Raja Bell?
by P311brown on Nov 16, 2009 7:00 PM PST
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PrintToday's trade between Golden State and the Bobcats got me thinking about Bell's availability and how he would fit in our lineup. If Nate is really serious about keeping this three guard lineup then I think Bell would be a great option for us. He can play the 2 or the 3 in that situation, provide solid one on one and team defense and he is money beyond the arc, especially when left wide open. It appears that GS is just looking to cut cap at this point and really has no use for the defensive minded Bell. Right now Steve Blake is doing a pretty good job holding down the 2 spot, but he is not a long term solution there. We will get exposed as the season goes on using him in this way. The problem with Martell being stuck back in the 3 spot is that while his individual D has improved, he is often lost on the team scheme and ends up costing us on most plays. It is also becoming apparent that Nate does not trust him.
I think that we should trade steve blake with a second round pick to GS for bell. If they are really interested in cutting cap, this would allow them to save a fair amount of money. It would allow them to save a lot of money if what I read about Steve's contract being non-guaranteed in the first half of the year is actually true. In the case that they just cut Steve and take the 5 mil, we could always resign him in thirty days for all you Blake lovers out there.
I don't think this roster needs much tweaking, but if we had the opportunity to significantly upgrade our starting unit and keep our depth it seems like a no brainer to me. Of course LMA might not like the idea after the other night...
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i like bell
i like the trade. but does golden state give up the only guy on the team that can play D
bayless leaves over my dead body
thanks for starting Andre
Bell may be a cheap shot artist...
But he can ball and would fit in very well on this team. That said, I don’t think GSW does that trade and I’m not sure Nate or KP would do it either.
by kobisportsguy on Nov 16, 2009 7:19 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
As long as he's OUR cheap shot artist,
I’m okay with him.
My favorite teams are the Blazers and any team that is playing the Lakers.
by OCBlazerFan1 on Nov 16, 2009 7:22 PM PST up reply actions
I think Nate would be down with Bell
Nate and Larry Brown’s preference for players seems very similar, I now he’d have a hard time giving up Blake, but I think he’d like Bell’s play. The only reason why I think GS would do it is all the articles pretty much stated that the gave up Jackson just for cap relief.
Yeah, I doubt either team does this trade.
I’d like to use Raja Bell in the role I envisioned for Ime Udoka, but Steve Blake fits this offense — epsecially in the mind of Nate McMillan — furthermore, he seems to be a colossal favorite of the organization. For the Golden State Warriors, Blake would be worthless to Don Nelson. Blake, who’s relatively unathletic and slow for his size by NBA standards, would flounder in a fast-paced run-‘n’-gun system that has little structure to it.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
Bell's no cheap shot artist
He just got caught doing what Kobe was doing to him.
"Its not that I can't read and write, its just that I don't like to read and write."
-Charlie
Correct me if I am wrong
But isn’t a player not tradeable for 90 days unless it’s a player for player trade, which means he’s not likely be available by the trade deadline.
I think it would count as a player for player.
I may be wrong, but I think the exception is only if it is a multi-player deal, not if picks are involved. That is how Q. Rich got mover 30 times this summer.
It's allowed.
GS would not be allowed to move Bell as part of a package, but could trade him on his own. No restrictions on that…
Cool
Then I’m all for it. We get a perimeter defender that can shoot spot-up 3’s as well as get rid of Nate’s security blanket. Kills two birds with one stone.
Let’s just say when we finally go away from the three guard lineup, I’m not so certain that it’d be Blake that would be the odd man out.
His wrist is messed up.
He’s playing hurt. I wouldn’t want him, not right now.
by Nick Van Excellent on Nov 16, 2009 11:09 PM PST up reply actions
Bell is making 5+ mil/year
his contract is expiring, that’s probably why the Warriors wanted him
if what I read about Steve’s contract being non-guaranteed in the first half of the year is actually true
News to me. You might want to provide a link for that. Two things:
1) Blake is going nowhere except out on the court in a Portland uniform, and
2) If KP makes a deal to acquire a player earning 5+ mil this winter, that guy had better be over 6’9, over 250# and know how to scrap for rebounds in the paint. For such a “great” rebounding team (statistically speaking) the Blazers gave the Hawks every opportunity to come back down the stretch because they couldn’t secure the rebound after a missed shot! I know it was a long road trip and they were all tired, but that’s why they need another big body, to help carry the water so they don’t get beat to every loose ball in close games.
That 4th quarter was just like the Houston playoff series—Portland worked hard on defense, made the Hawks miss a jumper, but there was no change of possession and ultimately ATL pulled ahead off of “2nd chance” points. On the other end, Portland missed jumpers and the Hawks secured the ball. Game over.
More toughness and physicality is still needed on this roster, KP. Finish your task
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
It's called the zone defense. That's why we got no boards.
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Nov 17, 2009 7:19 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
you've still got to scrap
Nate’s been talking about this, since training camp
Last night was a playoff intensity game, like against the Rockets last spring. No matter what defense the Blazers are in, they got to box out secure the rebound. No excuses. They won’t win a playoff series by playing “pretty ball” and watching rebounds fall into the hands of their opponents.
After reading Ben’s recap, I found it interesting that Nate chose to play a zone whenever Rudy was in the game. This kind of defense “covers” for weak perimeter defenders and creates rebound matchup problems. I continue to advocate KP adding at least one more tough-minded, rebounding 4-5 to the roster. If LMA won’t “stick his nose in there” for loose balls down the stretch, then Nate should have a better “alternative” than Juwan Howard who will consitently scrap and make sure that Portland secures the ball in crunch time and changes the possession
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
The rebounding thing was frustrating...
..and it was a “playoff atmosphere” but I think that is where the similarity to the Houston series ends.
Atlanta was coming off a day off after a home game. They were playing only their 3rd game in 9 days. During that same stretch our Blazers have played 6 games, 5 of which were on the road with two sets of back to back games seperated by only one day. This is a brutal stretch no matter the opponents
During our 6 game winning streak leading to this game we out rebounded teams 46.7 to 37.7 and allowed somewhere around 81pts. per game. Not exactly “pretty ball” numbers.
While I would have liked to see us get a few more opportunity type rebounds last night, which more than likely would have put us over the top for the win, I’m more then happy with the grit and determination our guys displayed against the hottest team in the East. Especially considering we were playing our 7th game in 11 nights against a relatively rested, quality team.
Raja Bell?.. He might be a nice addition but I don’t see it happening…especially not for Blake.
By the way even though I’m a well documented Blake fan I have to question why Miller never saw the floor in OT.
GO BLAZERS!!!
It's a work in progress
During our 6 game winning streak leading to this game we out rebounded teams 46.7 to 37.7 and allowed somewhere around 81pts. per game. Not exactly "pretty ball" numbers.
No doubt the Blazers were the tired team last night, and that showed up late in the game. But Nate isn’t going to use that as an excuse, so neither should fans. The ATL game was a test, and the Blazers showed they still have some work to do re: getting “stops” at the end of games against contending teams. They’re doing better than last year (thanks to Greg, mostly) but they’ve still got a ways to go before they can be considered a “finals-caliber” team
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Agree 100%...
We are a work in progress. The key word being progress… and I think we are making it.
As much as I am a rabid homer I am also realistic enough to know that we are not a “finals caliber” team at this point. Don’t get me wrong I don’t think it’s impossible to picture us there I just don’t think it’s likely for another year or two.
Excuses are generally something made up to mask a weakness and I’m glad that Nate doesn’t use them much. The schedule differences leading to this game are a reality…not an excuse. I don’t think the Blazers played like they had any excuses, nor did they use it as one, but I do feel they played like they had a little less fuel in the tank then the Hawks, That’s just a physical reality and is bound to show up especially against such an athletic and physical team.
You are also right that the Atlanta game was a test. I’m just not so sure it can be said that they failed the test under the circumstances. I saw a much better team than what I saw play the Hawks Nov.3rd. We were in control of the game much of the evening and then just seemed to hit the wall (with a little help from the zebras through my Rose Colored glasses).
Greg Oden played 34mins last night. Rudy made a real case to be the 3rd guard in our 3 guard line up (yeah I said it) and we went toe to toe with possibly the hottest team in the NBA on their home floor with Batum and Outlaw out and a decide freshness disadvantage… Feels like progress to me…
…GO BLAZERS!!!
Love the idea...
Raja Bell would be great for the Blazers. Especially if we could manage to get him for Steve Blake. It’s time for Blake to go. He’s not a long-term solution, and we’re playing him out of position. Obtaining Raja Bell would be a great move. He still plays good defense (something we sorely lack), he’s a good shooter, and he’s tough as hell. From a Portland standpoint, this is a no-brainer. Pull the trigger KP!
by TheSauce on Nov 16, 2009 7:58 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Bell was one of my favorite Suns players
The guy was a great D and 3 player but he’s banged up (he’s contemplating a season-ending wrist surgery) and is getting old.
He might be able to play SF for spot minutes in a small-ball rotation, but, at 6’5" (smaller than Brandon and Rudy), he’s really a SG. I don’t have to remind anyone about the logjam at SG.
I wouldn’t have a problem trading Blake for him, but I think it would be difficult fitting him into the lineup (unless we lost a guard) and he wouldn’t be a long-term solution.
"Its not that I can't read and write, its just that I don't like to read and write."
-Charlie
GSW waited a long time to get something in return
Larry Riley was on the radio. Jackson asked for a trade in August. The GSW got a lot of garbage deals thrown at them, were patient and dealt Jackson when they got value in return. Bell has played for Nellie before, and they like him. They might even look to re-up him if it works out.
Right now with all the injuries (Wright, Turiaf, Devean George, Azubuike, Biedrins for a short while) they are just trying to hang in there and gel. While cap space is important, right now they are more focussed on picking up the pieces and developing some continuity, some stability and win some games. Dont think they will do any trades unless Monta Ellis is really in the dog house.
Bell might not be the answer for us
But I like the idea. It seems like we’re playing Roy at SF because Webster hasn’t been able to consistently constribute. Outlaw AND Batum being out is reinforcing that fact.
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