The Most Crucial Issue This Summer
by Dave on May 28, 2009 12:06 AM PDT
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PrintWith all of the talk about the draft and trades and such, I wonder if the conversational cart hasn't rolled well in front of the horse. We're all about addressing perceived needs but we've not yet delineated what the most pressing needs are. That would be today's topic.
What I'd like is the ONE issue you think it's most critical for the Blazers to address this off-season. If you'd like to theorize how they will or could address it, you're more than welcome to do that to. We're not really looking for 100 top ten lists of issues, just pick your most critical need and go in-depth with it. If you have a second or third, wait to see if somebody else mentions them and then chime in under their comments.
Not only should this conversation be interesting, you could be providing fodder for main page analysis from Ben and I.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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Backup PF
Good thing there is this one guy in the draft that can help.
by Sabonis4Ever on May 28, 2009 12:08 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I know,
Jeff Pendergraph is going to be amazing.
Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .
by Nick Van Excellent on May 28, 2009 12:36 AM PDT up reply actions
I thought he was referring to Nemanja Aleksandrov, who was once projected to be a top-five ...
pick in the 2005 NBA Draft as an 18-year-old phenom. How the mighty have fallen, though, due to a combination of injuries and not living up to lofty expectations. Between Aleksandrov in 2005 and Ivan Chiriaev in 2004, there were a lot of overhyped European players in the middle of this decade.
Yet, luckily for the NBA, no team had to learn the hard way that Aleksandrov had more in common with Nikoloz Tskitishvili than Dirk Nowitzki and Chiriaev had more in common with Maciej Lampe than Pau Gasol.
If the Portland Trail Blazers are after a potential backup power forward with one of ...
its two later second-round picks, then the Kevin Pritchard should focus his attention on Taj Gibson and Jeff Pendergraph. I’m not big on Jeff Adrien, who’s an undersized banger with almost no face-up game and will have trouble defensively in the NBA. At best, Adrien could be Craig Smith. That, of course, isn’t a ringing endorsement.
Heck, I’m so down on Adrien that I’d rather the Trail Blazers use the 55th pick or 56th pick on a foreign stiff who could possibly be the team’s third-string center (e.g., Slava Kravtsov) — even though I’m a proponent of drafting domestically in the second round — instead of him.
Anyhow, with regards to the 55th and 56th picks, I’d rather just deal those assets to a team that doesn’t have a pick in the second round this year — such as the New York Knicks — for a second-round pick or two in the 2010 NBA Draft. Heck, I’m sure that there’s a couple of foreigners (e.g., Vladimir Dasic, Joe Ingles, et al.) who’ve caught Mike D’Antoni’s eye.
Pendergraph
Not a good enough rebounder, neither is Heytvelt.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions
Heytvelt has impressive NBA measurables...
and I have seen him play in person three times with Gonzaga. It is very clear he is a man among boys, one of the few college players who I think is legitimately the size his roster shows… 6’11" and 245lbs. Not that this makes him a good rebounder, but he definitely has NBA size and athleticism. As far as rebounding goes, his college numbers could have been better… but so could most everyone else’s, and we are talking about a LATE second round pick here. Taj Gibson provides toughness, Jeff Pendegraph provides solid offense, but I think the best package as a player is Heytvelt.
by Portland Dynasty on May 28, 2009 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions
Heytvelt has serious character issues
"It's not who jumps the highest -- it's who wants it the most" Buck Williams
"and if EVERYONE confronted with a tough, disgusting situation pulled out, I don't think I would have been born." Mortimer
by Fund A Mental on May 28, 2009 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Regarding per-40/pace-adjusted statistics, Jeff Pendergraph was equal to Jeff Adrien and ...
Taj Gibson in the rebounding department. The proof is in the pudding, as shown in the below link.
While Pendergraph is certainly no DeJuan Blair, it’s very unfair to put him in the same category as Josh Heytvelt — who’s soft as Charmin and, moreover, has the game of Tony Battie in the body of Chris Andersen — when it comes to crashing the boards.
I prefer Damion James
Over all the backup PF’s we can land in this draft.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions
We need a beast at Back-up 4
But it should come through free agency…not the draft.
If we get Paul Milsap we will win multiple titles. he is restricted, but i know we could make an offer he couldnt refuse and Utah wouldnt pay.
My other thought is DeJuan Blair. the guy is a beast, and we need a beast!
Milsap is #1
Takes us over the top
Point Guard
Is Bayless the awnser? If not do we keep him? Is our future PG on another team or in the draft.
Player development
Improvement by any 2 of Oden, Bayless, Batum and Webster would put this team near the top. I’d like to know that Oden and Bayless spent the summer fanatically developing their skills.
Sticking up for Travis Outlaw since 2008 and Steve Blake since last week..
by Kaboomm on May 28, 2009 12:11 AM PDT reply actions 29 recs
i second this
over the past few years it seems that our young guys have made moderate improvement each year, unless they were self motivated to improve themselves above and beyond the team’s direction. with the millions invested in each player and the millions in potential returns, it seems a great deal more emphasis could be placed on development year round, not just in the off season.
I third it
No matter who comes in this summer, they will not mean nearly as much as a less-foul prone Oden, a more assertive Aldridge, a more defensive-minded Bayless, a healthy Webster and a better shooting Batum. Looking at my list though, I would take Oden and Bayless over Webster and Batum.
This should be rec'd into the 100's.
As far as I see it, this is the answer to Dave’s question, hands down.
When you are talking about a 54 win team that had 4 rookies and the youngest rotation in the league, it’s not as if you are referring to a team with a lot of holes or crucial issues to address.
Make sure that strength training and conditioning is emphasized. Ensure Martel and Greg are healthy. Get Greg’s confidence up and maybe even work on an offensive move or two for him. Keep practicing team defense. Have Jerryd work on his jump shot. In other words, all the things tha6t McMillan plans on doing this summer.
hakkaa päälle !
So Spot on
Its fun to play armchair gm/coach. Portland won 54 games last season, if they do not make a move I think this current roster is pushing the 57-58 game win platue next season. Oden in top physical condition is an absolute must before camp, LA getting a little stronger, are small forwards just continueing to get better. Batum with a consistant jumper? Ouch, the kid would play 30 minutes a night.
So far we know Greg is working out at St. Vincents back in indiana, Bayless was in the gym 2 days after are playoff exit, Batum was working out that same day there. There is a plan in motion and so far I have not read or heard anything that would suggest any of our players are resting on there laurels.
Kaboomm you just voiced my biggest offseason concern, nice job.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
It is fun to play armchair GM.... but this roster HAS holes....
Simply put, FC Raef LaFrentz, PF Channing Frye, PF Shavlik Randolph, PG Sergio Rodriguez, PF Michael Ruffin are all going to be gone. That leaves at least FIVE NEW PLAYERS to this roster… so it is a need to fill those spots. Adding (at least*) 5 new players via draft, free agency and trade* is going to happen whether we like our roster or not.
I am all for developing the talent Portland already has to its fullest extent and simply adding to the mix of players we have now via draft and free agency… but it is INEVITABLE that we will have new faces on the roster next season.
Aside from developing players as the top off-season priority…
2.) Add depth to frontcourt via PF2 and PF3/FC3 (Antonio McDyess?)
3.) Add veteran bench depth at PG (Eddie House?)
by Portland Dynasty on May 28, 2009 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Good point
about existing players not being around
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
right on
and now it is green
and you have a fine, fine sig file. – Elgin
VENTURA: It's drowning. It gives you the complete sensation that you are drowning. It is no good, because you -- I'll put it to you this way, you give me a waterboard, Dick Cheney and one hour, and I'll have him confess to the Sharon Tate murders.
Me too.
I still expect of season improvement from Steve and Joel.
Oden’s conditioning and confidence. A post up move is optional.
Jerryd’s distrution skills. I am really excited to watch dime passes, converted or not in summer league. His jumper must come back nba ready.
Batum’s offensive game.
Martell’s foot bones stregthening.
Most of all I want Rudy and Brandon to come back with the emotional commitment to play the role of distributor for the other. I really want them to master playing the two guard spots simultaneously. That is my biggest organizational wish; change schemes. Change practice management. Hire shrinks and hypnotists. Move all three two guards into true combo guards.
My summer wish? Make each of Brandon, Rudy and Jerryd more and more adequate at playing the PG and SG positions together.
Bedge or go home.
This is very close to my initial thoughts
Which is that we need to incorporate Bayless and Oden’s offensive game with Roy and Aldriges game. Sure our offense was a strong point last season yet in the playoffs we stagnated playing more one on one and having much less ball movement. We started last season trying to go through Oden until an ankle roll happened. Well we need to go back to that approach, but blend it with some plays for Lma and Bayless. Oden shoulod work on two solid post moves. Bayless needs to take to cutting to the hoop when the ball is in Roy’s hands. The same goes for Rudy. I want more people slashing to the rim with and without the ball next year. Our guys just need to gel on the offense together and we should never stagnate because we will burn anyone who dares to try and double any player. We should have a solid 4-5 man game on offense even if many sets are two or three-man plays. Moreover if these guys are playing to gether on one end of the court, then they should get some burn on the other end of the court together too. Really only more time together will take the team to the next level.
by NWfan on May 28, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bayless + Oden need to work thier connection for Pick & Roll
Brandon and LMA have a solid 1-2 punch offensive game, but if Portland were to get a similarly effective pick and roll pairing on the other side of the offensive set from Bayless and Oden that would be impressive. I was just reading about Dwight Howard and his skill at finishing at the rim and the Pick-N-Roll being such a good strategy to use superman’s arsenal of dunks and power….
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/insider/news/story?id=4212123
The other important part of this article is that Howard is surrounded by “shooters”. Obviously high percentage shooting has not been Portland’s best asset, but with a bevy of young up and coming NBA shooters in Martell Webster, Rudy Fernandez, Jerryd Bayless, and Aldridge, getting further development from them should heavily impact Greg Oden’s ability to dominate. We need efficient shooters as much as we need them to slash and create movement/space when Roy has the ball.
by Portland Dynasty on May 28, 2009 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Oden
I want him to improve his passing skills. If he & Aldridge can effectively pass to each other, it would help our team alot.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Greg
has alot of natural ability passing the ball from the post, I think it is a great strength of his it will take time for the team to get used to him kicking it out to the wing.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
Exactly what I was thinking...
Who cares about all the potential trades and the draft when we have players on our team that can supposedly play. If Bayless can develop then there is no need for a new point guard. If Oden can become what everyone thought he would be than we are that much closer to an NBA Championship. I think this is spot on that the number one priority this summer is player development, specifically Oden, Bayless, and Batum.
Red Hot and Rolling
by BlazerFan88 on May 28, 2009 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Bingo
Nothing else comes close. It isn’t that there aren’t some personnel upgrades that would help us. There are, and that’s what most of us will be talking about throughout the off season. It’s exciting and concrete. However, if we didn’t make any changes, but further developed some of our young “potential” guys, we would be a much stronger team next year.
2 hot 2 stop it
by dan_the_man on May 28, 2009 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions
I can get behind this
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
Absolutely
100% in agreement here and the ONE player I think needs to do the most work without a doubt is Oden. 09-10 is the year he needs to start justifying that #1 overall pick. Come on, Greg, put in the work! We know you’ve got it in you!
Absolutely
It’s essential that Oden comes back in shape and tuned up raring to go. The Blazers need to ensure that they get what Greg is capable of providing. Let him vacation and study, which will get him in the right mindset. Then work him hard!
Two things:
1) Either we deal Outlaw or commit to him.
2) Defense: However we aquire it, trades, drafts, free agents …etc…We need to tougher and consistent defense.
The magic # is 0!!!
I think PG defense is the main area for improvement
Whether that means a starter, backup or specialist who only plays irregular minutes against select opponents, I could care less, but improving defense against PG’s who regular penetrate would improve Oden’s foul troubles and our team defense as a whole.
Oden's comfort level
1. Get a premier big man coach
2. Get Mike Conley Jr
3. Have Nate commit to getting him offensive reps
4. Have Nate commit T’s when the refs job Oden with ridiculous foul calls
by as11osu on May 28, 2009 12:16 AM PDT reply actions 16 recs
A quick rec for you
I also think Greg Oden is priority #1. I’ll try to write more later because, while I agree with most of your points, I also think there’s a few more to add, such as how to handle him over the Summer while he’s in Ohio.
Me too :)
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions
ya come to think of it
ur probably right, that is not only the most important thing this off season but for this team to become great oden’s comfort and development is job number one
"Howard, he know me" Rudy
by phillyduck23 on May 28, 2009 12:19 AM PDT up reply actions
I agree with you about 100% here, as the one difference is I'd switch Mike Conley, Jr. with Kirk Hinrich.
Anyhow, Greg Oden should have an assistnat who’ll work with him on his low-post moves offensively and everything on defense from man-to-man, weakside help, and staying at home on pick-and-roll plays. The one issue with the last part of that, however, has to do with Nate McMillan’s apparent desire to have Oden rotate out on pick-and-roll plays, which can get him into foul trouble.
Nate McMillan’s apparent desire to have Oden rotate out on pick-and-roll plays, which can get him into foul trouble.
I’m not sure that’s Nate’s long-term plan for him anyway (and I don’t say that lightly).
I suspect as the perimeter defense improves (KP must be planning for one or two good perimeter defenders, and Brandon should be striving for Summer improvement), Nate will move away from the “funnel guards to Oden” defense that was being run this year, and there will be a new pick/roll defensive scheme in place.
Rotating Greg onto guards is CRAZY
But apparently it is what Nate told him to do, according to a post here four or five months ago.
Sticking up for Travis Outlaw since 2008 and Steve Blake since last week..
He looked much better defensively against driving guards
in the playoffs, that was encouraging.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Is it simply learning?
If Greg gets adept at this Nate will look very smart.
(Note the other bigs in foul trouble this post-season: Nene, Bynum,Howard, Davis, Z, Verajou, Dampier, Martin etc. – only a few :Duncan, LMA and Joel stand out as good. )
"What's so interesting is that this team took on a dynamic that was very special. I don't think we as a group, in terms of management, coaches and players, realize what we did as a young team. We broke all the metrics. We broke all the molds. Our challenge is can we continue to do that. As young of a team with 54 wins, no issues off the court, phenomenal chemistry." - Kevin Pritchard
I don't think this is true
Nate’s defense calls for lots of switches and lots of pushing guys to the baseline where big guys come across to help. Oden is going to have to get better at beating people to spots and cutting them off instead of reaching out and trying to control them with his hands. My hope is that he gets at least 1 less “why is he the only guy on the court held to that standard” call per game and reduces his silly reach-in fouls so he can play with a bit more freedom on the defensive end.
PTB Liberation Day - 2/10/04
Oden
Rotated to guards in collage also, but he did not see the quality player he see’s every night in the nba, guards make there living picking up fouls on bigs regadless of who the big is. Nate and Oden will adjust. It was hard seeing him out of position on defensive rebounds and protecting the basket.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
Wasn't that the reason we were doing it in the first place?
Even though Oden clearly wasn’t able to switch out on guards and play effectively, I thought the idea was that “in the long run” that was how Nate wanted to be able to play picks and he wanted him to get used to it now so it would be more natural later even though he wasn’t quite athletically up to it yet.
At least, I hope that was the reasoning behind it, otherwise I can’t imagine what was going on there. That would have meant wasting a season of Oden by running a defensive scheme almost designed to put fouls on Greg that we weren’t going to use in the long run anyways.
I think that was it
The best pick and roll defenders among big men in the league are able to do it. One of them being the much-maligned Kevin Garnett who does this amazingly well, but also peeps like Tim Duncan. When they go out to the perimeter they do it with a purpose, with speed, and with the skill to disrupt the pick. Many big men can’t do it, either because they are too slow or not skilled enough. I also read Nate wanted to have Greg learn it the right way from the start. Right now he is still too slow and too timid, often not even making real contact, resulting in switches and fouls.
I wasn't the biggest fan of it
because it really set up Oden to fail out there when he was already fighting the whole national “bust” perception and had a lot to prove with the year off, but at least it was a plan. I don’t think it would have been a big deal if Oden had just been another run of the mill rookie big (say, Horford) and not the "next Sam Bowie drafted ahead of one of the best young players in recent history. Letting Greg get into a comfort zone early and produce would have been of greater importance in my eyes, but if it works out in the long run, more props to Nate.
I tend to believe that learning things the right way from the start ....
…. is more important than “getting comfortable”.
Two reasons for this:
1) You can develop bad habits, which once developed, can be hard to break.
2) If you truly want to excel, or are tasked with getting someone to do so, then you need to be pushed beyond your comfort zone.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on May 28, 2009 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's making one huge assumption
that this is the only “right” way to play.
While Duncan and KG are excellent at switching out onto guards, albeit in entirely different ways, the best defensive guys of Greg’s size and build have generally not been asked to do this. Just in terms of elite defenders, Deke and Zo were always kept much closer to the basket, and other top notch defenders like Perkins, Ratliff (once upon a time), and Camby played similarly.
Players are limited, and the best schemes are the ones that maximize their strengths and minimize their limitations. I don’t think we did that last year, and it hurt Greg (at least in the short run, like I said, props to Nate if it works out). I think Greg’s overall development as a player is far more important than his ability to defend pick and rolls the way Nate wants him to, and constantly putting him in a position to pick up fouls hindered that development, in my eyes.
It hurt him, but look at the difference in the players you mentioned
Duncan’s not faster than Camby (Camby seemed very fast for a big, and I remember him torching us in the early 2000s). It’s just that Duncan learned what to do when he got outside. That clearly helped the teams defense. While Camby’s been touted as one of the best defenders in the NBA many, many times, he’s won no championships. Bigs that do things the way we’re calling right (switching and containing) tend to win the big enchilada. That seems to indicate it as the right way to do things.
You have a solid point about confidence. But, is it better to gain a head of steam and applause doing things well, or become frustrated and driven to do things extremely well? Does confidence or frustration lead to fastest improvement? In my experience, both help. Confidence snowballs. But, it’ll snowball with bad results if it results from bad habits. Thus, I’d rather have an Oden completely and utterly frustrated than an Oden confident but not learning the things that would eventually make him great.
I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich
There's no easy answer here
we’re just on different sides of the fence. Certainly teams have won with centers who don’t really switch out on guys (Shaq, Hakeem, Perkins), and they’ve won with guys who are very effective switching out (Wallaces, Duncan, KG: I know him and Perk were on the same team).
Different players react differently to frustration. I think Oden more than anyone except perhaps Sergio would have benefited a ton from gaining some confidence early, just so he wouldn’t have to constantly get asked about how come he’s struggling so much compared to Durant when he’s always been dominant on the court. I see your point about wanting him frustrated, I’d just personally rather have a confident Oden running a scheme more suited to his talents, even if this may turn out better in the “best case” scenario.
The one thing I disagree with is the assumption that anything other than what we ran this year is a “bad habit”. I’m not saying these guys just let the ball handler run around free, but instead they usually show strongly and hedge back (this also what the Spurs do the vast majority of the time rather than fully switch.
The fact that you mentioned Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett is ...
another reason why I oftentimes can’t stand LaMarcus Aldridge, for his laziness on weakside help defense is a big hindrance.
If Greg Oden was playing alongside a tall, defensively versatile dude like Brook Lopez — who I still contend is a poor man’s Tim Duncan, despite me getting undue flack for claiming that last year — then Oden may stay at home, play stout man-to-man interior defense, and not switch out on busted pick-and-roll plays where the point guard gets burned by his guy.
Oh, and for anybody who doesn’t think that Brook Lopez can play power forward effectively, I suggest you watch some clips of him at Stanford.
Of course, the acquisition of a first-rate, five-star one-on-one lockdown perimeter defender like Kirk Hinrich would alleviate some stress off of Oden defensively in certain situations. So, while I’m not a hater of Steve Blake, I still think it’d be best if he was traded before 6/30/2009, waived by the team that obtains him for financial reasons, and re-signs with the Portland Trail Blazers to a two-year deal worth the bi-annual exception this summer to be a backup here.
Laziness is quite a bit overboard as far as labeling LMA's weakside D...
but then again, you’d prolly call the Incredible Hulk weak too…
by Portland Dynasty on May 28, 2009 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Either way is probably fine.
I think Kirk is probably the safe bet, but it could be a big year for Conley.
Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .
by Nick Van Excellent on May 28, 2009 12:43 AM PDT up reply actions
yep, Oden is no.1
After reading Dave’s intro I immediately thought the answer was point guard play, in particular on defense, but Oden’s development would create the most improvement for the team. Part of his development is tied into our perimeter defense issue but not all of it by any means.
We need to get the big guy the ball more too.
On the PF issue, LA plays 40-42 minutes a game. Chicken or the egg: does he play that long because he is in such great shape that he can, or is it because Nate doesn’t trust anyone else? I was very impressed by how LA seemed to get stronger down the stretch.
put a body on 'em
And trade Travis to Minny for Miller.
That’s Mike Miller. Not Andre. I’ve already made that mistake (sort of) once.
hakkaa päälle !
Actually, I want to trade Martell Webster, Jerryd Bayless, and Sergio Rodriguez to Minnesota ...
for Mike Miller sometime shortly after the July moratorium. The thought of Bayless and Rodriguez fighting against each other for playing time behind Randy Foye and Sebastian Telfair — along with whatever rookie guards the T’wolves draft on 6/25/2009 — makes me chuckle inside.
Just a though
32mpg last year & only 9.9ppg? straight uggo. By far worst season of his career.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions
I must go to the proverbial well with this old comment of mine.
“All right, I’ll do my best to objectively illuminate the positives of Mike Miller.
1. Miller is under contract through just the 2009-2010 season, with his salary next year at $9,880,937.
2. Miller is an outstanding defensive rebounder and passer for a man at his position — as well as a remarkably efficient shooter — so he brings a variety of skills to the table as a sixth man.
3. Here’s a side-by-side statistical comparison between Miller and Travis Outlaw.
Player Efficiency Rating: Outlaw 15.1 > Miller 13.8 …
Wins Produced Per 48 Minutes: Miller .270 > Outlaw .043
True Shooting Percentage: Miller 58.8% > Outlaw 54.1% …
Effective-Field Goal Percentage on Jump Shots: Miller 52.3% > Outlaw 47.9% …
Fouls Drawn Per Field-Goal Attempt: Outlaw 10.4% > Miller 9.4% …
Total Rebound Percentage: Miller 12.0 > Outlaw 9.1 …
Assist Percentage: Miller 21.6 > Outlaw 6.3 …
Assists to Turnover Ratio: Miller 2.25 > Outlaw 0.88 …
Net On-Court/Off-Court Points Per 100 Possessions: Miller -1.1 > Outlaw -6.2 …
Net Points Allowed Per 100 Possessions: Outlaw +2.0 > Miller +2.3 …
Net Effective Field-Goal Percentage Allowed: Outlaw -1.8% > Miller +1.7%.
Miller wins on 7 out of 11 of those metrics — which is ironic since I once worked at 7-Eleven — and is clearly more versatile than Outlaw on offense. Now, although Miller isn’t a great defender, that can be compensated by signing someone like Ime Udoka [or Quinton Ross] to be a one-on-one lockdown wing defender off of the bench."
http://www.blazersedge.com/2009/5/8/869802/a-plan-for-the-future#15456400
I am fine
with him replacing outlaw.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Outlaw is no longer this teams backup SF
You should be comparing who you want to get to Batum and Webster at the 3 spot from now on. Outlaw’s place should be backing up the 4, and that’s it. I’d prefer getting Ariza to Miller at this point. Roy and Rudy on the wings for 66 of the 96 minutes per game should cover our scoring load from this spot, which would be Miller’s main contribution. Miller isn’t a bad defender, but come the playoffs he’s not good either.
Yeah, the one quandry there would be that Mike Miller and Rudy Fernandez on ...
the same roster could create an overabundance of offensive-minded wings. That, in turn, may lead to a minutes crunch that’d potentially frustrate both individuals.
Rudy Fernandez >>> Mike Miller
Looking at all aspects of these two players, the business side of the NBA, ages, what they have both accomplished and whatnot… I’d say it is a much better play to stick with the International sensation Rudy than with an overpriced Shooter like Miller.
I do like Miller’s game, and after reading an ESPN article recently on the Magic’s success much do to their great outside shooting I could see why Miller could be a nice depth piece, but at the price it doesn’t make sense to me…. I’d rather have Rudy and no headache about playing time.
by Portland Dynasty on May 28, 2009 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions
It'd also be a lot easier to hope
that Martell can be that guy sooner rather than later. He’s the one entity on this team that I’m the most unsure of. In that first Kings preseason game he looked like a smarter version of a cross between J.R. Smith and Josh Howard. That’s a player you can use. There is that whole matter of the season before and his consistency issues.
I have to think Bayless could break out there.
But, yeah, it’d be a comical situation.
I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich
I agree.
It would also be nice to get a PG that could funnel guys to Oden, rather than just blow past them. A good deal of Oden’s fouls are a result of poor perimeter defense. Shore that up and you kill two birds with one stone.
Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .
by Nick Van Excellent on May 28, 2009 12:40 AM PDT up reply actions
I agree with the whole post but I've been saying number 4 all along. When Kobe is getting dogged, Phil Jackson lets the
refs know they can’t do that to his star. Same as all the other elite coaches. Nate needs to get a technical to get in the refs head.
by BRoyInThe4th on May 28, 2009 12:48 AM PDT up reply actions
I am also of the belief
that our #1 priority is to develop Greg, both physically and mentally. He needs a big man coach to help him with his skills, and his motivation and confidence.
I'll add a fifth to your list:
5. Get Oden out of college and into pro-basketball. Find the boy some basketball passion please.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
Ooops, that was suppose to be a reply to as11osu.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
I will say this once again
There are 16 waking hours in a day for the average person. You can only expect NBA players to spend a max of 8 hours a day in the gym, watching video, whatever. That leaves Oden PLENTY of time to take some summer classes and work on his game.
Clearly if Oden had no passion for basketball he wouldn’t have gone to the NBA after 1 year in college.
Maybe it's a passion for money and the basketball passion faded with the injury.
He seems much less passionate than he showed in college. That may just be him deferring to his more experienced team mates. I think and hope it is.
I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich
I think it ties back to the comfort level
He’s been uncomfortable out there, i think, because he’s limited by his body. That can be very frustrating and discouraging. Hopefully, after this summer, we’ll see an improved and more confident Oden.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
Hard to say if he was any more passionate in college
It was just a lot easier to see his passion on the court because he could crush everyone.
He misses
His BFF :(
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
???
yeah, i’ll take him in college.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
I don't agree with Mike
Just because they were friends, isn’t good enough for me to want the PG. I DO believe finding a PG that knows how to use him, is a good point though. To which i ask, do we already have that and nate discouraged those plays?
As for your comfort level point, I think it’s a good one. Oden has been lacking a little in that way, but I honestly think his conditioning should take a higher priority. When he can move again, have agility, and flow more with the game, that comfort will come naturally.
In support of your comfort level, I agree nate should pick-up a tech on silly foul calls, and that Oden needs to feel more connected to his team mates. from the sound of the reporting, it sounded like Oden cut himself off. That’s not good.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
Greg Oden's Development is Priority #1
Definitely stands out among all the Development needs we have. I believe in Greg Oden.
by Portland Dynasty on May 28, 2009 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions
cementing who are the small forwards
who are our sf’s going forward. there are 3 that are going to be fighting for 2 spots. Pick 2 and move on before the 3rd one loses all of it’s value. the perfect pg may not be available this off season, so if that is the case that problem can’t be solved this off season, but if it can be solved then that becomes number one.
"Howard, he know me" Rudy
perimeter defense
even with Batum…. i feel like the biggest problem the blazers have that I am not sure will improve enough through mere development is the perimeter defense.. development is key (especially because i would be devastated to see rudy go but would have to agree (only from a pure basketball point of view) that we need more defense from him if he is going to stay on the court with brandon)…. buut… i also think that this larger issues gets back to the most popular small issue which is finding a PG… i am not stuck on any of the three of them.. and it also plays into locking down the rotation of wing players in general…
Take it to the Hole!!
by galacticlove on May 28, 2009 12:18 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Agreed.
The offense seems to be fine. While I want improvements on offense, the way to take the next step is by getting better defensive players. Oden and Bayless coming back ready next year could be a massive upgrade. But I still think a defensive guard to play next to Roy is vital. (Even if he ends up being the 4th guard.)
by parkinglotj on May 28, 2009 12:37 AM PDT up reply actions
I think the offense could come together by just having more of the same guys playing together for two years. Defense will also be helped by that, but I don’t know if it will be enough (at least not for a couple of years) to get us over the hump unless we get outside talent.
Take it to the Hole!!
by galacticlove on May 28, 2009 1:47 AM PDT up reply actions
A lockdown perimeter defender at point guard is a much-needed addition.
Whether it’s about limiting dribble-drive penetration in one-on-one situations, closing out on jump shooters, successfully fighting through screens, or aptly defending the pick-‘n’-roll so that Greg Oden doesn’t have to switch and potentially get himself in foul trouble, there’s no denying that point guard defense is the biggest hole that needs to be filled on the roster.
Amen.
Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .
by Nick Van Excellent on May 28, 2009 1:34 AM PDT up reply actions
says the guy that just advocated giving up a significant asset for Calderon
As long as we have Ariza right?
Come on, don't embarrass me in front of everyone.
Seriously though, I just want a better PG period. It would be ideal to get one that played good defense, but Calderon would be a significant upgrade none the less.
And yes I would probably give up Rudy to get him. The guy had a PER above 20 last year for crying out loud. Point guards with that type of production don’t grow on trees. But really it’s not that I’m super duper high on Calderon, it’s more that I’m not super high on Rudy.
Luxury vs need.
Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .
by Nick Van Excellent on May 28, 2009 1:52 AM PDT up reply actions
I'll defend you a little bit here
While Calderon is basically Blake’s equal on defense, he’s a carbon copy on offense, just significantly better at everything we consider a “strength” of Blake’s, so the transition for Nate shouldn’t be terrible. I see Rudy and Calderon as essentially equal caliber players, but given Jose’s better ball handling and ability to play the point, I think that’d make him more valuable overall.
I wouldn’t cry if the move was on the table and KP didn’t pull the trigger, though. I like Calderon, but I don’t have my heart set on him or anything.
Ariza skills are already on the Blazers
When Batum is 24 he’ll be a better player than Ariza is now. Ariza has had three more years to tune his game. I like what Ariza brings, but I think he is a gambler on defense. Batum plays in more control of himself.
Conley
Knows where Oden likes it on the pick & roll. Where he likes the ball on the post & experience playing together could really get Oden talking on defense… Which itself is as valuable as almost anything we can do this offseason.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions
Yes, toughness
and that can come from the current set of players, but it would be good to get Joel some help and add one more red-ass ogre to the team. – Elgin
VENTURA: It's drowning. It gives you the complete sensation that you are drowning. It is no good, because you -- I'll put it to you this way, you give me a waterboard, Dick Cheney and one hour, and I'll have him confess to the Sharon Tate murders.
Greg
I would like to see him working hard this summer on footwork, conditioning, and developing post moves. I think if he has a great summer we will be able to take that next step to competing for the best record in the league.
Call me a homer, but Greg Oden can push us to the next level.
Lets cut down on the fouls too while we’re at it.
And please get a defender at PG, This one is going to have through a trade, no way around that. I would though like to see how Bayless does with steady playing time and T-Rex arms with T-Rex fury.
absolutely right!
Oden has to make SIGNIFICANT improvements.
I think GO needs to average 14 pts. 10 reb. 2.5 blk.
can he do it? i think so but only if he can play 33+ minutes per game.
can he stay on the court????
by JamesHollywoodRobinson on May 28, 2009 12:27 AM PDT up reply actions
I think he can.
I think he can its just a matter of developing footwork, conditioning, and a little bit more basketball IQ.
But more then that he really needs to get the guys on the perimiter to quit letting guards dash in the paint at will.
There we’re some bad fouls from him last year, theres no denying that. But honestly how many are those are from the lack of lateral quickness from Blake?
Thats less of an excuse for Oden then it should be though. Alot of his fouls were just plain errors in judgement.
* Building a Greg Oden Fanboy Treehouse Clubhouse this summer...
He has been
lucky he has not been called more often for them. He does not even try to hide that frustration move.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
He needs to get back down to his college weight
255 lbs. If he gains weight, we are in trouble.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
going back and watching his college tape
he has an entirely different body structure than he does now. 2 years of maturation lwft him much thicker and more powerful than he was his freshman year. I feel it would be unrealistic to expect him to return to his college weight
biggest issue - patience
I worry that we will make a move that may help us improve in the short term but may sacrifice the gains we would have made had we stayed patient in the long run. Many of us want to win now, but we need to remember that our window is still opening and we haven’t even scratched the surface of our potential. We don’t need to make disparate moves and gamble with our future the way the Mavs and the Suns have.
Sure our team isn’t perfect…and we can find better pieces, but better pieces does not necessarily make up for solid chemistry.
I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer
by Philthyanimal on May 28, 2009 12:30 AM PDT reply actions 9 recs
Agreed
We don’t want to swap potential for experience just for the sake of doing so. I still have flashbacks of Dale Davis trying to make a “post” “move.”
I suppose you could argue that this is a non issue
As the front office has not given us any indication that they are not a patient group of fellows/ladies. An example of this is the trade deadline where we passed up some pretty high quality veteran help, that some respected experts thought would make us second rounders, so that we could hold onto young and cheap talent.
Also, maybe a bit of a counter example to patience, is Paxson in Chicago not consolidating young talent and have it all go to pot on him. I dont think that will happen with the Blazers, but it serves as a cautionary tale none the less.
Life is exhausting when you are this stupid.
Rec
In Pritchard I trust… but that’s it, I don’t trust the fans to make rational decision.
formerly fromagnon... I remember back in the day... way back before you young cats were around, back when I ruled the jersey contest... back when it meant something... back when hip-hop was alive
by The Arkitect on May 28, 2009 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
So True
I feel like any post I’ve done has totally echoed what you’re saying. Lets just hope the crazyness of fans doesn’t take hold and KP and crew do their thing.
I think that we are okay.
KP sees to have had a plan before he arrived, and it easy to see the success so far. I dont see any reason to think he’ll deveiate from it after his success to date.
Steady on.
Bedge or go home.
Backup PF
Martel comes back next year, Sergio is most likely gone, Rudy will have a year of experience under his belt. These three things should make the perimter defense better than it was last year. It still doensn’ look to me like an outstanding perimeter defensive team, but it should be much improved. 35% of the time I think we need to start moving people to get a better defender at PG, but most of the time I would rather keep Blake and Bayless. I don’t think that next year is realistically a championship window for us. I would like to see Bayless given an opportunity to get meaningful minutes and make a decision next year. I would let this pot simmer one more year.
I'll hammer away at my drum ... breifly as I'm getting tired.
Faster Offensive sets. we need to move the ball up the floor faster and get our buisness done at that end of the floor FASTER. leaving more time for everyones beloved defense. But my point is that if we were quicker at getting done what we want at the offensive end, it’d free up soooooo much of the energy for …. well… ya see where I’m going. We need to be quicker on our offensive end. more decisicicicivive and confident with what we are doing. I watched the dirty rotten scoundral that he is throw a ball to our favorite ostrich today that ….was …. awe inspiring. is was sickening …so sickening I didn’t even bother to finnish the 8 seconds I changed the channel. but the point is….. the rat bass turd knew who and where he wanted to go with the ball…and he did it. there wasn’t much if anything the DEFENSE could do about it, either just becuase he’s just that good, (I don’t think this is the case) or that…. they did it so quick there wasn’t time to react, nor was there time for the ref to choke on his whistle (and it’s the playoffs but still) ….
mind you that 8 seconds was the most ball I’ve watched since our ….cough …choke…hack…. hum… ungraceful exit from the dance. but still that 8 seconds told me what we needed….
FASTER offense. not so much the entire offense…. we just need to have 20-21 seconds to use opposed to the usual 17 that it’d seem we’re workin with.
(stats to prove me wrong please becuase I pulled them #’s out my hard hat)
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
;) I guess that boils down to a faster more decisive Point guard hu? meanwhile keeping blake!!! darn it. ... .wow lol forgive me I'm dumb!!
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
i think this one is more on nate
he didnt think his younger players could make correct decisions on the fly in the open court consistently. it seemed on our fast breaks we either got the transition bucket or waited for eeryone to get set and run our offense. I Think what faith is saying is we need more baskets in the intermediate range. Take adantage of the 4-on-3 after the failed 2-on-1 and things of that nature. Emphasis on finding and taking open shots as quickly as possible can help reduce the wear and tear on our main offensie options and aid in creating game-changing runs.
There are so many small issues it's hard to pick one that stands out. Most crucial would probably be
getting Greg Oden a big man coach and having him in peak condition by next season. I think they need to go after someone like Alonzo Mourning or Hakeem, offer them a job, and get Greg in the gym.
conley we just need the mini to scream at the biggy and we'll have no biggy mini duo punch ;)
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
Greg Oden's conditioning and skills
followed by the PG spot.
by jksnake99 on May 28, 2009 1:00 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
New jerseys & clothes options!
Ok. Not the most crucial issue. But it would signal a new step forward. I did a lot of Blazer shopping this year, but I felt bummed at the options. I’d like to see the team have a completely different look next year. I think it would add to the excitement.
What does a Blazer do? He blazes! Where? Up the trail. Why? Portland dunks the ball! Believe RubiOden will happen.
I live in New Jersey and it's not as great as you think.
Sticking up for Travis Outlaw since 2008 and Steve Blake since last week..
by Kaboomm on May 28, 2009 6:55 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
New Jersey never gets old
You never hear anyone say: Old Jersey. – Elgin
VENTURA: It's drowning. It gives you the complete sensation that you are drowning. It is no good, because you -- I'll put it to you this way, you give me a waterboard, Dick Cheney and one hour, and I'll have him confess to the Sharon Tate murders.
As long as they dont bring back those short shorts
I dont think I could watch that again
by RaiderVadar on May 28, 2009 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
I got my baby son a Roy jersey during the playoffs
Before then all that was offered at that size was an Oden jersey (go figure). I wanted a Batum jersey myself but didn’t see one available. You could get a Raef jersey, but not a Batum jersey, c’mon. I’m suprised they ever made La Frentz’s jersey; he got like 643 mins of total playing time in 66 games over two seasons which did not inlcude this last year. Blazers Marketing had better not drop the again next year.
An enumeration
Of the roles on this team. I think we have too many question marks as far as who plays what and what their roles are. I’d love to see the opening tip occur with every player knowing their roles, and not having them change except for (knock on wood) injury.
Of course, the staff probably knows this already, and its because we’re simply fans that we don’t know the roles exactly. Either way, I’d like for these roles to be more clearly defined
ODEN ODEN ODEN ODEN
How will he respond to his (as he graded it) C- effort his rookie year? Will he regain his explosiveness? Will we see a much improved offensive game? Can he stay on the floor long enough to make an impact?
Best of Senator Clay Davis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI4-QyAzY64&feature=related
Its funny there are a lot of themes running thru this thread:
Here is my list with my priorities highest to lowest:
1. Oden
2. Back up PF
3. Starting PG and stronger PG defense
4. Who stays who goes at the SF
5. Consolidation on a whole
6. Overall toughness
I wonder how others would prioritize this list?
Trade or sign a starting PG
Draft a banger PF...that's your job KP, now get it done!
1. Starting PG and stronger PG defense
2. Who stays and who goes at SF
3. Overall toughness
4. Oden
5. Backup PF
6. Consolidation on a whole
Take it to the Hole!!
by galacticlove on May 28, 2009 3:21 AM PDT up reply actions
1. Backup PF/overall toughness
2. Stronger PG defense/starting PG
3. Who will be the SF/consolidation as a whole
The condensed version. – Elgin
VENTURA: It's drowning. It gives you the complete sensation that you are drowning. It is no good, because you -- I'll put it to you this way, you give me a waterboard, Dick Cheney and one hour, and I'll have him confess to the Sharon Tate murders.
My opinion:
1. Ball skills (Broy and Rudy)
2. Conditioning (Greg)
3. Weight training (LA)
4. Jump Shots (Nic and JB)
5. Vision (JB)
Defense will come with cohesiveness.
Cohesiveness is chemistry and time together.
Bedge or go home.
Nic needs weight training
worse then LA.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions
At this point I've gotta think
Oden is priority number one still. I’m not sure there approach on him this summer, but I’m sure they’ve got a few tricks up their sleeve in terms of trying some new things with him. Should be interesting to get some read on that this summer. Other than that, I would think they’ve got to bring in a pg. Sergio is assumed gone. I don’t see a need for Blake to go to the bench right away. Even if we get a good player a point, it will take them time to gel and learn the offense and so forth. But I don’t think it’s smart to put stock in Bayless as a pg at this point. I’m good on Kirk, but it would be interesting to know how KP has scouted
Conley. Knowing his eye for talent, he likely has a good read on his talent.
Any word on Frye?
I know he didn’t have a huge year but I’d like to see him stay. Team chemistry is important in the blazers and he seems like a good fit. I count 11 guys that I’d like to see stay and he’s more valuable than he gets credit for.
He won't be resigned
Great guy, but not what we need basketball wise. Lame saying but ’it’s not called showfriends’.
by Sabonis4Ever on May 28, 2009 3:46 AM PDT up reply actions
i'm not sold on this idea of him being a bad fit as a ball player.
Depending on what he wants, he’s a great fit as a 3rd stringer. Having a power center and a finesse pf isn’t a bad way to go. That’s where we sit with the first unit and I understand the need to bring in a more traditional pf for match up reasons, but Frye had a bad year. I think he is actually quite a good second string pf when he has his groove. Smart guy, I think he’ll get it. I know he’ll work for it. He’s cheap, great to have around. I wouldn’t be surprised if they keep him around. No harm in going after another pf tho when TO is traded. I haven’t heard whether Channing would rather go to a different team and try for more pt, or try and work for it here???
by Dudehere on May 28, 2009 3:54 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree, Frye can be a good fit, BUT ...
I think because of his effect on the salary cap and all the rules that go with that, it’s actually impossible to keep him and still make deals this summer. It’s not like I understand all about the salary cap, but I believe this is the case.
Sticking up for Travis Outlaw since 2008 and Steve Blake since last week..
he will be a cap hold
between 250%-300% of his last salary. He was a lottery pick so he makes good money so that will be a significant hold until it is decided what to do with him.
I guess the question with Channing is how much you would be willing to spend for his production last year. My guess is less than 3mil.
Life is exhausting when you are this stupid.
Anyway - my 2 cents on the most crucial issue
Team chemistry, self belief and hard work.
I have bought into KP’s message. I like what the blazers already have. I don’t think they should change much at all. Bayless and Oden have talent to burn and need time to get confidence and experience. I really believe that the blazers already have it right. Bayless will learn the perimeter defence. Oden will be the monster everyone predicted. They have BRoy, LA, Rudy and a father figure coach.
The most crucial issue is that they don’t do anything too drastic and reneg on their word. They said at the trade deadline that they like what they have. I think they should stick with them.
SF who can create
The only Blazers on the roster that can create their own shot is Roy and Trout. Batman needs a Robin….
get to work bayless
that man should be able to get his shot too…and get other guys open looks when he cuts to the hoop.
Experience
Experience playing in the NBA, playing with each other, and playing under Nate. Although, I don’t know how they can get much of that this summer.
Te corto tu cara!
More inside helpfor a startrt
Houston continually subs in and out their 3 or 4 wide bodies to control the boards. The’re not exactly garbage players but I think we could use a guy or two in the mold of Landry. I think a veteran PG to play 2nd or 3rd string would calm the team down. Finally, I believe we need to let go of Sergio and Travis to accomodate the changes. KP has called me to discuss this and we are in complete agreement that Bedgers will be happy with these changes.
Not the most original idea...
Others have said the same thing, but I think the most critical issue over the offseason is the development of Greg Oden. He becomes a monster and we become a HUGE force.
We need a big man coach. And specifically a Center. I adore Mo Lucas, but he was probably better suited to coaching PF’s. We need a Pat Ewing type. I don’t know who’s out there….
I'd still honk once!
Send him to Jordan
To work with Hakeem.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions
my take and a question
1. most important thing: signing Roy and LMA to forever contracts
2. question: can anyone name a point guard(s) who can defend quick pgs, e.g., brooks, parker, etc.?
Guard Brooks Parker etc?
It takes a team effort to slow those guys. There are very few guys who can stay with them and typically, they’re roll players because it takes a lot of energy to run with them and play D all game.
Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game
hinrich defended rondo well
I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer
by Philthyanimal on May 28, 2009 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions
KP having realized that there is work left to be done
I fear the proverbial cake will either not go up or burn, whichever imagery you want to use. There are not all ingredients in place, and we can talk all day long which ones they are – many good suggestions above – it won’t help if the people in charge don’t address the issue. He is a great GM, but he does have a slight tendency to fall in love with who he has and move not decisive enough (which is surprising since he does on draft days to get who the Blazers have targeted).
The fact that there will be multiple roster spots open should trigger some action anyway, but the cautious strategy will only improve the team so far. And I doubt it’s far enough to become a championship contender. Multiple teams in the playoffs have shown great potential to reach the top or stay near there, and they all have players that will remain good for years to come and give us trouble (Denver has completely turned around on the defensive end, Houston looks good even with key people out, Lakers have a few years left if they are willing to spend, Orlando coming strong, Cleveland with the ability to sign two max free agents in 2010, etc.). Other teams can quickly become better as well (I have OKC and Memphis on my list, but others could become playoff teams as well). Some teams will fall off, but e.g. the Mavs can rebuild very quickly with their contract situation.
If the Blazers stand still and hope for organic development, it likely will be enough to be a constant playoff participant but will be very tough to reach the finals and win a championship, much less multiples. Roy is starting to come into his prime (due to his four years in college it’s a shorter timeframe than for e.g. LeBron or Kobe), and they better field a highly competitive roster around him soon.
I don't understand when people say KP has "a slight tendency to fall in love with who he has and move not decisive enough"
It seems like everyone is basing that off the last trade deadline. His picks won 54 games last year. Out of KP’s picks, only Bayless and Sergio (sometimes Oden) haven’t lived up to their potential or showed multiple times what they are capable of producing.
I think that criticism is unfair because making a move at the deadline likely would have only helped get the Blazers another round deeper in the playoffs, at the expense of giving playoff experience to the guys traded away or sitting behind the old vet that would have been added to the team.
Te corto tu cara!
by tominhawaii on May 28, 2009 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions 6 recs
plus one Tom.
I too think much of that thinking was based on fans not getting their trade fix at the last deadline.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
I'm standing between sides on this one. I don't want to deal for the sake of trading, but I also don't want to stand pat.
You could add the purported Devin Harris deal (I don’t, since I don’t think that was a real offer). Or the Conley deal when his price was much lower last summer/fall. Or not going for Marc Gasol or a few other players in the draft instead going with “safe” picks from winning college programs that he loves (a la the Bulls) who just happened to be not very good players (McRoberts, Taurean Green).
Not just the pundits (Simmons, Ford, Gavin, Canzano, Quick, etc.) and trade-happy fans, also his peer Daryl Morey has hinted that KP only wanted to do what he called “homerun deals” at the last deadline, and such risk-free deals are few and far between with more intelligent organizations around and fewer Isiah Thomases calling the shots.
Of course KP is vastly on the plus side with his deals in the last two years (especially on draft days) and we can give him the benefit of the doubt that not making mid-season trades and moving Raef and waiting for a better opportunity was the right thing to do. I’m just saying that the timeframe to act is becoming shorter. I trust KP to make the right moves, but that would wear thinner if he doesn’t make a change in the next 1-6 months and just puts all his eggs into the “we grow organically” basket. I would prefer to see the Blazers not paint themselves into a corner where they have extended Roy and LMA, are capped out and then there is nothing left but the MLE and low draft picks to work with in the future. That’s when they really would have to give up several beloved players to improve significantly.
And in closing I quote our very own Dave:
Heretofore Kevin has been building a team, a task at which he’s proven both revolutionary and masterful. Now he must shape a contending roster. The moves are more targeted, the risks greater, the timeframe more specific. This is new territory.
by Norsktroll on May 28, 2009 8:27 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think we're on the same page
I think KP will need to make a move, I just think the criticism of him not making a big move up until this point is unfair given the results.
Te corto tu cara!
I completely agree
I almost think the early success he’s had hurts him in a way (especially if he spends time on BE as he supposedly is wont to do. The expectations for his moves now is so high that he’s almost paralyzed to make what any rational, non-Blazer NBA fan would consider a fair trade because so many posters are of the mindset that unless we “pritch slap” (hate that term) someone in the trade, it’s not worth it because another, better trade will come along later.
Don’t get me wrong, because I feel I come off as overly hard on the guy, but my favorite example of this is Jerryd. I’m not saying he should have been available for anything, but I can’t think of a single other guy who’s not even in his team’s rotation being labeled “untouchable”. Ever. The guy’s a talent, and potentially a solid player in the league, but would I move him for the right piece? In a second.
Definitely shouldn’t make a trade unless there’s a clear opportunity to improve the team. I think I would have vomited if we had traded for that overrated, overpaid stiff Richard Jefferson (who should give roughly 50% of every pay check to Jason Kidd), but that doesn’t mean we have a title-winning team in place.
Passing up on Marc Gasol
ugh……… makes me shudder.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions
Passing up Devin Harris and Mike Conley too
Sticking up for Travis Outlaw since 2008 and Steve Blake since last week..
conley i'm not too mad about
harris i am. think if we had gotten conley in the draft…he’d be in the exact same position that bayless and sergio are currently in…on the bench with no trust from nate.
I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer
by Philthyanimal on May 29, 2009 12:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Dead on Tom.
I could not of said it better. Super Rec for you.
* Building a Greg Oden Fanboy Treehouse Clubhouse this summer...
Agreed
If we stand pat, then it’s hard to see us winning a title unless one or two of a couple improbable things happen. Greg or LaMarcus would need to develop a level of Shaq/KG level dominance and Bayless/Batum would need to become near all star level players, at least to the level of Josh Howard/Jason Terry.
All of these are certainly possible, but not things that I would bet on happening. The scary thing is that in 5 years, Roy will be 30. Obviously that’s a long time, but tell that to the Mavs, who were creeping along fine at an elite level year after year, and then looked up last year to see that Dirk’s prime was almost finished.
First priority?
What is our cap situation, and what does that mean for us.
Most other roster issues can stem from here. This lets us know our range and flexibility on who can or should be acquired. It’s also not going to take long to eat this number away. By the end of June it very well may be gone. Other issues can wait until the start of the season. This one can’t.
Of all the things that can be expressed in the printed word – love, hate, fear, joy – true humor is the one that is the most difficult of all. Sarcasm, for example, is an art of delicate subtlety. Yet too many people wield it as a bulldozer – loud, smelly, ugly, and destructive – and think they are being funny.
You will be happy to learn that the only player under contract for 2010/11 is Martell. Everyone else is optional. In theory.
As for this summer, the figure should stand at around $6.7 million in cap space for the Blazers if Frye is let go and no significant changes to the cap appear. Mark Cuban hinted yesterday that the cap will stay about where it is, only the luxury tax threshold going down a bit, and that everything will change with a year as a buffer. So 2010 is when it could get really ugly if the economy doesn’t pick up, and the owners getting really stingy when the stock markets should further deteriorate (which in turn could have an influence on the new CBA discussions for 2011, with an open outcome not even he was willing to speculate about. He called it depending on the “temperature in the room”). But he also stated that several teams will have to adapt their budgets (i.e. especially player payroll) to the financial situation now, when they realize that shared-income from the top teams won’t be as good as in years past and their own ticket and sponsorship sales slowing down a lot (massive discounts).
Oh good!
I didn’t want to be burdened with Roy, Aldridge and Oden anyways.
Of all the things that can be expressed in the printed word – love, hate, fear, joy – true humor is the one that is the most difficult of all. Sarcasm, for example, is an art of delicate subtlety. Yet too many people wield it as a bulldozer – loud, smelly, ugly, and destructive – and think they are being funny.
It looks weird and would leave behind a gutted roster
But on the other hand it’s nice to see a payroll that is not cluttered with huge payments to a Steve Francis, or seemingly endless contracts a la Luol Deng, Andres Nocioni and Matt Carroll. Which is the norm on many teams. With Raef and Francis off the books there is just one bad contract left (Miles). It’s a good problem to have that flexibility, even if it’s only theoretical in nature since all our good rookies and other players will command big paydays in the not distant future.
Long term contracts to Roy and Aldridge I don't think would be mistakes.
It does cut down on flexibility, but you want the flexibility around those guys instead of in place of those guys.
Of all the things that can be expressed in the printed word – love, hate, fear, joy – true humor is the one that is the most difficult of all. Sarcasm, for example, is an art of delicate subtlety. Yet too many people wield it as a bulldozer – loud, smelly, ugly, and destructive – and think they are being funny.
KP on courtside
said LA and Roy were top priorities this summer. KP wants to lock them up to there extentions this year before they become restricted fa’s.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
This one's easy
DEFENSE
Or more specifically, pick and roll defense (and perimeter D in general)
Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game
Greg Oden's Development
He has to make a pretty big jump in consistency and effectiveness this year. No two ways about it
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 May 28, 2009 8:08 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
A happy Oden, Is an improving Oden
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm just wondering
if GO should try to be a young Ben Wallace in the short term. I just think his offensive game is still a few years away. He has a decent stroke at the free throw line so hopefully he can develop a midrange set shot. His jump hook needs alot of work, especially at the right side of the basket.
A lot his offensive game development
comes from him needing his agility.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Batum!
Batum needs to be on the floor ‘cuz of his defense. Nate needs to be using all his idle time devising schemes to get Nic a little more involved offensively so that it doesn’t impair the offense when he is in the line up.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
Main goal
at first I wanted to say that a solid plan for our future at point guard would be the most important, but if we can focus on getting greg where he needs to be, and it works, then that is by far the most important goal, off season goal, find a definitive nick-name for greg oden
Hotter looking Blazer Dancers. (Or just more of them.)
In skimpier outfits.
PS – ability to dance is optional.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on May 28, 2009 8:27 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
they were holding BD auditions at Club 205 last week
I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer
by Philthyanimal on May 28, 2009 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Biggest priority is for KP to send a Scout to the BEdge Open BBall Scrimmage Friday
why scout overseas when you have diamonds in your backyard? guys who can play AND coach AND be GMs AND blog AND podcast AND photoshop AND ….
shoot, your championship issues solved in one little community
Go Blazers!!!!!!!!!! Wooooooooooot Wooooooooooooot!!!!!!!!!
by broyposse on May 28, 2009 8:48 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Abandon Travis Outlaw as a Small Forward Option
Nate and KP need to realize that Travis just does not have the skills to play at small forward, ie. lateral quickness to guard 3’s, ball handling, ability to get to the rim, consitent 3 point shooting, any semblance of defense.
Once they finally abandon him at the 3 they will realize that he should be a 4 (a position they played him at for a while the previous year) and that he doesn’t fit their needs at 4 anyway. He CANNOT rebound, and can’t defend the 4’s in this league because of his thin frame and lack of footwork. Which means we can just trade him to someone who wants a shooter without a conscious off the bench and move on with the rest of our teams development, ie. Rudy, Martell, Jerryd, and Nic. Travis is taking their minutes!
I am the master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul. - Charles Wesley
Wow
Sounds like Travis Outlaw is Public Enema Number One. – Elgin
VENTURA: It's drowning. It gives you the complete sensation that you are drowning. It is no good, because you -- I'll put it to you this way, you give me a waterboard, Dick Cheney and one hour, and I'll have him confess to the Sharon Tate murders.
So
what is the blazers biggest need? To just waive travis?
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
Point Guard
One who can step-up and play and contribute on the same level as LMA and BRoy.
"We have a different style, a European style," he says adjusting his jacket for emphasis. "They know it's cool.''
Are you going for a five player all star team?
I ask because it’s likely GO can become an all star, Roy is an All-star, Aldridge COULD become an all-star, Batum COULD become an all-star and WEbster also showed some strong glimmers of amazing play… and if you want a PG on that same level, you now have a starting all star team.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
That would be horrible
Especially if four of the five are on the team now.
I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich
You need a PG
to distribute the ball to all those allstars
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
we have one
his name is blake.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
i wish he had distributed one more time
than airballing that pull-up 3.
in all seriousness though, i didn’t say we needed an all-star PG, just who can contribute at the level LMA and Roy operate. I could see many ways for a PG to do that and while being highly respected, not be an all-star.
also, didn’t the pistons have 4 all-stars a couple years ago?
"We have a different style, a European style," he says adjusting his jacket for emphasis. "They know it's cool.''
Offseason Body Development & Conditioning:
??? – Strength Training. Finish through contact better & continue to develop the mid range game.
Roy – Endurance training, for the long haul. I guarantee Roy will do what he needs to do in the offseason, not a concern.
Batum – Muscle Mass Increase. He badly needs to put more bulk on his frame(plenty of room to fill out) ideally 220, in a few years(When his body is fully developed around age 25) if he is committed, 240?
Aldridge – Resistance training. LaMarcus badly needs to be able to finish at the post through contact consistently. Must improve his power in his post game to become an all star.
Oden – Regain Athleticism. By way of getting in shape. Down to 250-260 lbs. It will not only help his body in the long run, it will help him run the floor, elevate for blocks, rebounds & dunks easier. Not to mention how much more agile his post offense can become from what we saw last year.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
Offseason Body Development & Conditioning:(Now with formatting)
??? – Strength Training. Finish through contact better & continue to develop the mid range game.
Roy – Endurance training, for the long haul. I guarantee Roy will do what he needs to do in the offseason, not a concern.
Batum – Muscle Mass Increase. He badly needs to put more bulk on his frame(plenty of room to fill out) ideally 220, in a few years(When his body is fully developed around age 25) if he is committed, 240?
Aldridge – Resistance training. LaMarcus badly needs to be able to finish at the post through contact consistently. Must improve his power in his post game to become an all star.
Oden – Regain Athleticism. By way of getting in shape. Down to 250-260 lbs. It will not only help his body in the long run, it will help him run the floor, elevate for blocks, rebounds & dunks easier. Not to mention how much more agile his post offense can become from what we saw last year.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions
I love how Dave shaped this conversation
This is some of the best conversation of the past couple of weeks. More recs in more places….and some really good thought put into a bunch of responses.
I'M betting
Martell, GO and Bayless will provide the extra scoring punch we need. Otherwise we’ll have to bring in that great 3rd scorer that will cost a fortune and cause a big changeover in personnel; all at once.
Consolidation via Outlaw
Outlaw has value as a player and is what he is. This is not a criticism of him.
However, if one accepts that Batum should, and will, play SF ahead of Outlaw …
that Webster’s injury is likely to be healed, but his relative value is a bit down …
that Outlaw’s best position for the Blazers is at PF, but his D and rebounding aren’t what is needed from the backup for Portland …
that minutes for Batum and Webster means Outlaw’s minutes go down this year …
AND that Outlaw’s value and skills shouldn’t be wasted nor should those of other players …
then it’s a matter of who Allen/KP/Penn gets for Outlaw …
- in a package with Bayless or Sergio?
- to improve at backup PF (via DaJuan Blair or a veteran)
- to go after Rubio (via Memphis with a package taking back Jaric) (Memphis is a Travis-lover)
- to get the “icing” at PG or SF? (and this affects the host of PGs and/or Batum/Webstser)
Regardless, if the conclusion is that Outlaw is to be traded, the ramifications are likely to be far reaching on the roster.
Again, this is not blaming Outlaw for the good he does on the court (and certainly not as a player or as a person) but it suggests some pretty serious consolidation via Outlaw may be the most crucial issue.
So are you saying
that the back-up pf is the most pressing need, or that we have to get rid of outlaw?
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
Greg Oden's Gym Time
Greg needs to develop, and fast. He needs to work on his conditioning, his post move or moves, and his foot work. I look at the landscape of the team, and the one spot with the chance for most untactful growth is G.O. Bayless developing a reliable stop and pop jumper is a close second.
Fire Mark Mason. He's a dork, and he projects that we are ALL dorks
Fire Brian Wheeler. Homers suck.
Trade Trout, or sign someone reliable to soak up his minutes.
....Now I'm done
Re-thing the way the offense is ran
I don’t argue the way they use the game clock first 8 and last 8 is good. But they do not get the ball to the payers in the flow of the game on a regular basis. The high post from Aldridge to Oden works but the don’t use it. Let Fernandez be Fernandez and get him the ball when his is moving. Stop standing at the 3 pt line.
A lot of the plays as the year went on were Roy one on one. We have the weapons use them.
"Joel Przybilla... all the rest is potential, Joel is fact." -ken
My number one issue is back-up point guard
In most areas of concern, I believe experience and time will solve them. Eventually Batum will grow into the SF position or Martel will show that one man can rule them all. At center, Greg will eventually get some speed, grace, and an ability to move feet and avoid fouls. The big bruiser will help take down teams like houston.
Areas of concern:
bruising PF
BACK-UP PG
Of the two, the back-up point guard is my main concern. I’m happy with blake for now, but when he goes out, I don’t have confidence and i don’t see consistency. Additionally, blake has a few years left in him, but we need someone prepared to step into the gap he’ll leave when he goes, and preferably beat him out for the starting spot before he goes.
I believe the blazers need bayless to seriously improve on his PG abilities, or make a deal for another point guard. As I don’t see practices/skirmishes and his time on the floor is limited/not always impressive, I can’t answer what the blazers should do. I’m just noting that I see this as the biggest unknown and the biggest need.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
My # 1 concern is PG
and someone that can actually make a pass into the post consistently, defend, hit a few jumpers and the ability to drive to the hoop and FINISH. I am still saying that we need to get someone in the mold of Hinrich. Which is doable.
2nd concern is a back up banger . Someone that will get 5-8 rebounds a game, play good defense, hit a few shots, and not cost us the game. (see Travis as what not to be, especially in the rebounding and defense part)
3rd Concern is SF. Is Martell going to be able to go? Will his foot hold up to 82 games? Is he the answer we have all hoped he is? IF not, then we need to deal with this issue as well.
We are under the cap, and with KP’s talent for trades, we can acquire some great veteran talent, and not break the bank. Remember we have 5 draft picks this year to use as trade bait, for financially strapped teams like Charlotte, New Orleans and others.
Killer instinct. When you have your opponent down, you do not help them up. You step on their throat!!!!!!
by Misplaced Blazermaniac on May 28, 2009 11:02 AM PDT reply actions
Risk of a new point guard
Unknowns
- Will he fit with his team mates?
- Will he fit in the system?
- Will he bring the right attitude?
- Can he lead along with Brandon?
- How will Chemistry be effected?
- How long will it take them to pick up a new system and learn the players?
- Will he have the work ethic and snappiness to fit in?
These are unknowns that make any trade risky. The last item means a slow start as it takes time for a Point Guard to know his team. Imagine the Blazers at the end of the season, starting the season. What would their record be then? It took almost half a season for the blazers to figure out how to play together. A new starter could start that process over again.
My other objection is… well… imagine the blazers at the end of this season, starting out the next season. The Blazers started blowing teams away at the end of the season. That was WITH blake at point. That was with four rookies. another year and knowing each other… they should be that much better and a 60+ win team, at the minimum (a possible 70 win team, but that would be tough and require MAJOR improvements from Greg AND Bayless AND Webster).
So, those things all together, I’d need the PG to be a huge upgrade. I don’t deny that Kirk could be an upgrade, but I also wonder how much an upgrade vs how disruptive he’d bring. I think Blake brings some real fire and a competitiveness that can be hard to replace.
These blazers never give up, i want a PG that fits that culture.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
snappy=scrappy
stupid spell check.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
And Fewer muscles for Greg
And more muscles coming off the bench in the 4 spot.
by FlyingOutlaw on May 28, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Health and well-being of all Blazers
First and foremost, the health of GO’s knee(s); Martell’s foot; Joel’s wrist; Brandon’s and Travis’s pinky finger; and any other unknown or underreported injuries. If players need surgery, let’s do the surgery now rather than at or around training camp.
I think it was really good news that Oden’s surgically repaired knee was NOT a story last year. There wasn’t much about swelling, weakness, etc. about his repaired knee and more about his ankle sprain, cracked kneecap and the resulting lack of conditioning (wind) and quickness. During his recovery, GO was a weight room maniac; now is the time to find the balance between strength and quickness. Who knows where that balance lies, but I would like to see a quicker, more explosive GO this year (however, if LeBron James can go at 270, I’m not at all convinced GO has to drop to his college weight).
If Martell fully recovers, he may provide quite a bit more offensive punch than Batum; if Roy needs surgery on his finger, get it now. Likewise, if Travis needs surgery, get it (I think Travis’s 3-point shooting dropped off significantly after that nasty dislocation). If there are unknown surgical needs ((like Raef’s shoulder or Frye’s ankle) let’s get it done.
I think all professional athletes should get some recovery time, but it is also important that they so some form of cross-training in the off season. I think a healthy Oden is more important than a constantly trained Oden. I’m all in favor of a special coach for GO to correct the flaws of his game, but I also think being healthy and conditioned will correct many of them.
Here’s to the health of all Blazers.
3 issues
PG: if we obtain or develop a PG with slashing skills, then we must have a starting SF who is a great 3 point shooter to compensate for Blake’s excellent 3 point shooting. Batum: no, Travis: no, Webster: maybe, but, this is a big gamble.
Oden: Offensive moves besides “Jam it” need to become money (baby hook, etc). He’s already fouling much less and I am sure this will continue to improve
Rudy: Must get him more minutes, and try to use his variety of skills in drawn-up plays other than just 3 point shots or alley-oop dunks. “Rudy, here’s the ball, go out and do something with it!” is not working, like it does with Brandon. I would love to involve him regularly on a pick and roll or in transition and utilize his passing skills and court vision.
Isn't it WONDERFUL
182 posts and no consensus on a major problem.
The Blazers don’t have ONE major problem that requires fixing
but, several minor issues that could help us advance in the playoffs.
I think that’s great!
and what's even better
over time, a number of those problems will go away.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
A consistent third scorer
All the champions have one.
I think the third scorer is on the roster, it's LaMarcus.
My hunch is that our new second scorer is Greg.
But I have high expectations for Martell and Rudy too.
We may have three guys close to 20 per night along side Brandon’s 30.
Pat Riley used to dream aloud about starting five guys 6’9".
I dream about 5 guys each scoring exactly 20.
Starters: Brandon, Rudy, Martell, LaMarcus and Greg.
Is it so unlikely that Rudy and Brandon cannot morph their games to be adequate around an improved interior defense and learn to share the offensive PG responsibilities? I dont see why it’s such a stretch. Can the real technicians explain why we cannot figure out a way to have our best play together?
Bedge or go home.
Blockbuster Trade
I’m talking Dark Knight huge.
I say we ship Bayless + Batum + Cash + Picks + The Kitchen Sink to New Orleans for Chris Paul.
I read somewhere that George Shinn is looking at blowing up the team to help his financial issue, and that because of that CP3 is going to want out of New Orleans, and we have cheap young talent and cap space to take on bad contracts. A core of CP3, Roy, Aldridge, and Oden would be unstoppable. If he can make David West an All Star, imagine what he can do for Aldridge and Oden.
"It's not who jumps the highest -- it's who wants it the most" Buck Williams
"and if EVERYONE confronted with a tough, disgusting situation pulled out, I don't think I would have been born." Mortimer
That would definitely spell instant championship.
Shinn would probably rather have a #1 or #2 pick plus players/cash for Paul. The kitchen sink would probably include trading up for a high pick to give to NO. I’d send Rudy, plus any other non Core 3 player, plus cash, picks including trading up for a top 10 pick, for Paul. How can they sell tickets without Paul, though. Seems like a dumb move for them, but I’d do it.
The idea of CP3 and BROY playing together
is what I dream about. The only problem is, I wouldn’t be willing to part with our “core” to get him. I consider Rudy as part of that “core”. Heck, the big reason my wife goes with me to the games is to see Rudy!
I consider Batum >Rudy
in terms of part of our “core”
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions
We would be just fine
if we had someone like Mikael Pietrus playing behind Roy. Much better off defensively.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Point guard who can break down a defense and get to the rim
This means more than just a slasher, it needs to be a guy who can setup the offense, but get his own when he needs to.
Why not a small forward who does that?
Is it because the point guard can presumably pass out? I ask because Webster was doing that during preseason.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
100% agree.
Having a point guard who can break-down the oposition’s defense is critical, more so than even thier own defensive skills. Now, don’t get me wrong – defense wins championships. But as has been brought up time and time again an individual cannot stop fast, elite point guards by themselves. What they can do is throw those point guards off their game and force them to stray from their game plan. The best way to do this is by breaking down their defense. Then the opposing guard becomes more focused on stopping his man than he does on carrying out the game plan. The opposing guard will also fatigue much more quickly and find themselves in foul trouble.
this has been a message from: "The People's Alliance to give Greg Oden at Least a Couple of Seasons"
100% agree.
Having a point guard who can break-down the oposition’s defense is critical, more so than even thier own defensive skills. Now, don’t get me wrong – defense wins championships. But as has been brought up time and time again an individual cannot stop fast, elite point guards by themselves. What they can do is throw those point guards off their game and force them to stray from their game plan. The best way to do this is by breaking down their defense. Then the opposing guard becomes more focused on stopping his man than he does on carrying out the game plan. The opposing guard will also fatigue much more quickly and find themselves in foul trouble.
this has been a message from: "The People's Alliance to give Greg Oden at Least a Couple of Seasons"
#1 concern, Martell
A healthy Martell, with confidence in himself, could be a huge boost. He probably has one of the best shooting strokes on the team and plays above the rim. Body wise he was ripped in preseason last year and looked like he was ready for a bust out year. I’m also wondering if he can play the back-up 4 or is he too small?
Not sure he can defend
But he could drag out bigger 4’s to clear space for Greg on some occaisons.
I see Martell, if healthy & confident… Best case: Joe Johnson.
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Rodrigue Beaubois(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 28, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Consolidation via Outlaw, part 2
About 25 replies up, I suggested that consolidation of players with Outlaw as part of the moves was key.
The question asked whether it means the priority is about backup PF or trading Outlaw?[Perhaps it might be both?]
Maybe it is about backup PF—a veteran (or even a young guy like Blair) who is heady and battles and who can score a bit.
Maybe it’s about clearing out the SF for Batum and Webster (or the “icing”).
Maybe it’s about what what trading Outlaw and one or two other guys/assets can bring back at a position of need (PG).
It’s about building around the core [the Big 3+3, in my view]. It’s about trading Outlaw (in conjunction with other parts) more for that purpose than anything else.
Shooters are what are needed to take advantage of double teams
That is building around the core per KP.
"What's so interesting is that this team took on a dynamic that was very special. I don't think we as a group, in terms of management, coaches and players, realize what we did as a young team. We broke all the metrics. We broke all the molds. Our challenge is can we continue to do that. As young of a team with 54 wins, no issues off the court, phenomenal chemistry." - Kevin Pritchard
Consolidate some of our roster and upgrade PG or SF
We have several players that do not fit a position very well or are only good a one or two aspects of the game.
Travis can score but doesn’t rebound well or defend or pass for that matter.
Batum is excellent at defense but needs a year or two to put some muscle on, learn some moves on offense and become a better rebounder.
None of our current point guards have enough of a complete game to carry us past our current level. Only Bayless probably has the potential to become good enough to be that PG but like Batum needs a couple of years.
I wont even go into Frye’s game… yeesh
Then there is the injury status of Webster and Blake and there suddenly a lot more if"s and could be ’s in the support players than ansewers.
LaMarcus needs to make that All Star Jump
You need at least two all stars to make a serious championship run and I don’t see the blazers trading or signing one anytime soon.
PG situation
The team needs to trade Sergio and decide on a future PG to work with:
Trade for Conley
Sign Sessions
Draft Collison
Develop Bayless
Any one of these options will do. Blake is effective, but only for 20-25 mpg and a futur backup role.
We need to sure up our bench
the starters will work themselves out. Brandon, and LA will be able to incorporate Greg. what we need to fill the the gaps in our backup unit.
Ideally i would like to see Martell with the second unit along with Rudy, Bayless, Joel and “insert new 4”…We mostly need to address our backup 4 spot. with Rudy and Martell we can keep the floor spread for Bayless to penetrate and be aggressive, we have Joel for solid D at the rim, But we need a low post presence that can score and secure rebounds!
- choice is Paul Milsap- hands down, no question. Restricted- but available
- Brandon Bass/Udonis Haslem(a little more iffy)
- Hate to say it but maybe L. Odom (he is a huge piece of *&^% but maybeeeee?
#3/4 Get a backup through the draft. Everyone is throwing out names, but if we are going to make a guy be an immediate contributer we need to move up to get someone. Move Travis and make a play for Blair. we cant wait for a second rounder to fill one of our top rotation spots.
I vote for Milsap, then Bass, then Blair…either way we have to lose Outlaw. he just isnt the presence we need inside and isnt consistently effective on the boards.
WE NEED A BEAST!
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