Go big or go home

by royforprez on Jun 10, 2009 11:48 AM PDT

This may be something that is completely beyond what imagination would bring, but I think it's worth dreaming big.

Baron Davis of the Los Angeles Clippers has been a very good basketball player since turning pro in 2002. Playing for four teams, including his longest stint with the Golden State Warriors between 2005 and 2008, Davis has proven to be the on court leader for each and every team he has been a part of. He has also provided strong production in each of his years in the NBA, as it was only last year that his PER (as per John Hollinger) was below the league average.

Looking at last year, it's no wonder Davis had his lowest stats of his career: he was playing on one of the most pathetic rosters in the NBA, and he was really the only established player that was contributing on that team. All things considered, Davis had a solid season, including averaging nearly 15 points per game and almost eight assists, which looks very good when contrasted with his respectable three turnover average.

But the reason I like Davis so much is for what he represents. He is a 6-3, 215 pound point guard that is 30-years-old, a guy that could provide the physicality and experience that is obvious that the Blazers need upon entering the playoffs. I was actually a big supporter of what Steve Blake brought to the Blazers in 2008-09, but I think that if the Blazers need to do anything it's go after a player that will make a huge difference. People yesterday were preaching that Chris Andersen and "Dyess" and Ronnie Turiaf would be an answer. Yeah, at BACK-UP power forward! If the Blazers are ready to make the next step, they need to go big, because once you get to the talent level that Portland is currently at it is much harder to make the big steps necessary to compete for a championship.

So, maybe it's Davis, maybe it's Kirk Hinrich, maybe it's Jason Kidd. It could even be Devin Harris, Shawn Marion, or Caron Butler. But if the Blazers are going to make the next step to look towards playing in June, they're going to have to find a name that is going to change the caliber of play tremendously.

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Baron Davis is an interesting choice

I have followed him since UCLA. I don’t think he is worth his price, and I wonder about his commitment to team success over personal success.

I can’t decide if I want him for the Blazers, or not. – 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.

by 22baylor on Jun 10, 2009 11:59 AM PDT reply actions

If I had a guarantee of health for the next 2-3 years

it’s almost a no brainer. He’s one of the 3-4 most athletic PGs when he’s healthy. Sadly, that’s almost never the case. He’s a special talent when healthy, but I don’t think you can say he’s managed to string together more than like 60 healthy games in his career.

by Royster on Jun 10, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions

NO NO NO!!!

Baron Davis would be a monumental mistake! Yes he was on a pathetic team last year, but IMO he was a big part of the problem and not in the least a part of the solution. He milked his injury to the fullest (at one point Dunleavy even questioned his desire to return publicly). When he did play, his on court demeanor and body language made it clear he did not want to be there. His one shining moment was against the Blazers in Portland, so maybe that is sticking in your mind, but I saw him several times and the rest of his season was totally forgettable. Plus he has had several injuries over the years, so most likely he is a very old 30 years and his best days are far behind him.

I do want to upgrade at the PG position and a big guard is always nice, but there are plenty of better options to Baron Davis!

by socalblazer on Jun 10, 2009 12:01 PM PDT reply actions

If Baron Davis is going big

I’m going home.

by as11osu on Jun 10, 2009 12:07 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs

baron davis is a quitter

quittin’ on everything.
quittin’ like it’s goin’ out of style.

-quittin’

dinasour type of guys choir boys

by mittsabishy on Jun 10, 2009 12:11 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

How do you say that in spanish?

by MiledAnimal on Jun 10, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Eat Steak

“Roberto Duran ate two before a fight
’Cause it gave a lot of mighty men a lot of mighty might”

dinasour type of guys choir boys

by mittsabishy on Jun 10, 2009 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions

For real? That doesn’t sound good unless it’s way before the fight.

GO
THE TEACHER ......come into my classroom "THE PAINT" for some tutelage.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The rancor reflected in that remark I won't dignify with comment. But I'll address your general attitude of hopeless negativism." – Everett "O Brother, where art Thou?"

by Blazer1342 on Jun 15, 2009 7:13 AM PDT up reply actions

Baron Davis

is busy transitioning to a career in film. He’s living in his home town again. Coincidentally he’s drawing a check playing ball. Why would he come here? Or more to the point, why would he want to be in a position where he is asked to work?

by pxilpooshr on Jun 10, 2009 12:14 PM PDT reply actions

K.I.S.S.

Minor tweaks no major changes, trade Sergio see what you can get for him, maybe trade Outlaw if you get a really good offer for him other then that let our team grow together. I would rather be patient and see my team grow with a couple more playoff appearances then mortgage it all for a one and done championship chance.

Draft Cole Aldrich 2010

by jlarose78 on Jun 10, 2009 12:46 PM PDT reply actions

Portland's Off-Season Plan...

1.) Sergio is the most likely to be traded.
2.) Portland uses all or almost all of its $5.8M cap space in a lop-sided trade.
3.) If anyone else is traded it is either Blake or Outlaw…. or Both. Remember their contracts are non-guaranteed.
4.) Channing gets market value somewhere else.
5.) Portland will exceed the cap so they can use their three exceptions; Trade, Mid-Level and Bi-Annual.
6.) Portland will not “take home” more than two players from this years draft.

by Portland Dynasty on Jun 11, 2009 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions

Portland will exceed the cap so they can use their three exceptions; Trade, Mid-Level and Bi-Annual.

Once they’re under the cap, they can’t use any of these until next July (2010)

by two4larue on Jun 11, 2009 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions

I really like Baron

I think he’d bring a lot of intensity and he is unselfish. The problem I have is how well he’d play with Roy. Davis seems the perform much better in a fast style offense where Roy prefers a half court offense. I’m also a little worried about his health and salary.

"Sasha? That's a sissy name." -Mike Rice

by koyote on Jun 10, 2009 12:51 PM PDT reply actions

I would rather sign Andre Miller.

Offseason:
PG Options: Mike Conley(T)
SG Options: Terrence Williams(D)
Forward Options: Ronnie Turiaf(T) - Damion James(D), Taj Gibson(D), Kevin Seraphin(D)

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 10, 2009 1:45 PM PDT reply actions

Artest

If you are going to pay through the roof for a player of that caliber, at least get someone who is a dominant defender.

Offseason:
PG Options: Mike Conley(T)
SG Options: Terrence Williams(D)
Forward Options: Ronnie Turiaf(T) - Damion James(D), Taj Gibson(D), Kevin Seraphin(D)

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 10, 2009 1:47 PM PDT reply actions

Artest is over 30 and he is making $8.4M now...

As a Free-Agent what do you really think this economy is going to offer a player who is good, but definitely not a “marketable” player. I think that it is isn’t just owners trying to trade away players with high contracts, I think owners are also going to be less likely to sign richer contracts, being more reasonable with the economic issues in the world today. With that in mind, would Ron Artest REALLY balk at a contract offer that is $2Million-ish less than what he is making now? I definitely think he would take 3 year for 6,7,8 to play with a contender. Yes, Artest is currently on a good team, but really does anyone think Houston can win a title? Nope. Portland can, and Ron Ron knows so.

by Portland Dynasty on Jun 11, 2009 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions

There goes our culture.

No, I don’t know who those guys are, but I’ll bet Norsktroll does.

by MiledAnimal on Jun 10, 2009 2:04 PM PDT reply actions

Nothing wrong with his culture.

I can’t think of anything he’s done that would somehow justify that label.

Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .

by Nick Van Excellent on Jun 10, 2009 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions

It is my understanding that he's moody.

He starts feeling that he’s not appreciated or isn’t the center of the offense and then his play declines.

I don’t know how true any of that is. None of it possibly. But what I am on surer ground about is his tendancy to quit. He seems to go through stretches, including entire seasons, where he just doesn’t seem to give his all or becomes “injured” and unable to play.

Let’s put it this way, it is not that Baron Davis is a head case or a bad person. I don’t think it’s even close. But he doesn’t produce that positive vibe that says he’s the sort of player and teammate Pritchard is looking for.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Jun 10, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions

He's not a bad guy, but he is a diva.

This essay pretty much says it.

Still, the obligation of re-investing in Baron Davis looms large. Look around the league and ask, "who exactly is more high-maintenance than Baron Davis?"

You’ll find the answer is comprised of very few players. This isn’t to infer that B.D. is a cancer in the lockerroom or anything of that sort. However, his effort level leaves a lot to be desired on a many a night during the regular season (particularly on the defensive end, where he lazily reaches for steals as opposed to playing the solid man defense of which he is capable). He’ll throw up his fair share of ridiculous long-range bombs. He’ll insert himself as the #1 option which has never yielded much more than a quick playoff exit.

And ultimately, what’s the point? A Baron-led team is a Baron-centric team. The dude craves attention.

Marc Stein chips in here.

The rumored reason why Davis did not beat Brandon Roy for the last Western Conference All-Star slot two years ago was his perceived attitude problem and conflict with Bryon Scott. I know he’s small potatoes compared to some guys. I also know he doesn’t belong on the Blazers.

by MiledAnimal on Jun 10, 2009 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions

That's not very specific.

That sounds like people are just guessing, sort of like how the media talks about Greg Oden being sad and moody. I still haven’t heard a specific instance where Davis did anything wrong. I also think it’s interesting that Golden State wants him back so bad if he’s such a pain to deal with.

Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .

by Nick Van Excellent on Jun 10, 2009 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Baron Davis is awesome.

Super nice guy, great talent, one of my favorite point guards in a long time. When he’s playing well he’s one of the best point guards in the game on both ends of the court.

Not sure if he’s right for the Blazers, but they could probably get him for a cheap if they thought he would return to to his original form. Two seasons ago he was pretty much untouchable and now somehow he seems really underrated by a lot of people. I think his heath last year really hurt his chances of having a good season. Plus he played for the freaking Clippers. Give the guy a break. How good would Blake look playing for that team?

Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .

by Nick Van Excellent on Jun 10, 2009 2:05 PM PDT reply actions

If we get him, we should also get Von Wafer back.

by pualo on Jun 10, 2009 2:09 PM PDT reply actions

You mean...

…Baron Von Wafer-Davis?

"The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over."

by GonzoFan on Jun 10, 2009 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Baron Davis

turned pro in 1999 not 2002

by GreatOdensRaven on Jun 10, 2009 3:07 PM PDT reply actions

Incorrect

For the first three years of his career he played for free.
because that’s how much he loves the game.

dinasour type of guys choir boys

by mittsabishy on Jun 10, 2009 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Im glad you corrected that

I was like, really 2002? I swear he’s been around longer than that… I thought that it must be ALL those losing seasons he’s had on every team he’s played for that made it seem so long.

C*mcast sucks!

by Blazermaniac77 on Jun 10, 2009 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions

I like Baron's game

but he has had the misfortune of playing on a lot of crummy teams. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t his career highlight toppling the #1 seed as a #8 in the first round? That is good, but it was still a #8 seeded team. It just isn’t clear how much better he makes his teams – especially in light of his salary.

by T$ 225 on Jun 10, 2009 3:25 PM PDT reply actions

he must be good

wasnt he the point guard that made the Big Cat an All Star in Hornet land?

C*mcast sucks!

by Blazermaniac77 on Jun 10, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions

I think so.

Every time I hear him referred to as “former All-Star Jamal Magloire” I throw up in my mouth a little. Jerry West is rollin’ over in his grave somewhere… :)

"The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over."

by GonzoFan on Jun 10, 2009 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree with the overall mentlity of this post...

…but I know Go Big. I used to hang out with Go-Big. Baron Davis, my friend, is not Go-Big!!

"The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over."

by GonzoFan on Jun 10, 2009 4:15 PM PDT reply actions

You wanna Go-Big?

Get Chris Paul AND Deron Williams. That’s Go-Big!

"The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over."

by GonzoFan on Jun 10, 2009 4:16 PM PDT reply actions

too much of the stinky green...

and appartently one too many Go-Big’s….

I used to hang out with Go-Big

GonzoFan is a legend in his own mind. Bravo.

by Portland Dynasty on Jun 11, 2009 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Except I was being sarcastic.

You meant what you said.

"The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over."

by GonzoFan on Jun 11, 2009 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions

where the heck is bdizzlefoshizzle?!!!!

by Section323 on Jun 10, 2009 4:43 PM PDT reply actions

deleting comments

by Sabonis4Ever on Jun 10, 2009 8:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Baron is a gunner. The only "think big" about him is his ludicrously bloated contract...

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 10, 2009 6:05 PM PDT reply actions

................. Worse yet, he's a gunner that can't fricken shoot. Kobe and Dirk are gunners that can, for example.

Super-mediocre performance at a super-premium price…

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 10, 2009 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions

His dunk over AK47 in the 2006 playoffs was NASTY, though.

by MiledAnimal on Jun 10, 2009 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree that KP should "go big"

but not Baron Davis. The Blazer need a veteran with NBA finals experience to help teach the kids how to win, BD doesn’t strike me as being that “kind” of player

by two4larue on Jun 10, 2009 7:42 PM PDT reply actions

The Blazers need a complimentary veteran player

Baron Davis is a team leader in his own mind, but he’s a poor team leader – he’s emotional, which is ok, but he tends towards the depressive when things aren’t going well, so when he’s playing for a team that’s not doing well, he’s not one to help them out of the slump.

While he does have an injury history, my greatest concern is his lack of consistent effort. He is not worth what he’s paid. Would he make the Blazers better? Possibly, but… it would depend on how many “bad days” he had and how it affected his mood, and whether Nate would find him to be coachable when he was feeling blue. I’m tending towards “no” on that.

by baduk on Jun 10, 2009 9:25 PM PDT reply actions

It is clear that this is Brandon Roy's team.

B.Roy needs a complimentary piece. It would be nice if we talked around here more about “Building” around Brandon.

by Portland Dynasty on Jun 11, 2009 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions

we talked a lot about that last year

then KP went out and drafted Bayless. Jerryd (in theory) is the “right” kind of combo guard to play alongside Brandon

this year, it’s Hinrich

by two4larue on Jun 11, 2009 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions

This team is already just about as built around the guy as it could be

Batum and Blake are the quintessential guys you want around Roy, in the case of Batum, he’s just young, in Blake’s case, he’s just not all that good.

Rudy compliments Roy perfectly off the bench with his offense, as he is among the very best off ball players in the league.

I really don’t know how much more “building around B-Roy” a team could do. Hopefully we’re able to upgrade from Blake into a better point guard this offseason, but it’d be hard to argue we’re not currently a team constructed around its superstar.

by as11osu on Jun 11, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions