Blazer Draft Prospects: DeJuan Blair

by Dave on Jun 22, 2009 12:08 AM PDT Comment 38 comments

We continue our look at potential first round picks, in particular if the Blazers look to move up, with DeJuan Blair from Pittsburgh.

DeJuan Blair 6'7" 265lb projected power forward from the University of Pittsburgh

Why He Might Be the Guy

There's no doubt that the Blazers could use another power forward with Channing Frye likely departing and Travis Outlaw's status seemingly perpetually in flux. (Though to be fair the latter may be more of a fan perception than a team reality.) The $64,000 question is which type of extra power forward you prefer. On the one hand it would be nice to see a contrast between the reserve power forward and LaMarcus Aldridge. LaMarcus is not a banger, not a huge rebounder, and doesn't carry a ton of weight or leverage for his size. Many Blazer fans have dreams of a guy who's built like a brick [Kenny Gee album]house in the old-school power forward mold. On the other hand the whole system assumes a nouveau power forward concept. Since you're not going to change your style of play for a back-up having continuity between all of the forwards, framed in the Outlaw-Frye style, makes sense.

Only fans of the first idea are going to like DeJuan Blair, but they will probably like him plenty. He's heavy, tough, has long arms, plays inside, is the best offensive rebounder in the draft, and he's not shabby on the defensive boards either. The guy just looks like an NBA player...moves, attitude, walk, talk. Unlike many big guys he can catch the ball and put it in softly. DraftExpress has him as a good passer, though I haven't seen enough of him to comment. That would certainly be an asset if it carried through to the NBA level. Sometimes the offense gets clogged up with too many finishers among the bigger position players. One more passer could open up wrinkles we haven't seen yet. He's not a volume scorer but he's an efficient one, which fits the Blazers' current offensive scheme. He's not going to be fast up and down the floor, but that's not a Blazer trait right now either. Basically he's not going to change your team but he's going to bolster it and add some facets to his position that Portland doesn't have yet.

Why He Might Not Be the Guy

He's under 6'7". He plays power forward. With that combination you had better have Charles Barkley skills, especially in today's NBA when power forwards run 6'10" and over, run like the wind, and play the kind of face-up offensive game that negates your weight advantage. Blair isn't Barkley. And he isn't just going to bowl over NBA defenders and find himself open near the hoop without another hand in his face. He's not an explosive leaper, so he'll not be dunking over those help defenders either. That could well make his vaunted efficiency go down. He'll need to pattern his game after the Zach Randolphs of the league and with Portland it's unlikely he'll get enough offensive touches to get that routine down. You'll still probably be able to rely on his offensive rebounds but the Blazers are flush with offensive rebounders. The defensive end is where they need the most rebounding help. That assumes forcing missed shots first and Blair may not be an adequate defender due to height and mobility. Though he's universally described as fierce and motivated he has battled weight issues. That's always a concern in draft picks. As with Ty Lawson, the Blazers would have to move up to get him. The trade exception is always a possibility but unless someone is willing to part with their pick for a cost-free offer, Portland would either be giving up another player or a potential pick in a stronger draft to nab Blair. That could cut into his value.

Your call on DeJuan Blair? What do you love and what are you concerned about? Could he be the guy for the Blazers in the first round?

--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)

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My opinion on Dejuan Blair

Hes who we should get if we draft a pf. Lawson is who we should get if we draft a PG. But we shouldnt draft anyone in my opinion. We need vet exp.

by cavejunctionblazer on Jun 22, 2009 12:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Pelton has it right: “best off. rebouding % of all time is rodman 20.8% in 94-95. Dejuan Blair projects to 23.8% next year” per Ben’s twitter.

proud hinrichsheeple

by Cablinasian on Jun 22, 2009 12:16 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Something tells me...

those percentages won’t hold up with Oden on the floor… And you don’t rebound in a vacuum.

Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?

by raggmopp on Jun 22, 2009 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because they're much too small to stand in.

μὴ φοβοῦ, μόνον πίστευε.

Blazersedge.com || New to Blazers' Edge?

by T Darkstar on Jun 22, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dejaun Blair is the only player I want out of this draft

If Martell is gonna be healthy I would trade Rudy to move into the top 10 to get Blair. I fully expect to get flamed for proposing a Rudy for Blair trade, but here is why:

Rudy can only play the 2 or 3. Roy has the 2 covered. We can get better production at the 3 from Martell, Batum or with our cap space.

We don’t need Rudy if Martell is here. We do need toughness & rebounding at the back up 4. Blair = toughness & rebounding even if it’s only for 15 minutes a game.

by tweener on Jun 22, 2009 12:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I like Blair a lot, but I don't think you have to pay that much

Blair will likely go in the last third of the lottery. Bucks at 10 will draft a guard. Nets at 11 seem undecided (that’s a pick which is available according to rumors. And coincidentally they are one of the teams that could need Sergio as a backup and really need cash and some unguaranteed picks). Bobcats at 12 could use a PF backup, but like Nate coach Brown prefers veterans (hello Shav and Channing) and has multiple needs to fill. Pacers at 13 look like a very likely target for Blair if they don’t see a better option. Suns at 14 seem more in love with Daye and Clark or another backup for Nash. While their local radio guys are clamoring for Blair for weeks with tons of sound effects Kerr seemed not very interested when he was on the program. Similar with the following Pistons. At 16 the Bulls seem to like the potential of Mullens, and I doubt Blair lasts that long.

So to be sure I guess the NJ pick would be it. And Rudy would be overkill for that in my opinion.

by Norsktroll on Jun 22, 2009 12:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Definitely agree

I think I need to write the Myth of Martell Webster or something. Rudy was WAAAAY more important last year than Martell of 07-08 squad was. He might have shown promise that preseason game or whatever, but that was one game, and he hasn’t played in a regular season game since April of 08. Let’s hold back on anointing him till he plays on the court.

This was more in general towards this type of comment but felt it needed to be said.

She lives in my lap
WORD UP.STAY.FRESCO

by Dheepan on Jun 22, 2009 1:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't even consider trading Rudy for anything less than a quality starting PG, 28 or under.....

Rudy is a very skilled shooter and excellent energy player off the bench. He has the potential to become a Reggie Miller type assassin who will kill opposing teams and help spread the floor for Roy and eventually Bayless. He and Roy play well together, which is a lot of why we were so effective in the 4th quarter.

Trading Rudy for a back-up PF who may average 10-12 minutes makes no sense to me. Doing so for a seriously undersized guy, who is definitely something of a risk in the NBA, strikes me as extremely misguided.

by upper left corner on Jun 22, 2009 7:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is our most likely target if we trade up

He’s a great fit behind LMA, giving us a tough banger type, that isn’t afraid to body guys down low, and get into position for rebounds on both ends. He’s the quintessential 10-15 minute a game big, that we just didn’t have last year. When Oden ends up starting and Przybilla becomes our second unit center that will hamper us on the offensive boards on that second unit. Joel is a great boarder on the defensive end, but his lack of quickness and spring hurts him getting offensive rebounds. It is essential that we continue to be a dominant offensive rebounding team when this happens because Rudy and Martell are most certainly going to be let fly from three point land. There hasn’t been as dominant a guy on the glass in quite some time. His rebound rate in the hardest conference possibly ever is astonishing, and eminently translatable to the NBA game. If reports of a nice little 12-15 footer are true, this pick becomes gold.

by as11osu on Jun 22, 2009 12:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

tough choice if Rubio is available

Who to trade up for Ricky or Blair? Probably can’t get ‘em both. I’d rather target Blair and add a veteran PG who can beat out Blake

But if all other trade possibilities were exhausted, would you trade Rudy and #24 straight up for the chance to draft Rubio?

by two4larue on Jun 22, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Again, without question.

Rubio is in my opinion going to have the biggest impact of any player from this whole draft. Griffin is a fine player, but 4’s are a dime a dozen in this league. Players like Rubio with true defensive talent and uncanny basketball intelligence on the offensive end don’t come along all that often. Once every 5-10 years maybe?

I’d trade more than Rudy and #24 for Rubio. Throw in Travis and one of the three point guards, and I’d still do it. Rubio is a dynamic basketball player, and is going to be a top 10 point guard in this league within the next 3-4 years. It’s an automatic slam dunk. He’s 18 years old, meaning if you draft him, you have your franchise point guard for the next 10-15 years.

by as11osu on Jun 22, 2009 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Get Him

If we use our pick, he is the best case scenario.

by Gfactor34 on Jun 22, 2009 1:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

He's a "Maxsap", and I say get him!!

Who cares if he’s just 6-6? He has long arms, strength, quickness, toughness: the guy is a beast, just like Millsap & Maxiell. And you shouldn’t have to give up a talent like Rudy in order to trade up a few notches to get Blair. Martell might be a different story, but he’s untradeable until he demonstrates his health. So I’m hoping a slew of picks, Sergio, plus cash will get the job done.

As for Trout, I think his value is higher than that. I believe he’ll go as part of another deal—perhaps as part of a package to get Turkaglu. Then, with the sad departure of the Buffet of Goodness, the back-up power forward minutes will be available for Blair.

Finally, while I’m dreaming, I’d like KP to buy me a new Rolls. I could really use one of those too.

"We don't back down to nobody." --Joel Przybilla

by hurryup09 on Jun 22, 2009 3:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Questions for those who love Blair

Essentially you guys are advocating trading-up for a back-up PF, who is going to play 10-12 min. I wonder about the opportunity cost; I wonder about risk; and, I wonder about fit.

OPPORTUNITY COST: We are likely to give up a player and our top pick to move-up. To me, trying to upgrade our starting PG position seems like a much higher priority than a back-up PF. Shouldn’t we be using the assets necessary to land Blair to try to get a starting PG?

RISK: I am not super familiar with Blair’s game (not a big college hoops guy). I will take your guys’ word for it that this Blair is an amazing rebounder. However, there is risk associated with a guy who is seriously undersized for the NBA. The strength advantage he used to be so effective in college is likely going to be greatly reduced when he goes up against the big boys. He also may have difficulty playing defense against significantly taller players.

FIT: Our second unit is likely going to be Bayless, Rudy, Martell, PF, and Pryz. Seems to me we need a PF who is a threat to score in order to avoid having two non-scoring front court players in the game at the same time. Bayless’ strength is driving. Combining him with two guys who play under the basket is asking for him to be mugged every time he drives. I think we need a back-up PF who combines solid defense and rebounding with an ability to hit a nice 10-15 ft jumper, or even someone like Travis who can hit the three from the corner and who can create their own shot. Neither Rudy nor Martell excel at creating their own shot. Bayless is likely to need a good bail-out option when the clock is winding down.

Seems to me the whole “we need a banger” mentality is based on debatable premises. We are already a very good rebounding team. I see the problem with Trout’s defense, you would have to be blind not to, but are we trading one kind of defensive liability for another? Is the loss of spacing and scoring worth the marginal rebounding improvement (I men on top of what Pryz is already capable of providing)?

I am not saying that Blair is a bad idea, I am trying to open discussion about what I see as legitimate concerns.

by upper left corner on Jun 22, 2009 7:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Dejuan Blair reinforces one of our strengths: Rebounding

The Blazers are a great rebounding team. However, this advantage is predicated mainly on the C position. When Oden or Przbilla aren’t in the game, the Blazers struggle to rebound. We saw this a lot in the Rockets series when both found themselves in foul trouble and we had to rely on Frye/Aldridge, Frye/Outlaw, or Aldridge/Outlaw at C/PF.

With Dejaun Blair at the backup PF, the Blazers could maintain their rebounding prowess even in an emergency situation. Aldridge has the length and defensive ability to play C, but he just doesn’t have the rebounding. Enter Dejaun Blair at PF and, voila, you’re back to being a great rebounding team, even with a not-so-good rebounder at C.

At this point in their developement, the Blazers should be reinforcing their strengths and molding the roster to fit what they already do well. Sergio fits more in an uptempo offense and a play-the-passing-lanes defense. Those are not Blazer strengths. Sergio + #24 does not seem like a high opportunity cost to me. It also doesn’t seem sexy enough of an offer to acquire a PG that would improve our current situation.

I don’t think it’s much of a risk, either. Rebounding % is one of the stats that consistently translates from college to the NBA. I have little-to-no doubt that Dejuan Blair will be a terrific rebounder.

As far as a fit with the second-unit, I believe having two three-point specialists in Webster and Rudy will be plenty enough to keep defenses honest. It would be nice to have someone to clean up the glass with all those 3’s going up.

by BlazerTag on Jun 22, 2009 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I think we can agree that we want to see something different from our second unit PF than what we got from Channing last year (who is still a good player in my opinion, but totally unsuited for a “spark plug off the bench” role. He needs consistent playing time, and better 22 than 10 minutes). Play closer to the basket. More rebounding on both ends. More inside scoring. Tougher defense.

There are free agents who could provide that, namely Brandon Bass (very quick and equipped with a good up and under move and a mid-range shot as a plus) and Antonio McDyess (most veteran experience) – I like both a lot – and if that fails players like Wilcox a notch below that. Like for a good draft pick, there will be competition for those players especially coming from the teams that currently pay them. They can reasonably expect to get something around the full MLE (ca. $5.x million in the first year) on a multi-year deal. A David Lee or Paul Millsap (overkill in my opinion) even close to twice that. In contrast to that, if Blair would go #10 he costs $ 1.8 million at the start. If he goes #15 he costs $1.4. The difference and a bit more is basically what I would be willing to invest to get him. Which would be Sergio, some cash, our first round pick and one or two current or future second rounders. Maybe a sign and trade with Channing or something in that price range as a maximum on top? I don’t know. I wouldn’t give up Rudy or Nic or Bayless to get him, then it makes more sense to go after one of the available free agents.

As for his skills: He is tough and competitive on the court, a nice guy off the court which would fit right into what the Blazers want out of their players. As we have seen with Greg, rebounding is a skill that translates well from college to the NBA. As Cablinasian has pointed out above, if it would fully translate Blair would be the GOAT of offensive rebounding before all is said and done. Say that doesn’t happen and he loses 5-10% at the beginning. Then he is still better than most NBA players, and together with Joel or Greg would form a formidable duo. Also people like David Thorpe say Blair’s offensive prowess is underrated. Now Thorpe tends to overvalue his clients a bit, but the facts clearly say that Blair had better numbers across the board than likely top 3-8 pick Jordan Hill. Even in categories such as steals. He had a nice game against 7’3’’ center Hasheem Thabeet, which unless he gets switched on Yao Ming is about the tallest he will face in the league. He bounced around Blazers second round hopeful Pendergraph in workouts. All of which gives me hope he will be a very good pro. I wouldn’t pin my hopes on building a team around him (the knee and weight issues in the past come into play here), but boy would he be nice to have coming off the bench to throw at some opponents that now give us trouble.

by Norsktroll on Jun 22, 2009 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know mixes can make about anyone seem good, but I think it shows some of his hustle and his ability to finish through contact and his athletic abilities: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxxqEKssvgI

Blair vs. Thabeet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WASWhKKQfY

by Norsktroll on Jun 22, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

watching those videos, you know what I see?

Larry Johnson. Grand-mama. In his prime

And that would be a very nice piece to add

by two4larue on Jun 22, 2009 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

gotta love that turn-around fade-away from the left box

over Thabeat goes on. Very Aldridge-esque

Not that I’d want Blair taking many fade-aways…but it’s nice to see he has that in his tool belt

by two4larue on Jun 22, 2009 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That'd be needed when on the court with Przy

the thing I like, that a lot of people probably don’t care about, is how he’d fit next to LMA, in a type of small-ball scenario. You don’t lose your rebounding edge, and you improve your scoring ability, so long as the opposition doesn’t have a true center, that lineup’d work well. Everything one lacks the other has.

by as11osu on Jun 22, 2009 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I know you just can't wait to run out a lineup like

Rubio
Rudy
Roy
Blair
LMA

It would be fun during the regular season, but Greg and Joel have to get “their’s” too.

Sounds like KP has a choice, to give up a “little” (Sergio or Travis, plus #24) to move up to #11 and pick Blair, or send more talent, draft choices and take on Etan Thomas’ contract in hopes that Rubio will slide to #5. I don’t think that even KP can pull both of these maneuvers off, unless he really wants to shake up the roster

by two4larue on Jun 22, 2009 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

As much as you've talked about Nate hating rookies

I think he’d have a hard time finding things to hate about these two guys.

I also think it’s worth it to make the move for both of them. The team that gets the best player from a trade is usually the team that wins the trade. Rubio is the best guy we can get from a trade this year (Devin Harris minus 8 years). We’d get our point guard for the next 15 years. You start to talk about in a hushed breath about a super dynasty. One that could potentially last 10+ years. A big 4 that has an average age of 21 or 22. That 5 man unit (Rubio-Roy-Batum-LMA-Oden) would have a chance to be something truly special.

I really wouldn’t care too much what would be left. Blake, Bayless, Sergio, Rudy, Martell, Outlaw, Blair, Frye, Przybilla, because it really wouldn’t matter a whole lot, so long as we have a couple of decent contributors.

As the draft process has drawn on of late, and Rubio’s situation has muddied his deserved position at 1a or 1b in this draft, it appears as though the price tag is now something affordable even to us. It seemed a long shot not so long ago, but now that it’s attainable, you’ve almost got to make the move. We’ve discussed the point guard position for so long, we saw one truly elite prospect go by in Rose, and the next thing is staring us right in the face. You don’t pass these chances up when you have them. KP has been almost exactly in tune with my draft wishes three years in a row now. It’s almost come to the point that I expect him to do exactly like I would. And what I’d do would be Rubio and Blair, and I’d be willing to give up fair value for both of them.

by as11osu on Jun 22, 2009 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice call

excellent comparison… Blair is more like LJ than Barkley… even more so in those fuzzy vids.

by mpowerOR on Jun 23, 2009 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The biggest benifit of Blair would be that LMA would either learn how to box out or get absolutely toasted in practice.

Currently playing the role of Phoenix Suns GM Steve Kerr in the 2009 BlazersEdge Mock Draft.

by jksnake99 on Jun 22, 2009 9:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

If he has Barkley skills

Then we’d be looking to move LMA in two years.

I don’t think someone has to have Barkley skills to play back up. I get your point about height, Dave, but all those 6’10" guys aren’t really 6’10", either.

by sagcat on Jun 22, 2009 10:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Rebounding in NBA

Is rather reliably predicted by college statistics (reference). I wouldn’t get hung up on his height; his productivity in college tells the story. Much as the concern about Kevin Love’s athleticism and length was overstated, the same is true with Blair.

How important the back-up PF is to the Blazers is an open question, but there would be opportunities for a guy like Blair or a veteran PF. Injuries happen. Match-ups change. In a year or so the Blazers might even be able to put Blair on some of the Burly SFs, like Artest.

by PoliSam on Jun 22, 2009 12:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Pgh native here, again.

Opp Cost : Blazers have too many guys in the same mold… Rudy, Frye, Outlaw, LMA… all of these guys gravitate towards the perimeter (LMA has developed nice post moves, tho). Portland could unload 1-2 of these guys w/o any drop in offense because half these guys ride the bench most games. IMO, opp. cost of dealing for Blair is near zero because Blazers are SO deep with perimeter players w/ a jump shot.

Risk : can’t really comment here. draft/rookie… always a risk… no greater or less than any other draft pick. Risk is always out there.

Fit : A guy like Blair will get his touches and points. He will score. Why? Because he rebounds… he goes and gets it. This guy will be a lay-up machine in the NBA (for 15-20 minutes/game). PERFECT fit for portland – a team that struggles to rebound much less get the easy put-back for two points. Watching Oden/Pryz/Outlaw/Frye choke on dozens of easy buckets in the paint should be enough for any fan (or GM). Second-chance lay-ups are worth the same two points that a jump shot is.

Regarding Barkley comparisons… Blair is not Barkley. He is not going to supplant LMA at PF. He is not the next Barkley. Their games are similar : big/wide, inside grit, quick hands/feet, athletic. That’s it. It’s not fair to say that Blair<Barkley thus Blair isn’t worth anything. Blair would be a perfect back-up PF in PDX.

Dealing some combination of Frye/Outlaw/Segio/Webster/Rudy for an in-the-paint rebounder who plays with passion is an easy choice, IMO.

I think too many PDX fans get emotionally attached to bench players… these guys are not irreplaceable, especially when they are all so similar.

by mpowerOR on Jun 22, 2009 2:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Do it.

PDX needs a 6’6" 260lb. injection of Big East badass.

Come on KP… do it.

by mpowerOR on Jun 22, 2009 2:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A question for you Blair fanboys: How did you feel about Ike Diogu?

Playing for the Kings in games 80 and 81 last season, Diogu averaged 40 minutes, 30 points, and 12 rebounds.

He’s 6’8" and 255 pounds, which qualifies as an NBA wide-body.

He’s played three seasons, so he knows his way around the NBA game and has proven he can score and rebound when given minutes. Wouldn’t he be a better prospect for us than an unproven rookie? Especially if he doesn’t cost us Rudy?

by MiledAnimal on Jun 22, 2009 3:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Ike has had four years to prove himself in the league. There’s a reason that he hasn’t stuck anywhere. As KP said, he can’t guard a table.

Sure, Ike has a big body. But is he a tough guy? No. Blair is.

Add in the fact that Blair projects to be an incredible NBA rebounder. (rebounding translates best).

And it won’t take Rudy to get him. Guaranteed. If he’s going between 13-16, I’m fairly confident that we could get him without giving up a whole lot.

proud hinrichsheeple

by Cablinasian on Jun 22, 2009 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blair>Diogu

I liked the Diogu pick-up and I had hoped he might see some minutes. He didn’t. I saw Diogu play some when he was with GS (rookie year?). I liked his game for a bench PF… he fit well with GS for that team, that year. Diogu has pretty slow feet, which means he doesn’t defend that well. I would agree with those who say good defense is necessary from a bench guy.

I like Blair for all the same reasons I liked the Diogu pick-up. But Blair is a better athlete with much better hands and much quicker feet, imo.

It’s a fair comparison… Blair vs. Diogu. Same role/position/size, etc. Except Blair>Diogu, imo. Blair’s a natural rebounder… he just finds position/ball naturally. It’s up to guys like KP to decide if Blair is an NBA-level low post defender. I can’t make that call. All I know is Blair dominated the likes of Thabeet and other, bigger men the past two years.

by mpowerOR on Jun 22, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point

I was thinking the same thing. Diogu could offensive rebound, but not finish. Too short and not enough explosion. From what i’ve heard Blair has some of Zach Randolph’s touch around the rim, without all of the negatives we associate with Z-Bo. If DeJuan can finish off his put-backs over taller players, or if he can kick those 2nd chance opportunities out to wide open 3 point shooters, he’ll be worth what it takes to move up and select him

by two4larue on Jun 22, 2009 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Been there, done that. But Brandon Bass might be the alternative as a mix of quickness, explosiveness around the rim, and mid-range shooting. And he is healthy so far.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBCriOL9HvU (HQ)

by Norsktroll on Jun 23, 2009 2:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Watching Bass finish that dunk off

versus Scola was a thing of beauty. That alone has to make you want this guy. If Aldridge could’ve done that, the series would’ve been ours. Bass is a best case scenario for backup power forward. It might be best if we can get him in a sign and trade. I’d be okay using Bayless to get Bass and #22, and then we can move up in the draft to replace him with one of this drafts better point guards. We’d have lots of assets to make it happen. As Przybilla gets older, Bass’d get a lot of those extra minutes.

by as11osu on Jun 23, 2009 3:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

disclaimer...

I am a Big East guy. I like suffocating defense, physical inside play, and methodical mistake-free half court offense. So naturally I LOVE DeJuan Blair.

I’ve been watching the Blazers regularly for three years now, and I agree with the (majority?) opinion here that PDX needs 1) a pass-first ball control point guard, and 2) toughness & rebounding in the paint.

I like Blake enough, but he’s nothing special. Sergio drives me nuts with those ill-timed, off-balance shots… grrrr… just as bad as a straight up turnover in my book. I’m not crazy about Bayless’ game, but I’m willing to give him a chance to prove me wrong. I think he’ll get SR’s minutes this year so maybe we’ll see more of his game.

I like Pryz and I like Oden, but a center alone does NOT equal an inside game for a half-court team like the Blazers. Frye is just too soft, imo. I’m sure he’s a nice guy/teammate, but he just doesn’t cut it in my book. Outlaw has an interesting game, but he’s inconsistent to say the least. I love Rudy and I hope PK finds a way to keep him around. I think Batum is around for defense, period.

I like LMA and Roy, of course. The core of the team. Untouchable. LMA is already a match-up nightmare for 75% of opponents, and he’s improving all the time. Love it. I think a guy like Blair could help fill that match-up gap for the other 25% of the NBA that can push LMA around. No reason a guy like Blair couldn’t spell Batum, too, depending on the opponent/match-up. Gotta find a way to man up better against PHX & LAL. Seems to me those teams are the gateway to the finals, and both seem to out-rebound PDX regularly. Maybe it’s just my imagination… I don’t see EVERY game. :)

by mpowerOR on Jun 22, 2009 6:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

not worried about the Suns

Sure, Amare’ would push LMA around, but if they deal Shaq the Blazer’s centers will take care of Stoudemire. The Nuggets are the team that Portland has to worry about, especially in Denver. And Houston of course, depending on how Yao recovers. The Blazers have also had trouble beating Dallas, as well, but that’s not something a guy like Blair could really solve. San Antonio? If everyone’s healthy

But if KP upgrades the starting PG and backup PF positions, those teams are going to regret beating up on the Blazer kids for the past 5 years. Payback is coming, and even L*A won’t be immune to it

by two4larue on Jun 22, 2009 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

HOU>PHX-shaq... that's probably true.

HOU gave the Blazers plenty of trouble, now that I think about it (damn! brooks turned out to be a player!). Kinda blocked them from my mind… maybe because I thought Portland got a raw deal in that series. I’m sure the Blazers learned from that miserable experience. And you’re right about PHX… those match-ups change quite a bit w/o Shaq.

I like the way the Blazers match-up against Denver. I think they’ll compete w/ Denver just fine. Dallas can be a problem because the run/gun tempo. Blazers will learn how to impose their own tempo, I hope. Rebounding helps there, imo. San Antonio is just plain good/deep. But so is Portland. That’d be a good 7-game series…

Looking forward to the season. I guess I’ve kind of adopted the Blazers since I live here in OR now. I think KP makes it easy to become a fan… smart guy, classy team.

by mpowerOR on Jun 22, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs