Start Miller and Rudy
by xedubx on Nov 22, 2009 2:56 PM PST
71 comments
I didn't think I'd ever say this about someone that I loved seeing play since his college years, (and lobbied hard to draft) but I am getting sick of Roy's attitude these days. Both him and Nate threw Miller under the bus with gem of a quote like this after last night's game:
“I feel like we tried it (the three-guard lineup), and you could say it worked at times, but me sacrificing hurt the team, so it should get back to me playing full-out and getting some other guys in other areas to sacrifice a little bit,” Roy said.
“This team is going to go off my pulse,” Roy said. “Even if I’m smiling and trying to make it work, if I seem like I’m not totally comfortable, then Martell won’t be. And Rudy (Fernandez) will look like he’s in a funk. And L.A. (Aldridge) will look like he’s in a funk. They have been playing with me for a couple years and if I’m going well, they have more confidence.”
Really? Is Blake the right answer instead? Am I the only one remembering about the ATL game and how we almost blew the Detroit game thanks to Blake? Yeah, Blake finally hit that 3 on his second try, but who was the player that was instrumental in getting us to that position? Yes, it was Mr. Steven Blake, who historically has been unable to handle pressure defense and doesn't contribute much to offense when his 3's aren't falling.
If Roy is determined to not play along side Miller, I'd say start Rudy instead. Listen, I realize Blake-Roy backcourt is obviously better and we'll win a few more games this year with the Blake-Roy backcourt. But, I believe what we are trying to do with this team is to build a championship contender. I don't think Roy and LA as two main offensive option gets us to that goal. (which BTW, worked fantastic vs. Houston) We need Oden to become a legit offensive threat and out of Blake, Roy, and Miller, only Miller seems interested in consistently getting the ball to Greg. Not to mention that Rudy is also our other guy willing to pass the ball into our center. It'd be nice to Rudy to fling some no-looks into Greg instead of Przybilla, who has practically no chance of catching those passes.
Plus, we are always worrying about Greg picking up fouls out there. Why not have him pick up fouls on his opposing player by consistently giving him touches on offense? When Greg has someone pinned down low, he's just Shaq-ing people down there. Unfortunately, we're doing a great job ourselves in keeping the ball out of Greg's hand.
In the end, it is simple as this: franchise centers are the most valuable commodity, while perimeter scorers are dime a dozen. Stop catering to Roy and cater to Greg, instead. It's not too hard to find someone to play his role. It's extremely hard to find what Greg can potentially become, so develop him as much as possible instead of bending to Roy's whims. And, Roy is definitely living up to his Yellow Mamba nickname this year, at least to me.
Of course, I know as long as Nate's the coach this will never happen... Okay, rant over.
2 recs |
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Disappointed by Roy's take
McMillan hasn’t been impressing either. I don’t think we should start Rudy, but I do think we should start Miller. I think Webster thrives more under a starting role and I think with the gaps in our rotation due to injury Rudy can scrap up some extra minutes in addition to his backup SG minutes to stay happy. The three-guard thing is done. Time to go to a traditional lineup, but find one and make it work. I have an amazingly difficult time believing we can’t find a great balance of first and second units with this team.
by Seven06Renault on Nov 22, 2009 3:17 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I agree that Roy and Nate threw Miller under the bus before he even got a chance, and I also have been a little disappointed in Roy this year,
but let me get this straight…are you suggesting that we bench Brandon, our all-star, our leader, the guy we just gave a max contract to? If that is what you are suggesting, then I say, uhhh no.
by dario argento on Nov 22, 2009 3:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Miller, Roy, Rudy.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
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by staylost on Nov 22, 2009 5:16 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Oden's not ready to take over this team just yet.
I don’t think that is debatable at this point. One day he will be though, wonder what Brandon will say then? Will he pull a Kobe and demand we trade Oden so he can go back to being “the man?”
by lethaldose on Nov 22, 2009 3:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
How long do you want us to wait until wake up to the fact that it is not going to happen before GO rules?
The time for us to start treating him like he is the man is now, yesterday. He will be the man somewhere, no matter how we treat him, but I for one do not want him going anywhere. Roy is seen as being the man here in Portland for political reasons as much as anything. Oden is meant to be the man because of his talent and potential—no politics needed.
Whether your preference is watching or playing, basketball is a TEAM game.
by KINGofMACct on Nov 22, 2009 7:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What do you mean by "political reasons"?
PTB Liberation Day - 2/10/04
by tssbro on Nov 22, 2009 11:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You are right, he wants other players (wink, wink) to pass him the ball
Whether your preference is watching or playing, basketball is a TEAM game.
by KINGofMACct on Nov 23, 2009 8:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll have to go back to my "brainstorm" post this summer...
Shortly after the Dre trade, I got hammered for posting that BRoy should be the Blazers “sixth man of the year”… I still believe that may be the best solution….
That guy, BRoy can play with Blake, and Pryz (and Travis, when he gets back), and those good old boys can walk the ball up the court, “do the Portland”, and all hail Brandon with the iso…
Meanwhile, the lineup of Miller, Rudy, Martell, LMA and Oden can run the floor, have a creative, pick and roll, movement based NBA offense, and win…
by Visionary2 on Nov 22, 2009 3:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Your points are solid. I will never forget the affect that Vinnie Johnson had on the Pistons championship runs.
Whether your preference is watching or playing, basketball is a TEAM game.
by KINGofMACct on Nov 22, 2009 6:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Rudy has a better chance of being like "the Microwave"
Brandon likes to “ease himself” into the game. For 6th man you want instant offense
I also think Miller should score more as a bench player. He did average 15ppg for Philly, last year. They could clear a side and have Andre post up smaller PGs, etc
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Nov 22, 2009 8:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Roy is the one who says he wants to play Vinnie's style
Whether your preference is watching or playing, basketball is a TEAM game.
by KINGofMACct on Nov 23, 2009 8:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm frustrated with our use of Miller as well
but I sincerely think that by playoff time, he and Roy will be the starting backcourt. It’s taking longer/been a more drawn out process than I would have hoped, but if those two can get on the same page, that gives Portland it’s best chance at playoff success.
An unlikely linchpin in all of this – Martell Webster. If Marty can hit the 3 point shot at the rate I believe he is capable of, he becomes the floor spacer that is essential for a Roy/Blake backcourt to be successful, and he allows Brandon to cover the SG on defense (if it’s Blake or Rudy, Roy has to guard the 3 – a pretty taxing proposition). Blake has run hot and cold so far this year, unfortunately with cold being the norm. Andre will never be the shooter Blake is, but he can add so much to the game (especially when it comes to involving Oden and LMA) that I say giving up the jump shooting at the PG slot is acceptable. If Martell can excel, I think Nate may see it that way as well.
"man, steve blake is clutch *dead*" - Ben Golliver on Twitter
by blazeraddict on Nov 22, 2009 3:52 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Typo
I meant “Roy/Miller” backcourt. And my continued misuse of “it’s” is causing me to really doubt how I passed 2nd grade
"man, steve blake is clutch *dead*" - Ben Golliver on Twitter
by blazeraddict on Nov 22, 2009 5:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Very nice!
I agree. If Marty is not ready, I start Miller over Blake and Rudy over Martell if the defensive matchups make sense.
by LaoTzu on Nov 23, 2009 2:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, what is with the Brandon hate?
He’s a 22/5/5 guy, and you want to put him on the bench? How can you even call yourselves blazer fans? Look, I’m frustrated too that Brandon isn’t ready to see the big picture yet, but people should realize that Oden’s establishment as the linchpin of the blazer attack is an inevitable conclusion. It will happen, folks, just be patient.
"B-Roy is the best shooting guard I have played against"
-Ron Artest
by premthegrem on Nov 22, 2009 3:54 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Stats are not the reason.
Consider AI and his stats. He was more talented individually than Brandon, and yet he ended up hurting his teams.
Whether your preference is watching or playing, basketball is a TEAM game.
by KINGofMACct on Nov 22, 2009 7:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You did not just compare AI to Brandon Roy, did you?
That is by far one of the most incredibly ignorant things I’ve seen posted here.
If you’re trying to make a case that Brandon does more things to hurt the team than to help it, that is no less ignorant.
by Anim8rguy on Nov 22, 2009 9:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Have you checked out AI's statistics?
I believe they are better than Roy’s over a long period of time. And I am not an AI fan!
Whether your preference is watching or playing, basketball is a TEAM game.
by KINGofMACct on Nov 23, 2009 8:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I know much about AI
I grew up in Jersey when AI played for Philly. What I’m saying is that it sees like you are comparing Brandon Roy to AIlen Iverson from the standpoint of how they are bad for their teams.
They are in no ways similar. AI has always been a headcase selfish scorer with quick hands — always until recently. He feuds with his coaches and teams would put up with it because of his talent. Well, he’s older and not the player he was. He’s no longer worth his baggage.
Brandon Roy is in no way anything remotely like Iverson. If you’re trying to make a case that Brandon Roy may be hurting the team more with his play and attitude, you’re making an insane stretch.
I think I’m starting to become like Hollywood Robinson below me. It seems as though many of you truly cannot appreciate how incredibly rare a player like Brandon Roy is — talentwise and from the standpoint of maturity.
by Anim8rguy on Nov 23, 2009 10:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's finally time to stop visiting Blazersedge
Or at least totally ignoring the fanshots.
by hollywood robinson on Nov 22, 2009 4:38 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
but?
this is a fan"post".
right?
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
by faith on Nov 22, 2009 4:43 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
We're all just lost souls looking for our chance to post or shoot!
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
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by staylost on Nov 22, 2009 5:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Should have been a fan shot...
Is it OK to jokingly say that? Because I am joking not at anyone’s expense just at the fanpost/fanshot fun that is a fantastic part of BE history.
PTB Liberation Day - 2/10/04
by tssbro on Nov 22, 2009 11:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
just miller
bayless leaves over my dead body
Start Andre (in a 2 guard lineup)
by thomasikehara on Nov 22, 2009 4:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
It's become clear Roy is the primary reason the rotations remain a mess
I questioned why McMillan would promise Miller the opportunity to compete for the starting PG position, then award the starting spot to Blake during the pre-season despite being out performed by Miller. The answer is now quite clear, Roy has final control of this team. He plays when he wants and with whom he wants. I can’t imagine how much national run comments like the ones made by Roy would receive if made by Kobe or AI.
For all of you who rush to Roy’s defense yet flame selfish players around the league you all need a long look in the mirror. If Roy could get this team to the NBA Finals then I guess its worth living with his selfish ego, but he’s simply not talented enough to do that. I hope Andre gets moved as soon as possible in accordance with the CBA restrictions. He deserves better than this situation.
by westsportsbias on Nov 22, 2009 4:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
OK, I'll point out something obvious to you
Who did we give a max contract to? Was it Miller or Roy?
Who is the face of this franchise? Miller or Roy?
Who will definitely be a member of this team after next season? Miller or Roy?
Whatever you want to think, Miller was signed as a role player, and it is a role that he had better learn to embrace or his current contract will be the last one he signs for ANY team.
We lose Oden, we can still make the playoffs. We lose Miller, we can still make the playoffs.
We lose Brandon, and we’re struggling to make .500
Keeping Brandon Roy happy and his most productive is the best way for this team to be successful on offense. Sorry, but the difference between Blake and Miller is pretty obvious when it comes to playing with Brandon Roy. Brandon can drive and kick out to Blake — a situation which they are both comfortable with. Miller can drive and kick it out to Brandon — which is not Brandon Roy’s game.
You do not put a role player’s interests ahead of your superstar. In some ways, just discussing this topic is stupid, let alone how stupid the topic is itself.
by Anim8rguy on Nov 22, 2009 10:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The whole point was not about winning this year. It's developing Oden.
It’s about getting better this year so that we set up ourselves for the future. While I do care how this team does this season, it does not take precedence over the growth that needs to take place this year to challenge for the championship in the years coming. I’d take under .500 season with developed Oden over playoffs and first round exit with current Oden, especially this season.
We lose Oden, we never challenge for the rings. We lose Brandon, he can be replaced. If my choice is 20 and 12 Oden and lose Brandon, or 10 and 8 Oden and have Brandon, I choose 20 and 12 Oden because that sets up better for future success.
I hope it doesn’t come down to that and hope Roy will be satisfied while Greg continues his growth, but the first 15 games say otherwise so far. I am starting to lose confidence that Oden can continue to make strides under Blake-Roy backcourt. Yes, Blake and Roy looked for Greg last game, but that’s against Minny. I counted 13 out of 15 games where they don’t make concerted effort in getting the ball to Greg. Yes, he has issues with fouls and Nate handcuffs him to the bench with 2 fouls (something I also disagree about), but the team doesn’t properly utilize him when he is on the floor. Greg is much more important to this team’s future and he needs to be given every opportunity to be successful, and that includes guard that are actually looking to pass to him.
by xedubx on Nov 22, 2009 10:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, the whole point of the original post is, anyway.
by xedubx on Nov 22, 2009 10:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not so sure I agree with you
I do not think it is easy to replace Brandon Roy. If you genuinely do than you are not appreciating all the things he does and how improves the team just by being on the floor.
Greg has shown — to me — that he still does not know how to react to a double team. When he is isolated he can take almost anyone, but as soon as he is double teamed the ball typically gets knocked out of his hands.
Greg will be getting plenty of touches with Blake and Roy — although I agree that Brandon doesn’t get the ball to Oden as easily as he should.
Getting Brandon to play comfortably with Greg is more important than getting Greg to play comfortably with a player who will be gone after next year.
by Anim8rguy on Nov 23, 2009 9:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Relax.
Blake is actually a better fit with Roy and I’m fine with that. Roy is still our best player, and you have to surround him with the players that he’s most comfortable playing with.
by tcwoods on Nov 22, 2009 5:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Yes, of course...
You know, the old horse and buggy is very reliable… This horseless carriage thing will never take off…
by Visionary2 on Nov 22, 2009 7:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If men were meant to fly ....
Whether your preference is watching or playing, basketball is a TEAM game.
by KINGofMACct on Nov 22, 2009 7:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It was a lie. Man never made it to the moon.
And we didn’t win that championship in ’77, either.
by LaoTzu on Nov 23, 2009 2:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So if he's comfortable playing with
his kid, should we sign him up to be a starter? He ain’t the Lord and Manor of the Blazers!
by VinnyB on Nov 23, 2009 4:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is going to backfire on Nate
His blind and inexplicable loyalty to guys like Blake and Pryzbila will eventually be his undoing. I believe he is on the verge of losing Miller completely with his transparent bias and favoritism. When that happens, he will have wasted our “big” free agent signing and one of our best opportunities to improve the team from last years’s edition.
The other opportunity to improve the team from last year is the development of Greg Oden. Amazingly, Nate is doing his best to hamper and undermine that as well. His ultra-conservative insistence of benching him after two fouls for the remainder of 1st halves is bad enough. Also he should be insisting that the guards (mainly Roy and Blake) feed GO in the low post a lot more than they are presently doing, in order to help develop his inside game and make him a bigger part of the offense. This well help develop Greg and the team in the long run. But last night was the topper! How can Nate justify taking Greg out with about 5 minutes left in the 3rd quarter and not putting him back in the game?? Sure it was a blowout by early in the 4th quarter. But that is exactly when Oden could get a free run to work on his post moves in a real game. How much would it help his confidence to have a game where he plays 30+ minutes and finishes with 25 pts, 12 boards and 5 blocks? That could very easily have happened….instead GO finished with 16 pts in 23 minutes, and 2 fouls!!! Nate seems very ignorant to the need to help build Oden’s confidence.
But like I said, this will eventually backfire on McMillan as the team will not progress adequately and then we can get a real coach. Unfortunately that will probably take another year or two.
by socalblazer on Nov 22, 2009 5:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
If he loses Miller, then Miller is the problem
Sorry, but a professional athlete will adapt to their position. An athlete about to be run out of the league will be “lost” like Iverson is.
by Anim8rguy on Nov 22, 2009 10:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
How is Miller learning to love the bench going to get GO the ball more???
by LaoTzu on Nov 23, 2009 2:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Miller learning to love the bench is what he is paid to do
My point is that if Miller is unwilling to accept his role he is a problem for the team — a bigger problem than getting the ball to Greg Oden more.
by Anim8rguy on Nov 23, 2009 9:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My promised land is:
Rudy, Roy, Batum, Aldridge, Oden. Way too much talent, I love it!!!
With Bayless (combo guard scoring off the bench), Webster (energy guy), & Pryzbilla (really good big man) being the main backups (sure, I’ll take an illicit banger in the mix too!)
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
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by staylost on Nov 22, 2009 5:23 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Don't know if they will be the starters but eventually that is your crunch time line up
PTB Liberation Day - 2/10/04
by tssbro on Nov 22, 2009 11:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Uh no
Roy isn’t coming off the bench, and Miller and Roy do not play well together. You need shooters around Roy Aldridge and Oden. I would rather see Rudy get minutes at point guard ahead of Miller. At least he can shoot.
"I been ridin' the midnight train, got ice water in my veins." -Bob Dylan
"Sasha? That's a sissy name." -Mike Rice
by koyote on Nov 22, 2009 5:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
If we had more consistency from Martell, he and LMA would stretch the floor and Miller would be awesome starting
Miller is clearly better than Blake, and I love Blake.
by LaoTzu on Nov 23, 2009 2:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow !!
The johnny come lately psudeo fans have taken over.
As a 35 + year Blazermaniac (Anti-Bandwagoneer), I completely
reject this premise. The Blake/Roy/Batum-Martell/Smooth/GO lineup
is very good and fully capable of entering the championship window.
BRoy is our best player and has proven that on many occasions/ several
years now. I was against the Miller signing from the beginning, since he
was never going to be a good fit with Roy. Needing the ball in his hands
to score/create is duplicating Roy’s skills to some degree, without the outside
shooting skills. Roy and Smooth both need to continue to expand their games,
but I felt the biggest Pre-Miller improvement would come from GO and the
addition of Martell.
The constant negativity of the anti Blake/Roy/McMillian folks continues to
grate on the success of the last two years with our great young team and chemistry.
Obviously losing Batum and Outlaw have made things more difficult, but now
that Miller is a member of the team, he needs to become the primary creator
for the 2nd unit. He will naturally be a primary scorer as his strength is posting
and getting to the rim. This has become more needed since Outlaw went down and
deprived our 2nd unit the create his own shot scorer. I love Rudy, but he still has a
hard time creating his own shot. If Blake were to become the backup PG, our second
unit would really struggle to score !
Basketball knowledge and common sense dictate that Miller leads the 2nd unit
while still getting 25 minutes and putting up his numbers
GO BLAZERS !!!
COINCAST SUCKS !!!
It's GO time !
by walkoff41 on Nov 22, 2009 5:30 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
I'm wondering
Since you’re a long time Blazer fan, how do you compare the current group of Blazers to the 1984-1988 teams that started out with Drexler and Bowie, then added Porter and Kersey to the core? The reason I ask is because that the Drexler-era team had talent and made the playoffs each year, but besides the Dallas series they couldn’t make it out of the first round, until the Buck Williams deal in ‘89. I see a lot of parallels between the ’80s squad and the current Portland team. Roy’s group is also young and talented, but to this point they don’t appear to have what it takes to break through and compete with the top teams in the western conference, at least not in a 7-game series. (It may also take a coaching change, like transitioning from Schuler to Adelman, for this group to realize their championship aspirations.)
Another (less-serious) question for you is…why do you feel the need to hit the “return” key after approximately 40-45 typed characters per line?
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Nov 22, 2009 8:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Schuler lost his star, Drexler essentially got Schuler fired
The irony is that Drexler proved to be wrong in the long run. He wanted the high octane offense that Kiki brought to the court and Schuler kept playing this hustling young guy named Kersey. They got rid of the coach and Kiki.
McMillan is not losing Roy. And the comparison should probably be made after we see what they actually do. Or did they lose the first round of the playoffs and I missed it? I mean they haven’t even made the playoffs yet this year.
I believe he may be posting from a mobile device. Not sure…
PTB Liberation Day - 2/10/04
by tssbro on Nov 22, 2009 11:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
GO needs the ball.
This is Oden’s 2nd season. He may be the best Blazer in waiting. Unless they (Miller is THE best at this) pass him the ball, we won’t know how much he can do. If he dominates on offense, that could take pressure off on the other end.
by LaoTzu on Nov 23, 2009 2:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's all about the COIN . . .
or perhaps a personality disorder. It’s fun and entertaining, a little unique & feels good !
It's GO time !
by walkoff41 on Nov 23, 2009 2:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
miller
would be great with the 2nd unit but personally i would like to see him traded. Something about that guy just gives me the basketball creeps
by BBG on Nov 22, 2009 6:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
You can't bench Roy
But you can trade him (maybe for Chris Paul, who is reported to be unhappy in NO) if he wants to act like an ass and not put the team first. Blake should be the 3rd PG behind Miller and Bayless, good 10th man, but not a starter if you want to go to the Finals. And yeah, whether you start Rudy or not, get him 30+ min/night between SF/SG, great energy, 3s, steals, etc. Hopefully Roy will prove mature and adaptable to go with what’s best for the Blazers and Nate will quit kissing his ass; got as good a chance as anyone to win it all this year but not with soap opera crap happening.
by greencat66 on Nov 22, 2009 6:50 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
The Blazers have certainly been soap opera worthy
Nate will quit kissing his ass; got as good a chance as anyone to win it all this year but not with soap opera crap happening.
What will the next act hold for us?
Andre shoots at the wrong basket?
Greg says he can only play with Rudy and Andre?
Rudy requests a trade?
Bayless refuses to play hard on defense?
Whether your preference is watching or playing, basketball is a TEAM game.
by KINGofMACct on Nov 22, 2009 7:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Greg says he can only play with Rudy and Andre?
He may not come out and say it, but he should be thinking it. This would be the best way for Greg to get more touches
Rudy requests a trade?
KP has dodged that bullet so far, and the injuries to Batum and Outlaw will help hold off the reaper for awhile. But the fact that Roy doesn’t like guarding SFs should be a concern to #5
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Nov 22, 2009 8:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The soap opera is coming from the fans
Fire Nate
Trade/bench Roy
KP stinks – too many wing players
and my least favorite – the constant need for a whipping boy
by Jacksonville on Nov 22, 2009 7:30 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
Start the Best.
I agree, Miller and Rudy are among our best 5. But in the end I have to defer to Nate’s judgment.
by goblazer1 on Nov 22, 2009 8:17 PM PST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
The sky is falling! The sky is falling! (We're 10-5) What? (We're 10-5) Oh, OK.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
by haildablazer on Nov 22, 2009 9:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Not all 10-5 record is created equal
Check out our strength of schedule. Who did we play and who did we lose to so far?
I’ve said before the season started, don’t get fooled by first 20 games record since we have ridiculously easy schedule. If we go worse than 16-4, we have issues. Guess what? We definitely won’t go 16-4.
But please, ignore the obvious chemistry issues and discontentment in the locker room. I ams sure it’ll go all away if you repeat that mantra.
by xedubx on Nov 22, 2009 10:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But even with all those problems...
10-5
I get it. They have looked bad and they haven’t found their identity yet. If they don’t soon, you are right, things might not go so well. But what if they hit their stride and find that rotation that clicks and things really start humming? Look out.
What I try to do when I get frustrated about how they are playing right now is remember how good they looked last year. And that series against Houston? That was one more step on the way up. This group of guys has been hitting walls and going over them for 2 years now. They keep growing and I have confidence they are going to figure it out. Maybe this will prove to be the rough patch that brings these guys together?? Isn’t that at least as plausible as the wheels falling off the bus?
PTB Liberation Day - 2/10/04
by tssbro on Nov 22, 2009 11:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No offense but I doubt anyone on BE knows whats' going on in the locker room?..
We can only play the teams that are put on the schedule so I guess we really can’t do anything about the weakness.
It seems like people are over reacting based on unrealistic expectations and this comment is a pretty good example of that…
If we go worse than 16-4, we have issues. Guess what? We definitely won’t go 16-4.
Is it really fair to judge the Blazers on your overly optimistic predictions?
The Blazers made a great run at the end of last season and slightliy exceeded expectations. Before that it was common sentiment that we were a 2-3 years away then suddenly an artificial window opens. Do you really think we are a serious championship contender becasue we have Andre Miller? There’s alot more to it then that.
I personally choose to ignore the “obvious chemistry issues amd discontentment in the locker room” because I’m not there. Besides if I want these things I will simply come to BE.
Honestly… look what’s become of the great and wise BE… people are reading a Post that says Start Miller and Rudy…which means benching our ROY , 2-time All Star, Max Contract hero from last year Brandon Roy… AND AGREEING WITH IT!!!!…
To me…that’s embarrassing!
GO BLAZERS!!!… Beat the Bulls
by Ilikeemall on Nov 23, 2009 2:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Your logic is flawless.
Since we’re not supposed to make personal attacks on authors of fanposts, I have nothing to say here.
3rd down... chainsaw noise please.
by GoBlaze22 on Nov 23, 2009 12:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
This team wasn't ready to go at the start of the season
Whose fault was that? Nate (as coach) or KP (for hiring Miller)?
We had a rash of disappointing injuries to start the season. Whose fault was that? Rod Thorn or David Stern?
Who is the most important Blazer to develop? GO or More-Roy?
Who doesn’t get enough touches without Andre Miller in the game? GO or GO?
Who is our best PG at feeding the post? Miller or Miller?
Who is our best PG running the fast break off all those DREBs we collect? Miller or Bayless?
Who needs to complain more about all the fouls not being called on defenders draped all over GO? Nate or Roy or GO? (All of them. But if I had to choose, I’d vote Roy, the team leader. He should be ragging on those zebras.)
Who needs to start thinking longterm about this team’s development in terms of GO? Nate and Blazer fans.
by LaoTzu on Nov 23, 2009 2:34 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I have had it with Nate!
Telling everyone before training camp that the starting PG job was up for grabs and then giving it to Blake when he was clearly out-played was fustrating. When a change needed to be made, he went with not really making a decision but started both PGs. I was willing to accept that if it meant that eventually Miller would start. That was the only thing for me to cling onto. So what does Nate do? He pulls the rug from right under me!
Blake! Seriously?
Why spend $7 mill a year on a backup PG? Why sign him in the first place if he was never gonna be the perfect fit for this team? You know that this is Pritchard’s fault as well, he should have spent the cap space a lot better than he did. I never thought that Miller was the ideal PG but he was/is much better than Blake. The perfect PG might be Moe Williams but we won’t get him. Delonte West we can get and he would be an improvement over Blake.
Rudy should not start at least not while Outlaw is still out. If we moved Webster back to the bench, we will have lost his scoring. He has proved that he can’t really create shots for himself so he needs to play with players much better than him. We need Rudy’s scoring off the bench to replace Outlaw.
by VinnyB on Nov 23, 2009 5:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Miller is not a fit for this team and never should have been signed
I’m not sure why this is so difficult for many to see but the fact is, Miller, while being more talented than Blake, is just not a good fit for this team. Getting the ball to Oden frankly just isn’t that difficult. The difficult part is learning when Oden can handle receiving the pass without hurting the team with horrible turnovers and poor decisions and when he can. Right now noone on this team is sure of that, including Miller.
Oden will grow into a very good player over the next few seasons with Roy and LMA and Rudy being the one’s primarily responsible for getting him the ball. But for the next couple of seasons at least, this team will go as far as Roy can take them and no further.
I find it comical that many here are not seeing at all the fact that Roy was and is the reason this very, very, very, very young team with talent is winning while most young teams in this league are losing or struggling finally to get to .500 (OKC, Memphis, Golden State, Chicago to name a few).
Bottom line is Roy is a winner and Miller has proven over his career to be a stat guy who wins on rare occasions. I’ll take Roy over Miller every day of the week and twice on Sunday’s as the saying goes.
I think it may become important over the next few months for the front office to admit they made a poor decision to sign Miller and ship him out. They signed him just to say they made a signing and his being on this team has actually hurt chemistry more than I could have imagined. And it’s really tearing apart the fan base.
by jcuw94 on Nov 23, 2009 8:15 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
This is a classic case
Of what we think would be happening, or should be happening vs. what is actually happening.
I think we all expected Miller to fit in better on the court and be an upgrade for play creation over Blake. We all thought it would happen. We thought it should happen.
It hasn’t happened.
The sooner we come to grips with reality, the better off we will be.
Two points scored by GO’ = "thunderdunk"
by T$ 225 on Nov 23, 2009 10:40 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I couldn't agree more Miller needs to be traded
But, lets be careful not to blur the truth with rose colored glasses.
Fact: McMillan and KP brought in Miller to compete for the starting position.
Fact: Miller outplayed Blake during the pre-season
Fact: Blake has started every game this season
Fact: Roy has publicly stated that if he doesn’t get his way it’s bad for the team
Fact: While Roy was “sacrificing” the Blazers went 7-2, including six road games
Fact: Miller’s source of discontent is being lied to about the opportunity to compete for the starting job
Fact: Roy’s source of discontent is having to share the basketball and play SF
Miller is the wrong fit for this team because Roy is a selfish athlete. The Blazers are better with Roy than they are with Miller, so Miller is the odd man out. But, for those of you who are calling Miller a journeyman you clearly have not watched basketball on a national scale. Incidently jcuw94 Miller has made it to the playoffs in 5 of the past 6 seasons with teams that half the talent as this players team so to say he wins on rare occasions is ignorant.
by westsportsbias on Nov 23, 2009 12:41 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Saying Roy is a selfish athlete is untrue in my ignorant opinion!
Roy has an extremely high basketball IQ. That’s why he is one of those rare players who come along that just seems to know when to shoot, when to pass and defer. Kobe doesn’t have that feel. Carmelo doesn’t have that feel. Only guys like Lebron, Wade, and CP3 right now can challenge Brandon for bball IQ in this regard.
If Roy was so selfish as you claim he is, he would be jacking up 25 shot a game like Kobe, Wade, and Carmelo do. And he would do it at the expense of winning. Roy has consistently averaged 5 assists per game over the last 2 seasons or so. How is that selfish from your star 2 guard and only consistently reliable scorer? Oh I know, you will nitpick how he gets those assists by telling me they are only on passes to outside shooters. I don’t care if they are only to outside shooters (even though they aren’t).
Miller may have made the playoffs a few times but that doesn’t mean those were good teams. If I recall, only 2 of those Philly teams lived up to expectations. They had a ton of talent (Iguadala, Miller, Dalmebert to name a few) and should have gone deep into the Eastern Conference playoffs which have been notoriously weak for a decade now.
Anyway, call me ignorant if you want but saying Roy is selfish is just flat wrong. Roy understands what this team needs and it doesn’t need 2 players on the court for large minutes (at the same time) whose best asset is creating with the ball in their hands. They went 7-2 on that stretch by not playing anyone.
by jcuw94 on Nov 24, 2009 8:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
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