Monday Practice Report
by Ben Golliver on Dec 14, 2009 2:05 PM PST
in News
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PrintThanks to his recent Achilles surgery, Nate McMillan rides on this wheelie cart when he's not on crutches.
McMillan spoke today about the "slippage" he has seen from the team's effort and execution. "My leg is in this cast because of slippage," McMillan said, prompting some light chuckles from reporters. "No, seriously," McMillan continued, "It was slippage then... communicating on defense and setting screens and talking and sprinting out and all of those things we're talking about now, we've got to do."
McMillan has recalibrated his goals for the season: he wants to make the playoffs. He also seems to have come to terms with the fact that Greg Oden is out for the season. I suppose a week watching your team struggle through a road trip on TV will do that. For the latest on GO, click on this morning's update.
Jerryd Bayless
After practice today, Jerryd Bayless was adamant in repeating his earlier statements on twitter, steadfast in saying that he was not referring to his teammates after the game in Milwaukee. Jason Quick tracked him down after practice and they spoke briefly. After that conversation, Bayless told Brian T. Smith that the incident had been a "miscommunication."
Much more, including the quote below, from Brian T. Smith here...
A miscommunication between both of us. He's not trying to start anything. It was nothing like that. It was just a miscommunication on both our parts. And I apologize. I'll take the blame for it. That's not what I was trying to say; maybe he took it the wrong way. Maybe I insinuated that. But that's by far something I was not trying to say. I would never put down Steve or Andre, because both of them are great. Especially Steve and Andre - they both do different things that help this team. It's just a miscommunication and things like that happen.
Soon after the media session was complete, Bayless showed some real class in tweeting...
J. Quick didn't do anything wrong.. It was an accident and bad communication between both of us
Drama aside, Bayless saw his playing time ramp up a little bit on the road trip and Nate McMillan spoke at practice today about the team's need to attack defenses more aggressively. Clearly, that's good news for Bayless.
Here's a quick question and answer I did with Jerryd Bayless at practice today.
Blazersedge: Have you talked to Nate about your role in the last few weeks?
No, I haven't really talked to him about my role. When he puts me out there I'm going to try to do the best I can to help this team. Any given circumstance. If he plays me at the one, two, three, four or five. I'm just going to do my best to try to help this team win games.
Blazersedge: Some people believe you'll have more success if you continue to play at the 2 spot instead of the 1. Would you agree?
No, I don't think so. The thing is, it's whoever gets it, really goes, with me and Andre or me and Steve or whatever. Last year when Steve was out I think I had a lot of success there too. Whatever this team needs like I said, right now I can't really be picky about where I play. I'm not in that position. Hopefully we can get better, try to win some more games.
Blazersedge: Back during training camp we talked about how you saw the point guard position as a competition between you, Steve and Andre. How has that competition shaken out? How do you feel you're doing compared to those guys?
I think I'm doing well. Everytime I get an opportunity I'm trying to do my best to contribute to this team. That's kind of the coach's decision when it comes down to it. What he wants and what he sees fit. I don't know I think I'm doing well. They're also doing well. Andre has had some really big games, Steve has had some big games.
Blazersedge: You seem like a different player from last year. Your shooting percentage is way up. Your turnovers are down. Nate really hasn't talked to you about that during the last month?
Nah, we haven't really talked about that. He told me 'good game' after the Houston game. Today is the first day I've seen him. The Houston game was the first game that Rudy was out. So it was the first game I really played besides that stretch I was playing one. I think I did well when I was playing one for a little bit, when they went to the three guard lineup and I was coming off the bench being the backup point. We haven't really talked.
Blazersedge: How do you feel about playing in a three guard lineup compared to a traditional two guard lineup?
I just like to play, man. I love basketball. Right now I can't really be choosy about my situation. Whenever I get on the court, whether it's one, two, three, four or five, I'm going to try to contribute to this team.
Blazersedge: Last week there were rumors that you had approached Kevin Pritchard for a trade. Did you?
No.
Blazersedge: Did your agent or anyone else approach Kevin Pritchard on your behalf?
Not that I know of.
Blazersedge: How do you think something like that gets started?
Probably because I wasn't playing. Someone wanted to write it.
Blazersedge: What's your reaction when you read people writing about your facial expressions during games?
I think it's just me being competitive. I don't think it's really 'grumpy.' It's just an intense look. When I get in there, I'm trying to win at any cost possible. It's just me. I can't really change that.
Starting Lineup
Nate McMillan indicated at practice that he is re-evaluating the starting lineup.
I gotta look at everything. Certainly we're looking at that. I want to talk to the coaches more about it but we're a different team now. We're a different team without the two guys early -- Travis and Nicolas -- and we're certainly a different group without Big Greg and now without Rudy. We gotta find a way to get a group out there, maintain and win games and try and stay in this thing until we can get some guys healthy. So yes I'm looking at that.
McMIllan claimed to be looking at all positions aside from Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that Nate McMillan is finally bringing himself to reconsider the starting point guard position.
Jason Quick first reported on 95.5FM last week that McMillan was looking at starting Andre Miller in place of Steve Blake. He repeated that claim today, stating on Wheels at Work that he is receiving "strong indications that Andre Miller will move into the starting lineup tomorrow night." Quick also stated that he expects Jerryd Bayless to receive "very much more" playing time.
Rudy Fernandez
Rudy joined Nicolas Batum in attendance at practice today while Greg Oden and Travis Outlaw were not present. Rudy reported feeling much better after his surgery and said all the right things about getting back as soon as possible to help the team.
Shavlik Randolph
Ira Winderman is reporting that the Miami Heat have released Shavlik Randolph. Best of luck to Shavlik.
-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter
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Sign Shavlik!
Problems solved.
Hit it. Yes he did. Ohhhh yeah.
by Badalona Baddie on Dec 14, 2009 2:10 PM PST reply actions
"McMillan spoke today about the "slippage" he has seen from the team's ****effort**** and execution"
I’m right!
Blazer Fan
Not exactly going out on a limb
with that one.
#52
Is it just me, or is Rudy's hair going gray in the picture?
Hit it. Yes he did. Ohhhh yeah.
by Badalona Baddie on Dec 14, 2009 2:16 PM PST reply actions
No but...
it looks like he hasn’t shaved since before his surgery! Keep it going Rudy!
Let's do it for the big man!...and Rudy!....and Nic!...and, uh, Trout, Pendy, Patty, Mo, Mr. Allen, and Nate!
Rehab With Us
he will be
the most interesting man in the world…
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on Dec 14, 2009 2:32 PM PST up reply actions
He's just growing an injury beard
Hopefully he can convince the other injured players to do it to, the team would look awesome when they all came back in the spring
by usdblazerfan on Dec 14, 2009 3:14 PM PST up reply actions
Maybe Portland is growing on him...
and now he is sporting the mountain man beard!
Let's do it for the big man!...and Rudy!....and Nic!...and, uh, Trout, Pendy, Patty, Mo, Mr. Allen, and Nate!
Rehab With Us
GO can train them
how to grow the macdaddy beard.
by DowntownVinnie on Dec 14, 2009 5:03 PM PST up reply actions
It does look that way.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Kevin Pritchard & hire Dennis Lindsey.
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
We love ya Nate, but
Nate McMillan indicated at practice that he is re-evaluating the starting lineup.
I gotta look at everything. Certainly we’re looking at that. I want to talk to the coaches more about it but we’re a different team now. We’re a different team without the two guys early — Travis and Nicolas — and we’re certainly a different group without Big Greg and now without Rudy. We gotta find a way to get a group out there, maintain and win games and try and stay in this thing until we can get some guys healthy. So yes I’m looking at that.
What is wrong with a straight answer?
#52
He's looking at it....now it'll take two months to put it in production
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Dec 14, 2009 2:22 PM PST up reply actions
Well the good news is that it's one or two months since the preseason
So we should be getting a decision on that whole “who earned the right to start” thing any day now.
Will this "reply" actually go under the comment I am replying to? Probably not...so
I’m replying to Timmay!’s comment. …funny and well put.
Things change and only changes are guaranteed.
Way back in the beginning of time. Nate’s vision was to start Andre with the Second unit to give it a completely different look. IMO, that plan was a good plan. As players got hurt the original plan needed to be re-valued. Then there were nine players and no longer two teams. Everybody needs to step up play in order for it to work. Those are the changes that need to be ironed out. The role of Dante, JBay, and Howard has changed quite a bit. It really doesn’t matter who starts between Miller and Steve as we will need them both. But the changes in time played have to be re-valued because of Steve’s lack of production, Andre always puffing and the need to get JBay some quality time. Changing the style of offense needs time to implement and time to decide who can play where in certain conditions because regardless of popular belief Steve is not the only one that is not playing up to par. Andre won’t be the savior, and BRoy hasn’t been hitting his shots either.
So, it is imperative that changes are happening, players injuries and maybe more injuries changed the big picture, so what may have been two month ago may not even hold water today because of changes. There is no guarantee that any changes will solve the problems. Just that the changes are guaranteed.
hg
gotta love that coachspeak stuff,
all pc and that
by DowntownVinnie on Dec 14, 2009 5:05 PM PST up reply actions
Quick is reporting that a change is in the offing, yes?
It would seem to be appropriate to ask him a question about it—especially considering the fact that the decision has likely already been made, if this is for real. Straight answer= “Yes, Miller is starting and Blake is going to come of the bench.”
#52
That's what we would like to see ...
… but then what happens if the coach looks at the matchup that night and decides to wait until the next opponent to institute the change. A coach is almost always better off being as non-committal as possible when talking to the press.
hakkaa päälle !
I would not equate how Nate answers questions from the media ...
… with his decision making process.
hakkaa päälle !
I don't think I did??
……decides to wait until the next opponent to institute the change.
I thought you were the one who related (not equated) his indecisiveness in his communication to his indecisiveness in general.
#52
Aldridge just said, when asked what lineup he would start
“I think I would just keep it like it is.” “Joel, Brandon, Blake, Martel” and himself.
#52
what do you realistically expect him to say?
Status quo is safe and diplomatic.
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on Dec 14, 2009 3:11 PM PST up reply actions
True
And I think he was taken back a little bit by the question, but….
Does he know the change has been made and does not feel he can give it away?
Or maybe he does not know?
I lean toward option one, but …
#52
Why is it
The media often asks players if they’ve spoken to Nate and their comment is always “no, I haven’t talked to him about that.”
Then the media asks Nate if he’s talked to a player and he says “my door is always open.”
Maybe the coach should go talk to all of his players, not just Roy, LA and GO.
I think it's Nate's and the players' ways of keeping conversations private.
I doubt they’re lying, but I suspect that in many instances, conversations have been had, just not ones literally responsive to the media’s questions.
If that's the case, it would be very easy to say
“We regularly discuss things with each other, but will not comment publicly as to the content of the conversation”.
Instead, interviews show players explicitly stating there have been no conversations, and the coach hinting “I’ll talk to them if they come to me”.
So either they’re not effectively communicating with each other, or not effectively communicating to the media (and in turn, the fans). I’d rather it be the latter, but it sure sounds like the former.
I think it's kind of like "Roy not touching a ball this summer"
I’m sure Roy had to of at least touched one basketball during the summer. It seems like fans want the coach to have a sit down one on one with the players anytime something comes up in the media. I bet Nate exchanges words with each player weekly.
Then we have Brian T.
Quoting McMillan as saying that Andre is so quiet that he does not know what he is thinking. Odd.
#52
It's as if we have to choose whom to believe: Drama Queen Jason Quick or Professional Journalist Brian T. Smith???
"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
Yeah, professional journalist Brian T. Smith
who just 2 weeks ago devoted 1000 words to why Nate is the bestest coach in the league and any one who’s ever doubted him just can’t imagine how Nate is already 3 steps ahead of them like a modern day Red Auerbach.
How quickly we forget.
#52
Every Blazer journalist lives in a glass house with broken window panes.
After a while, it’s a matter of reading your favorites, and hoping the real story is hidden somewhere amongst all of them.
BTS’s reputation took a bit of a hit with a few recent columns.
Of course every writer
has a few of those columns in their portfolio. I didn’t mean to impugn Smith, just the hypocrisy of characterizing Jason Quick as some hack while holding BTS up as a leading light of journalism.
My impression of BTS is more that he writes what the fans want to hear whereas Quick often makes it a point take it in the other direction, although people often overstate his tendency to do this (I don’t remember the Behind the Locker Room Door series exactly emphasizing conflict). I’m happy to have both guys around reporting on the team, though, and they do a solid job for the most part and combine to do a better job than 99% of beat writers on the planet, so I have no real problems with them, other than disagreements about specific articles or points.
#52
Yeah, that was a total fluff piece.
I still don’t quite grasp while so many fickle folks are so flippin’ quick to vilify Jason Quick, who’s easily the best beat reporter y’all have in Portland.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Kevin Pritchard & hire Dennis Lindsey.
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
Agree on Quick...surprised at the quick turnaround
But then, I’m not exposed to his radio sound bites. I loved his inside the lockerroom pieces…I wonder when it will make it a comeback?
I prefer to let each piece speak for itself, unless the writer’s name start with a “Can” and ends with “zano”, to which I would just not read.
52 + 88 = 140% better team.
Yeah a good manager recognizes that he needs to be in tune with his employees
For some employees, they come to him. For others, he needs to initiate the conversation, and possibly lead the conversation a bit to make sure they’re on the same page.
It’s really not that complicated. Statements like “my door is always open” is the same as saying “I’m not going to bother with you unless you come to me, say something publicly, or make me really angry”.
You left out ...
“What conversations I have with my players are between them and me.”
hakkaa päälle !
The conversations may very well be private...
But the fact that Nate and Bayless/other players aren’t having any is written in print above, which is what I believe people are wondering about…
RUDY > MJ
#52
Yeah, "management by walking around" doesn't exactly seem to be Nate's style :)
He is watching or conducting every practice and shootaround. All healthy players are there. It’s not like there is no opportunity. Last year Nic and Jerryd reportedly thought out his advice on road trips when they had some undisturbed time. Hopefully those communication issues will straighten themselves out. Miller and Nate unfortunately both seem to be guys who follow the “you go first if you have a problem with the way I do things” approach.
Miller - Roy - Webster - Aldridge - Przybilla. Is that so hard?
How do you know?
It has been my understanding that most of practice time is closed to the media. Therefore we have no real idea what Nate does or doesn’t do when his team is in the gym practicing or going through drills. Neither do we know what, if any conversations go on in the locker room or training room.
What we can possibly deduce is that nate is a private person who believes that any conversations he may have are between him and the other person and not for public disclosure. We may also figure that smart players quickly learn to be as non-commital as possible when talking to the press. Therefore what exactly should we expect when a member of the media puts questions to either the players or the coach?
As fans we often think that because we want to know every detail about what goes on that we are somehow entitled to know. The fact is the team is under no obligation to reveal details of what gets discussed between players and coaches.
hakkaa päälle !
Cancel
Miller - Roy - Webster - Aldridge - Przybilla. Is that so hard?
by Norsktroll on Dec 14, 2009 2:49 PM PST up reply actions 4 recs
In argument to your last paragraph, one would argue that Vulcan, Inc. needs Trail Blazer fans ...
in its corner as a means to turn a profit; thus, it’s in the best interest of the organization as a whole to placate to those fans’ desires. In some cases, that means informing them of goings-on at practice or inside the locker room — whether it’s from team personnel directly our through a medium like newspapers, radio, television, et cetera — so, while you’re technically right that nobody is “entitled” to know anything, that type of closed-door style of operations would be a severely off-putting way to run a professional sports entertainment business like the Portland Trail Blazers.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Kevin Pritchard & hire Dennis Lindsey.
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
yeah, but...
in this case I think the expectations fans have about access to information is totally unreasonable. In fact, we are all making assumptions about hypothetical conversations that may or may not have happened and to expect an organization to address that seems unlikely. I don’t know why we can’t believe what the players say. They, for the most part, are very good interviewees who usually fully answer every question to the satisfaction of the reporter. I think people are wanting to hear more criticism about the team from within, which seems like a very unlikely and unconstructive thing. If I was a part of the Blazers organization I sure wouldn’t want to come out the the media and fans (especially given the rabid nature of both in Portland) even if I was upset in any way.
That's all true, for fan/team/media relations are a tightrope with a fine line to walk across.
As it is, there’s a happy middle ground out there between the fascistic management style of former Portland Trail Blazers front office executive Steve Patterson and the idea of full-blown, unfettered access behind the scenes that many fans want from the organization.
And, even though I’ll criticize Kevin Pritchard for a multitude of personnel issues, I do believe he’s done a relatively bang-up job with regards to public relations. Aside from the allegations by Adrian W. through inside sources that Pritchard is an egomanic according to some of his contemporaries — which I’m sure has merit — he’s done a good job on that front.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Kevin Pritchard & hire Dennis Lindsey.
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
I don't agree with this argument at all.
What puts fans in seats and buying team merchandise more than anything else is winning. Put a good product on the field or court and people will pay to watch it.
Playing to fans curiousity and wanting to know the latest gossip does not sell tickets as far as I can tell. How many people do you know who shell out $25, $50, $100 bucks to go to a game because they are hoping to see if Nate smiles at Bayless or if Andre starts and Blake sits? Sure people might be curious about it, but they are going because they like the game of basketball and they are hoping to be both entertained and see their team win.
And we haven’t even touched on one of the most significant revenue streams – corporate boxes and sponsorships. Due you really think that a corporation cares whether or not Nate sits down every day with individual players to chat? Boxes are a business expense and a perk for upper management.
Yes, as Portland learned the hard way, it is a good idea not to have your players (or front office) alienate the fan base by being aloof or worse, down right insulting and disrespectful to fans, or engaging in embarrassing behavior. But actinng as if the team is a soap opera, with titallating the fans as a primary or even secondary objective is not even close to being important to running a successful franchise.
hakkaa päälle !
Nate has been accused of mircomanaging the tea****Sarge**
I think the fans are guilty of trying to micromanage Nate. That may be the reason for secrecy and why fans get angry for his lack of honesty. Much like asking a child something and the child putting his head down and saying I don’t know because the child doesn’t know why you want to know.
Maybe if we all had the same reason’s for wanting the answer, Nate would not have to lower his head and say I don’t know.
hg
or
“we did some things”
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
"We just need to scrap more"
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
by douglast on Dec 14, 2009 4:52 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I want to hope!
But… bones / tendons / nerves / bad luck > hope
Maybe Andre starts, Bayless comes off the bench, and we go on a winning streak. This season feels more like the lineup changes, we play a close one and see some promis, and three more guys trip on their way to the bus and are out for 3 months.
How much would it cost to buy the WNBA's slogan?
I can see the new bill boards across the city after KP makes a trade:
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS: WE GOT NEXT ^YEAR
until then, it’s nice to have a little team drama to distract us from this crummy economy…
I'm just not crazy about player nick names...
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 14, 2009 2:47 PM PST reply actions
Hopefully Quick has some inside info on B-Rex's minutes
Quick also stated that he expects Jerryd Bayless to receive “very much more” playing time.
Faith in Nate is restored. This whole “Bayless scoring 9 points in 15 minutes while Blake scores 2 points in 35 minutes” thing was a product of Nate being on the mend and Dean not wanting to rock the boat.
First step to righting the ship: Bayless starts consistently playing 20-25 minutes, Dre starts, and Blake comes off the bench for 20-25 minutes.
I think the Blazers should be playing seven guys heavy minutes right now: Roy, LMA, Martell, Bayless, Dre, Joel, and Dante. Blake and Howard should be a lesser part of the rotation than those guys, and should play more when they’re hitting.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on Dec 14, 2009 3:01 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Your faith in Nate is restored due to a faith in Jason Quick?!?!?
Oh, man, I don’t envy you your philosophy…
"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
Who'd you want to coach the Portland Trail Blazers?
Neither one of us likes Nate McMillan; yet, regardless of that, we’ve got distinctly different philosophical viewpoints as it pertains to the game of basketball — even though there are a few similarities here and there — so I’m curious as who you’ve got tabbed as your favorite available coach.
Regarding myself, everyone should know by now I prefer slow-paced, defensive-minded teams that rely heavily on two-way inside play. With you, however, I’m not sure exactly what you’re a fan of from purely a stylistic standpoint.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Kevin Pritchard & hire Dennis Lindsey.
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
Fair point
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
as Ronald Reagan used to say "trust, but verify"
If Blake plays < 20mpg for a week or so, then we’ll know “the change” has taken hold
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
yeah, I know
I was getting greedy
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Yeah boi.
This pretty much means we’ll end the season with 11 losses, right? We’ll probably be playing the Celtics or whatever in the Finals and LMA will drub KG.
please tell me there's a pic...
of nate riding his wheelie cart!
You don't really "ride" one of those things
as much as you scoot like you’re on a Razor or something. Your “scooter” leg is kneeling on the pads and you push around on the other foot.
by conspirator5 on Dec 14, 2009 6:19 PM PST up reply actions
Sign Shavlick!
We need a guy on the bench and lets face it, everything pretty much went to hell when he left the Blazers.
Wondering what moves Pritchard would make to land me a date in the off-season. Preferably one with tickets.
You can post that, but you've gotta tell us who you're cutting if you do...
"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
Dwayne Jones > Shavlik Randolph.
On a side note, I’m amazed that Patty Mills is still here.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Kevin Pritchard & hire Dennis Lindsey.
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
That's the thing about Aussies.
Once you invite one into your house, they never leave.
52 + 88 = 140% better team.
by xedubx on Dec 14, 2009 6:53 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Was thinking maybe Frye was our good luck charm!!!! Didn't play well for us but maybe
he helped with communication. Seems like he’s a communicating kind of guy!
Let me guess — he saw a melancholy facial expression flash across Blake's face as he shuffled to the showers at the end of practice???
Jason Quick first reported on 95.5FM last week that McMillan was looking at starting Andre Miller in place of Steve Blake. He repeated that claim today, stating on Wheels at Work that he is receiving “strong indications that Andre Miller will move into the starting lineup tomorrow night.” Quick also stated that he expects Jerryd Bayless to receive “very much more” playing time.
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
yes I am curious, too
Many media members were in the practice. But how come nobody – such as Ben & Brian T Smith – picked up the indication that “Andre Miller will move into the starting lineup tomorrow night” and had the expectation that “Jerryd Bayless will receive very much more playing time.” ??
I really hope Quick is true on these two matters but just don’t know if I should take these seriously.
by iverigma2 on Dec 14, 2009 3:46 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I never take him seriously....
Quick is a drama queen, and is paid to sell news.
It must be written in to the job description of oregonian employees to always stir the pot.
I’m actually getting concerned that if LA and Roy keep playing the minutes they have been, they are next with the injury bug. At this point, what can it hurt to give Dante and Rex more run this season???
"That's just how I get down"........ Andre Miller
As much as people get on Jason...
And even with last season’s “quicksand” comments, I think it’s pretty clear that the players and coaches in general entrust Jason with more inside scoop than anyone else in the media.
Has he printed stuff they haven’t been fond of? Yes. But I’ll bet he has never, ever stabbed anyone there in the back when they specifically asked him not to print something. So if he’s a friendly, amiable guy (which he’s proven he is) and he has worked to earn the team’s trust in off-the-record situations (clearly, he has) then voila, he’s got better access to inside news than anybody. In fact, I think that the whole “quicksand” thing probably resolves around his knack for getting guys to spill the beans. “Careful when you talk to Jason, he’ll suck you in and you’ll be dishing on your in-laws and ex-girlfriends before you know it.”
I think Quick’s single biggest faux pas, in relating to the team, has got to be with Miller this training camp with the sprinting numbers. Miller’s not the kind of guy to warm up to a schmoozy journalist easily or at all, and clearly Quick got on the wrong foot with a guy who will not let you back onto the right foot easily, or maybe ever.
by conspirator5 on Dec 14, 2009 6:28 PM PST up reply actions
I believe the players & coaches talk to Jason Quick because they've been instructed to--period
He’s The Oregonian’s beat writer, and the Blazer brass have learned that it’s in their interest to stay on good terms with that media outlet—no matter how unhappy they might be with the coverage they receive.
This puts me in mind of President Lyndon Johnson’s classic explanation of why he didn’t fire J. Edgar Hoover (director of the FBI). Johnson said, “It’s better to have him on the inside of the tent pissing out than on the outside pissing in.”
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
Yes, that's no doubt the "strong indication" Quick was referring to
Little does Quick know that Blake’s expression was due to a hemorrhoid.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
I don't get this part
Drama aside, Bayless saw his playing time ramp up a little bit on the road trip and Nate McMillan spoke at practice today about the team’s need to attack defenses more aggressively. Clearly, that’s good news for Bayless.
Why do people think Bayless plays better defense then the other point guards? He certainly has the potential, but I’d rather have Blake or Miller guarding the other point guard in a key possession at this juncture.
Bayless presents a physical challenge that Blake does not.
As you well know, it is the mental part (experience?) that he is shaky in.
#52
Well, Jerryd Bayless also has some physical limitiations. Bayless, for starters, will never be a big ...
threat at clogging the passing lanes and creating turnovers through steals, as he’s got a relatively short wingspan. Beyond that, one could argue that Bayless should cut down the stupid fouls over time and he may get better at fighting through screens; yet, he’s still radically underperforming in those areas, which currently makes him a piss-poor defender overall.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Kevin Pritchard & hire Dennis Lindsey.
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
Since I'm learning to appreciate you Xs and Os knowledge, let me ask...
Bayless is a guy who hypothetically is fast enough to stay in front of his man and strong enough to not be pushed around easily. If those are his natural strengths defensively, how are they best exploited in defensive schemes?
by conspirator5 on Dec 14, 2009 6:33 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
With high screens, strength isn't always the most pressing issue since the point guard is ...
usually blown up on the pick by a bigger frontcourt player. For the most part, a point guard’s main job is to do his best to fight through the pick and get back on his man; however, there tends to be a lot of switching off those picks in Nate McMillan’s scheme that creates mismatches regarding team defense, although that’s more on the coaching staff than the players.
Bayless, moreover, has average lateral quickness for a point guard, which is indicated by his 11.26 lane agility time at the pre-draft combine last year.
So, even though Bayless posted a great 3/4 sprint time of 3.07 seconds, it’s his mediocre side-by-side mobility and poor footwork that are of more value and show why he hasn’t shown real flashes of being a true lockdown one-on-one perimeter defender.
Also, Bayless being overaggressive by bumping up against his man doesn’t indicate that he’s playing quality defense. Rather, a point guard who can use speed to his advantage at sealing off drives from his opponent would play off the guy a tad bit to begin with and let his footwork do the talking instead of picking up dumb fouls by hand checking.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Kevin Pritchard & hire Dennis Lindsey.
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
by AK1984 on Dec 14, 2009 6:54 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Reply to AK about JB's so called physical limitations.
Bayless, for starters, will never be a big … threat at clogging the passing lanes and creating turnovers through steals, as he’s got a relatively short wingspan.
Isn’t quickness a huge factor in getting into the passing lanes and getting steals?
Jerryd compares favorably to CP3 as far as wingspan and length are concerned. CP3 has a wingspan of 6’4.25" and a reach of 7’9". JB’s wingspan is 6’3.5" and his reach is 8’1".
CP3 has a career ave. of 2.4 steals per game.
#52
by KINGofMACct on Dec 14, 2009 11:32 PM PST up reply actions
I'd guess Chris Paul has better lateral quickness, though
The biggest factor in steals is not physical, though. It’s reading the offense, anticipation, and sometimes a little bit of deception — making the offensive player think you are doing one thing so he makes that pass, but it was a feint, and you can get a hand on it.
#52
Agreed
Size is definitely not the most important factor as far as steals and getting in the passing lanes. Very few centers (very long guys) have been really good at it. The Dream stands out in that category.
As to tominhawaii’s original question—more of a Blake vs JB question—JB may have a significant advantage in some of the attributes you mention. Again we need to see more. What we do have a larger sample size on is Steve’s defense. The one thing I can say about his defense is that he generally works hard at it.
#52
I don't think you've been watching Blake play defense.
There are few things more “physical” associated with playing perimeter defense than fighting through picks rather than going around them. Blake does this more than any other Blazer that I’ve seen this year.
hakkaa päälle !
that quote is not referring to who plays better defense - but attacking opposing defenses
unless i’m reading wrong, or missing some super TiH sarcasm. =|
Oh, you're probably right
I read it wrong. My bad.
I’m just sick of people equating Bayless being intense with defensive intensity. I was kind of knee jerk there but don’t regret hating on Bayless more.
Bayless IS intensity
Even some fans of other teams are starting to use the word “Baylessity” in lieu of “intensity.” Not all of them are clear on the origin. But it’s catching like wildfire.
For instance, “we really need to dial up the baylessity when Dwight Howard comes to town next week.” Or, “why is Quinton Richardson playing with so much baylissity? Does he think it’s a contract year?”
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
He's better on the ball
but, he’s TOO agressive and he makes mistakes on help defense.He is more athletic than Blake,but not as savvy.
I really hope Nate is just saying whatever...
because honestly, it’s not the players executing. It’s the system they are executing. I hope he realizes that. Switching Miller with Blake isn’t going to fix a stagnant offense if the stagnant offense is a set play. The offense system is either broken or everyone has figured out how to stop a b-roy isolation (surprise).
#52. Get well soon.
by Eat Politicians on Dec 14, 2009 11:42 PM PST reply actions
Problem solved!
Bayless: Whenever I get on the court, whether it’s one, two, three, four or five, I’m going to try to contribute to this team.
I think we have our new backup center!
Exactly!
The blazers talk to Quick and Canzano only for PR purposes. Remember when Steve Patterson was here and he closed off practices due to the constant conjecture and sensationalism of the Oregonian writers? Now to get back in the fans graces, the players and coaches must tolerate leading questions that are used to get somebody to say one thing that the writers can use to twist there words around to stir the pot. Quick’s negative framing of Miller and Canzano’s opportunistic slam on BRoy’s patriotism are just two glaring examples.
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