D. Lee Denies Us...Pritch Be Creative
by irish3 on Oct 6, 2009 8:23 AM PDT
64 comments
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13973
Latest news has David Lee admitting he turned us down because he was worried about playing time...
Good problem to have, but essentially, the Lakers don't have this problem...
1st: We hear players in the draft won't work out for us because they are worried about playing time...
2nd: Turkoglu turns a potential championship team down so his wife can have some Turkish cuisine...
3rd: David Lee turns down a surefire championship in the next 5 years...
Like I said, these are good problems to have (in a sense), but it is slightly disconcerting that guys like Kobe, fresh out of High School, demand trades from the team that drafted them, and go to LA, that Shaq leaves Orlando to go to LA, and that Artest likely turns down money to go to LA...while players want to go to L.A. they really seem to be avoiding PDX
With the talent and resources we have, I'm not going to be one of those people satisfied with 2 rings in the next 10 years, and it worries me slightly, that when it comes to getting guys to Portland, we just aren't drawing them, and not only that, but they are willing to turn down money & wins to do so...
If Bayless materializes as "PG material," our team will crystallize perfectly without another move, if not, I worry our most useful trade bait in the near future, Rudy Fernandez, (and I don't care what people say, with Webster back, Miller signed, & Rudy's inability to play other positions, he's the most expendable with Outlaw, and he'll be frustrated this year...Webster will be more beneficial to keep as a backup SF and SG) will simply be underutilized, or eventually be dumped for relative peanuts to his value...
It would seem to me there are many teams out there that would rather let Rudy begin to boil from lack of playing time, and take advantage of that fact in a lopsided trade, than truly propose an equitable trade...
In any event, if this is taken as too pessimistic, it shouldn't be...but I do know KP is not thinking as a fan, simply going "I cannot wait for this season to start!!!" Rather, I bet on a daily basis he's wondering how this team can beat the Orlando's and Lakers of this world, for multiple rings, beginning this year...
So, do you think KP sees this as a problem, or is he confident he'll get true value for the assets we've accumulated, and not simply lose them without getting equal value in return?
PS: I can't wait till we can sign Udonis Haslem, or a guy like him, with our Midlevel Exception next year...as stacked as we are...we should only get better in the years to come...
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artest is a starter in LA
lee would get 20 minutes a game here
that is the difference, it is not like Artest is taking a back-up role to win rings, he is a starter on the team.
bayless leaves over my dead body
andre miller>hedo
real.baller
by thomasikehara on Oct 6, 2009 8:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes. LAL is pretty well stocked with bigs: Bynum, LO, and Pau. Lee would be number 4 on that totem pole for 2 slots, just like he would be in Portland.
"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 6, 2009 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still loook forward
To Ron Ron and Kobe choking each other or something at some point this year. Too many egos, too small a space.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
by skywaker9 on Oct 6, 2009 8:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That’s what they said when Rodman went to Chicago.
My team went to the playoffs in my first year.
by pxilpooshr on Oct 6, 2009 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
True that...and if I had to pick, I'd honestly say Rodman is crazier than Artest...
Its a myth to think that “bad apples” haven’t had a significant part of many titles, in sports across the board…
However, the example points out the larger picture…I do not need to know if KP is going to have Chris Paul demand a trade to PDX…
But I would like some thoughts on whether he can effectively maximize our resources…
by irish3 on Oct 6, 2009 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Paul is going to demand a trade soon
It is clear that the New Orleans owner is too cheap to build a winner.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
by skywaker9 on Oct 6, 2009 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rodman was crazy off the court
His on the court style meshed astonishingly well with the Jordan Bulls. It did before he was in Chicago and it did afterwards.
Why Ron Artest will be a disaster in LA is not because he gets on the last bus to the stadium or wears a strange jersey number: It won’t work because he takes terrible shots, needs to be a pivotal part of offense, and will not have his fading defensive prowess protected by Shane Battier anymore.
by dprodigy19 on Oct 6, 2009 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
You hit the nail on the head.
Dennis Rodman was the optimum role player on the court with Detroit and Chicago, while it remains to be seen if Ron Artest can adjust his style of play on offense to be more deferential toward teammates.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
by AK1984 on Oct 6, 2009 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that is all 100% correct
I think Artest has traditionally been on his best behavior, on the court, during the playoffs however… when it really matters.
But during the regular season, his defense is overrated and his offense normally damaging to a team since he thinks he’s a top scorer. I don’t wanna face him, motivated and hungry, in the playoffs though.
Morty
by Mortimer on Oct 6, 2009 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does that exclude the playoffs this past year?
He nearly missed all of the buses to a playoff game, after all
by dprodigy19 on Oct 7, 2009 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He still brings more effort in the games
And I’d be worried about him being properly motivated by Phil Jackson and the allure of a real shot at a title.
During the regular season, I bet he’ll be good ol’ Ronnie Artest, gunner and sometimes-awesome-defender.
M—
by Mortimer on Oct 7, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
And the problem for the rest of the West is that I sincerely doubt LA ends up anywhere other than the #1 seed (barring injury), thanks to the Spurs not really focusing on that and the rest of the West not quite there yet in terms of regular season win total.
by dprodigy19 on Oct 7, 2009 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The off-season is pretty much over, dude
Time to moth-ball the “KP screwed up” posts.
Remember when we used to have a GM that signed starter-level talent to play back-up roles? His name is Bob Whitsitt and it didn’t turn out very well.
by BlazerTag on Oct 6, 2009 8:45 AM PDT reply actions 9 recs
Bob Whitsitt, while a popular target for stones,
had the Blazers roughly ten minutes from a Finals (mismatch) appearance in 2000. He put together great basketball teams. He just needed to concentrate on character a bit more.
I heart taxes.
by everett on Oct 7, 2009 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
a GM that signed starter-level talent to play back-up roles?
Miller
Rudy
Webster
Outlaw
Przbilla
Starter-level talent, playing back-up roles…KP and Trader Bob have more in common than most Bedgers will admit. Give Nate “deep depth” and let him worry about rationing out the PT
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 7, 2009 6:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
With one exception (Miller) those are draft picks
or pre-KP acquisitions.
Can’t blame KP for drafting well.
As author of Da BOM (Blazer Optimist Manifesto), I hereby certify that we will win 62 games in the regular season. Disagree at your peril.
by jscot on Oct 8, 2009 2:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
acquiring quality assets is never "bad"
that’s why Blair > Pendergraph
but some of those draft choices need to be flipped for a couple of veteran role players who will play when needed, add toughness and playoff experience. The roster shouldn’t be all of “one kind” of player.
Not so many wings, and not so many 22-25 year old kids. Just a little more balance
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 9, 2009 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We don't have too many young players
We’re balanced on that front.
It would be more balanced if we had a little more big talent in exchange for some of our wing talent. But you don’t want to fry away your depth, either. Never know when Brandon or Nic or Martell is going to go down for 15 games.
I can tell you how to make an Excel spreadsheet that proves Portland wins 62 games this year.
by jscot on Oct 10, 2009 4:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
starter-level in theory, maybe
Martell? Has a lot to prove and not much collateral. I’m optimistic, though.
Trout? Starter on a losing team, maybe.
Przybilla? Maybe. He may start for the Blazers this year, when all is said and done (esp. if GO gets hurt again).
Miller & Rudy are starter-level talent, I agree, although Rudy has some serious holes in his game.
by Marvin100 on Oct 8, 2009 7:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huh?
Martell started all year for a 41 win team. That’s starter level.
Travis? Played over 30 mpg and was 3rd leading scorer on a 54 win team. Received votes for 6th Man of the year. That’s starter level.
Joel? Obviously starter-level, he started for a 54 win team.
Starter-level doesn’t mean you could start for every team. It means you are good enough to be a legitimate starter in the NBA, and not just on a horrible team. Every one of these guys could start on at least five NBA teams, and probably more.
I can tell you how to make an Excel spreadsheet that proves Portland wins 62 games this year.
by jscot on Oct 8, 2009 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Allow me to offer some free advice.
Don’t waste time worrying about things you have no control over.
Worrying about whether players want to come to Portland is a waste of time. And comparing LA to Portland is not only a waste of time, it is down right foolish. Oregon is not southern California and Portland is nothing like LA. You are comparing a metro area of perhaps 1 million people with the 2nd largest city in the country. There are always going to be people drawn to the glitz and bright lights of Hollywood. Well, guess what, while likely a smaller group, there will also be people who are drawn to the family friendly environment of Portland. And as far as I’m concerned, I like the latter type better. Odds are they are more solid, down to earth and likely to be the sort of good citizen and good teammate that we want on our Portland Trailblazers.
In other words, pop open a beer or pop a couple of pills and relax. This is nothing worth wasting time on.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Oct 6, 2009 9:04 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Well, if we are honest, we'd have to say the majority of the time on BE would have to be categorized as "wasted,"...
But I would rather put it in the same category over “wondering.” ie. How does Greg Oden look? Is Martell looking better? What defensive strategies will Coach Nate employ with Miller? ect. We can’t affect them either, but still interesting to think about…
So…I just had 4 delicious cookies hot from the oven, lol, truly, but I still wonder if we’ll be able to parlay our talent into dynasty proportions when the time for future moves come, and they will come… Can KP do that?
by irish3 on Oct 6, 2009 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed and rec.
I hate this idea that some Blazer topics are worth discussing and some are pointless. Do posters come here and comment because they’re trying to influence the team, or because it gives them pleasure to discuss the Blazers with other fans? Anything that satisfies the latter is a worthwhile topic on BE in my eyes, including trade posts, “who’s better?” posts, posts about who should start, posts about free agents, etc., etc.
by Royster on Oct 6, 2009 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would posit that while everyone is entitled to their opinions ....
…. and are free to make their opinions known, not all opinions are of the same worth.
Worrying about Portland’s attractiveness to FA’s as compared to Los Angeles ranks rather low – in my opinion – as there is nothing anyone (short of God unleashing a plague on LA or Mother Nature dropping it into the ocean with a really nice earthquake) can do about it. It’s akin to complaining about how much it rains in the NW. I don’t know about you, but I consider the latter to be pretty pointless.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Oct 7, 2009 8:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Worth is relative
It may not be of the same worth to you as the OP, but that doesn’t mean it’s worthless. To use your example of the weather, sure we can’t change it and so you may think it’s pointless to discuss it, but if you walk by two people in the hallway talking about the weather, do you add anything to the conversation by chastizing them for discussing something they have no control over?
We also have no control over Blazer FA signings, trades, who starts, how many minutes players play, draft picks, refs, the schedule, et al, and yet that pretty much encompasses all of the conversation here, which seems to be okay by the site’s standards.
If you don’t think it’s important, fine, nothing’s wrong with saying you don’t think it’s important, but that’s different than telling a poster that the topic isn’t worth discussing period. I’ve had plenty of arguments and disagreements here, but to my knowledge I’ve never claimed a post that wasn’t offensive or on a topic beaten to death (i.e. Durant-Oden) was pointless to discuss. I have no problems with disagreeing, chastizing a poster about a topic is a little much in my eyes.
by Royster on Oct 7, 2009 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My advice to irish was not to waste time worrying about the issue....
… which is not the same as saying it is a waste of time talking about it. Afterall, I’m discussing the subject with him.
The impression I got was that he was concerned about Portland being spurned by FA’s.
With regard to your hallway weather discussion – I would say that yes, if I comment to the effect that this the Pacific NW and they should think in terms of not letting the weather dictate what they do (advice I remember getting when I first moved here) then I would say I’ve added to the discussion. It certainly turned out to be some of the truest and most useful pieces of advice I’ve ever gotten.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Oct 7, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It may be that Portland misses out on a FA here or there.
Apparently we just did with Turkeglu (wife wanting a more cosmopolitan city) and supposedly Odom was never a realistic possibility (likes the sun and the beach). But just how important is this?
Assuming you believe (as I do) that Portland has a surplus of talented young players, how critical are FA’s going to be for our success? And all FA’s don’t think alike. David Lee sounded like he would have come to Portland in a heart beat if they had offered 5 years and $50 million, even with playing behind LaMarcus. He would have likely signed at what Portland was offering if he knew he’d be starting. I would argue that for a majority of players dollar amount, length of contract and amount of playing time are the three most important factors in their decision of where to sign. Considering that it is their livelihood, this is what the intelligent individual would base their decision on. Those that want the bright lights of the big city? I’d question their motives. (Hedo gets a break, as it was his wife who nixed the deal. A smart man knows the importance of keeping his wife happy.)
What kind of cookies?
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Oct 7, 2009 7:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those that want the bright lights of the big city? I’d question their motives
Ditto. The Blazers have enough star power already. Give me a few more Blakes and Przybillas who want to be here and will take whatever role is available.
All about team, all about winning
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 7, 2009 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you
people who value flash and dollars over winning are likely not player we want because winning isn’t important enough to them.
As for the other reasons, they are what they are. We’ll win regardless.
"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 6, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait
Are you saying that Artest will NEVER consider coming here, even after his contract with LA is up?
Man.
You’re like the Grinch that stole Christmas. I bet you tell little kids on the street there’s no Santa Claus, too.
As author of Da BOM (Blazer Optimist Manifesto), I hereby certify that we will win 62 games in the regular season. Disagree at your peril.
by jscot on Oct 6, 2009 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually I dress up as Santa Claus ...
… and tell the girls I have a big surprise for them if they reach into my pocket.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Oct 7, 2009 7:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A liar on more than one count
As author of Da BOM (Blazer Optimist Manifesto), I hereby certify that we will win 62 games in the regular season. Disagree at your peril.
by jscot on Oct 7, 2009 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
>Don’t waste time worrying about things you have no control over
Like the outcome of pro-sporting events!@
by 50backflips on Oct 7, 2009 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Life's not fair.
Others will always have an advantage or ability that you don’t have. I say give them their advantage.
It makes it that much sweeter to crush them.
The cowards never started
The weak died along the way
Only the strong survived
They were the Trailblazers
by lukeyhere on Oct 6, 2009 9:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
that's my take, as well
I know that Stern and the networks want L*A to do well. Every year. Forever. The So-Cal market is too important for league revenue not to have a perennial winner
Does this mean they get help from the league to land FAs? No, the palm trees and Hollywood take care of that. Playing with K*be for a title is another attraction
But does the league make sure L*A gets the benefit of the referees calls during a playoff game? Ask a Sac Kings fan this question. Ask Steve “Snapper” Jones and and he’ll say the “calls all even out over the course of a game” Ask George Orwell and he’ll say “some animals are more equal than others”
The Blazers have to be “that much better” as a team and organization to “BEAT L*A!” When it finally happens, we long-suffereing Portland fans will know that it was truly “against all odds” And yes, it will be “that much sweeter” to hear L*ker fan making their excuses
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 6, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think our roster would be overloaded with Lee
I like it fine the way it is
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Oct 6, 2009 9:29 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd like it better with Millsap
I put together a hypothetical playing rotation during the week that Utah was deciding to match Portland’s offer. My take was that LMA could play SF for 6 minutes in the middle of each half to help Millsap get to 32 mpg. I thought at the time that LMA and Millsap had enough offensive versatility and LMA had enough lateral quickness to pull this off, especially if he was guarding the opponents backup SFs.
I did not include Lee in this imaginary “big man” rotation…that was a bridge too far, even for me ;^)
Others were speculating that if Lee was signed, it would be signal the end of the Pryzbilla era in Portland. That would not be in the team’s long term best interest, in my opinion. I don’t think Joel wants to opt out and get more money/PT on a rebuilding team at this point of his career, and I’d rather see the team retain it’s defensive/rebounding backbone, not replace Przy with a hustle player like Lee as they climb towards a final’s berth
I do like the fact that KP targeted Lee, that shows that he and Nate know the team is still thin in the frontcourt. I said at the beginning of the free agency period that it wouldn’t be easy to fill the backup PF position via free agency, because there wasn’t enough minutes available to attract a young stud, like Bass or Lee. David’s “overnight decision” bears this out. The best way to acquire a quality backup 4 is via a lopsided trade, which kills 2 birds with one stone. It takes from a roster excess (wing position) and adds to a weakness (backup toughness behind LMA) Here’s hoping KP gets his man, before February
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 6, 2009 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let me put it this way
What are you worried about? We have our team.
"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 6, 2009 9:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Udonis Haslem?
What? You think players are worried about playing time then you want to sign Haslem? Is this sarcasm?
To semi-quote Nate and KP- If our problem is we have to many guys who are good, and all deserve to be on the court that’s a good problem to have.
You're saying that they look like they're giving it their all. And you know why they look that way? Because they're bad, and it literally takes them the maximum physical effort to accomplish basic baseball tasks like throwing the ball from short to first. When David Eckstein throws the ball to first base, he has to wind up like a shot-putter, spin around forty-three times, and launch it at an angle 89 degrees from the horizontal. Afterwards, he undergoes an IV drip for a fortnight and he's so out of breath that he requires several months of acupuncture to regain the power of speech. For this we laud him. -Junior of Deadspin on 'scrappy' players
by TheOdenator on Oct 6, 2009 9:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Udonis Haslem as a great backup for us is no sarcasm...
We are DEFINATELY this at the PF position behind LMA, its our biggest weakness, and part of the problem with our “lack of playing time” is that we have too many wing players, not that we have multiple, bruising guys playing PF…
You really want to see Trout guarding Lamar Odom or Paul Millsap i nthe playoffs…
And by the way, there are many astute Miami basketball minds that love Haslem, but feel he’s better situated as a backup, bc as tough as he is, once you get deep in the playoffs, he’s not exactly what you want trotting out as your starting, 38 minute per game player…
For us, he’d be great, he’s tough as nails, a “glue” type of guy, & nearing 30, meaning probably not gonna gripe about playing time, but would be happy to play for a winner…
by irish3 on Oct 6, 2009 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
YES!!!!!!
NO DAVID LEE!
Pffew! Can you say: BULLET DODGED.
……
Still no proof we offered him anything.
And if we have trouble grabbing talented free agents, as you posit, why would we drop Rudy & Outlaw? We won’t be able to lure anyone back carrying that talent level.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
by staylost on Oct 6, 2009 9:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
not as big as that turkish bullet we dodged
thanks raptors for stepping in front of that
bayless leaves over my dead body
andre miller>hedo
real.baller
by thomasikehara on Oct 6, 2009 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
in the end, they all want to win, so if we're winning, we'll get players
the Lakers have a history of success and commitment to building championship teams…
there are obviously other appealing apsects, remember these guys are young and have tons of money, places like LA, NYC, Miami, and Chicago give them business oppotunities and such that smaller markets can’t provide, not to mention weather, etc. A lot of NBA players grew up in big cities, and like that atmosphere now that they’ve “made it”
but in the end it’s all about winning. all of these guys that are worth their salt know that they need to win to be considered successful, so if the Blazers are winning we’ll get players. I think our team now – how much young talent we have that apepars to be enjoying Portland, will set the stage for us to get more players in the future
by rip_city_swagger on Oct 6, 2009 10:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
At least this confirms the Blazers had two needs he wanted to address this offseason: A second scorer/ballhandler with experience, and another quality big man
Turkoglu and Miller fit into the first category, Millsap and Lee would have fit the second. One is solved, the other one not. Yet.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
by Norsktroll on Oct 6, 2009 12:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I second the Haslem vote
He is so underrated.
"Goals are good. Plans are better." -Ben.
by Sabonis4Ever on Oct 6, 2009 2:39 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
2 Championships in 10 years!?!
I’d take it! I was here in ’77 and the city fed off that love and positive energy all summer and into the next season. The parade was awesome, police and hippies hung out together, ganja roamed the streets freely. . .It was our own summer of love.
Rock me one championship and I’ll be ecstatic!
by setshot on Oct 6, 2009 3:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
agreed
the first one is the most important
"its tough to play with one eye, unless you're a pirate." Delonte West
"una canasta a Pau en la cara" Rudy
by Honka Playboy on Oct 7, 2009 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"I'm not going to be one of those people satisfied with 2 rings in the next 10 years"
You’ve got to be kidding me. If Portland even gets one in the next ten years I’ll be ECSTATIC.
You’re overvaluing the “talent” on the team. Too much of it is potential, and a lot of teams can say something similar.
by Marvin100 on Oct 6, 2009 5:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, we're 'potential' that has accomplished a little bit thus far
That’s a lot more than all the other teams in our age bracket and resting on their ‘potential’ laurels.
We’ve actually gone out and win, and done real well, while still being filled with untapped potential.
I agree, 1 championship with this team would be AMAZING. Especially after all of our near misses.
M—
by Mortimer on Oct 6, 2009 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The happiness from one championship will keep you going for at least 32 years.
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Oct 6, 2009 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the Blazers get another title in the next 2-3 years
let’s not stop there, it’s time to get greedy…the bad injury karma that has followed the franchise around since the ’77-78 season has to leave Portland alone and attach itself to the L*kers at some point? Why not this year?
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 6, 2009 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'll be thrilled if we can get a championship with Roy/Oden et. al. at any time.
It is so difficult to get a championship, I’d settle for one. But then I’d want another.
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Oct 6, 2009 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the "winner" attitude...
and I’m not a “homer” in thinking we should get multiple titles, if anything I’m a bandwagon fan who noticed, once Oden was drafted, that a “perfect storm” was coalescing in PDX…
Making them a “monster” for the rest of the league, which will be beautiful to watch…best part of it, and the part that “hooked” me on this team (as opposed to hating the L*kers the last 10 years), is that we actually have guys with character worth rooting for…
Multiple titles should not shock anyone with the talent that has been assembled in PDX…
by irish3 on Oct 6, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
BRING BACK OSTERTAG!!
"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 6, 2009 6:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Lee saying no and the Rudy trade were 2 different times
The first was the same time the Blazers went with Andre (smart move) and the other was the beginning of September and the Blazers said no to that idea (again, smart move). Lee is great but as long as we have LMA he’s never going to get enough minutes or start so he’s better off not joining us. And we’re just fine and dandy without him!
by somanluna1 on Oct 6, 2009 10:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Just Win Baby
This Lee comment is really a non-event since KP reported the same thing after the meeting in Las Vegas with Lee. He wants to be a starter, after all, and knew very well that the would not start in Portland given Aldridge. Do I see this as an issue? Not really. He didn’t, after all, turn down Portland, he simply turned down the idea of being a backup which, given his age, is understandable. This is an issue for many clubs everywhere anytime they take a player that could start on many teams, and try to talk that player into being a backup. Many say no – in fact most do – and it has nothing to do with the team or the city. The other issue is playing time. Lee could also have come if we had been able to show him that time. But, let’s face it, he’s a one position player for all practical purposes. The idea of playing Aldridge at the 3 to open up time for Lee doesn’t even begin to address what would then happen to Batum, Webster, Outlaw or Fernandez. I also don’t take the Turk as any indicator of how players view Portland. For every Turk, you have a dozen who would come here. Oden wanted it when drafted, Miller saw the opportunity. First and foremost, these players want to get paid – and to win while doing it. We can pay them – and they know that. Then it all comes down to winning. Like Al Davis used to say when in his prime – Just Win Baby. The rest solves itself. The greatest and most repeated regret of many top tier players is never winning a championship. That’s why Artest went to LA. That’s why those vets like Miller will keep coming to Portland – as they did before (Pippen etc.). If they think they can win here – their agents will be on the phone. We may never get that perfect young Point. But we may not need to. Every year or so Another Miller takes a look around – knows they only have a few more years of prime playing time – and suddenly start looking for that ring. There’ll be more Millers – there always have been.
by Eben Calder on Oct 7, 2009 7:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Artest went to LA
because we didn’t want him here.
As author of Da BOM (Blazer Optimist Manifesto), I hereby certify that we will win 62 games in the regular season. Disagree at your peril.
by jscot on Oct 7, 2009 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hollinger projects him in PER just one spot above Travis among forwards. I doubt it, but that would be funny.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
by Norsktroll on Oct 7, 2009 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I won't be surprised if is PER drops quite a bit there
As author of Da BOM (Blazer Optimist Manifesto), I hereby certify that we will win 62 games in the regular season. Disagree at your peril.
by jscot on Oct 7, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"is" = "his"
typo FTL
As author of Da BOM (Blazer Optimist Manifesto), I hereby certify that we will win 62 games in the regular season. Disagree at your peril.
by jscot on Oct 7, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We may never get that perfect young Point. But we may not need to. Every year or so Another Miller
Given Portland’s poor track record re: drafting/developing young PGs for the past 20+ years, I think signing (or trading for) savvy veterans like Blake/Miller is the smart way to go. Heck, Devin Harris will be in that category, in a few years…so will CP3, Deron Williams, Tony Parker, Rajon Rondo, Kirk Hinrich, etc
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 7, 2009 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who and What is david lee?
why do I care, and?
what has lee done that makes this even worth bringing up? I mean really? raef 2.0 anyone?
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
"New Man Law: If you don't show up for the draft you don't get to come later if you're picked. If you believe in yourself, show up and sit there. If nobody else believes in you, take it and cry like a man...in front of the cameras."
-Dave
by faith on Oct 7, 2009 7:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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