-09 should they choose to cut him after next season.  And, of course, he can be included in any trade.  And just as KP commented to Quick about wanting to see certain things from Blake, I , too, have a list of things that I would like to see.  I'd be interested in your feedback and in hearing what expectations/hopes you might have as well.

In my mind, in order for Blake to keep his job as starting PG beyond the 2008-09 season, I need to see 3 things from him this year:

1) Last season we saw an improvement in his consistency to hit the outside shot, especially from behind the 3 point line.  I want to see him at least maintain this - I don't have to see a dramatic improvement, but similar consistency is a must.

2) I want to see him improve his ability to push the ball in fast break situations.  This is not a strength of Roy's game, so I'd like to see Blake do a better job of being the primary ball-handler when the team is on the break while he's on the court.   Push the tempo a bit when he's bringing the ball upcourt.  I believe/hope that the Blazers will be an improved team on the defensive glass which will lead to more fast break opportunities, and I would like to see Blake become more of a catalyst in these situations.

3) I want to see him continue to improve his defensive efforts.  I don't need to see him get a lot of steals.  But right now he's an average defender in his ability to stay between his man and the basket.  I'd like to see him improve to above average in this ability.

If he can accomplish these 3 things, my guess is that he will have contributed directly to the team's ability to win ballgames.  As such, it will be worth it for the team to retain his services for the $4 million in 2009-10.  If not - as much as I love his character and team-first attitude - it will probably be best for the team to either cut him and get the cap savings next summer or to include him in a trade during the next 10 months.  That will give the Blazers the roster space to find a starting PG elsewhere (Bayless? Koponen?  Someone else?)