Travis Outlaw Has Successful Foot Surgery, Out 3-5 Months
by Ben Golliver on Nov 18, 2009 11:51 AM PST
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PrintFrom the Blazers' twitter...
Travis Outlaw undergoes successful surgery on his left foot. Expected out 3 to 5 months.
When it comes to foot injuries there is all sorts of variability in terms of recovery times based on the severity of the stress fracture.
If you're rushing to the conclusion that the Blazers are setting a longer recovery timeline for Outlaw because they got burned by rushing Martell Webster back last year, I would urge caution. Two different players, two different feet, two different injuries, two different timelines, two different surgeries. As simple as that.
Now, with that said, 3-5 months puts Travis Outlaw out a long time: from the middle of February (3 months) until the middle of April (5 months). That's a long freaking time. That's until after the All Star break; 40 plus games from today at the minimum.
Obviously, there are some changes to come. Reminder: here is Dave's analysis on how the minutes will shake out in Travis Outlaw's absence.
Some notes on that subject as tweeted by Joe Freeman...
Coach Mac will have to abandon his "small" second unit w/o Outlaw and Mac says the Blazers "style of play has to change."
That means Mac can't play "spread basketball" anymore and beat teams with athleticism and shooting in the 2nd unit.
Instead, with Howard and Joel, the 2nd unit will be bigger and more rugged.
Another negative to keep in mind with all the injuries. Mac says he'll have to significantly cut back on practicing to keep bodies fresh.
Brian T. Smith on the same subject...
McMillan said the Blazers will primarily turn to Juwan Howard to replace Outlaw. McMillan added that rookie Dante Cunningham is unlikely to see much of an increase in playing time, even though he is slated as a back up power forward on the team's roster.
When asked whether the Blazers will try to add a new player through a trade or signing, McMillan said Portland's roster is filled with 15 players at the moment, and that the only way the Blazers could pick up a new player would be by trading or cutting someone currently in uniform. "We're going to go with the guys we got," McMillan said.
Here's a nice piece from Casey Holdahl with what Outlaw makes of his injury.
"Things happen for a reason, that's my thing," said Outlaw. "That's how I'm looking at it. I feel like I got a lot of things to be thankful for, you know?"
...
"We've got a lot of players stepping up. When I get back there's not going to be some big rush to get mine. I'm just going to try to make sure I fit in. Do what is needed for the team to win."
The big issues to watch here are, in order of importance...
- Will Nate McMillan continue to ride his small starting lineup indefinitely? If so, can he keep all of his personalities happy and can he keep an undersized starting unit healthy?
- Is Rudy Fernandez ready to stay on track offensively? Injuries, carry-over fatigue from the summer, and inconsistency from Rudy are no longer allowable. There's no margin of error from him.
- Is Juwan Howard actually serviceable? All pleasantries aside, is he able to fill minutes adequately? If not, that's a big problem.
- Is Dante Cunningham -- 4 year college guy, good hustle, smart player -- ready to step up? Will Nate McMillan trust him to play rotation minutes?
Playoff teams respond to adversity. Make no mistake, the loss of Travis Outlaw, on the heels of the loss of Nicolas Batum, is adversity.
-- Ben Golliver | (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com) | Twitter
PS Thanks to The Thinker for getting to this news first in the fanshots.
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Hmm, just in
Clyde the Glide, the greatest player ever
Cliff Robinson got mad at my brother who was trying to sell him a cellphone when my brother called him Uncle Cliffy. Apparently, he doesn't like that name very much.
by BeaumontTXBlazerFan on Nov 18, 2009 11:56 AM PST via mobile reply actions
...time for the last month of the season.
And playoffs.
Clyde the Glide, the greatest player ever
Cliff Robinson got mad at my brother who was trying to sell him a cellphone when my brother called him Uncle Cliffy. Apparently, he doesn't like that name very much.
by BeaumontTXBlazerFan on Nov 18, 2009 11:57 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
What a bummer...
both for Trav and for the team. Guess signing two guys with injuries doesn’t seem like the brightest idea in retrospect…
Give the Inferno some run
10 mins. a game & see how he does.
"BEER IS LIVING PROOF THAT GOD LOVES US"
- Benjamin Franklin-
by We-B-Dunkin on Nov 18, 2009 12:05 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
I heartily echo this.
But I suspect it will take a couple of bad losses for Nate to do something so RISKY as to trust his eyes…
"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
I wonder
with Batum and Outlaw out so long whether the Blazers will consider moving either Blake or Bayless to try to get a 3/4 guy.
www.blazerguy.com
Dear Cunningham,
Please be prepared to step your game up, yesterday. Lets go!
Sincerely,
Blazer fans everywhere.
Go Blazers! and get well faster than 5 months, Trout!
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Nov 18, 2009 12:18 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Nate doesn't share your thoughts
He stated Cunningham won’t see any more minutes than he already has…..
"I saw him in the face" Sergio's quote on the latest alley-oop to Rudy.
by blazermaniac32 on Nov 18, 2009 12:22 PM PST up reply actions
yeah but we all know Nates a Mentally challanged NBA coach.
he’s kinda dumb yo.
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
darn it....
forgot my font /s
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
He is a little off isn’t he?
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Nov 18, 2009 12:30 PM PST up reply actions
Honestly, I'm starting to think that Nate
just says things sometimes to mess with people, and that the word within the organization is something different altogether.
by Corvallis, Oregon on Nov 18, 2009 4:07 PM PST up reply actions
I've thought this for a while
"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5
Here's an interesting question:
What if the Blazers were to simply cut Travis?
I’m not suggesting that he be dumped now that he’s hurt, or that the Blazers cut losses with him, or otherwise treat him with disrespect.
On the other hand, his contract is up at the end of the year (assuming the Blazers don’t pick up the option), and if the recovery tends to the longer end of the spectrum, as can happen with this injury—the roster spot might be more valuable.
Could the Blazers cut him (still continuing to pay him, of course, as the $$$ is guaranteed) and a) retain his Bird rights, should they be interested in re-signing him, and b) continue to make medical and other resources available to him, even though he is no longer eligible for active duty? Or would such things be considered tampering or otherwise a no-no by the league office?
I am Spartacus and I approved this message
by EngineerScotty on Nov 18, 2009 12:24 PM PST reply actions
I don't think there would be any issues
It’s not like someone can’t pick him off the waivers or sign him once he clears waivers, and players no longer under contract using team facility is rather common practice.
The question is, why would we do this? Sure, Travis’ value has went down because he’s injured. But, he still has some value as an expiring contract. Under the current economy, expiring contract is more valuable than ever.
If we need a roster spot, it makes much more sense to cut Mills. I’d argue that we’re not that desperate yet. Call me worried if we get down to 9 healthy guys, but we’re OK right now.
nope
You would never cut an expiring contract. It’s too valuable to other teams. If you want to open up the spot, you would trade Travis.
While I don’t suggest doing this right now, Travis’s expiring contract makes him tradeable, even while injured.
www.blazerguy.com
I was waiting for Storyteller to come answer this
Then I realized I was just being lazy.
Assuming the Wikipedia page on NBA contracts is correct:
To qualify as a Bird free agent, a player must have played three seasons without being waived or changing teams as a free agent.
So I don’t know about part b, but they would not retain his Bird rights.
Even with his injury, someone also might take a flier on him if he went through waivers.
Exactly
Let’s say I’m one of the over the cap teams like Cleveland or Dallas. I’d take a shot at signing a young, talented scorer like Travis to a minimum contract once he clears waivers. If he plays this year, great. If not, I’d consider it an investment towards relationship with someone like Travis.
Another scenario would be a team like Sacramento or OKC. Those teams would pick him off waivers. If he plays this year, great. If not, I have the bird rights to sign him for next several years. Since he didn’t clear waivers, I believe bird rights transfer. (unless I am mistaken)
I'm so happy...
despite being bummed….
Does this mean that he’ll most likely be re-signed by us?
I mean given the history of us and contracts and injuries….. we’ get to keep outlaw right?
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
Yes, I think so...
This could be the silver lining in this situation. Bet Portland re-signs him for $4-$5 mil per.
Get well Travis!
Take care.
In the interim, are we going to see some Twin Towers action?
I get the paper, so I don't care!
Heal quickly Travis !!!
This is a sad day for this Blazer fan…..
I wanted to see more Howard, but not this way :(
"That's just how I get down"........ Andre Miller
Get well Trav!
No matter what Nate says, we could and should use a bit more Dante. Kid can shoot and plays intelligently when he’s out there. Fresh legs when Howard’s not teamed up on a beast of a PF.
BINGO!
Thank you! Nate has to come around and see whats in front of him. Cunningham could provide a surprising spark to the team. Won’t know til you play him, Nate.
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Nov 18, 2009 1:05 PM PST up reply actions
what would you pay to keep travis for next year?
3 years at $4.5M per, with an additional $1M per for incentives for games played, wins, and play-off series won seems right to me.
Yeah, the timing couldn't be worse for Trav
Good shape, contract year and…
Bummer – but maybe it will give him a heck of a goal when he’s rehabbin’ that hoof, trying to eat properly, staying in shape…
Sounds about right
Kinda funny that with his injury, the chance of Travis remaining as a Blazer shot up considerably. At this rate, he’ll outlast everyone including KP, Nate, and Roy.
That's my reading, too...
Now Travis is damaged goods to the other GMs of the NBA and his market price will fall accordingly… KP may well make him a low-fair market rate offer, a la the one made to Marty — $5M-ish — and whereas there was no chance of that being taken a few weeks ago, now it would become something that would have to be very, very seriously considered by Travis’ camp.
If the Blazers are smart, they will use the next couple months to figure out whether they’ve already got Travis replaced with the Inferno — let him play, let’s see what he can do against “real” competition. If Travis is a hybrid 3/4, so would be Dante Cunningham…
"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
Will Nate McMillan continue to ride his small starting lineup indefinitely? YES, according to Brian T. Smith
Is Rudy Fernandez ready to stay on track offensively? HOPEFULLY. Improved defense, cool in clutch, not so great shooting so far.
Is Juwan Howard actually serviceable? NO, respectively I believe it when I see it.
Is Dante Cunningham — 4 year college guy, good hustle, smart player — ready to step up? WE’LL SEE, he can’t do the same as Travis but at least would play similar defense (if not better) and hit mid-range jumpers.
Since no quality free agents are available (Pops Mensah-Bonsu just signed in Toronto, Chris Mihm might be the best free agent center. Or Raef. Just kidding), a trade for another forward might have to happen if Juwan and Dante can’t step up, and KP already is insinuating that if they can’t use their chance. Any more injuries especially to Rudy, Martell or LaMarcus, and we are really getting in trouble.
Ceterum censeo Lakers esse delendam
I really like webster, but I am also glad this gives rudy a chance to get more run
he can do so many things and is a smart team player. Im excited to see what he will show with increased minutes. If webster shakes off rust he, miller, and rudy should be able to fill the role of offensive sparkplug any given night. They will require more team ball than just isolating trav or roy but that will be good for the team in the long run.
Is Rudy Fernandez ready to stay on track offensively? HOPEFULLY. Improved defense, cool in clutch, not so great shooting so far.
Rudy has been one of the better shooters so far this year, hitting 46% over all and 44% from 3. He needs more playing time because he has been so good to start the season.
Ben II Blazersedge.com || New to Blazers' Edge?
When asked whether the Blazers will try to add a new player through a trade or signing, McMillan said Portland’s roster is filled with 15 players at the moment, and that the only way the Blazers could pick up a new player would be by trading or cutting someone currently in uniform. “We’re going to go with the guys we got,” McMillan said.
In other words, the front office painted inself into a corner with roster decisions over the past 9 months, and the paint hasn’t dried yet, so they’re kind of stuck
If KP had waived Patty Mills a few minutes after learning of Outlaw’s stress fracture, he might’ve been a “suitor” for Pops Mensah-Bonsu before he signed with the Raptors. (Toronto FTW, just like last July…)
It stings (as a long-time fan) when you see these roster holes for months in advance, sound the warning then read the “KP knows what’s best” replies. The team needed another banger at the PF/C (better than Howard) for these kinds of contingencies, but it’s too late to make that deal now, from a position of weakness
So Nate’s just sitting here, smelling the paint fumes
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I think we can assume
that if they felt a need to pick up Pops or anyone else, they would clear the roster space to do so.
"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5
if they felt a need
“’Tis merely a flesh wound”
“Come back here…I’ll bite you to death!”
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I'll I'm saying
is that the roster spot is not the issue, so turning your fire on the decision to keep Patty Mills is irrelevant.
Your beef is not with the Mills signing. Your beef is that KP doesn’t care enough (in your opinion) about adding beef.
Everyone knows that if it hadn’t been Mills, it would have been Ime. That wouldn’t have solved the problem you’re looking at. So the Mills signing is irrelevant, it is a philosophical difference. You’re just going to have to come to terms with the fact that the Blazer brain trust really doesn’t see this issue the way you do, whatever was said in the summer about adding some toughness.
If they did see it that way, it would have been addressed long before we got to roster spot #15.
"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5
Rudy's shooting is back and he just needs to keep it going now.
Is Rudy Fernandez ready to stay on track offensively? HOPEFULLY. Improved defense, cool in clutch, not so great shooting so far.
Rudy’s started slowly, but for the year he is shooting better than last year and has been red-hot in the last 5 games.
FG% is 45.7% this year vs 42.5% last year, 3-pt% is 44.2% this year vs 39.9% last year.
On the 5 game road trip he shot 70.6% (12 for 17) from the 3-pt line and 57.1% (16 for 28) overall. It isn’t going to get greater than that.
His 3-pt shooting % is the best on the team. 44.2% vs Roy (34.9%), Blake (35.1%), Webster (33.3%), Outlaw (38.7%), Miller (13.3%).
He’s also shooting a better overall FG% than those guys. 45.7% vs Roy (44.4%), Blake (34.8%), Webster (37.1%), Outlaw (38.7%), Miller (39.3%).
An issue is to actually run some plays to get him more shots and easier shots. He is averaging 1.8 fewer shots per 36 minutes than last year. Without Sergio I don’t recall him getting a single lob pass dunk at the hoop this year, so he is taking harder 2-pt shots than last year. That makes his shooting percentage is even better than it looks compared to last year.
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Nov 18, 2009 1:59 PM PST up reply actions
ummm
Bayless has the best 3pt shooting on the team…100%, 1 for 1.
Really, give credit, where credit is due…:)
by portlandpete on Nov 18, 2009 2:48 PM PST up reply actions
I think shooters do poorly with few opportunities
The 3G rotation is cutting into his minutes and he hasn’t had enough PT to establish his rhythm.
"Its not that I can't read and write, its just that I don't like to read and write."
-Charlie
Return of RLEC?
I don’t know if this has been mentioned before, but it is technically possible to re-sign Raef to a multi-year contract with only this year guaranteed, and then trade him as a cap filler. We own the bird rights so this could be up to the max.
Just something fun to consider as we get close to the deadline and if we lose more guys to injuries.
Oh no
not this again.
I hope I can get a bunch of championships, like 15. " - Greg Oden
by mxpx5678 on Nov 18, 2009 3:18 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
we renounced his bird rights when we signed Andre. We no longer have the option of resigning Raef.
i cry for nic
THANK GOD!!!
"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
On a similar note, I bet Wally Szczerbiak hopes the Cleveland Cavaliers will give him the "KVH" ...
treatment sometime soon in a mid-season trade.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
They tried in a package with Delonte West for Stephen Jackson, which financially was more attractive for the Warriors if their main goal was cap flexibility/expiring contracts to trade before the deadline which would have been possible thanks to the early date of the deal. But they seemed more intent on sending Jackson to a crappy team, and not taking on anymore head cases.
Ceterum censeo Lakers esse delendam
We could sign him to the vet minimum!!!!
"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5
Cunningham
Not sure why the reluctance to use Cunningham.
The specifically sought out draftees who had 4 years of college ball so they have the experience to step right in and play. He had an excellent summer league.
Did he play really crappy in fall training?
Or maybe Nate is just trying to avoid the “Oden effect”, try to avoid having Cunningham’s entry into the lineup being a pressure cooker type situation created by sky high expectations on the part of the fans.
Nate and rookies
I remember when Cunningham, Pendergraph and Hansbrough worked out before the draft. A reporter asked Nate how Dante (or was it Tyler?) looked. His answer: “he looked OK, for a rookie”
Sure, the team used 4 rookies quite a bit last year, so it’s not unheard of for Nate to play ’em. But Howard will have to break down or look extremely feeble for Nate to pass him over and put Cunningham into the rotation. This team is set up to win now, not develop young forwards who were drafted in the 2nd round
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Correct. Because Nate is a weenie...
But Howard will have to break down or look extremely feeble for Nate to pass him over and put Cunningham into the rotation.
"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
It's the "Gary Payton took my job away" story
Taken to the nth degree
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Nate isn't the only coach in the NBA that dislikes playing rookies
I can’t say that I like it, but its not unique to Nate.
"Its not that I can't read and write, its just that I don't like to read and write."
-Charlie
Very upsetting
Blazers need Outlaw, and all those haters out there are going to realize this, if they’re not already.
If any moves are to be made, I truly hope it’s a trade that moves Blake for a backup 4.
If not, well, Blake needs to move to the second (now slower) unit, and Martell needs to start at the 3. He played quite well there when Nate showed confidence in him and started him early in the year. This 2-pg crap has got to end. Blake’s playing awful and starting him is creating mismatches and wearing B.Roy down.
Results are what counts...
Much has been said about “Blake playing awful” but… Pre 3 guard line up with Martell starting… 2 wins 3 losses including 2 at home… With 3 guard line up 6 wins and 1 loss including 5 in a row on the road and much better ball movement and team defense…despite how “awful” Blake is…
How many times are people going to suggest trading Blake for a PF?..
Go get them Pistons tonights boys…
GO BLAZERS!!!
Rudy has been pretty consistent the past 5 games
53% FG, 65% 3p, 7-7 FT, 4.8 reb, 2.4 ast, 2.6 stl, 2.8 TO
Shot well every game. And the game before that (Min at home), he only shot 2 of 6, but did have 5 rebs, 6 ast, and 4 steals in a great hustle effort.
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
Blake on the other hand...
In his last four games, Blake was 8 for 35 from the field and 6 for 26 from three-point range.
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
Blake is a streak shooter
Once he gets back in a groove he’ll be fine.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
I don’t think Blake qualifies as a streak shooter. He’s actually very consistent over the course of the year compared to Travis or Marty.
i cry for nic
No offense, because
I love my Blazers, but Blake is just not a sexy player. He’s not particularly tall, or fast, or big, or good at passing, or smart, or physical. He’s a good outside shooter sometimes, but even then he can’t find his own shot. I say play Rudy.
by Corvallis, Oregon on Nov 18, 2009 4:11 PM PST up reply actions
Over/under on Travis playing any more meaningful minutes for us this season? In other words even if he DOES come back before the playoffs, will he be rotation-raedy by then?
Sometimes a player's greatest challenge is coming to grips with his role on the team.
-- Scottie Pippen
Yes
The good thing about surgery is once you do it, you are generally healed.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
Nate shootaround interview announcing Howard to take the 4 spot, Bayless/Rudy/Martell/Howard/Joel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ2PBbQLi6Y
Ceterum censeo Lakers esse delendam
that is a horrible line up
if Nate uses it for any period of time we will lose games.
Ben II Blazersedge.com || New to Blazers' Edge?
Couldn't agree more
Atrocious line up. Those five guys should never be on the floor together EVER unless there’s a 20 point lead in either direction. Need to keep Oden or LMA on the court with some of these guys at a minimum so at least there’s a chance you score some points.
As I said below, Howard shouldn’t be on the floor at all regardless of who else is. There are probably 15 better PFs in the D league.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
Howard shouldn’t be on the floor at all regardless of who else is
Juwan has one skill that justifies him being on the floor…he can feed Oden down low with interior passing
Just say “NO” to Howard ever playing alongside Przy!
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
that lineup should never see the floor
you’ve got to monkey the rotation a bit to ensure that either LMA or Roy is on the court at all times. I’m also in favor of changing the rotation so that either of our 2 point guards is always on the court. If we are playing Blake and Miller a combined 65 minutes per game, there is NO excuse not to have one of them on the court at all times. Play Bayless at the 2, where he should be playing. Bring Roy out a littler earlier in the 1st/3rd, and have LMA play the first 15 minutes of each half. When LMA comes out for Howard, Roy goes back in. Something like this (assuming Nate sticks to his 2 pg starters, which appears to be the case:)
Start: Miller/Blake/Roy/LMA/Oden
6:00 in: Blake/Rudy/Roy/LMA/Joel
9:00 in: Blake/Rudy/Martell/LMA/Joel
2nd qtr: Blake/Bayless/Martel/LMA/Joel
4:00 in: Miller/Roy/Martell/Howard/Oden
7:00 in: Miller/Rudy/Roy/LMA/Oden
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
Good things about this
1. Its not a starter.
2. It means we can resign him for less $.
Dang it though. It’s Rudy time!
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
Nate is starting to remind me of Don Nelson in his unwillingness to play rookies.
Listen, rookies are going to make their share of mistakes, and then some. How is Inferno going to learn if he doesn’t get in there and take his licks?
Given our injury situation, I can safely say we won’t be making a deep playoff run (many of you will disagree, but I really don’t think its in the cards). Now is the time to start giving Dante the minutes he needs to develop into a legit player in this league.
"Ain't nothin' in this world for free."
Mike D'Antoni was the same way with the Suns
"Its not that I can't read and write, its just that I don't like to read and write."
-Charlie
Nate played 4 rookies last year
the team set some kind of record, most wins with 4 rooks playing 50 games, or something
When Cunningham is ready, he’ll play. Unlike Batum, Dante will struggle to defend his position, and that (not Nate’s bias) is what will keep #33’s role limited
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Nov 18, 2009 6:25 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Just thinking about that sentence...
Two different players, two different feet, two different injuries,
It would be pretty amazing to have two different players, but the same foot.
Wouldn’t it?
What I meant is that I found the information a bit redundant.
If you speak about two different players, of course you speak about two different feet.
Sorry to trivialize about TO’s injury, but the image of two player sharing the same foot struck my mind.
watch out for another labrum injury?
Oh snap! Blake hurt his shoulder first, then Batum. So Blazer injuries do run in pairs!
Watch out for another sprained ankle…only Bayless has suffered one, so far
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
they would be one heck of a team
to win the 3-legged race at the company picnic, every year
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I feel bad
for Trav. he drives me crazy with his play at times but he can score.
Also tough for him that it is a contract year, wonder if he will get many offers now.
I hope I can get a bunch of championships, like 15. " - Greg Oden
I bet what ends up happening is that he sits out the rest
of the year, signs a 1-year contract, and presses the reset button next season. Being injured in a contract year is bad enough, but coming back and re-injuring it again compounds that bad by about 10 times.
I’m definitely not Travis’ biggest fan, and am ambivalent at best about him returning at all, but on a personal level, I feel his pain. Hopefully he can make the best of the situation.
I wouldnt mind
the blazers picking up a one year option on him for next year, might even do it while he is injured, get him cheaper now.
I doubt he would have as much value on the open market right now.
I hope I can get a bunch of championships, like 15. " - Greg Oden
I'm sick of nate.
I don’t feel that he is using our guys effectively. He’s too stuborn too.
I'm really going to miss Travis.....
in the fourth quarter with game close. He was one of a few guys on the team that can go off in the 4th quarter. His loss will hurt the team….
Excellent work lately, Ben. As for Juwon Howard...
Top notch all season. With respect to the back up PF question…
Is Juwan Howard actually serviceable? All pleasantries aside, is he able to fill minutes adequately? If not, that’s a big problem.
I know it’s early, but the stats confirm what your eyes are saying to your brain:
Howard has a PER of 2.7. Near the bottom of the league.
The Blazers are an AMAZING 18 points per 100 possessions worse with Howard on the floor. Very bottom of the league.
Big problem indeed.
Howard is a good dude and an NBA statesman, but he belongs on NBATV’s halftime show with his boy C-Webb, not in the rotation of a contender. He was an interesting (read: very poor) signing for KP, and he’s ill equipped to play NBA minutes. The Blazers will suffer BADLY as long as he’s in the rotation.
In my opinion, if the Blazers aren’t going to make a move, they have to try playing DC. At least there’s a possibility he could be mediocre. With Howard, no way.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
To Howard's credit
He has a very high basketball IQ and does smart things on the court. The other night, he got stuck defending a 3 on 1 fast break. When he saw that the guy with the ball was about to pass to one of the trailers, he lunged forward and fouled him…in the act of passing. Result = no points. No foul shots. The opposing team got the ball out of bounds and didn’t end up scoring. That’s two points Howard netted the team without scoring.
He does a lot of small things like that that don’t show up in the box score. And let’s remember that he’s only playing 10 minutes a night.
The more pressing problem for the Blazers is the lack of any true small forwards. Martell isn’t playing well and he’s only barely a small forward himself (he was drafted as a shooting guard).
www.blazerguy.com
The silver lining to all of this
is for Travis to get to sit on the bench in street clothes next to an assistant coach, watching his team play, and watching other teams. Travis’ weakest quality has always been the mental part, understanding where he is supposed to be and why, and this will give him a chance to soak it in. I think G.O. and Webster ended up better players for it.
by superfly05 on Nov 18, 2009 2:09 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
How is that a silver lining for the Blazers since he probably won't be re-signed?
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Nov 18, 2009 2:18 PM PST up reply actions
Says you
If anything else, this makes him much more signable for the Blazers. He’s a good value, and Travis, more than anyone else on the team, seems like he’d sign for less to hang with his buddies and not have to learn a new system.
This just proves what Popeye's Chicken established loooong ago
You can never have too many wings.
ahem
but yeah…is Kersey in basketball shape?
I'm just not crazy about player nick names...
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Nov 18, 2009 2:18 PM PST reply actions
Nice knowin' ya Trav
Never been a big fan but it’s a bummer it has to end like this. Good luck wherever you end up.
Blazer Fan
I think he'll be back
Like I said last Saturday, the injury makes it much less likely he’ll get a FA offer much more than what Portland will agree to pay him to return for a year or two. And Outloaw will want to return, if the money is the same
Like Michael Corleone said in the Godfather “Everytime I think it’s over, they keep pulling me back in!”
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
If he comes back and plays for even two weeks
GMs will then base their decisions on prior years’ play. Even if he doesn’t come back, if he is showing in summer workouts that he is healthy, the injury will be treated as one of those things that just happens.
I’m not persuaded that this means he’ll be offered less money this summer. GMs know what he can do, lots of teams have expressed interest in him. All he has to do is demonstrate he’s healthy and the offers will be there.
The economy and cap restrictions are much more likely to limit his offers than this injury, IMO.
"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5
Adjustments
With Travis out, the Blazers need to adjust. I didn’t like the small-ball line-up even when we had Travis, but I think it’s even worse now. While Howard might pick up a few of the minutes when LMA is out, I really think we need to go to a more “traditional” line-up with Martell at the SF, Miller at PG, BRoy at SG, Aldridge at PF, and Oden at C.
The 3-guard line-up is weak against better teams; we don’t rebound as well; Roy doesn’t play as well (defense and offense) at the 3; Blake gets too many minutes; and Rudy gets too few.
Let’s get away from the “units” idea and play a rotation. Miller is a better PG than Blake for the TEAM (even if Blake is better for Roy). Roy is better at SG than he is at SF (especially on defense) and he’s playing too many minutes and getting too beat up/tired. Martell is our best SF now, so play him and see what happens. LMA at 4 and GO at 5 are about as set as it can get (assuming GO can stay on the floor for 30 minutes out of foul trouble. The main spark off the bench has to be Rudy and he has to be rewarded when he uses all those screens. Priz needs to be on the floor when Oden isn’t; Blake should be playing far fewer minutes (and doing more than being Roy’s outlet); Howard should be playing a minimum number of minutes (preferably with Oden) and Bayless and DC will still see little time.
Basically, we need the best players at their position for most of the time: Miller is better than Blake; Roy is an All-Star 2 (not 3); Martell is the best 3 we have; LMA is a potential All-Star 4; GO has the (dreaded) potential to be a beast; Rudy has the ability to spark the team as a 6th man; Priz is one of the best back-up 5s in the NBA; Blake can offer a steady hand when needed (not 40 mins/games); Howard was signed to play limited, smart minutes; Bayless and Cunningham can still play spot minutes.
I’d rather have Travis healthy, but I think the team will be better if the primary adjustment is away from the 3-guard line-up.
by vcubed on Nov 18, 2009 2:20 PM PST reply actions 3 recs
AMEN BROTHER
Couldn’t have said it any better…Completely agree with you on all aspects of the line up.
Agreed!
I agree with just playing a rotation and not units. That seems to be how the good teams do it; they play 8-9 guys. I like the Miller, Roy, Webster, Aldridge, Oden lineup. Maybe even starting Joel so Oden’s offensive talents can be used at the second half of the 1st quarter and the beginning of the 2nd. Also, Cunningham should be the back up 4. This kid can play and Nate needs to take a chance once and awhile and stop being so conservative. Howard’s great to have but he has no upside and his veteran savy will only take us so far.
minutes
1 = Miller 24-28/Blake 16-20/Bayless 4-8
2 = Roy 24/Rudy 20/Blake 2-4/Bayless 2-4
3 = Webster 26-30/Roy 8/LMA 4-10/Cunningham 0-10
4 = LMA 32/Howard 8-16/Cunningham 0-8
5 = Oden 28/Prz 18/LMA 2
by blacknoiseNW on Nov 18, 2009 5:16 PM PST up reply actions
Why Przy only 18 mpg?
that’s what I don’t understand, Greg and Joel should combine for at least 48. Only excessive fouls should limit their PT, and not LMA playing “center” in a small lineup when Oden/Przy are rested and not in foul trouble. LMA needs to be in the game for all the PF minutes that he is physically able to play
the Outlaw “stretch” lineup is no more. It’s time to play smashy-smashy
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
have we seen one game where either Prz or Oden was on the floor the whole game?
2 minutes of LMA at the 5 is less than what he has been getting….
by blacknoiseNW on Nov 19, 2009 9:51 PM PST up reply actions
Without disagreeing with many of your points
Roy actually is more effective at the 3 because of the quickness advantage he has.
The problem is that he isn’t big enough to handle some 3s very well. He did a great job on Crash the other night, but it (along with the whole trip) left him very fatigued and we saw the impact in Atlanta.
"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5
Oden is more effective against points because of his size advantage - but you don't start him at the one
mismatches should be created with good offensive sets – not by forcing Brandon to play out of position and simultaneously weakening the 2..
by blacknoiseNW on Nov 19, 2009 9:53 PM PST up reply actions
???
I said I didn’t disagree with much of what he said. But he said “Roy doesn’t play as well (defense and offense) at the 3;” and that is plain wrong.
The Oden/PG comparison is daft, with all due respect. Roy is effective at both ends against 3s, and Oden would be effective at neither against points.
In general, our most effective lineup right now is probably Brandon at the 3 and Rudy at the 2. I would hope Martell breaks out of his funk soon.
"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5
nice article as always Ben
The guy who is the crux of the entire biscuit here is the fellow whose name is not mentioned in your article: Martell Webster. I’d like to see him play the big minutes and guard the big wings, especially because the team seems to be hanging its hat on the defensive end of the floor nowadays. – Elgin
Travis Outlaw, the Funnel Cake of the Blazers
that concept is working for OKC
Sebolosha is making an impact simply by rebounding, stealing, passing the ball and playing defense. He doesn’t HAVE to score to be effective. Neither does Martell. That said, Martell has more offense potential in the last knuckle of his left hand than Sebolosha ever will. Point remains – Martell can provide positive contributions even if he can’t seem to square that J.
by blacknoiseNW on Nov 18, 2009 5:20 PM PST up reply actions
...and what's up with these ballers putting their shirt in their mouths?
I saw it a ton last season, not as much this season, though.
Start Miller
Why is this happening?
So what kind of shoes was he wearing? With all the high-tech shoes equipment begin made, this seems to me to be an injury that should have never happened.
You are what you write.
@#$%, 5 months ?! I'd hate to see what "unsuccesful" surgery looks like...
“whoops, slipped with the bone saw, foot reattachment went, ah, pretty well….”
I am real curious. Now I understand that medical records are appropriately personal, but, Travis, get a copy of your x-rays, and even more cool, a video of the actual surgery, and post it on your personal web site. THAT’s keeping us, your loyal supporters (we are many) up to date. Hang in there Trav. Hire a cute nutritionist, etc. You’ll be back.
"Travis went all wang-dang diddly wubba SPROING wow-wow on everybody " Dave's recap, season opener
Seems a bit early to call it "successful"
Really, you’ll know if it was successful when it heals…or doesn’t. Most times it does, though, so I remain upbeat. Be back soon, Travis! Just not too soon, not until it’s really healed.
To those who want Outlaw gone, I say: you spend too much time looking at stats, this isn’t baseball. Travis fits well in this team’s chemistry, and guys who can provide an offensive spark coming off the bench are hard to find. A lot of good shooters can’t get themselves going in that role, but Trout is just the opposite – he doesn’t seem to know how to start a game, but he’s totally comfortable coming off the bench. A guy like that is a rare gem, you hang onto him if you can.
I am kind of shocked at the reaction here
is the sky falling?
We are a deep team, remember? Right?
-
I respectfully disagree that Rudy is in “no margin” territory. He has to play back up shooting guard. Now he actually will get to play normal back up shooting guard minutes, not one-missed-shot-sit-the-rest-of-the-half-minutes. Same for Martell starting at SF.
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Why are the “personalities” all of a sudden an issue? What exactly did Outlaw give us in this regard that will now be missed? The thing that always seems to make a basketball player happy is more minutes. Ta da!
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Yes, playoff teams respond to adversity. Despite our record, we havn’t played like a playoff team this year. Thats a real concern that everyone has been saying “don’t panic” about. Outlaw is the problem that needs the don’t panic sticker right now. Get well Travis and come back soon.
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Can Juwon Howard fill the minutes? This is a good question. Hopefully KP asked himself that question when he decided not to pick up or trade for a PF this summer not named Juwon Howard. We assume he can play those minutes.
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The thing we need to do right now is take a deep breath, realize there will likely be some additional adversity on the court, some gelling time, and then we’ll see where we are at. We aren’t playing really awesome basketball anyway. Should we go 5-5 the next ten games, it would be a big mistake to just pin it on the loss of Outlaw.
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I think the interesting thing would be if we go 7-3 in our next ten games. What then?
piling up regular season wins is not the objective
seeing the Blazers achieve their potential and be able to take it to the next level (compete for a championship) is…
I think what you are reading is a skeptical and frustrated fan base that believes the Blazers should be good enough to compete with the best, but aren’t ready yet. Good record or no good record.
by blacknoiseNW on Nov 19, 2009 9:58 PM PST up reply actions
Piling up regular seasons wins
is an important objective. We have two key rotation players out right now. One, at least, is expected back for the playoffs. We also have a new floor general who really hasn’t meshed with our team yet, so on court chemistry is not great yet.
Right now, it is important to rack up the wins even if we aren’t playing well, so we can get a good seed, an easier first round opponent, and home court advantage. Some of these other things will work themselves out.
"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5
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