FanPost

Post All Star break analysis: Rants and Raves edition.

 

 

 

Since the All Star break, without Greg Oden, confirmation that our starting shooting forward is out indefinitely and a road trip, the Portland Trail Blazers are 4-2. That is a 3-0 record at home and an 1-2 record on the road. Per JScots superb spreadsheet breakdown, the team did as was expected and are still on pace to win 50 games this season.

Certainly some things remain a constant: our defense is as sucky as ever, and we cant really do well against winning teams on the road. They defend our offense too well. Our second unit suffers without Joel. This means the Greg Oden is important. Gregoden_medium

via mandatemedia.typepad.com


 Lets just all shut up about Oden being a bust, or that he doesn't have heart (see: Boston lose at Portland) or that he needs to just come back slowly and come off the bench because he doesn't deserve to start anyway. To point out a specific instance Jason Quick that Oden SHOWS he LOVES this game and he LOVES the blazers, I say watch this game, again. And I wonder why Oden seems so down and out...could it be that he loves the game SO much that he is sad he cant play? Doesn't seem like such a hard thing to imagine huh JQ? Oden fits in the starting lineup, so does Joel, however Oden does not fit with the second unit who needs Joel , or anyone really , to keep the defense in order. I mean really, our second unit is excellent offensively but then again it also features Rudy(EuroTravis), Travis (AmeriRudy), and Sergio. These aren't exactly defensive stoppers and Oden doesn't know enough yet to solidify this group. He would help with his presence but Joel LEADS that 2nd unit. That is what is missing right now on the 2nd unit.

 

We are still, 4-2. On pace to win 50 or so games. This is good.

Speaking of the 2nd unit, they could use some help , right? At the very least defensively in the effort and organization column. What happens if Oden goes down next year and we need Joel to start again?? Well, Everyone and their mother knows I love Nic Batum. But I want him to play in the 2nd unit. I am not cheating on you Nic, you are first and foremost in my heart. What I want is Tayshaun Prince on this team, and I want Tayshaun Prince to start. Now hear me out. This isn't some wacky trade drawer troll proposal (no offensive to all trolls out there), I am deadly serious. Detroit sucks. They want to unload and rebuild, I just know it. I say they gladly accept an offer for a young, freakishly athletic HIGHLY EFFICENT Travis Outlaw, floor general and slow pace specialist Steve Blake + draft picks or cash for Prince. I didn't do the trade machine so make sure to flash about that on the comments.

So who starts at the PG?

No, not Sergio. He runs around too much, he does drive the lane but he never puts it in , he just drives in the lane and immediately drives right out. No, no sir, I want Bayless to start. Now you're done reading, huh? Well hold on because I think Bayless gets things done. His defense and passing are excellent. Well at least better than Sergio. He has the ability to conform to Nate's system. He can slow things up and play off of Roy. Sergio just doesn't do that. His shot isn't so good but if we have Prince we don't need Bayless to be shooting 50% from the 3. I think Bayless fits in the starting role IF we have Prince better than Sergio. Large_jerryd_bayless_bill_kostroun_ap_medium

via blog.oregonlive.com


 

Now, who plays the back up 4? I have no clue because I'm sure Channing is out of here probably for cash or a pick or two. So for now, as has always been, the backup 4 position is a big fat ?

One last great thing about having Prince on our team is I will have one more tall, light skinned skinny boy to lust after!!!

 

T1-prince_medium

via i.a.cnn.net


 

But really, we could be losing 8 strait; instead we are 4-2. That is right on pace with the rest of our season. I think for this time of year, which is considered the time of year that "real playoff contenders" step their game up during the "dog days of the season" when good teams falter this team is doing well.

<3

Sophia

 

And just because I cant youtube anything and not watch this I will gladly share :).