Sergio Wants Out "I don't know what my future (is) going to be," Rodriguez said. "I think...

Sergio Wants Out

"I don't know what my future (is) going to be," Rodriguez said. "I think something is going to happen, either a trade, or something. But I think for me, I feel like I need a change. I need to play a different way. I really enjoy playing three years here. But I think I need something (different). I feel after three years, I need a change."

Comments

Couldn't figure out the right formatting for this...

Anyway, I was surprised to see such a blunt statement by Sergio… and surprised that no one mentioned it.

by PoliSam on May 3, 2009 10:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The FanShots interface is horrible...

Pontiff of the Pryz for Prez Posse...

by timbo on May 4, 2009 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

It’s obvious both McMillan and Sergio agree on their preferred style of basketball. The need for change is obvious. As much as I enjoy watching Sergio play, I think he’d thrive playing in a more run ‘n’ gun type system like New York.

I miss Martell. Come back soon!

by mannyfresh1 on May 3, 2009 10:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Important to keep it up

but someone did mention it in a junk drawer or something. I’ve seen it here once before. ESPN also has on it’s rumors that Sergio and Frye will be traded… never know if they are just blowing smoke, though.

I really like Sergio and think he is going to make some noise somewhere. I’m sad it isn’t here.

by staylost on May 3, 2009 10:59 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

but someone did mention it in a junk drawer or something.

That was me, it’s in yesterday’s JD. (Not that I mind that it’s posted here though!)

I’d personally like to keep Sergio. He’s starting to get badly underrated, especially amongst Bayless fans. Yes, he sounds frustrated and borderline-whiny, but of all the Blazers on the team, he’s had the most frustrating year. He may feel different as the season melts away over the next month.

If Sergio leaves the team and succeeds elsewhere, I’d be as unhappy as I was when Drazen did the same.

by Timmay! on May 3, 2009 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought he did good in his limited minutes in the houston series

by svlittle on May 3, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Never had a -

Something no other Blazer can say. (Except Shav and Ruffin of course.)

by Zaig on May 4, 2009 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks. I knew I saw it here before word for word.

And I have to add: I’d be sad if he does awesome somewhere else, but I’d be more sad if he sucked somewhere else. Him and Nate don’t have the same PG theory going on, and he deserves a chance to try a different system. I agree that he is underrated.

by staylost on May 3, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're right about him and Nate with the offense

Without either of them actually stating it out loud, this is quickly becoming a him-or-me situation:

Sergio: Either the offense changes (e.g. Nate adjusts or leaves), or I want to go somewhere with an offense that suits me. I’m not changing any more for Nate.

Nate: Either Sergio works inside my offense, or he’s going to sit on the bench. I’m not changing any of my offense for Sergio.

To be honest, I’m not particularly thrilled at either of their viewpoints. Sergio needs to be able to adjust to offensive schemes, and if Nate’s so rigid he can’t fit anyone other than “his player” into his offensive scheme, then he’s got limitations too.

And this is ignoring the defensive end. It gets really fun then.

Now personally I think people have been busting out the offensive-efficiency numbers too much and it’s caused some level of overrating our current offensive scheme. But at the same time, if it’s Sergio or Nate, I’m really not excited to side with Sergio either. It’s a bit of a stalemate in my mind.

by Timmay! on May 3, 2009 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

man i was really unhappy with letting drazen go.

I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer

by Philthyanimal on May 3, 2009 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Channing Frye will just be non-tendered and head off into unrestricted free-agency.

by AK1984 on May 3, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep, there is nothing to trade...

Pontiff of the Pryz for Prez Posse...

by timbo on May 4, 2009 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yea

ESPN’s rumors section was written by a moron who doesn’t understand free agency (Canazano is that you again?) and seems to think we’d resign Frye and then trade him…

by sPresley on May 4, 2009 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I too would be sad if he left.

I’ve always liked Sergio and found his potential untapped. It would be sad to see him go and I’m in agreeance with most sentiment here that he would flourish in a system more to his pace. He has extraordinary court vision running the fast break, fantastic passing skills, and little bit of quickness to his step.

At this point he seems to want to grow to his potential and is aware that it will most likely not happen here. He could continue to sit back and try to fit into a role position here but seeing as there is obvious conflict in playing style. It’s hard to imagine him staying here.

All things Sergio aside, I find it reasonable to move Blake to the backup position anyways. And to have our PG starter addressed in a trade/acquisition. If we want to be a championship contender, that is.

by dpnim on May 3, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its no coincidence

that Sergio’s best games have been against New York and Phoenix due to style of play. I really enjoyed watching Sergio and Rudy out on the floor together. At the end of the 3rd quarter, you could always count on something great from them. There was a definitely chemistry between them on and off the floor. I hope doesn’t effect Rudy greatly.

by undutchable on May 3, 2009 11:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

best games from my memory

include denver his rookie year, and was it atlanta or philly last year? hes had good stints in games this year, but nothing really that memorable for me.

I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer

by Philthyanimal on May 3, 2009 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I loved Sergio his rookie year

but has he got any better, in fact I think his shot has became worse

by svlittle on May 3, 2009 11:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

His defense has gotten better.

I don’t think his Nate years have been wasted. There are many fundementals he’s had a chance to pick up from Nate and if he does get a chance to shine, he will be a more well rounded player.

by staylost on May 3, 2009 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

His full-court pressure this year has been fun to watch.

by rmcdougall on May 3, 2009 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

outside shooting may be worse

but he’s improved tremendously at finishing around the basket.

by hollywood robinson on May 3, 2009 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is very true.

Pontiff of the Pryz for Prez Posse...

by timbo on May 4, 2009 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sergio

I am still convinced Sergio can be a solid player in this league, but it’s going to require change. About the only time this team generated easy buckets was when Sergio was in the game pushing the tempo. That’s his game – creating steals, getting out on the break, making great passes. Yes, it means more turnovers as a result. That’s the price you pay, and you have to believe the benefits outweight the risks.

The thing is, he’s got to get more than 10 minutes a game to be able to consistently deliver. The kind of benefits he brings to the game tend to come in spurts, and aren’t going to be seen consistently given only 5 or 6 possessions per stint.

Portland needs to decide to play him 15-20 minutes a night without fear of being benched for one mistake, let him push tempo and play the passing lanes, and accept a few more turnovers. If they aren’t willing to do that, they are better off to trade him away and let someone else utilize his strengths.

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 3, 2009 11:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

I’m not sure that the Blazers would be any worse with Sergio as the full-time starting PG than Blake. In the games that Blake missed, the Blazers didn’t play any worse. Sergio definitely has weaknesses, but so does Blake. Part of me would actually prefer to keep Sergio and let Blake go, but I don’t see that happening, and neither move is ideal.

by PoliSam on May 3, 2009 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer

by Philthyanimal on May 3, 2009 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

We were worse without Blake—we were 9-5 against a friendly schedule and the 5 losses included 2 of the worst road losses of the year (@ OKC and @ GSW).

Blake is a significantly better PG than Sergio at this point in their careers. Sergio is a solid backup PG who could be an excellent backup or mediocre starter on a team that fit his strengths. That’s not Portland. He should be traded this offseason.

by jksnake99 on May 3, 2009 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's certainly not wrong to say that

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more clear cut case of conflicting philosophies. He has a legitimate claim that he could be a better player in a different system, and McMillan has an equally legitimate claim that he needs a different player in his system. Honestly, you can’t blame him for wanting out and you can’t blame McMillan for having little playing time for him.

by rmcdougall on May 3, 2009 11:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Exactly!

I just wish we didn’t have to lose him. He is playoff material attitude-wise.

by staylost on May 3, 2009 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, I just typed something very similar above.

Thinking alike this morning I see. :)

by Timmay! on May 3, 2009 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

i picture this as the end to the 10 man rotation.

I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer

by Philthyanimal on May 3, 2009 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont blame Sergio for wanting a trade

But I think he and his agent have an inflated view of his value,I cant think of a single team desperate enough for a PG to start him

by southern oregon on May 3, 2009 11:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Did Sergio say he felt he could start somewhere else?

Serious question, just wondering if I missed an article with that quote

I wouldn’t be surprised if his agent said that, of course. That’s what agents get paid to say.

by Timmay! on May 3, 2009 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps Sergio...

Thinks he can get a shot at playing for the Knicks. I’d like to see the numbers he’d put up in D’Antoni’s system.

by PoliSam on May 3, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I presume Sergio's hoping for an eventual move to NY or Phoenix

Though I bet his agent has pegged a few other teams where he thinks Sergio might fit in nicely. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Atlanta on his radar, for example.

by Timmay! on May 3, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

didnt steve smith

say in a broadcast against us that he wished sergio would play there?

I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer

by Philthyanimal on May 3, 2009 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think this was pre bibby tho.

I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer

by Philthyanimal on May 3, 2009 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Decent chance they'll be post-Bibby soon.

by Timmay! on May 3, 2009 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

In D'Antoni's system the point guard should be able to shoot from outside after a pick or spotting up

Not exactly Sergio’s strength. I could see him fit well as a backup in Phoenix or Golden State.

by Norsktroll on May 3, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I'm not sure how picky D'Antoni is for outside shooting...

He made Duhon the starting point guard after a season where Duhon only short marginally better than Sergio on jump shots (EFG% 45 to EFG% 42).

http://www.82games.com/0708/07CHI1A.HTM
http://www.82games.com/0809/08POR2.HTM

I know Nate Robinson is a fan favorite in New York, but I could see them letting Nate go and taking on Sergio… But, Phoenix, Golden State, Atlanta and Philly all seem like realistic options for Sergio.

by PoliSam on May 3, 2009 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree with this idea that Sergio can ONLY play

in a D’Antoni system. He just needs to play somewhere that he has more leeway. Guys like Andre Miller, Jason Williams, Jamaal Tinsley and Ray Felton have all been effective PGs without having an outside shot for most of their careers or an incredible to finish at the rack a la Tony Parker.

Sergio’s main problem is that he went from a situation where he was allowed to make mistakes (his rookie year), to a situation where he wasn’t (the last two years), and when you have the high risk/high reward style of play that he has, that’s just not a tenable situtation.

Blazer fans get so caught up in the idea that he HAS to play in a D’Antoni/Nelson team that they completely ignore similar PGs who have done well in more conventional systems as well.

by Royster on May 3, 2009 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

when did he say he would start?

he just wants to have a role on a team…which he didn’t have here at times.

I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer

by Philthyanimal on May 3, 2009 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not hating on Sergio,I like him and wish him well

But I dont think he is ever going to be happy as a backup or good enough to be a starter

by southern oregon on May 3, 2009 12:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think he sees himself as being able to play starter in the NBA

And he is young so it’s really too early for him to settle on a role as maybe a third backup next year.

by Norsktroll on May 3, 2009 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Sergio,Channing and Shav

Good guys all would be better off some place where they could get some playing time

by southern oregon on May 3, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

he's happy to be a backup

he’s just not happy with his role as a backup here. had he gotten the JJ1 backup minutes I don’t think he’d be unsatisfied….but when you go thru stretches of DNPs or under 7 minute games, its easy to get frustrated.

I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer

by Philthyanimal on May 3, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bye !!!!

BRex is WAY more athletic, a much more physical
driver and defender and has much, much more potential.
He just needs PT and experience. He’s a workout force and
VERY focused !!

It's GO time !

by walkoff41 on May 3, 2009 12:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

This is subjective

…has much, much more potential.

The same could be said for Sergio.

He just needs PT and experience.

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by TrentEdwardsHoF2018

by Screen Name on May 3, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

so sergio is a workout slouch now?

I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer

by Philthyanimal on May 3, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good luck to him. He's not good enough to shape an offensive system around

his style. I wish Nate would open things up a bit, but until Sergio learns to shoot and defend, I think he’s overrated himself

by Rudy4three on May 3, 2009 4:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Recap

Sergio was a raising star in Spain.
He came to the Blazers à la Rudy, knowing he’d make at least twice as much staying in Europe, but he wanted to come because of the challenge.
19 year old playing with the pros in Spain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9vmcTN4Lc4

His style of play relies a lot on confidence. If he feels he can, he just takes over the game, he forces his rythm into everyone, which his teammates are used to, and his opponent usually aren’t. This makes him (if used well) an amazing PG off the bench, as he’s capable of turning a game upside down changing the flow of the game.
See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPFEUA1pGeI

He knows how to play big games. He forced Spain into the World Championship’s final back in 2006. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyxdHjrCl2c

When he came to Portland he soon became a fan favorite, even when he barely played (he had the likes of Dan Dickau or Juan Dixon over him in the rotation). 10 easy baskets were not enough for Nate at the expense of 2 TO.

He turned 20 the year he came to Portland. A young World Champion with great attitude who passed on the big money to come to the other side of the world to play with the best.

His teammates loved him, the fans loved him, but his coach was busy talking to the press about everything he didn’t like about him. Two different point guards, two opposite ways of understanding the game, and there he was Sergio, he knew he had to please his coach, so he kept practicing and trying his best to adapt his game to please his coach and have a chance, but what did he found? His minutes decreased by 1/3 on his second season.

And then during his 3rd season, after spending all the summer practicing to improve his weak spots, his coach benches him.

He has made all kind of sacrifices to please Nate, he’s playing the opposite of his style, losing money and being away of his family and girlfriend just to find disrespect.

He’s just 22, but the way I see it, he’s wasted 3 very valuable years of his carreer trying to please someone who can’t appreciate his gifts.

I think he still has it in him, he’s putted all his effort on the Blazers, and he deserves what’s best for him.

He can still do things like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qKGWhHADlE#t=3m59s

Either KP did a mistake drafting him or Nate as a coach, and I’d say it’s the last one.

I’d love KP to do something for him, he deserves it, and now it’s the moment to do it. It’s very hard for a player getting signed as a FA after 4 seasons of barely playing, just give him a chance, here or anywhere else, the kid deserves it, he’s served well the Blazers, and he deserves a chance.

Free Sergio

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

by DaniBCN on May 3, 2009 4:45 PM PDT reply actions 6 recs

Word.

Good post.

by dpnim on May 3, 2009 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope he has success, but that's nuts

He’s 22 and may very well become a great PG. That usually happens when they get older. The simple fact is that most players drafted in his position ride the pine for three or more years. Very few break out in their first year. Learn to play in the NBA for your coach or don’t. It’s simple and you’re making this a much harder scenario to understand.

Love Sergio, but this kind of reasoning leads to poor play. He’s no victim. It’s HIS responsibility to get out there. Let’s face it: he’s not better than Blake…. yet. I think he will be, but even if he’s from your home town, dude, he’s just not good enough yet.

I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich

by hobobob on May 3, 2009 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There are things you can do

Improve shooting mechanics, build muscle…

Sergio arrived in Portland with one of the best court visions in the NBA, with amazing ballhandling skills and an amazing passing ability, and he was 20 on a rebuilding team. And he was benched to a mediocre veteran (Dan Dickau).
Yes, having him starting could have meant 2 more losses, so what? It’s not like it’s gonna make much of a difference on a 30-win rebuilding team. Is that much of a cost to develop your own Steve Nash? Because that’s what Sergio is, a Steve Nash without the 3-point shot.

Is it better to let him rot? Destroy his confidence?

He’s done everything possible to deserve some trust.
When Nate complained about his shot, he spent a summer with a shotting coach.
When he asked what’s the problem and what should he do there was no answer, and that’s not how you treat a player who’s doing everything he can despite he’s in the worst possible situation.

I don’t care where he’s from, I just try to be realistic, the same way I do when I say Joel Freeland isn’t ready for the NBA or that Travis is a great player to have off the bench and shouldn’t be traded.

I keep thinking the main problem in this team is that KP and McMillan aren’t on the same page. And of course, I’d trust KP over Nate any given day.

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

by DaniBCN on May 3, 2009 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

A reality check my friend

Serigo is not in the worst possible situation,spending a summer with a shoting coach did not improve his shot[must be the coachs fault?] and no matter what his agent says[he is not being treated in a natural manner} its not Nate’s fault he is not an all star,its because he has not improved enough to play big minutes for a good team

by southern oregon on May 3, 2009 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

he didn't improve his shot this year?

shot 3% better from deep on twice as many threes. But of course, spending 20 seconds looking up the stats would invalidate that argument.

by Royster on May 3, 2009 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spending 20 seconds dribbling out the shot clock is a more valuable skill

So your point is that Sergio is a very good shot?

by southern oregon on May 3, 2009 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, because there's no middle ground

between being a terrible shot and a very good shot. My point is that he improved, which should be clear from the fact that the arc of his shot peaks above the rim now, but which the readily available stats also show.

by Royster on May 3, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mediocre is the middle ground

Sergio’s defense improved too but he is always going to be a one trick pony who can pass really well,and yeah he is good at that but that dont make you entitled to a starting job,What are the readily available stats that show what a fine shot Sergio is?

by southern oregon on May 3, 2009 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's 22 and has the intangibles

He has the things you can’t learn.

Please watch some video of his first year in Portland, or just watch the youtube links I posted before, then write knowing what you’re talking about.

He needs confidence and experience. We’re talking about someone who could become Steve Nash 2.0 here.

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

by DaniBCN on May 4, 2009 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sergio finished at the rim with a higher % than Bayless.

by Zaig on May 4, 2009 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Psychological factor

Yep, I know that’s hard to measure, but that’s a huge factor on his game.

Say over 46% from 3pt in 13 games as a starter huge factor, and I don’t think it’s just because of starting, I’d say its because of knowing he’s going to stay on the court regardless of what he does

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

by DaniBCN on May 3, 2009 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

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by TrentEdwardsHoF2018

by Screen Name on May 4, 2009 2:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is a common Sergio myth

It rarely happens and if he has the ball with 4 seconds left it’s because a play failed and it got kicked back out to him.

by Zaig on May 4, 2009 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Improved his 3pt% by 3%.

It goes up another 3.5% if you take out shots that are half court +.

by Zaig on May 4, 2009 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wholeheartedly agree with what you have been writing concerning Sergio....

I has been driving me nuts the way that Nate constantly benched Sergio the second he made a single mistake in a game, then would not play him for several games, and then expect him to be able to jump into a game at a moments notice, and perform flawlessly. Nate has little difficulty giving other rookies starting roles (Batum and Oden) but would barely even let Sergio play a little backup. Absurd! Ridiculous!

Don’t get me wrong, I still think that Nate is an excellent coach – just not for Sergio!

Free Sergio!

Send him too another team, and may he thrive and flourish there making all of us say:
WOW! I really like that Sergio guy! KP, trade for that guy….oh wait…..

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LMA Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 LMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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The concussion must have jarred him into "Destroy All Opposition Terminator Mode!" - BlazersOrBust

by LaMarvelous on May 3, 2009 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs

recced

KP seemed like he was building this team to push the tempo with all the athleticism on the team. Sadly Nate never warmed to the idea. When we did push the tempo at the end of the season, it was beautiful seeing consecutive 20 pt wins and what not.

I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer

by Philthyanimal on May 3, 2009 11:47 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

How is it that when so many players are discussed as possible options,

the argument that “he is not a good fit” either defensively or offensively, or even style of play or attitude is considered a valid argument, but with Sergio, his obvious misfit to Nates style of play is solely on Sergio? If I buy into your argument, I might draw the conclusion that Sergio is not good enough for any roster, or that with a different style of offensive coach hear in Portland, that Sergio would have essentially the same results. I don’t know if that’s what your trying to get assert, but I’d hardly view that an accurate assessment.

The argument for and against Lucas as Gregs mentor….
Durants improved production after a coaching change….
Connallys improved play after a similer coaching change….
Rockets improved play after McLady went down….

These are, in my mind, VERY similar situations to our own beloved Sergio/Sarge debate. I don’t think that Sergio is any more in the wrong to want to play to his strengths then Nate is to want to be provided with a point guard that fits his style of play. I guess I could be missing something, but I think DaniBCN is right on when he speculates that Nate and Kevin don’t see eye to eye on personal.

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by TrentEdwardsHoF2018

by Screen Name on May 4, 2009 2:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

*personnel

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by TrentEdwardsHoF2018

by Screen Name on May 4, 2009 3:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Verdad

But what is really forcing Sergio’s hand is the NBA rookie pay rules that make next season a make or break it thing for him in terms of how much he is going to earn playing BB,be it in the NBA or Europe.

by southern oregon on May 3, 2009 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Those videos make me so sad.

Sergio is amazing, I hope KP puts him on a team that will utilize his unique skills to the fullest, cause Nate will continue to justify an entire nation of hate as long as he remains on the roster.

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by TrentEdwardsHoF2018

by Screen Name on May 4, 2009 1:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lots of words and not a single comment about defense.

See my post at the bottom of this thread.

by upper left corner on May 4, 2009 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

McMillan's greatest weakness?

Nate pretty much refuses to acknowledge the talent of players whose styles differ from his own. This is a real shame in Sergio’s case because he gets us easy baskets and a different style of offense from the first unit. He also improves Rudy’s production. I think if the 2nd unit consisted of Sergio-Rudy-Batum-PF??-and Joel the three Euro’s would form some great chemistry. Not likely though. Once Martell comes back I’m sure Batum will be riding the pine just like Sergio did for three years.

by hollywood robinson on May 3, 2009 5:07 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs

agreed

its also an injustice to have our SFs camp out in the corner to shoot 3s when they are all extremely athletic and can do much more. hell batum isnt a good 3pt shooter, and trout wasn’t confident with his 3 ball till this year.

I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer

by Philthyanimal on May 3, 2009 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rudy plays like Nate? Blake? Roy? Oden? LMA?

Outlaw? That makes no sense as when I saw Nate play it was completely different from these guys. Yet, he plays them. Maybe he’s stubborn, but your point makes no sense.

I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich

by hobobob on May 3, 2009 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i assumed he meant

differs from his own coaching philosophy.

I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer

by Philthyanimal on May 3, 2009 11:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

did to me

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by TrentEdwardsHoF2018

by Screen Name on May 4, 2009 2:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nate's greatest weakness is that he's a poor game coach

Has nothing to do with realizing that Sergio isn’t very good.

Blazer Fan

by leeroyjenkins on May 4, 2009 7:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You miss the point

Sergio has been given regular minutes most of the season. His problems are primarily at the defensive end.

The reason Nic plays is because or team perimeter defense is our biggest weakness and Nic is our best perimeter defender.

Blaming Nate for Sergio’s limitations is not helpful.

by upper left corner on May 4, 2009 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sergio

I still remember when Brandon Roy said Sergio would be “a star” someday.

Sadly, I think with someone else’s system, that very much just might be true.

Not to rag on McMillan, but his coaching is starting to become too robotic. I hope this is only for temporary purposes. I can’t wait until he unleashes the team as there is so much talent to be used.

by In a Blue Raincoat on May 3, 2009 5:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What you mean that we're the easiest playoff team in the NBA to prepare for?

by Zaig on May 4, 2009 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Same scheme

Same substitution patterns, no adaptation

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

by DaniBCN on May 4, 2009 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Sergio has matured as a person

at least from what I can gather from following the press and blogs. I think that will help him in the future.

His game had a lot of holes and I think that there are few teams that would have given him more PT but he is not the only one in that situation in the NBA. Had he gone to college or maybe played in Europe and gotten more PT he would probably be a better player right now but he would still need PT in the NBA.

I think it is ok for him to state that it is time for a change, it doesn’t have to be a bad thing, look at what going to Dallas and then back to Phoenix did for Nash. Hope it works out for Sergio and the Blazers. I don’t think Sergio has wasted 3 years but he certainly hasn’t gotten the most out of those years and he is partly to blame, still the kid is only 22 years old and he needs to play in order to develop, maybe he should consider going back to Europe for a stint.

by QuebecBlzrFan on May 3, 2009 5:40 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

I would like to see Blake go and Sergio stay

A lineup of
Oden/Aldridge/Webster/Rudy/Roy

backed up by

Przybilla/Martell/Bayless/Sergio

This year is NOT a building season!!

by collectiveshane on May 3, 2009 8:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

You have Martell Webster in both starting and back up roles.

by dpnim on May 3, 2009 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't you remember?

he was THAT good.

by Royster on May 3, 2009 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

the question now is....

wheher Nate will screw up Rudy and Bayless the way he wrecked Sergio.

by soci on May 4, 2009 12:21 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

he's already wrecking bayless

I got 6 years of playoff blue balls going on, and I'm ready to release. GO BLAZERS. ~Mortimer

by Philthyanimal on May 4, 2009 12:43 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Here is my "free Sergio" trade suggestion

Portland trades Sergio, our 2009 #24 pick, NY 2009 #38 pick (we have that), and $3 million in cash (to compensate for the additional salary and lost cap space) to NY Knicks for their 2009 #8 draft pick. This depends on NY not moving up in the lottery (1, 2, 3), otherwise that deal is dead when NY can get a top 3 talent in the draft. NY absorbs Sergio with one of their 4 current trade exceptions (don’t know if they have to match Sergio’s current or next year’s salary if that deal happened on or shortly before draft day, but they could do both with exceptions going from 800k to 1.37 million).

With that pick, the Blazers could either try to move up again and snatch Rubio by trading the pick and another good player for a better pick and a bad contract, or at the very least can be convinced to get DeJuan Blair or any number of other interesting players from Lawson to Curry to I don’t know who. Our scouts will find a good one.

I also like about that deal that it doesn’t prevent further moves by freeing up 1.5 million in additional cap space (Sergio’s salary next year) to maneuver. We would still have a #32 pick (Clippers) to take a risk in the second round. And it would put Sergio in a decent situation to succeed in his further career (not sure KP would want to send him to a Western Conference team).

by Norsktroll on May 4, 2009 1:29 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm liking this,

but at this point, KP needs to just give in and get Nate a veteran point guard. I just don’t trust Nate to grow one himself. That or hire a separate coach whose sole responsibility would be to the development of our PG, giving Nate NO INPUT what-so-ever. If Nate wants something specific from the point guard, he goes through the coach. This would almost certainly never happen, so why let Nate waste another young talent? Just get him a veteran and be done with it.

I am no longer able to participate in this discussion due to a moderators request...
by TrentEdwardsHoF2018

by Screen Name on May 4, 2009 2:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd say no to that immediately if I'm Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni.

On a side note, I wonder when President of Basketball Operations Walsh will ultimately hire on one of his buddies from the good old boy network to be the New York Knicks next GM. Reportedly, it’s retreads such as Billy King, Billy Knight, and Chris Mullin who are up for consideration. I, however, don’t think that CEO James Dolan should allow Walsh to hire any of those three dudes; instead, Vice President of Basketball Operations Glen Grunwald ought to take over the reigns once Walsh retires in 2011.

by AK1984 on May 4, 2009 2:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So what, Sergio's horrible

lol @ people who think Nate is holding him back.

Blazer Fan

by leeroyjenkins on May 4, 2009 7:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I want to Free Rex, and to do that requires that the Blazers Free Sergio first...

He has shown me that he IS an NBA point guard this year, contrary to my previous belief.

Just not for this team.

Pontiff of the Pryz for Prez Posse...

by timbo on May 4, 2009 8:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I hate

that it is so politically incorrect to hate on Nate. The guy needs to let the team run!

- Sam

by RipCitySam on May 4, 2009 9:14 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's not politically incorrect

It just makes the hater sound stupid just like someone sounds stupid for saying something that is not politically correct.

" i wish you were my dad :)" - In Walks Rudy

by tominhawaii on May 4, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good

Sergio needs to go, he lacks anywhere near the talent we need…

Proud member of Duck nation!

by skywaker9 on May 4, 2009 9:30 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Amazing. 95% of the posts in this thread don't mention defense

Excuse me, but all the complaining about Nate “ruining” Sergio seems very one sided. Is it Nate’s fault that Sergio had a turnover problem is seasons 1 and 2. Is it Nate’s fault that Sergio’s jumper remains under 40% after three seasons? Is it Nate’s fault that Sergio was frequently targeted by opposing offenses?

Sergio has had three seasons. He does some things very well. He has shown significant improvement in TOs and in his spot up shooting and his ability to finish at the rim, but he is still not a consistent scoring threat. His defense is better, but it is still highly problematic.

Nate has given Sergio fairly regular minutes all season in spite of having a very highly regarded alternative on the bench. Sergio has shown flashes of outstanding play, but he has also had a lot of mediocre showings where he has dribbled too much, missed too many shots, and struggled to stay in front of his man.

I simply do not understand blaming Nate for Sergio’s limitations. Sergio may bloom elsewhere, but it seems a stretch to suggest that he has not had a fair opportunity here.

by upper left corner on May 4, 2009 9:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

"Nate has given Sergio fairly regular minutes all season"

This is simply not true if you look at the game logs all together. Take away the stretch when Blake was gone and you’ll see a terrible inconsistency in minutes including DNPs. Sergio got more minutes this year, but the word consistency doesn’t belong in describing them.

"We have a different style, a European style," he says adjusting his jacket for emphasis. "They know it's cool.''

by sergioFTW on May 4, 2009 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL at not "fitting"

A second unit of Sergio/Rudy/Martell/LMA/Przybilla should be able to run the other team off the floor. Granted, LMA usually only stays in with the second unit for 4 minutes, but for those four minutes we should be running the other team into the ground. We don’t. That is a bad move… period.

This is on Nate, big time.
The lack shooting improvement is on Sergio and Nate. Nate, because he doesn’t let Sergio shoot wide open 3s with more than 3 seconds left on the shot clock, and Sergio because he doesn’t shoot 42% yet.

If Portland was capable of running 2 different styles of offense, Sergio could work well here. Sadly, we’re not, and the league laughs at us for it.

by Zaig on May 4, 2009 10:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs