In Managing Andre Miller, Nate McMillan Looks to His Own History
by Ben. on Oct 11, 2009 2:55 PM PDT
in News
281 comments
Predictably, Nate McMillan did not want to directly address Marc Spears' article regarding Andre Miller's apparent unhappiness. His direct comments on the matter are nearly word-for-word what he told us last year when Sergio Rodriguez raised similar questions about his role with the team: "My office is open to my players. I didn't read that [article]. I don't really want to comment on that." Again, mirroring Sergio's situation, McMillan stated quite clearly, "until [something] is said to me, it's not something that I'm going to concern myself with. My players can come to me if there's something that's a concern, if they don't know a role, I'm here every day." He also went on to say that the lines of communication between himself and Andre Miller were open. That was pretty much the extent of his direct discussion of Andre Miller at this morning's practice.
But there was a different story told by Nate McMillan today, a story that took the better part of half an hour. A story, ironically, about an established point guard locked in a battle for playing time, a point guard who was "very frustrated" over his role with a team.
In the 1990 NBA draft, the Seattle SuperSonics selected a brash young point guard with the second overall pick in the first round: Gary Payton. Their incumbent point guard? Nate McMillan. I could clearly make out some lingering animosity as McMillan described how the Sonics handled that transition, "We drafted Gary and that day they basically said Gary was going to be the starting guard without us coming to training camp." While the team was building its plans in the media around Payton, McMillan was left feeling like he deserved better. "[My mentality] was like, 'let's come to camp. let's see.'" Nobody seemed to care or listen.
McMillan says his frustration wasn't caused by a feeling that he was better than the upstart rookie, "It wasn't about being better. No. I didn't look at it that way. I didn't take it like that. Gary was my teammate." Instead, the frustration came from a feeling that he wasn't getting the respect that he felt he had earned, that the decision had been made, in part, for non-basketball reasons before the first day of training camp, "I understand the politics of the game where a lot of times salaries dictate whether you start or not. Where you were drafted. As a coach, it's like you're sometimes forced to put guys in that position and that guy hasn't earned the right to be there."
With the team's mind made up to start Payton, McMillan found himself in a tight spot: to publicly express his frustrations with his role or to swallow those feelings?
According to McMillan, his first move was to proactively seek out Payton to ensure that there would be no personality conflicts between the two guards, "[Gary] came in with the idea that I was going to have a problem with him. And I came in by welcoming him to the team. We became the best of friends. He didn't know how to take me the first day or so. But it was like, 'Welcome to the team. Play your a** off and I've got your back.'"
McMillan drew a parallel between his situation and that of one current Blazer in particular. "I understand how players feel.... I can moan about [my role] or I can go out and play and make the coach put me on the floor, which is what Rudy [Fernandez] is doing," McMillan said, "He's going out and playing. We'll try to find a way to get him more minutes because he can do certain things on the floor." McMillan went on to further compare Fernandez's situation with his own, "I ended up getting more minutes by playing point guard, off guard, I would play guard with Gary and Gary would move to the 2. I would be at the point. I played some 3. Having that versatility, the bottom line was, 'I'm going to make this work. And I'm going to make Payton better.'" Hence the talk about moving Rudy to the point or perhaps going small and using him at the 3, to somehow play Rudy alongside Brandon Roy.
With years to reflect back on the entire ordeal, McMillan did note with a smile, "Gary ended up being a Hall of Famer, [starting him from day one] ended up being the right thing."
The right decision, sure, but one that he still feels was reached the wrong way.
The unorthodox approach that McMillan has tried his best to stick to -- opening up every starting spot for a battle and deferring to incumbent starters even when new, perhaps more talented players are brought aboard -- doesn't seem so unorthodox when accounting for McMillan's own personal experience. Almost 20 years later, McMillan clearly still feels that as a veteran and an incumbent he wasn't given his proper due during the Payton situation. In this light, it seems obvious that the last thing in the world Nate McMillan would do is put Steve Blake through a similar trial. Indeed, McMillan admitted that his philosophy towards starting roles was derived from that time in Seattle. He also stated emphatically that his earn-your-role approach is, simply, "the way to compete."
Stepping back from the discussion of minutes, McMillan seemed to paint his team-first approach to Payton's arrival as an allegory for achieving true success in the NBA. Individuals don't win; teams do. And every last benefit will be earned, right down to the offensive touch. "I went 12 years without a play being called for me," McMillan joked. "They didn't have no play for me. I went 12 years and I didn't have no play except for where to pass the ball. But we were having [success] year after year in the 90s, some 60 win seasons in doing that."
Ultimately, McMillan's championship vision can be boiled down to an unselfish team-oriented approach that finds the star players, those who have earned the touches by performing time after time, with the ball when it matters. "The teams from the old Lakers and old Celtics. They had a ton of talent. You had Parish, McHale and Bird. Danny Ainge and Dennis Johnson. A ton of guys that could f****** play," McMillan remembered. "You're talking about touches? [Just] play the game. Everybody will get their opportunities. You had Kareem, Worthy, Magic, Cooper, Byron Scott. You play the game the right way, you're going to get your touches. You take advantage of some matchups at the end of the night but the bottom line [is that] the ball is going to be in Magic's hands when it's clutch time. And Kareem. Worthy and the rest of them would play off that. That's basketball. Same thing with our championship team. That ball is going to be in Walton's hands, ok? We're going to play off of that. That's how you do it. Years ago, it's not going to be in Jerome Kersey's hands. It's going to be in Porter's and Drexler's hands."
Asked if this approach, these historical references and this philosophy of the game still resonate with modern players, whether it's possible to get 15 truly talented guys in this day and age to buy into a single team-first vision, McMillan stared straight into my eyes and said flatly, "We're going to do that. We're going to do it. It's not about me. It's not about you. It's about the Blazers. We're going to play the right way. For me, if it takes me losing my job, we're going to play the right way."
He wasn't done, his voice rising and falling to make sure his point was absolutely clear.
"We're going to play the right way. It ain't about you. It's about us. We can be successful if we play together. And that's what it's about. In this league, playing hard, playing together. Your numbers shouldn't matter. If we're not winning then you can say some things. But if we do it the right way, we should win, and you still shouldn't say anything."
Nate McMillan cleverly used the second person, and he skillfully drew upon his personal experiences, but I think we know exactly who he was talking to.
-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)
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And now...
All is clear. Apparently there is a method to the madness, eh?
Great Post, Ben.
"Don't put anything crazy in the papers. I'll find out who you are." -- Andre Miller
by Jeremiah S on Oct 11, 2009 3:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
excellent thanks
The Princess of Blazersedge
It just takes an iron fist to keep the riff raff under control and her princess hand is mad strong- Idoltime
by BlazerFan1 on Oct 11, 2009 3:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I've always liked Nate
What an awesome response to current issues.
quid Latine dictum sit, altum viditur
by dvcastle on Oct 11, 2009 3:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Nate likes humble players
Some players need humble pie.
by hotstuffdb22 on Oct 11, 2009 3:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
mmmmmm
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
so Juwan Howard should start at the point
that settles it…
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He does have an underrated crossover
Except at his age, I’d fear his ankle would break making that move rather than the defender’s.
by xedubx on Oct 11, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
shhh
his ankles are listening…and creaking…
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love Nate and what he stands for...
… His way may be “old school” but I trust that it can work today the same way it worked with Magic and Bird. I know some will criticize and question Nate but I support his position 100%. His attitude is a big part of the character of this team. Question his X’s and O’s… His substitution pattern whatever… but know this… he’s a class act.
GO BLAZERS!!!
by Ilikeemall on Oct 11, 2009 3:18 PM PDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Nate is telling different stories
Nate says he won’t comment and then goes on to describe how he handled a somewhat similar situation in Seattle. How is that not a comment?
Nate says there’s open competition, and he supports Blake as a starter, and he tells the media that he told Miller in Vegas that Andre wouldn’t start.
I don’t think that pointing out the glaring logical inconsistencies in Nate’s comments disloyal. It’s fair to criticize Nate around this. No body it perfect and it’s obvious Nate’s upset still over how he was treated in the past.
But what about how he is treating Miller? Andre Miller is not demanding to start. But he does want the shot to earn a starting spot that Nate, at times, seems to have promised the players coming into camp.
How does that make Miller (or me) the bad guy?
by LaoTzu on Oct 11, 2009 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's similar to what Jesus did
speaking in parables.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
For his first miracle,
he will take 240 minutes and divide them up such that every player will have their fill, with some minutes left over.
by Montavilla Steve on Oct 11, 2009 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Excellent.
I’m down with screwing the whole “Space-time contininum” thingy in liew of an out and out miracle. Totally down with it.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ack. Forgive spelling please.
continuum…lieu…
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the made a rule about playing 6 men on the court
so thats out
bayless leaves over my dead body
andre miller>hedo, blake
real.baller
R.A.M.B.O (do it nate, if you are smart)
"I could have killed 'em all, I could kill you. In town you're the law, out here it's me. Don't push it. Don't push it or I'll give you a war you won't believe. Let it (last years starting line-up) go. Let it go."
by thomasikehara on Oct 11, 2009 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why, yes it is!
No miracle yet. Dang.
(12*5)4 = 485 = 240
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey! Mathematical formatting doesn't show up!
(12×5)x4 = 48×5 = 240
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stars bold things when they are on the same line, I think
I can tell you how to make an Excel spreadsheet that proves Portland wins 62 games this year.
by jscot on Oct 11, 2009 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
2010=2
championships in Portland’s history, that is…
Blazers: RUN away with the title!
KP: Please don't trade the next decade's Scottie Pippen (Batum), Spanish Larry Bird (Rudy), Bill Russell (GO) or Captain BRoy - at least until they 3-peat..
by Visionary2 on Oct 11, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's called triple overtime
Disclaimer: everything I know about basketball I learned on Blazersedge.
by pualo on Oct 11, 2009 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be a very stressful way to go through a 100+ game season
Thaink you can handle that?
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it results in a championship? Sure.
nearly got hit with a t shirt cannon t shirt while typing
worse than travis
-Ben.
by rockingharder on Oct 11, 2009 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is not how I remember Nate's comments
Nate talked about the possibility of Andre coming of the bench in Vegas. He didn’t guarantee the job to anyone, but said that he could envision Miller being very effective with the second unit.
The only part of the competition that hasn’t been open is who was the starting PG on day 1. Since then, it’s been an open competition and, in fact, Miller has started a game. How has Nate promised Blake a starting spot if he’s already trying Miller in the starting line-up?
I don’t see glaring inconsistencies in what Nate has said about the point guard position in the media.
by PoliSam on Oct 11, 2009 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm glad you are satisfied
If I was Miller, I would feel disrespected by my coach and left to hang by the franchise.
Is it alright that Miller isn’t the emotionally indestructible guy Nate paints himself to be? I would like to see Nate embrace all of our players. He’s the new guy with the great resume. It seems like he should be welcomed.
Maybe it’s just me who doesn’t get the point of hazing.
by LaoTzu on Oct 11, 2009 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty sure you were looking for a different word than hazing
Because Miller is not getting hazed. He just hasn’t been gifted with the starting spot from day one.
by HallelujahHoeDown on Oct 11, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dre called it "respect", I believe
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Miller should show respect for what the team has accomplished.
They won 54 games last year with Blake in the starting lineup. Something about that works, so it’s on Miller to prove he can be more effective in that lineup rather than feel entitled to that position. Miller’s contract is irrelevant. He was aware of McMillan’s philosophy before coming in since he was knowledgeable about the Blazers.
I’m sure Miller’s heard about Manu Ginobli, the Sixth Man award, etc. The best player at a position doesn’t necessarily have to start. Griping about his situation is not respectful to the rest of the team. There’s plenty of talent and a finite number of minutes to go around and Miller’s teammates have been dealing with that for awhile without complaint.
by Benjamanic on Oct 12, 2009 7:42 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
is your screen name a reference to one of the greatest you tube videos ever?
by TheTinfoil on Oct 11, 2009 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It sounds like you have a good understanding of ...
… new age respect.
Too bad you don’t have a similar understanding on the real thing.
Respect is never owed, it is earned. And as McMillan knows, having earned it, it doesn’t mean you will always get it. Real men (and women) don’t mouth off, but buckle down even more and make others swallow their words. It is a lesson Andre Miller apparently still has room to learn on.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Oct 12, 2009 9:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am quite frankly not concerned with "how he is treating Miller"...
There is no tangible evidence that Nate isn’t giving Andre an opportunity to start. As a matter of fact there is considerable evidence that he is… like the RAMBO thing against the Clips.
You are by no means a bad guy. What you do seem to be is a guy who thinks we should be more concerned with our new PG and his unearned role with the team then we are with the team itself.
If Andre is the wise old, battle hardened pro we hope he is absolutely nothing has happened to him that should have people worried about his mistreatment.
by Ilikeemall on Oct 11, 2009 10:44 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
As a matter of fact there is considerable evidence that he is… like the RAMBO thing against the Clips.
Let’s just all ST*U n play ball!!!! Oh…we can’t I guess…
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think there is a difference between this situation and Nate's back in 90'.
Andre Miller isn’t an unproven rookie like Payton was, he’s consistently been a much better pg than Steve Blake and if he’s unhappy with coming off the bench, that’s his right and he deserves better than how he’s been treated so far.
PS fire nate?!? hire Cheeks
by Boss_Raptor on Oct 11, 2009 3:23 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
You're getting it backwards, Boss Raptor
In this metaphor, Miller is McMillan, NOT Payton. I know thats a little confusing because Miller is the incoming player, but the point is not about who the new guy is. The idea is about who the vet is, and how a vet is supposed to behave. McMillan sucked it up and put the team first, and he expect ALL his players to do so, including veteran PGs.
by conspirator5 on Oct 11, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You got there first.
“To him that has ears, let him hear.”
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
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by staylost on Oct 11, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
blake is no gary payton
if that is what you are saying…
The situation is different. Should Andre have kept his mouth shut until the start of the season, yes. Should he start, yes…
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
The question is not necessarily of who is the better player.
Rather, Miller may be a better player, however he may be a better fit coming in with the 2nd unit.
The people who FINISH the game, are more important than the ones who start it. And, I sincerely believe that Andre is a better player, and will finish the games, however he would have a greater impact on the game if he was with the 2nd unit where he could direct guys like Travis and Rudy. Assuming Joel is with the 2nd unit, Andre’s ability to throw the lob would then keep opposing C’s from playing off Joel, and help with spreading the court.
Plus, Defensively he could muscle up on PG’s easier, and throw them off their game. We got beat a lot by PG’s who penetrated to Joel or Greg and then either drew fouls, or collapsed the Defense enough to create an easy kick out and wide open shot. Also, he plays the passing lanes, which along with Rudy would create for many fast break options, and keep the perimeter passing game in check, somewhat.
In this respect, he would work best with the 2nd unit. If he were with the 1st unit, we would have 4 guys who like to play a midrange game, with 3 guys who can post up. Blake is a much better fit from an offensive standpoint here.
Defensively, the 1st unit would lose some potency without Andre. However, I remember reading that the Blazers are playing more of a Closeout Man-Zone this year, which allows for easier trapping and helps to shut off the middle. The system alone should help out everyone defensively.
To conclude, Andre would be much more effective with our 2nd unit. However, when the game is on the line, and we need a floor general, he will be out there. I just hope he realizes that starting isn’t everything. Maybe he should have a talk with Jason Terry. That man has figured it out.
"Don't put anything crazy in the papers. I'll find out who you are." -- Andre Miller
by Jeremiah S on Oct 11, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guys..Guys..
You have it all wrong.. BAYLESS is Gary Payton. Duh..
by resurrect_ha28 on Oct 11, 2009 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bayless is totally the glove
just a much a much smaller glove that shouldn’t start…
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Do you Eat Politicians with those little raptor hands?
by LaoTzu on Oct 11, 2009 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I try but they keep getting away
I need longer arms :(
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if the glove doesn't fit
then he must sit
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 11, 2009 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions 11 recs
Why should he start?
He was hired to do a job and the Blazers are letting him do the job in the way that helps the team not to help Andre get numbers. As a BB player he has no more right to start then anyone else on the team. All Nate is saying that if you want the job then earn it by putting your work where your mouth is.
Should Travis start? I say yes. Does that make it so? I would say probably not. Nate is not going to let you, me, or the media dictate to him who will start and who won’t even if it cost him his job. I really respect and honor anybody with those principles
hg
by BBK on Oct 11, 2009 6:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But that isn't what Nate said!
Nate told the MEDIA that he told Miller in Vegas he wasn’t going to start.
Nate’s support for Blake made it even more clear.
Talk about ancient history all you want, is it an open competition or not, Nate?
by LaoTzu on Oct 11, 2009 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not true:
He told Andre that he Might be coming off the bench. He didn’t say he would not be starting. Then later he said he would start the season with the team he ended up with because they earned it from last year. Besides it is Nate’s word against Andre. I chose Nate.
Another factor to look at is everybody is judging on what Miller has done in the past. Does that mean he will do it here without trial. He is like everybody else in this world he has to prove himself over and over again.
hg
by BBK on Oct 11, 2009 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
Nice comment, rec
I can tell you how to make an Excel spreadsheet that proves Portland wins 62 games this year.
by jscot on Oct 12, 2009 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is not a proven fact.
This is a reporters interpretation of something Nate said that was likely taken out of context. At the time of the meeting Nate said that he told Miller that he “might not start.” That is a lot different than saying he “would not start.”
I think it would help the tone of the conversation if you stopped repeating this as though it were a matter of fact.
by upper left corner on Oct 12, 2009 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really? I find that he is saying Miller is him…
Miller is the guy that they didn’t say was starting. Miller is the guy who needs to know to leave it on the floor, not go whining to Yahoo.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
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by staylost on Oct 11, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Nate can whine all he wants?
Are you comfortable with that double-standard?
by LaoTzu on Oct 11, 2009 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely.
It is not a double standard.
Nate is the boss here.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
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by staylost on Oct 11, 2009 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So he can make all the mistakes he wants.
Is it okay to call him on them?
Is this America?
by LaoTzu on Oct 11, 2009 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So Andre can't talk and Nate can and say he isn't?
by LaoTzu on Oct 11, 2009 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This being America has nothing to do with it.
In America free speech is supposedly bastioned. But being a Blazer removes you from that paradigm. It becomes the United States of McMillan. It is no longer a Democracy. It is a Monarchy. And even if the King has no pants on, the players do not get to call him on it. Only the Pope (Paul Allen) can abdicate Nate from his throne by excommunication. Or a mass insurrection from the masses.
by HallelujahHoeDown on Oct 11, 2009 11:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LaoTzu you sure seem to have a twisted sense of the concept of respect.
McMillan is the coach. As in, he is in charge, the decision maker, the boss.
Miller is the employee. He does what he is told. If he doesn’t like it, he can go into his boss’ office and talk about it. Mouthing off to the press is not an action that is worthy of earning respect.
McMillan was asked a question. He responded with a analogy. One that clearly shows he DOES understand the meaning of the concept of respect.
If Miller is by far the superior player to Blake and the team performs better with him in the starting lineup, then all he has to do is shut up and play. If there is one thing you can take to the bank about McMillan, it is that he will do what he belives is in the best interests of the team.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Oct 12, 2009 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nate is Blake
So, instead of just saying the new guy (Miller) gets the job, he is saying it is open for battle.
To show Blake (ie, himself) the respect earned from starting for the team successfully in the past.
Miller = Payton in this story. The ballyhooed new guy who hasn’t “earned” the spot yet by playing with the team. Nate is showing Blake the respect he felt he didn’t get when he was a player.
Mortimer
by Mortimer on Oct 12, 2009 1:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a perfect analogy, Morty...
Payton was a highly touted rookie coming to a team with a solid-but-aging vet.
Miller is a highly touted aging vet coming to a team run by a solid-but-younger journeyman with a dissimilar skill set.
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 12, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
.................. but yes, Nate showing Blake every courtesy is at some level related to his own treatment previously...
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 12, 2009 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it's not an exact scenario
Particularly because the guy coming in (Miller) is still just a stop-gap because of his age.
I’m just trying to make it clear, because it seems like some people are getting the roles flip flopped. Nate is simply trying to show Blake the respect he felt like he wasn’t given once a new fancy PG came around— even if the right decision was to start the new guy, he felt he had earned the respect to have a chance, so he is giving that chance to Blake.
It’s another reason I love Nate.
The situations and roles are different, but the scenario similar.
Morty
by Mortimer on Oct 12, 2009 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you. I think a lot of folks around here must have scored pretty low on the SAT analogy section
Clearly in the analogy Nate is making Nate is Blake, and Payton is Miller.
Where the analogy breaks down is that Payton was a rookie and Miller is a proven, top level starter.
I think it is good that Nate is showing Blake respect. On the other hand, he needs to show Miller at least the same amount of respect because Miller has EARNED it.
by upper left corner on Oct 12, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many 54 win teams has Miller started on?
by tominhawaii on Oct 12, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The number of wins is irrelevant
Miller has been near All-Star level throughout his career. Steve has been a guy who has struggled to establish himself as a starter throughout his career. Compare the stats, the PER ratings, the WIN ratings, it is clear that Miller has been significantly more productive through-out his long career.
Miller has had no control over the over-all talent level of the teams he has played on. Even there, Miller’s teams have been in the playoffs a lot more frequently than Blake’s.
by upper left corner on Oct 13, 2009 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Miller's just not a winner, stats don't win rings
I’m sure his stats are all better than Robert Horry’s, but Horry knows how to win.
by tominhawaii on Oct 14, 2009 5:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The truth is...
…you are the weak, and I am the tyranny of evil men. But, I’m tryin’ Ringo, I’m tryin’ real hard to be the shepherd.
by bartender77 on Oct 11, 2009 4:08 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
give the man his wallet
you know the one…
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on Oct 11, 2009 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kudos to Coach Nate for demonstrating this level of leadership.
I think it’s moments like these that speak volumes to how lucky we are to have him in this organization. I feel confident that in 10-15 years, Nate McMillan is going to be one of the revered coaches of the league, a la Jerry Sloan etc.
And Kudos to Ben, who basically gets the COUNTERscoop to Marc Spears’s Miller article. To paraphrase bumper stickers seen during the Bob Packwood era:
“If it matters to Oregonians, you’ll read about it on the Blazersedge.”
by conspirator5 on Oct 11, 2009 3:23 PM PDT reply actions 4 recs
Yeah, this is easily nationally syndicated quality stuff.
Very nice Ben.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
by staylost on Oct 11, 2009 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the perspective, Ben
Its so easy to get caught up in the storyline, spin, angle, and agenda of the moment. There’s always another way to look at these issues and even if one doesn’t agree, the wise ones listen to all. Thanks for giving us the opportunity.
by blazergrl on Oct 11, 2009 3:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Great style, leadership
I take issue with his decision and the analogy he uses to justify it. But saying it’s personal his personal decision is correct. He’s coach. You don’t second guess coach — not in public.
by jiminut on Oct 11, 2009 3:43 PM PDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. I was with Miller until he took his grievance public
Not that I think fans or media should get on his case about this. Let coach and player work it out. I’m confident they will if everyone else butts out. These two guys are peas in a pod—tough, no-nonsense, team-oriented point guards (present & former).
"We don't back down to nobody." --Joel Przybilla
by hurryup09 on Oct 11, 2009 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Nate can non-comment at length and you are alright with that?
The coaching staff leaked the fitness results.
The coach supported Blake over Miller to the public.
The coach reported to the MEDIA that he told Miller in Vegas he would not start him.
Then the coach had the audacity to state that it is an open competition for starting PG?
Nice. Hire a Top 10 point guard, kick him a few times, and then complain about him saying “Ow!”
Sounds like sound strategy to me.
by LaoTzu on Oct 11, 2009 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why do you keep repeating this BS?
Multiple people have called you out, yet you keep repeating the same BS.
What Nate said is not the same as "the coach reported to the MEDIA that he told Miller in Vegas he would not start him." The quote from the article is “McMillan has said he told Miller during their summer meeting in Las Vegas that he very well might make him a reserve. Miller doesn’t remember the meeting quite the same way.” That is not the same thing as what you keep writing. In fact, it suggests that the PG spot is still open. So when you say “Then the coach had the audacity to state that it is an open competition for starting PG” I don’t see the audacity.
by ILovePortlandsBeerAndBlazers on Oct 11, 2009 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The love starts October 27
Until then it’s endless speculation, exaggeration, blowing things out of proportion, whining, consoling, crying, trying too hard, not trying hard enough, worry, hand-wringing and nail-biting.
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you talking about players and the media or BEdgers?
by MiledAnimal on Oct 11, 2009 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
mainly I meant BEdgers
but media probably fits in there too…I think the players are probably just a little nervous and jittery…but less so than the media and fans. That’s only a guess, but making comments about this or that is usually just a way to get ideas and feeling out of your head and into the open so you can get over it.
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's our jobs as bloggers
And our rights as citizens.
by LaoTzu on Oct 11, 2009 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
so as blogging citizens
we have to do it twice as much?
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 11:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I have to do twice as much I want to get paid for it
Blazers win!
by The X-man on Oct 11, 2009 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You must be kidding..
Hi LaoTzu.. I have been laughing my ass off at your entire string on this post.
You have been joking, right? I would not want a man on my team to have an attitude like yours.. Basketball is a team game. Nate will give Andrea plenty of oppurtunities take over the starting position…. Just like at the Clips game (didn’t go real well).
And I hope Miller closes his mouth and play.
Although I’M SURE that the team is MUCH better with him running the second unit. (Until at the end of the game…in most situations)
Just read the very well written post above (By Jeremiah S) Argument is settled.
Bazers will win.
Rick D.
by Rick_D on Oct 11, 2009 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When he whines like a little girl ...
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Oct 12, 2009 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong
Quick flat out said he got the results of the tests of a dry erase board at the practice facility. Nate was upset that Quick had the info.
by upper left corner on Oct 12, 2009 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who left them on the board? Whose responsibility is that? No matter what, Andre was put on front street here.
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
by KINGofMACct on Oct 12, 2009 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that it made Andre look bad and was handled poorly, but .....
Quick’s description of his conversation with Nate made it very clear that it was not deliberate. One of the coaches simply forgot to erase the board. It totally misrepresents the situation to suggest that Nate deliberately tried to embarrass Miller.
by upper left corner on Oct 13, 2009 9:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can agree with you that Nate may not have been deliberately trying to embarrass Miller, but, none the less, Miller does have a beef here.
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
by KINGofMACct on Oct 13, 2009 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not really
If they never leaked before, he could say, “Why are you leaking it this year?” They always do.
Fact: He didn’t report in game condition.
Fact: He’s proven he knows what he’s about in getting ready for the season.
Fact: He’s coming into a team where this is part of the team preparation, so he’s expected to take part just like everyone else.
Fact: The word of players failing has come out before, and nobody except a few nuts on Bedge made a big deal out of it.
Beef? Really? Nobody cares, Andre. Just get ready in time to play the games. You’re going to have a tough life if you get all worried over some person criticizing you for not being ready, when you and everyone else knows you will be ready when you really need to be.
Next year, Andre will fail again. Word will probably leak out. Who cares?
Simple answer: “Yeah, that’s the way they do things here, and some of these guys have really worked hard over the summer, and it shows. I’m proud of them. But remember, I’ve been around a while, I’ve been down this road before, and I’ll promise you this, Portland — I’ll be ready when they roll out the ball on October 27.”
End of story. Everyone would say, “Cool! We’ve got a real vet here, he knows the score.”
I can tell you how to make an Excel spreadsheet that proves Portland wins 62 games this year.
by jscot on Oct 13, 2009 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beef may be too strong of a word, but...
I am trying to see things from Andre’s personal perspective rather than trying to be strictly objective. Andre would probably agree with you about next year, but as he attempted to say, "Come on folks, I am trying to make a first impression here."
I also agree with you that this should not be considered such a big deal in and of itself. Andre is a proven performer and the season will get started here pretty soon. I just hate the idea of people getting all down on him over small stuff.
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
by KINGofMACct on Oct 13, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
God forbid you tried to be objective.
jscot is correct. Miller has little to no basis for complaint. We can point that out without crucifying him. As simple “Andre, chill out. You have nothing to complain about, now lets get back to work.” No big deal.
Trying to see it from his prespective doesn’t really get you anything when he’s wrong to begin with.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Oct 13, 2009 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
I usually find it easier to get through to someone who is wrong to begin with when I get inside their head first.
“Ok, Andre, I see why you’re bugged. But chill out, man. You’re overreacting. This doesn’t matter at all, what you do on the court matters. Back to work, dude, let’s roll.”
I can tell you how to make an Excel spreadsheet that proves Portland wins 62 games this year.
by jscot on Oct 13, 2009 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reason + a little psychology is often times > than reason alone. That is, unless you are in space dealing with Data or Mr. Spock.
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
by KINGofMACct on Oct 14, 2009 3:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't imagine anything more humiliating than getting paid $7 million dollars a year to come off the bench.
by tominhawaii on Oct 11, 2009 3:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You are joking, right?
It would be humbling if you have a distorted ego, perhaps, but only an entitled snot-rag would cry about getting $7 million to do just about anything.
quid Latine dictum sit, altum viditur
by dvcastle on Oct 11, 2009 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tom NEVER jokes. Never!!!
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tom is obviously teasing.
He’s done A LOT more humiliating stuff than that!
by LaoTzu on Oct 11, 2009 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We won't even mention the incident with the ketchup bottle in Cleveland!!!
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
for 7million I'll make that bench
using a spoon and fingernails
by Oggbog on Oct 11, 2009 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about $12.7M?
Oh, wait. That’s RLEC.
"My shoulder is OK. And away we go." -- Nic Batum
by DonkeyShins on Oct 11, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He did't even come off the bench
heck, he did’t even show up for practice
bayless leaves over my dead body
andre miller>hedo, blake
real.baller
R.A.M.B.O (do it nate, if you are smart)
"I could have killed 'em all, I could kill you. In town you're the law, out here it's me. Don't push it. Don't push it or I'll give you a war you won't believe. Let it (last years starting line-up) go. Let it go."
by thomasikehara on Oct 11, 2009 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was in Iowa of all places...Iowa!
There is no “i” in team, but there is a capital “I” in Iowa. Coincidence? You decide.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Raef LaFrentz... selfish.
nearly got hit with a t shirt cannon t shirt while typing
worse than travis
-Ben.
by rockingharder on Oct 11, 2009 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beg to differ...Mississippi River Clams...
…oh never mind :-D
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nobody asked him if he wanted to challenge Oden and LaMarcus for a starting spot
Disrespect to a veteran player. Double standards.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
by Norsktroll on Oct 12, 2009 1:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
just one question
how does Nate explain his decision to have Oden start on opening night last season?
I have a love/hate relationship with the Cardinals' middle relief corps. | Cards on Cards
by madding on Oct 11, 2009 3:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I read it as self-criticism over the Oden decision, actually...
“I understand the politics of the game where a lot of times salaries dictate whether you start or not. Where you were drafted. As a coach, it’s like you’re sometimes forced to put guys in that position and that guy hasn’t earned the right to be there.”
Who else could he possibly be talking about?
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
It sounds to me like he is talking about KP or PA
Nate is not big on saying he’s sorry.
by LaoTzu on Oct 11, 2009 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That makes no sense
How would KP or PA fit into that discussion?
by ppilot on Oct 11, 2009 7:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
KP: Nate, you have to start Greg.
NM: I don’t think so.
KP: Do it MF.
NM: Okay.
NM today: Next time I’m ignoring that MF, fire me if you want.
Disclaimer: everything I know about basketball I learned on Blazersedge.
by pualo on Oct 11, 2009 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Are we sure it wasn't Joel who dropped the MF?
Blazers win!
by The X-man on Oct 11, 2009 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
isn't it always Joel?
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
by austinpwnz on Oct 12, 2009 12:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And rightfully so.
Setting lineups is in Nate’s job description last I checked.
by Benjamanic on Oct 12, 2009 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who else could he possibly be talking about
?
Ridnour, or someone else in Seattle?
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 11, 2009 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nate's going to do things his way
no matter what. If they trade for LeBron next year and Outlaw’s the starter, LeBron is benched during training camp.
Nate’s selfish.
Honor Alaa Abdelnaby.
First in the NBA. At least alphabetically
by OhOhOden on Oct 11, 2009 4:23 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Because Travis and Lebron vs Miller and Blake
Fabulous deductive reasoning.
by HallelujahHoeDown on Oct 11, 2009 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, Ben. This is good work. It's in depth journalism that scooped everyone else.
More and more often I see national journalists who reference Blazers Edge.
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Oct 11, 2009 4:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This is a fantastic piece!!
Straight up gold!
"And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make." -The Beatles
by 92wastheyear on Oct 11, 2009 4:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow!
You just busted out with a story that I could’ve easily pictured reading in a major newspaper or sports magazine. Very. Very. Impressive. Ben.
by JasonT on Oct 11, 2009 4:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ben, was this a one on one interview? If so, I'd say that you,
and by extension, Blazers Edge, have arrived.
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Oct 11, 2009 4:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
it’s very difficult if not impossible to get truly 1 on 1 time with nate. it was a sunday practice, 4 writers showed up - usually 20+ people are there. for most of these quotes it was me and another writer chatting with nate on a variety of topics. nate first mentioned payton in an answer to another writer and i took the ball and went from there. honestly nate did most of the work on this one.
by Ben. on Oct 12, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he sees that you really put his message across well
maybe it will be easier to get time with him next time.
I can tell you how to make an Excel spreadsheet that proves Portland wins 62 games this year.
by jscot on Oct 12, 2009 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is excellent work Ben.
I’m old school. I’m totally with Nate’s philosophy. The one thing I wonder about, and it is just wondering, if he is good at communicating his vision to his players, and just as important, getting them to buy into it, outside of Roy and LA.
It seems to me the nature of the game regarding how individual players are treated has changed fundementally since the days of the old Celts, Lakers, et al, that Nate mentions in his examples, with the CBA, contract years / free agency, etc. However, I totally respect his position that he is going to coach the team concept as he as outlined it, or lose his job trying…
Yeah Ben. This piece is worthy of publishing nationally / world wide. Frame this one dude.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 5:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Excellent
I’m not a big Nate guy but this was handled perfectly. I also join in the chorus of kudos here. This is a very, very well done piece. Thank you.
(insert inspirational quote here)
by Milkbomb on Oct 11, 2009 5:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Excellent post Ben, you gave me something to get fired up about.
Personal experience can also be a bad teacher. Sometimes the connections made are emotional rather than logical and the results are anecdotal rather than deserved. The bottom line is best player, best fit. What happened 20 years ago to someone else does not really matter at all. Nate was simply foolish to make all of these counter intuitive statements ahead of time when he did not need to. It is the very appearance of prejudgment on his part (which he is supposedly against) that has made Andre so irritable.
As far as what Nate is saying the team is going to do, whether he gets fired or not, is just plain hyperbole. The team already has significant problems with playing the, "right way." There is not much that is secretive about the two major boondoggles from last year—a ball holding one-on-one offense as our, "bread and butter," and constant bad switches of picks on defense.
The story that came out on O-Live about Roy and Aldridge being upset in having to share the ball more than they want to is a further example of our dysfunction. Also, the aversion to proper offensive execution of the pick and roll by our two "star" players (the #1 play in pro ball) is a another example. Roy and Aldridge intentionally wait and wait and wait for the traffic to clear rather than making use of the pick or the roll.
I could go on about additional obvious playing deficiencies, but what does Nate really mean when he refers to playing the right way? He is certainly not overly concerned with passing or player movement (other than getting out of the way so Roy, LMA, or Travis can go one on one). When he says, "the right way," is that code saying, "keep your mouth shut," or, "real team players don’t disagree with the coach?"
Real team work has to do with how you play on the floor, not with how you get along with your coach or how you socialize with your fellow teammates. It is about X’s and O’s and execution, and not much else, either that, or the Bulls need to give back a few titles.
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
by KINGofMACct on Oct 11, 2009 5:32 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I like this comment. Very articulate.
Great “other side of the coin” stuff. I just read the Quick piece you mentioned….yeah this is the sort of stuff I’m wondering about re: Nate and his philosophy vs. how that translates into a coheisive, winning, NBA team of 2009-10…
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I would boil it down to, in simple terms...
is that it’s going to be Nate’s job to make sure the individuals on the team are comfortable with their respective roles, in order to be totally effective. I’m not saying every player is going to totally like what Nate has in store for them, but somehow he has to sell his vision that the team play concept is in their best interest. I just get the feeling to Nate the “Team First” is self evident, and that everyone else should see that, and if they don’t like it, “they should come see me”. I just wonder if managing individual egos in this NBA age may be a little more tricky and subtle than that. We’ll shall see. Of course I hope he is utterly and smashingly successful at it.
OK let’s start the regualr season already….after we get the kinks worked out with what the roles are going to be in this pre-season…
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
in other words
if you can’t play with Brandon (option 1) and LMA (option 2) and make them look good, you better get used to coming off the bench
the problem with this is, by the time Miller comes in “at the end of the game” he won’t have enough time on the court with Roy and LMA to have developed any continuity
that’s one reason why Andre should start, and Roy should learn to play off the ball, some. But the best reason for starting Miller is…Oden. Nate can’t make Greg come in off the bench, not after he spent the summer working on his game. 52 needs to start, and he needs Miller to make sure he gets his touches, not just “option 1 and option 2”
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 11, 2009 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
What do you know? I never knew
the problem with this is, by the time Miller comes in "at the end of the game" he won’t have enough time on the court with Roy and LMA to have developed any continuity
Guys can only learn to play together if they are starters together. Who would have guessed?
Oh, and Greg can only be effective if he and Miller start together? What a sad career he’s going to have. Two good years and then it will all fall apart.
Now, after that news for me, I have some for you.
1. Greg is going to be effective even if Andre isn’t in the game. He might be more effective with Andre, but he’ll be effective when Andre is sitting, too.
2. Joel is only likely to be effective offensively if Andre is in the game.
If we want to be looking at this long term and not just short term, Brandon needs to learn to involve Greg, not really on Andre to do it all the time.
I don’t care if Andre starts, and I won’t be surprised if he does. But this is sloppy logic.
I can tell you how to make an Excel spreadsheet that proves Portland wins 62 games this year.
by jscot on Oct 12, 2009 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Is there any evidence that Oden would get more touches playing with Miller than he would get
playing with Blake? Miller is more ball-dominate than Blake and takes more shots, which means fewer touches/shots are available for other players.
by trk on Oct 12, 2009 1:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
one of Miller’s priorities seems to be feeding the post.
"If the Lakers are Hollywood, then we are South Central." - Clipper fan.
by Cablinasian on Oct 13, 2009 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not many coaches turn down a contract extension
Nate puts his money where his mouth is. That gives him credibility in my book. When he says, “my door is open,” and expects the team to “play the right way,” I put that in the context of his actions and interpret it to mean that you work out your issues “straight up” rather than backdooring them through the court of public opinion. So, you can twist it around to an Xs and Os criticism if changing the subject gives you a better pulpit to preach from but Nate very clearly wasn’t talking about Xs and Os. He was talking about how a professional works out his issues with his role on the team—which is to work hard on the floor and to communicate professionally and constructively with the coach and his teammates rather than to whine to the media. And, on the issue of the Blazers not giving Miller enough respect—Maybe someone can remember why he is in Portland in the first place…? As I recall, Philly offered him a very short contract, which the Trailblazers exceeded by far. He has already got more respect here than he got in Philly. More than that he should have to earn. Blake has improved every year and also deserves the respect of at least being beaten fair and square for minutes or for a starting position. Nate has got it right on that point. But maybe you can catch his ear some time and help him out with the Xs and Os.
by oldguyoldfan on Oct 11, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, Nate's contract situation, like what happened with GP, should have nothing to do with this matter one way or the other.
I agree with you that Nate was not necessarily speaking of X’s and O’s, but I can see how a lot of people would take it that way considering the fact that "playing the right way" is generally thought of in those terms rather than as a prohibition against going to the media.
Also, Nate used the media first. He went to the media about the same unit starting that won 54 games, and it was also his responsibility to keep the conditioning results in house as well. Andre deserves better treatment than he has received here so far. He is a proven veteran, someone we said we wanted. By his statements, I do not think he is receiving that message up to this point.
One more thing, this should not be a personality issue, it should be a matter of whether he can still play at a high level or not. I have not lost confidence in him yet, but I have not seen the player that I remember him being in the past. My hope is that he is following his usual practice of playing himself into shape.
One possible out for Nate and Brandon is that they are having issues with what they are seeing from Andre on the court (his age catching up to him?) and it is turning into a media circus? We don’t know all of what is really going on at this point, but I do know this, if he can still play, he should play. We do not need the reputation of being a team that plays head games, and I would hate to see Portland unnecessarily increase their positioning as a place that NBA veterans really do not want to go to unless they are overpaid.
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
by KINGofMACct on Oct 12, 2009 2:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's see, just how many NBA games have you won as a coach?
You seem to question Nate’s philosophy of playing the right way because he doesn’t have the team playing a style of basketball you think they should. Yeah, that’s good enough for me. Some guy sitting on his ass most certainly knows better than the guy actually having to do the job. And it’s obvious to even the most neophyte basketball fan that the Blazers performed poorly last season. I mean 54 wins is child’s play in the NBA. Your average high school coach could get that many wins in a season, if given the chance to coach this team.
Yep King, you’ve nailed it. I think ESPN need look no further than you for its next analyst.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Oct 12, 2009 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your post is a perfect example of a logical fallacy.
You avoided the points that were made and attacked the person. That does not carry a lot of weight in my book, does it in yours? It shouldn’t.
Also, your fallacy was directed at the wrong person (not that I am going to go into it here, but my basketball experience is extensive), so I am not too intimidated by "experts," or bloggers.
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
by KINGofMACct on Oct 12, 2009 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If your sitting on an airplane and the guy next to you is criticizing ...
… the pilot’s abilities to fly, wouldn’t you ask him what his qualifications are?
Most of the attacking I’m seeing is you attacking McMillan’s coaching ability and style. The logical response to comments such as yours is to ask the commentor what his qualifications are. How are we to know whether you truly are someone with vast experience and great insight – so much so that you can feel free to criticize a well respected professional – or just another fan with an opinion?
As for your points – ok:
1) best player is the best fit – two word response zach randolph. I can go even shorter. Two letter response A I . The are lots of examples of players have better talent not being a good fit on a team.
2) Past experience doesn’t really matter – maybe, but I’ll wager that most people consider past experience to often be valuable. I think there is a word for people who use past experience to guide their actions in particular instances. Veteran.
3) Significant problems and major boondoogles – exactly how significant or major can any issue be for a team that won 54 games and tied for the lead in it’s Division? When you are winning more than 50 games with 4 rookies and one of the youngest, least experienced teams in the league, it requires a fair degree of hyperbole on your part to claim there are significant problems and major boondoogles.
And what do either of the problems you identify have to do with playing the right way according to Nate? (And btw – I’d like you to explain how you came to the conclusion that Portland’s offense last year was primarily one on one? I may not be the basketball genius you are, but what I saw was a team that bought into ball movement and finding the open man. It was only towards the end of games that they tended to devolve into more one on one. And whose to say that a significant reason for this was their only having two reliable scorers? Give them even one more and the problem might go away. That has nothing to do with Nate’s philosophy on playing the game.)
3) team dysfunction – a couple of preseason media articles proporting unhappiness among Aldridge and Roy about touches is your evidence for dysfunction? Yep, newspaper articles are newer wrong and always tell the complete story, with never any room for doubt. This one is almost laughable.
I really don’t know for sure what McMillan considers to be the right way to play, since we don’t go out for beers or invite each others families over for dinner on a regular basis and discuss the issue. What I do know is that he does have his ideas on what he expects out of his players. And I also can observe that he has taken a very young and inexperienced team and had them playing above expectations the past two seasons. If you think he has it all wrong, go apply for his job.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Oct 13, 2009 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the end of games that they tended to devolve into more one on one. And whose to say that a significant reason for this was their only having two reliable scorers? Give them even one more and the problem might go away.
Miller is that 3rd scorer. There are going to be some “growing pains” for Roy and Aldridge to get used to playing with Andre, and vice versa. But what the team should be seeking to avoid is getting knocked out of the playoffs in the first round, again. They probably didn’t need to add Miller to win another 50+ regular season games, but to advance to the finals…? Roy and Aldridge needed help, and Nate/KP went out and got it
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 13, 2009 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
First of all, don’t take this so personally unless you are Nate. (If you were I might understand your angst.)
If your sitting on an airplane and the guy next to you is criticizing … … the pilot’s abilities to fly, wouldn’t you ask him what his qualifications are?
If we were supposed to be flying North from LA to Seattle, and the Pacific Ocean was on the right side of the plane, I would be concerned as well!
Most of the attacking I’m seeing is you attacking McMillan’s coaching ability and style. The logical response to comments such as yours is to ask the commentor what his qualifications are. How are we to know whether you truly are someone with vast experience and great insight – so much so that you can feel free to criticize a well respected professional – or just another fan with an opinion?
This is not about Nate, this is about HOW the team plays.
As for your points – ok:
1) best player is the best fit – two word response zach randolph. I can go even shorter. Two letter response A I . The are lots of examples of players have better talent not being a good fit on a team.
I believe you changed my words and misunderstood my meaning. I certainly did not endorse Zach or Allen. How about Daunte Jones with Denver or Shane Battier with Houston last year. Players who are good and are the best fit.
1) Past experience doesn’t really matter – maybe, but I’ll wager that most people consider past experience to often be valuable. I think there is a word for people who use past experience to guide their actions in particular instances. Veteran.
Again, I believe you changed the words and missed my meaning. Experience can, at times be a good teacher, but a past situation that is quite different in its dynamics is irrelevant.
3) Significant problems and major boondoogles – exactly how significant or major can any issue be for a team that won 54 games and tied for the lead in it’s Division? When you are winning more than 50 games with 4 rookies and one of the youngest, least experienced teams in the league, it requires a fair degree of hyperbole on your part to claim there are significant problems and major boondoogles.
Last year was last year. A good year, but I am not looking for a repeat of it. We should do better than a first round playoff exit. I really do not care so much about regular season wins except how it relates to playoff seeding.
And what do either of the problems you identify have to do with playing the right way according to Nate? ………….. That has nothing to do with Nate’s philosophy on playing the game.)
I thought Nate was the coach. This is an example of plausible deniability taken to the extreme.
3) team dysfunction – a couple of preseason media articles proporting unhappiness among Aldridge and Roy about touches is your evidence for dysfunction? Yep, newspaper articles are newer wrong and always tell the complete story, with never any room for doubt. This one is almost laughable.
Team dysfunction is not about what the media writes, it is a function of how the team plays on the floor. Poor ball movement, lack of defensive intensity, and too much one on one play, are examples of a team playing dysfunctional basketball. Playing basketball the right way is not about emotional statements, it is about execution on the floor—something we all can see and evaluate at our own particular level.
I really don’t know for sure what McMillan considers to be the right way to play, since we don’t go out for beers or invite each others families over for dinner on a regular basis and discuss the issue. What I do know is that he does have his ideas on what he expects out of his players. And I also can observe that he has taken a very young and inexperienced team and had them playing above expectations the past two seasons. If you think he has it all wrong, go apply for his job.
There you go again!
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
by KINGofMACct on Oct 14, 2009 4:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blazersedge is on fire...
I’m really enjoying the posts of late… drama appears, BE squashish is with reasonable insight and well written prose.
Excellent.
by Oggbog on Oct 11, 2009 5:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
we don't need no water?
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Video killed the radio star
and as much as they don’t want to revel in it, Dave and Ben are killing the paper and the radio when it comes to Blazer coverage.
I hate Comcast.
by blazeraddict on Oct 11, 2009 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i've finally figured it out
Nate wants to start…he is tired of all these whiny and/or incompetent PG being all Paytonesque when HE is the one that should be the hall of famer…Nate wants to start, Nate wants to be a Hall of Famer…the real question is how about Nate’s feelings? Why aren’t you talking about Nate?
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 5:45 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I love Nate - watched him play his whole career
I just wish we wouldn’t get statements like “I didn’t read that article.” That’s bogus.
by Sonic Boom on Oct 11, 2009 6:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Why? He probably really didn't read it.
You know, viewing days worth of game tapes, devising strategies and tactics, having meetings with players making sure they know what their roles are…he probably shouldn’t have much time to be reading what Yahoo has to say…I mean I’d understand if he didn’t have the time…
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of coaches and players ignore the media coverage if at all possible.
Someone else telling him about the article is much more likely
by ppilot on Oct 11, 2009 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ben!
That’s some access you have. Miller story comes out and you’ve got a half hour with the head coach the next day. How’d you do that!?
by Blazin' on Oct 11, 2009 6:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Simple
Nate wanted exhibition games on telly so his son in Arizona could watch them on a pirated internet feed. This was payback for Ben raising the issue.
I can tell you how to make an Excel spreadsheet that proves Portland wins 62 games this year.
by jscot on Oct 12, 2009 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
nate called a sunday practice and i showed up. it wasn’t anything unusual.
by Ben. on Oct 12, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's that showing up thing...
I’ll have to try that. ;)
by Blazin' on Oct 13, 2009 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Is it always like this?" Collins said after the scrimmage. "It was like the first game of the NBA playoffs or something."
by Y5k on Oct 11, 2009 7:02 PM PDT reply actions 16 recs
Blazers get past the first round in the play-offs this year
[barring season ending injuries or such], and I’m with ya.
Nate has done a fantastic job so far in his tenure here [I have loved what Nate has done so far] , but I’m a “what have you done for me lately” kind of guy. New season, new roster, new expectations. I’m flawed that way.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
but are his statements on the issue not wholly in the right direction?
"Is it always like this?" Collins said after the scrimmage. "It was like the first game of the NBA playoffs or something."
by Y5k on Oct 11, 2009 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm more concerned with subtlties than overt statements.
Minor hand-wringing….OK, I’ve got conditional love, subject to change if the roster isn’t managed optimally. How’s that?
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 7:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
getting closer ...
"Is it always like this?" Collins said after the scrimmage. "It was like the first game of the NBA playoffs or something."
by Y5k on Oct 11, 2009 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best I can do for now.
It’s still the pre-season
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
you've got a good support system here, my friend.
We can get through this pre-season together. I know we can.
"Is it always like this?" Collins said after the scrimmage. "It was like the first game of the NBA playoffs or something."
by Y5k on Oct 11, 2009 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I knew I could count on y'all
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
/hug
"Is it always like this?" Collins said after the scrimmage. "It was like the first game of the NBA playoffs or something."
by Y5k on Oct 11, 2009 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Conditional love is no love at all.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Oct 12, 2009 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't believe in the concept that all real love is unconditional.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 12, 2009 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do
But I also believe in the concept that real love is tough love when needed.
I can tell you how to make an Excel spreadsheet that proves Portland wins 62 games this year.
by jscot on Oct 12, 2009 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well semantics. Maybe that's it
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 12, 2009 11:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Largely
But I think the common usage of “love” is twisted. (warning, getting philosophical).
Most so-called “love” is selfish. I love her because she does this for me, or makes me feel this way, or whatever. That’s not love, that’s ultimately all about “me”.
Real love cares about the best for the other person. That doesn’t mean pretending that destructive behavior doesn’t matter. It often means taking action to stop destructive behavior, not for selfish reasons, but because destructive behavior is ultimately self-destructive.
It means teaching kids that temper fits are not acceptable and bring bad consequences. Life is like that, they need to learn. Love doesn’t let kids develop eating habits that someday lead to obesity and diabetes. You don’t give your kids sweets every day because you love them. You do it because they like it and express affection to you, and you like that affection. Ultimately, it is buying affection at a price that is going to hurt them down the road. That’s not love, that’s cruelty.
Affection is often conditional. Love isn’t. If someone does negative things to me, they may lose my affection. If I love them, I’ll try to help them change that behavior because it damages them to behave in such a way, it will cost them jobs, friends, relationships, etc.
I can tell you how to make an Excel spreadsheet that proves Portland wins 62 games this year.
by jscot on Oct 13, 2009 6:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well why don't you marry him then?
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
He's already married
I can tell you how to make an Excel spreadsheet that proves Portland wins 62 games this year.
by jscot on Oct 12, 2009 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
kinky
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 12, 2009 12:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My wife couldn't pick Nate out of a line-up ...
and her favorite Blazers are Steve and Joel because she likes the way their names sound aloud. That’s the extent of her Blazer fandom.
However, we are having these T-shirts printed up for Halloween:
"Is it always like this?" Collins said after the scrimmage. "It was like the first game of the NBA playoffs or something."
by Y5k on Oct 12, 2009 1:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quick has got to be ticked Ben wrote this story.
Ben that was a phenomenal write.
by Titlein2011 on Oct 11, 2009 7:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Here is Quick with some of Miller's take
Dude!, what's wrong with you? Why you gotta be holding a corn dog when I go for a high-five??
by 1badbadger on Oct 11, 2009 7:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
(Excellent work, Ben)
"Is it always like this?" Collins said after the scrimmage. "It was like the first game of the NBA playoffs or something."
by Y5k on Oct 11, 2009 7:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
RELATED OREGONIAN PIECE
Trail Blazers’ Andre Miller and Nate McMillan discuss Miller’s role, controversial comments
By Joe Freeman
You were quoted in the story as saying "If I was told right out when I had my meetings that I would be a backup, then I wouldn’t have come (to Portland)." Is that accurate?
"Yeah, that’s accurate."
Are you cool with your situation here? Is it a work in progress?
"That’s the mentality that every player should have. If it doesn’t go my way, it doesn’t go my way. But I’m going to continue to work hard regardless of the situation. So the coach runs the team and whatever decision he makes, I have to live with it. But I’m not going to change my work habits and my work ethic. I’m going to continue to work hard and that should be every player’s goal going into the season, setting goals to be on the court as much as they can. I wouldn’t be in this position if I didn’t have that mentality. So I understand the situation. It’s a new situation and I don’t want to mess up the thing that’s going on here. I just want to come in and help and however I can help the team, whether coming off the bench or starting. That’s just what I have to deal with." * * *
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 8:02 PM PDT reply actions 5 recs
That's exactly what I expected to hear from Andre. Very professional attitude.
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Oct 11, 2009 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Way to stay on top of this timbo.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that sounds rational
quick, bury it under hyperbole and exaggeration…clearly what he meant to say was that he will stop at nothing to destroy this team and take the ball out of B-Roy’s hand at every opportunity… someone quote me then the interwebz will take over!
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well that certainly backfired Dre
Judging by your comments in the story, you feel as if you’ve gotten a bad rap from the media. Is that accurate and would like you to comment on that?
"Yeah, pretty much. I normally don’t say anything to the media. I’m even tempered. When I saw what was put in about me in the paper, then I did the article with Marc (Spears) to have my say. I didn’t want it to be one sided where people get a bad vibe about me coming to Portland. I came here to help the team. I didn’t come here to bring the team down."
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, you don't want to be trying to put out a fire with a flamethrower...
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nailed it!
Not sure what Andre was going for if this is the case.
by HallelujahHoeDown on Oct 11, 2009 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
...I'm giving this whole thing a pass from here on out.
Taken with the seemingly very forthcoming Q and A in the latest Freeman article, Mr. Miller was going for something else by doing the story with Spears, and due to unfamiliarity with the territory, it didn’t quite turn out the way he intended it to.
I’m going back to my originally scheduled programming, that being, let Mr. Miller do his talking on the court. Period. He has no media savvy, so anything in the media has a good chance of being taken out of context, or whatever.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree
I think all this crazy comes from some deep seeded need within all Blazer fans that if things are looking good, don the tinfoil hats and start bitching at anything that even looks like negativity.
by HallelujahHoeDown on Oct 11, 2009 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So the purpose of me even talking to Marc Spears was to just be able to have my say, rather than it to be one sided, where people get an idea or a feel about me that I didn’t feel was a positive feel.
The sad thing is, Andre didn’t have to say anything. Most Blazers fans already had his back. If anything, he’s gone and made his rep worse by talking to Spears
Sometimes it’s just better to leave it at “my record stands on it’s own” and let your play do the talking
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 11, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huh!?
“Most Blazers fans already had his back”.
I must be reading different different stuff than you. He is taking some of the heat off of Travis, however.
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Oct 11, 2009 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well most Blazer fans were behind him, before the Spear's article
Look at the starting lineup polls, lineups with Miller starting instead of Blake were something like 80-20 or at least 75-25
and there were plenty of “the best player should start” and “you don’t pay a guy 7mil to sit” comments, as well as a lot of love for his slick play on the court—at least when we could actually watch the games or highlights.
Sure, there was the media day “grumpy Andre” backlash, but I think Miller was over-reacting to a vocal minority (the guy who told him to sit with his teammates on he bench, the complaints on talk radio about how he refused to sign an autograph at the mall, etc) instead of playing it cool and not responding to the negative Nancys.
It’s a probably a good thing Miller is usually aloof, because for a guy who grew up in a tough ’hood, he seems to be awfully thin-skinned…
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 11, 2009 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right on, Ann.
I support Andre and I am taking incredible heat. I wonder if I can work this into a paying gig.
by LaoTzu on Oct 11, 2009 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are taking heat because the basis of your claim is untrue
And all that goes on is unanswered requests for a published quote that substantiates some semblance of what you are arguing. But other than your a total victim in your crusade to vindicate the one true king of the point guard position.
by HallelujahHoeDown on Oct 12, 2009 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Precisely
This guy is a team player par excellence. He saw the impact all the trade proposals was having on Travis, and said, “Yo, Trav, I’m a vet, I know how to handle these things. Just watch. Someday, you’ll do this for some guy.”
Gets out his cell phone, calls Iggy, and says, “Iggy, I never talk to the press. Who is someone national that will get my story out.” Iggy says, “Man, I think you want Spears. Is there a problem?”
“No, Iggy, not for me. It’s just Trav here is having a little trouble, and it’s time for an old guy to take the heat for a while.”
“Oh, OK, that’s cool. Best of luck, man.”
Andre gets up, and walks into Nate’s office with Travis.
“Hi, Nate, a little bit of a problem. Travis is having trouble concentrating on his one dribble, two dribbles, three dribble, pass thing. It’s all those people talking about BBQing a website, or something, and Travis loves him some BBQ. But apparently some of them keep wanting to trade him to Memphis, and you know, nobody deserves that ever.”
Nate says, “You guys both know that isn’t happening.”
Andre: “Yes, sir, but it’s still bugging Trav, so as a vet, I’m gonna take the heat off of him for a while and give them something to talk about. I’m going to complain in the national media about this starting thing. Now, you know I want to start, but we understand each other. And Coach, I’m here for the team. So this is for Travis, ok?”
Nate says, “I can’t back you, but I won’t bash you directly.” Andre: “Back me? If you did that, it wouldn’t stir the controversy.”
Nate looks at him, and says, “Well, it will keep interest up, so that’s probably good. OK, Andre. The fans won’t like this much, but they’ll come around.”
Travis looks at Andre, and say, “You the man, Andre. I’ll make you a promise. When I’m doing that dribble, dribble, dribble, pass, I’m gonna pass to you sometimes.”
Andre looks at him, and says, “Travis, let’s make a deal. On this team, I do the dribble, dribble, dribble, pass. You score and rebound. Trust me, Trav, everyone will be happier that way. Everyone.”
I can tell you how to make an Excel spreadsheet that proves Portland wins 62 games this year.
by jscot on Oct 12, 2009 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions 5 recs
Excellent.
This is how it should go down behind the scenes. If it doesn’t, it should.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 12, 2009 12:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This must be the transcript
edited for PG-13 sensibilities
ignacio
by ignacio on Oct 12, 2009 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
my dream world
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
by austinpwnz on Oct 12, 2009 1:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just love Andre. I just knew he was taking care of my darling Trav.
Thank you for explaining it so succinctly, my Sultry Sultan
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Oct 12, 2009 1:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
.
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Oct 12, 2009 1:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm rooting for blake
but honestly, i expect Miller to win out. It’s not a knock on miller, just that I appreciate Blake and I’d like him to be good enough to stay around for our rings. I want him to get at least one because he’s been a part of our turn around and I believe things like that should be rewarded.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
by ratbastird on Oct 12, 2009 8:17 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
At this point, Andre needs to shut up and play...
……………………….. or else take the big step and do a Total Image Makeover and become Mr. Happy Smiley Snugglebunny with the media. Either approach would work. But if he’s crabby and terse, then jumps into a media campaign “over the heads” of the local press to counter the inevitable (negative) stories that have followed from him being crabby and terse, that’s when we have problems.
THE SMART APPROACH would have been to smile, grit his teeth, and admit to having 2 wives, 12 kids, an affection for Liberace records, and a passion for playing tetherball on weekends — or whatever the Huge Personal Secrets are — and it would have been a non-story and everybody would have moved along.
The snarling, snapping, “mind your own business” approach, while understandable, leaves a lot of unanswered questions in a town with a basketball obsession… And so it perks along, with Scandalmaker journalists flustered and ready to take cheap shots at the first opportunity.
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like him the way he is, a cumudgeon, like you. :p
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Oct 11, 2009 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oh, butt out and mind your own business!!!
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
No, I've seen the error of my ways and changed my mind... Ask me anything!!!
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously, he has not been well served by his agent. This whole "My Personal Life Is Secret Approach So Screw You" is confrontational in essence...
………………………. He’d have to TRULY not care about what anybody thinks to pull that off — and as we are now seeing, he really DOES care about what people think of him, what fans think of him, what the media thinks of him, etc.
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
READ: ..."My Personal LIfe Is Secret, So Screw You" Approach...
word order, word order…
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's probably never been in a situation like he's
been confronted with in Portland, where people want to know about every breath he takes. He has no idea how to proceed and he’s blundering. People need to give the poor guy some space and let him play basketball. Don’t breathe down his neck.
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Oct 11, 2009 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I tend to agree.
I think timbo’s research indicated that even in high school he was way under the radar in LA as a B-ball prospect…then the whole red-shirt because of the Prop 48 test case thing…I’m kind of down with him being a different kind of bird, so to speak…yeah Andre, ya might just want to lay low n play, and no more over-analyzing and trying to vent to Yahoo correspondents…please.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I tend to see both sides of this
A-Side: This is a business, an entertainment business. Albeit B-ball is the near end-all, but part of this business is dealing with the media (so indirectly, the fans) almost every working day. It seems one would incorporate this, in whatever style suits one best, into ones working regemine.
B-Side: I am somewhat down with his stance of just let my basketball do the talking, and screw the other psudeo-entertainment aspects of the NBA. Make a stand. Make it the B-ball. Be a purist…
I gotta admit I lean toward respecting the B-stance, if it doesn’t disrupt the chemistry / whatever, of the team.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The big contradiction..........
………………………is that Andre mouths the line that basketball is “just a business,” yet he views it existentially. It is who he is, and he feels hurt not being recognized for his previous accomplishments, being placed in the position of having to compete with Steve Frickin’ Blake (!!!) for a starting role, whereas he is basically the current incarnation of Cal Ripken Jr. in the NBA…
The “my private life is private” line is understandable, but it basically sets him at odds with the media, and through them with the fans, so he, ironically, does NOT get the recognition which he might otherwise receive. He pretty much gets cuts to the front of the line to get thrown under the bus if anything goes wrong, in fact…
It’s sort of sad, really, that a guy who really does seem to need privacy didn’t discover ten years ago the counterintuitive truth that the way to achieve privacy is to lay out all the mundane details and bore the press away by telling them everything they want to know… After that, stay out of clubs and it’s all golden…
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No disrespect intended to Blake, BTW, I was projecting Andre there a little...
Blake is swell.
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
spiffy even
Dude!, what's wrong with you? Why you gotta be holding a corn dog when I go for a high-five??
by 1badbadger on Oct 11, 2009 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah you don't see Blake all poppin' off to the press
about having to compete with Miller for the starting PG spot…heck I haven’t even seen a whole lot about the press even “pressing” him about it…oh that’s right. he lives in West Linn with his lovely wife and family, dribbles b-balls in his basement, is kind of a bad a** MMA’er, and loves Portland. Nuff said. :-)
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Ask me anything!!!" generates "Meh, who cares?"
But if Steve Blake mooned Canzano on media day and made his life a big secret… perk perk perk perk, the covered pot boils over.
We know five personal details about Blake and may or may not ever learn a sixth, and it’s not big deal if we do or don’t. But Andre’s pointed, aggressive attempts to reveal NO details of his personal life has the effect of keeping him in the spotlight (with the critics muttering, “What a jerk!” the whole time).
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blake is Neato.
I like ice cream.
Greg is a center.
by LaoTzu on Oct 11, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
whoooooaaa
This talk is way over my head. Back the cerebral banter bandwagon off the Egghead Express please…
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 11:42 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I hear ya timbo
He does march to a beat of a different drummer it seems…gonna do it his way…I guess…well whatever. My in-person blazer fan “we analyze and debate everything” guy has and had serious reservations about Miller precisely because of his personality. his ultimate stance though it doesn’t matter if he works out or not. It was a low risk option at that point, if one doesn’t count the salary. If he doesn’t work out, bench him and exercise the option next year.
That is not how I would prefer to look at it. I think this will all die down, and if he does come off the bench with the white unit, he will make it work, because he is a professional. That’s my hope anyway.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 11, 2009 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It will be interesting.
I still think him coming off the bench makes the best basketball sense for Portland, assuming that Brandon doesn’t wash out of the NBA because he forgot how to play over the past summer… Miller + Rudy + Marty + Travis + Oden OFF THE BENCH?!?!? Think of the match-up chaos that would cause EVERYONE…
Andre needs to chill though to make it happen.
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+92
"And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make." -The Beatles
by 92wastheyear on Oct 11, 2009 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey!
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Oct 11, 2009 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hi friend
"And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make." -The Beatles
by 92wastheyear on Oct 11, 2009 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Phht.
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Oct 11, 2009 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How are you feeling?
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Oct 11, 2009 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A little better...but still not great
I am going to try to drag myself to work tomorrow…so we will see
"And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make." -The Beatles
by 92wastheyear on Oct 11, 2009 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
the more miller gets knocked here, the more i like him.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
by ratbastird on Oct 12, 2009 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me too actually.
After all is said and done with Nate’s and Miller’s responses yesterday, this is blown way out of proportion.
I don’t think the Spears article was the best outlet for him to address what he was feeling, but it sounds like it’s a one time thing. It also sounds like he intended the message to be somewhat different than the ways Spears presented it. It seems the guy has no media savvy at all. Just a different bird. So be it. Now if he runs to national media everytime he has a gripe, I’ll take more exception.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Oct 12, 2009 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bravo Ben,
Miller needs to just get in where he fits in if he wants a ring.
That’s how Nate gets down :)
"That's just how I get down"........ Andre Miller
by FrenchieFan on Oct 11, 2009 8:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
In fairness to Andre
if he was told point blank by KP and/or Nate at that meeting he was being brought in to be the starting PG, he has a reason to be upset at how things have played out thus far. Do I think this will worK? Yes. But I’m hoping for a fast start to the season, because losing will only make these types of things fester.
I hate Comcast.
by blazeraddict on Oct 11, 2009 8:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
There is no indication whatsoever that he was ever told any such thing.
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just playing a bit of PG's advocate
Like I said, I think all will be well in the end, it just may be a bit of a bumpy road to get there.
I hate Comcast.
by blazeraddict on Oct 11, 2009 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
must blow out of proportion, must make into huge death dance of distraction…must keep media ball rolling…
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
Blazer fans have nothing to worry about, it’s pre-season. Time to work these things out.
"That's just how I get down"........ Andre Miller
by FrenchieFan on Oct 11, 2009 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
shhhh, your being rational
How can you be rational when the sky is falling?
DON’T YOU SEE WE ARE ALL DOOMED?!?!?!
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
YOU'RE RIGHT
BRANDON IS SELFISH, LMA IS PREPARING TO BOLT TO DALLAS, GO WILL NEVER LIVE UP TO THE HYPE, RUDY AND BATUM WILL GET INTO A FIGHT OVER WHO IS THE BEST LOOKING BLAZER…IT’S ALL OVER PEOPLE – THE CAKE IS A LIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
either that or this has been a looooooooong offseason :)
I hate Comcast.
by blazeraddict on Oct 11, 2009 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
we are left with Cunningham, Pendergraph and Bayless
let’s make the best of it…
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Classic!
I
T’S ALL OVER PEOPLE – THE CAKE IS A LIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
now we are looking through the veil
do you eat the red pill or the blue one?
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
purple pill
"There are a few teams you have to watch out for in the fourth quarter."
"Yeah, but Portland definitely is not one of them."
-New Orleans Hornets broadcasters at the end of the third quarter with the Hornets leading 74-59. Portland later ends up winning 97-89.
"They don't mind him shooting that shot at all. Rudy Fernandez is not that great of a 3pt shooter."
-New Orleans Hornets broadcasters right after a Rudy Fernandez missed 3pter. Rudy Fernandez finished the game with three 3pters on six attempts.
by Tofu Anonymous on Oct 11, 2009 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now watch SBN ban me again for spamming...
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I promise to come to your rescue, you old curmudgeon.
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Oct 11, 2009 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had a system-wide SBN ban a weekend or two ago when they were under spam attack...
I posted on top of myself too fast (believe it or not, amazing but true) and the computer shut me down on all SBN blogs for spamming…
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 11, 2009 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's crazy! I didn't know they were
being spammed.
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Oct 11, 2009 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent Post
Excellent Post, Ben. Hope all the blazers will play with this mindset.
by blazerfaan on Oct 11, 2009 9:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather they just think about set plays and such
then all of this nonsense…
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 11, 2009 11:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Touches? TOUCHES? You're talking about TOUCHES?
As an old Celts fan, I loved this part:
“The teams from the old Lakers and old Celtics. They had a ton of talent. You had Parish, McHale and Bird. Danny Ainge and Dennis Johnson. A ton of guys that could f****** play,” McMillan remembered. "You’re talking about touches? [Just] play the game. Everybody will get their opportunities
Those guys COULD f’’in play… as a TEAM…
And he didn’t even mention the ‘86 Celtics that had Bill Walton coming off the bench! 40-1 at home. That’s the team I hope we can approximate – to me, the gold standard for hoopology…
Blazers: RUN away with the title!
KP: Please don't trade the next decade's Scottie Pippen (Batum), Spanish Larry Bird (Rudy), Bill Russell (GO) or Captain BRoy - at least until they 3-peat..
by Visionary2 on Oct 11, 2009 11:33 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
We just need
to get Robert Parish as our sixth man.
—Dave
by Dave on Oct 12, 2009 12:24 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
23000 pts?
that’s pretty selfish….
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 12, 2009 12:56 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Super selfish.
"Is it always like this?" Collins said after the scrimmage. "It was like the first game of the NBA playoffs or something."
by Y5k on Oct 12, 2009 1:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We have: Oden was the statistically most similar rookie to Parish
The only other rookie with more than 500 points, 400 rebounds, and 65 blocks in under 1400 minutes played. Since 1946.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
by Norsktroll on Oct 12, 2009 1:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice post
You didn’t drop it into quotation boxes like you normally do so I wasn’t sure if you were quoting nate or someone else or just making it up. I also didn’t see where the source of your information was coming from. An interview? something else? It’s an awesome story but I felt like it missed that first introduction “sat down with nate over dinner to talk about this silly controversy” or something.
Anyway, cool story and frankly I think people are over reacting. Miller must be banging his head against the wall over this wondering if we’re all smoking crack. he wants to start. NOT a bad thing. He’s made it clear starting or not won’t effect his play. he wouldn’t want to go to a place where he’d be guaranteed a non-start and I can’t blame him. Nate has made it clear that it’s Blake’s to lose, but has also made it clear that he’s going for what’s best for the team as a whole.
So much drama. I’ll stick to the action and comedy thank you.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
by ratbastird on Oct 12, 2009 8:24 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
cool
your link page provided me the background. Thanks!
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
by ratbastird on Oct 12, 2009 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
in the story i mentioned today … there was a practice yesterday. conversation took place after practice during standard media availability time.
sorry that wasn’t clear.
by Ben. on Oct 12, 2009 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Note worthy to me are these Nate comments:
…..but the bottom line [is that] the ball is going to be in Magic’s hands when it’s clutch time. And Kareem. Worthy and the rest of them would play off that. That’s basketball. Same thing with our championship team. That ball is going to be in Walton’s hands, ok? We’re going to play off of that. That’s how you do it. Years ago, it’s not going to be in Jerome Kersey’s hands. It’s going to be in Porter’s and Drexler’s hands."
What’s he getting at here? I interpret it as an insinuation that when it’s crunch time (and even when it’s not), the ball will be handed to Brandon and not to Miller. It’s interesting to me that he felt compelled to make that point. Is he just trying to ensure that Miller knows his place on this team? I think it more likely he is trying to communicate a message that it’s going to be Brandon’s ball, and he therefore wants Miller (and fans) to realize Miller will be better off playing when Brandon is resting, i.e., not starting.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
by TwoDeep on Oct 12, 2009 11:38 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The crux for me is...
People assume that there was a search for an “upgrade” from Steve Blake, while I believe the point was to find a “complement” to Steve Blake.
by TheMadKiwi on Oct 12, 2009 11:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Great post Ben, really enjoyed reading it.
After all is said and done, this is how it played out in my head:
Andre comes to Portland. (yayyyy)
Andre doesn’t talk about Andre to the media. (boooo hisss he’s poison!)
sad Andre
Andre tries to fit in by opening up to the media…a little bit.
Media cuts and pastes quotes to make Andre come off as unhappy and victimized. (boooo hisss, he IS poison!)
Andre can’t win either way.
sad Andre
Nate attempts address the issue with a soft touch, realizing the only people who actually think it’s an issue are media and fans desperately seeking anything Blazer to talk about.
Media posts cut portions of Andre interview. (hmmmms…not such a bad guy afterall)
Season starts and we forget this ever happened.
………
………
Blazers win championship.
happy Andre
I'm on your bandwagon. Eating your nachos.
by Fanboi on Oct 13, 2009 3:44 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
What the heck! It put a line through my sad Andre!
I'm on your bandwagon. Eating your nachos.
by Fanboi on Oct 13, 2009 3:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you put a hyphen before and after something
it puts a dash through it. Extremely annoying.
Nice post, though. :)
I can tell you how to make an Excel spreadsheet that proves Portland wins 62 games this year.
by jscot on Oct 13, 2009 6:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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