In defense of Hidayet Turkoglu
by homerandflanders on Jul 1, 2009 3:03 PM PDT
69 comments
Turkoglu shot a terrible 41% for the season. In the playoffs, he had games where he went 2-8, 3-12, 3-14, 4-14, 3-13, 1-11, 3-12, and 3-11. He was torched for a buzzer beating jumper twice (once to a dreadful outside shooter in Andre Iguodala). He is pretty slow. He cannot finish strong. In fact, he has trouble finishing, period. He is slow to close out on shooters. He was schooled by Trevor Ariza in the final game of the 2009 NBA season. He is 30 years old.
Yet, the Blazers should most definitely sign Hedo.
1) Spacing: imagine LMA in the low block, with BRoy cutting, and Rudy and Turk on the wings, and Przy/GO on the weakside rebounding. LMA either gets single coverage or they leave Rudy or Turk alone for an open 3.
2)Ball Movement: Trout/Blake are ball movement killers. Outlaw can get the ball to the basket but can't pass, Blake can pass, but can't get to the basket. You wind up with two guys who dribble a lot yet cannot create a shot for a teammate. There is a reason why all his teammates are pleading through the media to keep Turkoglu. He is great to play with. Lewis, Nelson, Pietrus, CLee, Reddick. All those shooters, and they all got shots. Turkoglu is great a reading the double-team out of the pick and roll, or simply swinging the ball. Rudy Fernandez and (potentially) Martell Webster would have a field day playing with Turkoglu.
3)Winner: hands down the best game I saw all regular season was Orlando at Portland way back in December. What was crazy about that game was that the Blazers played simply awesome. But the Magic hit three 3's in the final 3 minutes after being down 8 to win. The last one, of course, was Turkoglu's shot that no doubt everyone on this site remembers like it was yesterday. Most people probably think it was lucky, but the truth is, great players get lucky shots to go in. Like LeBron in Game 2 of ECF, Roy vs. Rockets, Kobe vs. Blazers over Ratliff in 2004...... But just go to youtube and search for "Turkoglu game winner". The list is long; vs. the Celtics, the 76ers, the Sonics, the Bulls, the Blazers, the Pistons, the Wizards.
4)He is a well-respected veteran: with that, comes all the priviliges; you get to whine and complain to the officials, you get to clutch and grab on D, you get to push off to get open on O.
5)Great Chemistry: The Orlando Magic were composed of "Superman" from Atlanta Dwight Howard, $18 million per from Houston Rashard Lewis, and Skip-to-My Lou from Brooklyn Alston/hard-ass from Philly Jameer Nelson. Yet, when the game is on the line, all the aforementioned players gave the ball to this unathletic, dorky looking man from Turkey and just waited for their chance to contribute. The reason is simple: Trust. They loved him. They loved playing with him. They loved going to war with them. In spite of all the bad shots and turnovers, they trusted him. They went to war with him. They knew that when the moment got tough he would not back down. It was a joy to see.
6)He will be great for GO development: Turkoglu never shoots to get himself into a rhythm. He shoots to execute the play drawn up. Dwight Howard, a man with ZERO post moves, averaged 20 ppg. literally off offensive rebounds from Turkoglu's drives or Turkoglu swinging the ball after the pick and roll and Howard just planting himself in the paint waiting for the ball.
Turkoglu has balls. Simple as that. This team has two guys with cojones like that: Broy and Przybilla; LMA shows signs, so does Rudy. GO needs to develop them. But, with Turkoglu on board, suddenly, in my eyes at least, the Blazers became the best team in the West.
10 recs |
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Give me a few hours and a few drinks.
And i might hop on the back corner of the bandwagon for a few days. Its warming on me, kind of like puke.
argh. inkpitrust.
* Building a Greg Oden Fanboy Treehouse Clubhouse this summer...
by OdenFanBoy on Jul 2, 2009 2:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Turkoglu is a straight baller
And I’ve said that here before. I love Rudy but, Hedo is a legit stud and would make the Blazers better on offense.
Besides if we sign him he cannot hit any game winners against us like he did last year. If we had won that game, we probably wouldn’t have lost to Houston in the playoffs.
These are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others. -Groucho Marx
by RDreamer on Jul 1, 2009 3:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You did a nice job making the case for Hedo
The case against him still outweighs all that, at least in my mind.
by jksnake99 on Jul 1, 2009 3:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Especially the first paragraph
I thought we wanted a marquee defender at the 3?
--
by CaptainSexyJacob on Jul 1, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
we have one
his name is Nic Batum
These are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others. -Groucho Marx
by RDreamer on Jul 1, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
ding ding ding!
B.S. Liberal Studies OSU '06
Trade for Gerald Wallace!!
by TyboOSU on Jul 1, 2009 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And
he averages 5 points per game…
An Oregonian in Texas.
by NoiseMekanik on Jul 1, 2009 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
so?
He averaged 10.5 pts/36 minutes
Shane Battier averaged 7.7 pts/36 minutes.
We need defense more than scoring anyway.
by austinpwnz on Jul 1, 2009 11:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We also have Webster who is an excellent defender as well.
"She turned me into a newt!
A newt?
...I got better."
by Seijeff on Jul 2, 2009 1:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with this post so hard
all are valid points except 1. I think via Martell or just the improvement of Batum, we will have someone who can hit 3s at Hedo’s rate (36% or so) or better. In fact, Batum already does.
by austinpwnz on Jul 1, 2009 11:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
oops, that's ambiguous (edit please?)
I agree with the post I replied to.
Then the body of that was replying to the very original post (which I respectfully disagree with).
by austinpwnz on Jul 1, 2009 11:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A very insightful post...
Hedo has the passing and scoring ability to allow the Blazers offense to thrive and would likely be very effective with GO as he was with Howard.
He has the high BB IQ that would make him effective 3-5 years from now, when Brandon, Greg and LaMarcus are reaching their physical peaks.
Rec!
by Rip City Reign on Jul 1, 2009 3:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think he'd do wonders for our offense.
My only concern, is who will guard Kobe when we play LA. Batum is our best defender, and he surely will be relegated to a smaller role on next year’s squad
by Rudy4three on Jul 1, 2009 3:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow, can Batum’s role get even smaller?
by BlazerBen on Jul 1, 2009 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Batum would be a much better 6th man than Trout or Webster
I know BRoy hates playing the “point”, if you can call it that, but I really think the best lineup would be BRoy, Rudy, Turkoglu, LMA, GO/Pryz. with Batum/Jeryd/BBass rounding out the top 9 rotation.
It means Broy or Rudy would have to chase Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Tony Parker, but, lets be honest, its not like Steve Blake or Kirk Hinrich would be much of an upgrade in that department.
by homerandflanders on Jul 1, 2009 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
is 12mpg behind Hedo
truly a sixth man role?
And are we going to take 8-10 mpg AWAY from our best rookie surprise and best perimeter defender?
Nic needs 20-25 minutes at least.
by austinpwnz on Jul 1, 2009 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No thanks
He’s more than his stats, certainly.
But he needs the ball to be effective, as does our main player, Roy. Is Turkoglu a complimentary player to Brandon Roy? I don’t think so. Other say yes.
I hope we don’t find out the hard way.
by baduk on Jul 1, 2009 4:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I still don't want Hedo.
Hedo can work, but there has to be a follow up trade afterward. Hedo takes time away from back ups at the 2, 3 and even the 4 to an extent. If he was a good defender, say, Wallace, I could live with that. He’s average at best though. In other words he’ll really do nothing to improve our defense, which is what we need. Paying 50m for a guy who really does nothing better than players we’ve already got (PnR aside, there are cheaper alternatives to Hedo for this though) just seems insane to me. Especially if people think you’re even getting the same Hedo from Orlando.
Signing Hedo means less time for Outlaw, Webster, Batum, and Rudy. Those guys were already stranded in the desert fighting for any small drop of minutes. One if not two of these guys would likely be traded. Do we really want to go to games this season with no “RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY FOR THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE”?
Bottom line is…
Hedo’s positives:
-Handles the ball in a non PG position (Roy does it better)
-Shoots the 3 (Blake, Roy, Batum, Outlaw, Rudy and likely Webster all do it better)
-Big body (too bad he plays small)
-Ball movement (but can become stagnant as well)
-Great at the PnR (there are cheaper options)
-Vet (again, there are cheaper options with RINGS)
-Likes pizza?
Hedo’s Negatives
-Asking for too much
-30 years old
-Turnover Prone
-Not an efficient scorer, though that would likely go up in Portland
-Defense is not really good. Would not improve the Blazers defense which is one of our main concerns
-As mentioned above, he’s good with ball movement. At times however, I’ve seen him go into a mode where he holds the ball for 20 seconds before doing anything. Magic fans have complained about this as well. So although he’s generally not bad at moving the ball, he can do the complete opposite as well.
-Skill duplicated by the rest of the team. Sure Hedo’s got a great package, but we already have the complete package, and he was shipped with care. Roy and Hedo on the same team is simply redundant, and it would be a waste to sign Hedo for 50m just so he can shoot 3’s during the 32-34 minutes Roy is on the court.
His positives are simply not enough. He worked in Orlando, and I think he can be effective here but not for his price tag and the fact that we would have to get rid of some guys.
by Bskey on Jul 1, 2009 4:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Easy there.
Blake never shot over 40% from the arc until he came to the Blazers and none of the guys you mention can shoot pull up threes the same way Hedo can.
Rudy is assisted on 80% of his jumpshots
Turkoglu is assisted on 47% of his jumpshots.
Just because guys like Kobe and Lebron only shoot 35% from the three point line doesn’t mean they are worse three point shooters than spot up shooters like Batum and Blake. It’s not the same thing and shooting percentages are deceiving.
by Nick Van Excellent on Jul 1, 2009 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm well aware.
Thats why I said his efficiency would likely go up. He’s only 36% as is though, and that’s rounded up. Even in a generous Hedo has never been that efficient though, and his best 3 ball years are comparable to our guys.
My fear with Hedo is exactly why I expect his efficiency to go up though. If we bring him in for 50m to be a spot up shooter that’s a huge waste IMO.
Sure he brings more to the table but like I said, there are some cheaper PnR options out there, as well as vets that would fill holes in our roster instead of adding to our already too packed SF position. I just don’t think he brings enough to justify his cost and mediocre defense.
by Bskey on Jul 1, 2009 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's shot over 40%...
3 out of the last 6 years.
But yeah, I agree that he could end up being wasted as a spot up shooter. Nate seems to be really set on his SF sitting in the corner. Maybe it’s just who he’s got, but I’m still nervous about Hedu’s talent being wasted in our schemes.
by Nick Van Excellent on Jul 1, 2009 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry I typed a little too fast to be clear in what I was saying.
I meant that Hedo’s best shooting years were around 40% from the 3. That’s good, but It’s not something we don’t already have on this team. And I fear Hedo will end up waiting in the corner just like you.
The whole positive negatives thing was more to do with him being on THIS team and the cost to get him. He worked better in Orlando than he will here I think. Unless Nate is willing to set plays for him, he’s wasted chucking 3s. I don’t hate Nate, but he’s way too stubborn in his game time coaching.
My two main problems with Hedo are his defense and cost. If we sign him I really want no more than 3 years. Part of the cost is what to do with Rudy, Outlaw, Martell and Nic. Let some ride the pine? Trade one or two? I can’t see Rudy getting more than 14 minutes a game with Hedo on board. Martell or Batum…one of them wont be playing. And who knows with Outlaw, he’s got to at least beat out Pendergraph as a back up 4.
by Bskey on Jul 1, 2009 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't imagine any scenario where KP signs Hedo and Nate puts him in the corner
Those guys are not dumb. The Blazers just haven’t had a playmaking SF since Pippen. Webster, Outlaw, and Batum. Would you let those guys handle the ball and make plays? I wouldn’t worry about whether Nate will marginalize Hedo’s strength as a player.
I’ve been saying Hedo will take the ball out of Blake, Outlaw, and LMA. That would be a huge upgrade to me considering Hedo is a great pick and roll guy. Oden and LMA should benefit immediately. He already has experience playing with a jumpshooting PF and a strong inside Center. Roy will continue get his touches.
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
by blzrfan on Jul 1, 2009 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bskey makes a lot of great points
-obviously there is a limit to how much Turkoglu would be worth; 5 years $60 million is too much
-i love Rudy Fernandez. I think a BRoy, Fernandez, Turkoglu, LMA, Joel/GO lineup wins 60 games.
-yes, there is a possibility that Turkoglu gets wasted as a spot-up 3 point shooter, which would be a tragedy. But that is on Nate McMillan. I would rather have too much talent than not enough. If the offensive scheme does not allow Turkoglu to contribute, then we have much bigger problems
-I would not fear Turkoglu taking the ball out of BRoy or LMA. Just watch Game 1 of the ECF. Lewis kicked it out to Hedo who had a 1-1 opportunity for the win, instead, Lewis popped back out for the 3, and Turkoglu found him, Magic win
-in my opinion, Turkoglu taking the ball out of Trout’s hands would be fantastic
-I dont expect anything out of Webster. Sorry, but I just dont
Again, I don’t think Turkoglu should take Rudy’s minutes away, but rather I think BRoy, Rudy and Turk should play together, with Batum and Bayless as the subs.
by homerandflanders on Jul 1, 2009 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two positives missing from bskey's list
-He could turn Oden into an all star next season (though to be fair, Shaq and Yao will be missing from the West squad next year so the bar will be lower, but still).
-He takes the pressure off of Bayless to be a ballhandler when both are in the game.
MLB2PDX!!! (someday...)
by The Cactus Leaguer on Jul 1, 2009 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We can't bring him in as just a spot up shooter.
We already have like, 6 of them.
* Building a Greg Oden Fanboy Treehouse Clubhouse this summer...
by OdenFanBoy on Jul 2, 2009 2:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For the record....
woodduck is supportive of signing Turkoglu. KP has a plan, and Turkoglu fits. We do not need a star; we need role players. Turkoglu is a role player. We need veterans. Turkoglu is a veteran. He fits our budget. He does not duplicate other players. He is starter-quality. He can create his own shot. Is he the best small forward in the NBA and a perfect fit for our needs? No, but those type of players are simply not available.
I am hearing a lot of complaints about his age. Well, we want veterans for this team to blend with our youth. How do we accomplish this if we can’t add anyone over 25-26 years old? Not too many veterans in that age bracket – at least not free agents. Experience comes with age, hence, 30-year-old Turkoglu. Will he be gone before our “window” is closed. Yes, but many players will come and go during the Roy-Aldridge-Oden years. Look at the Spurs – I think Elliott and the Admiral were starters on their first championship team. Players can come and go, as long as the core remains in place. This is not the final move for the PTB for the next 10 years, people.
Of course, this means Outlaw must be traded to avoid a logjam at the forward position.
by Woodduck on Jul 1, 2009 4:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If the Blazers could acquire someone better and it made sense,
they would obviously do so. Turkoglu is clearly the best option to make this team better at this junction and we NEED to get better NOW. The championship window is cracked slightly and we need to make every effort to open it up. We can’t enter next season with Batum’s defender permanently attached to Brandon Roy’s hip. He needs some relief in the form of another offensive threat. If we really need to ramp up the D Batum will still be on the bench to come in and help.
by JK47 on Jul 1, 2009 5:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
and clearly Cunningham was a better pick than Blair.
I mean, they picked him so… there you have it.
KP may believe that Hedo is the best player that we can add to the team right now (BPA) but I’m shocked that we will use all of our cap space and not improve at PG. You have to address the teams needs. I’m hoping KP pulls a rabbit out of his hat (preferably one who can create easy shots for his teammates) but I don’t see how it happens if we blow our cap space on HT.
by 52therim on Jul 1, 2009 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It isn't over till its over
I would be surprised if KP pursued Turk if he doesn’t already have a verbal commitment on a PG trade. Clearly, Trout and Blake would both be expendable if we have a PG coming back. If the deal is for a real established guy like Harris, the deal may include Rudy. If Martell’s foot is looking positive, They may be thinking of using him at back-up 2.
Harris (or other PG), Bayless, Mills
Roy, Webster, Bayless
Turkoglu, Batum, Webster
LMA, Turkoglu, Pendergraph
Oden, Pryz, LMA, Pendergraph
That is a very flexible line-up with an amazing starting five.
I don’t know what the plan is, but I’m pretty sure KP has one.
by upper left corner on Jul 2, 2009 4:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think
I don’t think that Hedo is a bad player and that he should not be signed. It’s just that he’s overtated. IF you pay him more than 7-8million per, then you’re over paying. The deal should be 3 years 24-25 million, thats it. 4-5 years, unless not guaranteed, are not the move
by kajuayn on Jul 1, 2009 5:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The truth is...
You might have to overpay the guy. That’s just the facts of life sometimes. We can’t do nothing or hope that Tayshaun Prince falls in our laps. We’re not going to get better if we don’t take a chance.
by JK47 on Jul 1, 2009 5:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It's not the end.
More trades would be coming.
Hedu+Legit PG= awesome
by Nick Van Excellent on Jul 1, 2009 5:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It wont be half bad actually.
It pretty much forces us to trade for a PG with the assumed logjam we would have at the 3.
by BlazerBen on Jul 1, 2009 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome
We get a better deal when other teams know we’re desperate, right?
by ninjasocks on Jul 1, 2009 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont think its desperation.
We should consider ourselves lucky to have so many quality guys to offer in a trade.
I dont think KP is ever desperate. He didnt show any desperation at mid season trying to get rid of the RLEC or on draft day with so many picks to package in a trade. I think we would be foolish to think he doesn’t know EXACTLY what he is doing.
by BlazerBen on Jul 1, 2009 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bwah, bawh-bwah, BWAH?????
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
by haildablazer on Jul 1, 2009 5:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I tend to look at this a little more simplistically
Portland’s got a GREAT chance to be one of the premier pick and roll teams in the league…WITH HEDO.
We have great big men to run the pick and roll and pick and pop with. Oden, LMA, Przy. Right now we have ONE, yes only ONE player that can run that well with them…Roy. Blake does fine for a point guard who can’t finish at the rim, Rudy needs a couple more years, a tutor and a few more pounds, but Roy is the only one who consistently runs it well and productive. With all that said, look at what he was able to accomplish with that: increased 3%for Blake, Rudy hit the most threes in the league for a rookie, Outlaw increased his numbers and percentage, Przy had a great FG% last year with easy shots and put backs from mismatches created by the pick and roll.. all with Roy being our only effective pick and roll player.
So lets say we add another really good pick and roll player in Hedo. What increases are we going to see in Oden’s production, Blakes 3 shooting, Rudy’s 3’s, Przy’s FG% and the load we take off of Roy from being our only go-to player on those plays??
So here is what we add, another terrific pick and roll player for our offense, another go-to scorer in the clutch, a decent to good 3 point shooter, a vet (with playoff experience…not only with Orlando, but remember Sac-Town), a third scoring option who can create for himself and his teammates… for 10 mil??? Hinhrich has a cult following on this site and he’s accomplished far less than Hedo and carries the same price tag.
I’m sorry, to me it’s a no brainer, sign Hedo!!!!!
Trade or sign a starting PG
Draft a banger PF...that's your job KP, now get it done!
by Matt Daddy on Jul 1, 2009 7:31 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I agree that the pick and roll offense is Hedo's upside...
Isn’t just about everything else the downside? (Defense, efficiency, PER, $$, team need)
by 52therim on Jul 1, 2009 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Turk
Having a three with a handle could remake the Blazer offense. Turk can drive, dish, and throw lobs to our bigs. He’s crafty and fed the beast for Orlando.
Look, Chris Paul isn’t coming. Neither is Caron Butler or Devin Harris. Teams don’t ditch the one guy who sells tickets. If Turk is the best we can do with our one shot, let’s do it. If he lands here, I’ll take KPs word that the league’s young superstars aren’t in the clearance bin.
I’d choke on $50M, but that’s Paul Allen’s problem more than the fans. Won’t keep him from using the MLE from here to eternity to improve the team with veteran role players.
Also keep in mind that defense is a team concept. Orlando had one of the top defenses in the league despite Hedo’s flat feet.
by Engineering Problem on Jul 1, 2009 7:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Agree completely.
No matter how you look at it, Turk is an improvement. And based on last season, we really dont need THAT much improvement to get us over the hump.
If we face a team like Houston in the playoffs, they wont be able to gang up on Roy again if we have Turk in the lineup. Other than Roy, we currently have no one who can create his own shot and get to the hoop on a consistent basis. Hedo would be that guy for us.
by BlazerBen on Jul 1, 2009 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree
Rudy and Roy are both crying. For Brandon, it’s tears of joy. I felt for the guy during the Houston series, watching the other four players parked in their spots, draped with defenders.
The Blazers like to move the ball in the air, but having another guy to put it on the floor could be interesting. Looking forward to an extra dunk per game each for LMA and Greg. LMA on the break, Greg on the roll.
by Engineering Problem on Jul 1, 2009 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Captain Kirk for Trout and Blake
Kirk, Broy, Turk, LMA, Oden.
And deeeeeeep bench.
Not too shabby
B.S. Liberal Studies OSU '06
Trade for Gerald Wallace!!
by TyboOSU on Jul 1, 2009 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its a shame Hinrich's price tag has skyrocketed.
* Building a Greg Oden Fanboy Treehouse Clubhouse this summer...
by OdenFanBoy on Jul 2, 2009 2:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been on both sides of fence on Turkoglu, but I'm warming to the idea.
I can see the down side, but I think a lot of folks are refusing to acknowledge the bright side of this scenario.
To me, this is all about, flexibility, passing, and court awareness. Bringing in Hedo may make it possible for us to play more minutes with Roy at the 1, and Rudy at the 2. It may also make it more possible to get Bayless on the floor with the first team.
If you lack a first rate PG distributor, maybe the answer is to have guys at the 2 and the 3 who are damned good passers. Roy is good, Hedo is good, Rudy is pretty good.
Hopefully, KP has a second act in mind. Hopefully he can turn Trout and Outlaw, into a PG, or perhaps he is thinking of adding Rudy to the mix and pulling off something big like Harris.
I don’t know what it is, but I am confident that KP has a plan. Based on what he has accomplished over the past three years, I am willing to suspend my doubts….
I must say it is fun to watch him manuever. Never a dull moment.
by upper left corner on Jul 1, 2009 7:59 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I'm going to have to be convinced
I’ve seen Turk play for years with other teams, and when the UFA list was published months ago his name was the only one that was vaguely interesting in this class
(besides Lee and Bass, but let’s face it, LMA is going to play 35mpg)
Now that Nate and Roy have “signed off” on Hedo I am starting to think a shift in offensive strategy is possible, and it will be interesting to see how it comes together.
Yes, there is a logjam at the wing positions that will need to be addressed, and yes the Blazers could still use a veteran PF/C to backup LMA.
But Hedo and the side P&R with Oden (and Joel, and possibly LMA) has me visualizing big men screening and diving down the lane and getting on-the-money passes in stride from Hedo, which they then convert into dunks, fouls, or both. Too easy, you say? Well, maybe Turk will make the game “easier” for everyone. He’s got the size to see over the defense and feed the post (LMA) as well as keep the defense honest with adequate (not great) outside shooting.
Best of all, I won’t miss Travis Outlaw and his leaning jumpers as the team’s #3 scoring option
I’m not completely “sold” because I’m convinced that “defense wins championships” but I’m willing to give the “new plan” a chance to succeed. If Nate is willing to “loosen things up” a little on the offensive end, we could be in for a fun ride
by two4larue on Jul 1, 2009 8:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
> Best of all, I won’t miss Travis Outlaw and his leaning jumpers as the team’s #3 scoring option
I hear that. Speaking as an Outlaw fan, it will be nice to see that as a fourth option on the Blazers. – Elgin
Without you out there, we're nowhere here
by 22baylor on Jul 1, 2009 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great point....
Look at the Blazer’s playbook (in order of effectiveness):
1. Roy 1 on 1
2. Roy pick and roll
3. LMA in the post
4. LMA pick and roll/pop
5. Travis prayer
6. Rudy running around off screens
7. Whatever guy Sergio passed to with 2 seconds left on the shot clock
Now add Hedo in the mix:
1. Roy 1 on 1
2. Roy pick and roll
3. LMA in the post
4. Hedo pick and roll
5. Hedo 1 on 1
6. LMA pick and roll/pop
7. Rudy running off screens
Much better playbook with more scoring threats…I personally can’t wait to see LMA and Hedo run the pick and roll till teams waste 3 timeouts trying to solve it
I am now a fan of HEDOnism
by Matt Daddy on Jul 1, 2009 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
I dig this alot...
Rec! so true. Another playbook option I’m imagining is Hedo throwing a nice crisp lob to Rudy flying up to the rim from baseline. I can hear Brian Wheeler now….. Hedo lobs to Rudy at the rim and he DUNKS IT!!! Ohhhh that was Naaaaasty!
If we do sign Hedo, what WILL Wheels call him? Hedo or Turkoglu or Turk or…
"The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way." - Dale Carnegie --- Same goes for the Blazers. Thanks Houston.
by blazerbeliever on Jul 3, 2009 12:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is not clutch
Remember all his missed free throws in the Finals? Horrible!
I didn't mean to turn you on
by dukedee on Jul 1, 2009 8:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
please just google Hedo Game Winners and tell me he isn't clutch
BTW he’s been doing it since 2001 in Sacramento…in the playoffs. Name another guy on our team with that on there resume?
I am now a fan of HEDOnism
by Matt Daddy on Jul 1, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
oops, there, their and they're
I am now a fan of HEDOnism
by Matt Daddy on Jul 1, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just thinking about some funky lineups next year.
How does a Hedo, Roy, Batum, LMA, and Oden sound to you as a defensive lineup? The shortest guy would be Roy at 6’5. Batum could handle defensive duties on opposing PGs. Crazy length and size on the floor.
What about Hedo, Roy, Rudy, LMA, and Oden for a ridiculous offensive lineup?
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
by blzrfan on Jul 1, 2009 9:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
We would be a flat out matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Roy and Hedo on the wings with LMA and Oden in the paint. How could we be stopped consistently?
by BlazerBen on Jul 1, 2009 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
not to mention the increased and change of pace bench play
Bayless, Rudy, Batum, Martell, Przy…Hey Joel get the board and outlet, we’re going to run. Or if you left a starter in with that bench like Bayless, Rudy, Martell, LMA Przy, or Bayless, Rudy, Roy, Pende, Przy, or Bayless, Rudy, Batum, Hedo Przy….whatever type of ball you want to play we can match up better (man, its just fun typing those different names together and trying to come up with more)
I am now a fan of HEDOnism
by Matt Daddy on Jul 1, 2009 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Minutes distribution
GO + Pryz 48
Roy 35
LMA 33
Turk 30
Rudy 30
Blake (or other PG) 29
Batum 10
Bayless 10
Martell 10
Pendergraph or backup banger PF 5
Hmmm… could be a bit of a logjam somewhere, and of course that’s assuming Trout is gone. If he stays, it gets worse.
MLB2PDX!!! (someday...)
by The Cactus Leaguer on Jul 1, 2009 10:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think trying to play Batum 10 Martell 10
Replicates the JBay/Sergio situation of last year nicely.
Also HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY CONCEIVE OF CUTTING NIC’S MINUTES IN HALF AFTER THE YEAR HE HAD?!? I’m exaggerating. But honestly! Our best perimeter defender, a rookie who came in and contributed (and STARTED) and played 20 good minutes a game, and you’re taking away minutes? This is my main beef with Hedo.
(this has a better chance of working if Martell can’t come back. and if Outlaw is gone. if. if.)
by austinpwnz on Jul 2, 2009 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Our best perimeter defender before Batum was Webster.
There have been no indications that Webster has given up that title either. Batum was simply the best defender available last season.
"She turned me into a newt!
A newt?
...I got better."
by Seijeff on Jul 2, 2009 1:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I should have said – minutes distribution(?)
Your point about Batum is correct and aligns nicely with my main point – “logjam”….
Oh, and you are correct – it will be me taking away the minutes, not McMillan. I have him on speed dial and he hangs on my every word.
MLB2PDX!!! (someday...)
by The Cactus Leaguer on Jul 2, 2009 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Turkoglu= the turkish michael jordan
SIGN HIM PLEASE!!!!
Momma.....der go dat man
by AllHailRoy on Jul 2, 2009 12:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
On board
If Nick and Upper Left are warming to the idea of putting Turk in a Blazer uniform, I’ll hop the train too. But the price has to be halfway rational. 5 yrs, $60 mill would cause me to question KP’s judgment. Although a couple of years in the NBA finals would cause me to reconsider…
by Odenforce on Jul 2, 2009 1:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
About the money
I may be wrong, but it seems to me that all of Portland’s potential competitors are starting to make other commitments.
Orlando is out.
Detroit is out.
Toronto is now rumored to be moving in other directions.
OKC isn’t interested
I am hoping for four years starting at about 8.5. With increases I think that would result in about 38 mil over 4 years. That might leave us with enough pocket change to bring in somebody at the vet minimum.
We may be overpaying slightly, but that is frequently the case with decent veteran FAs.
by upper left corner on Jul 2, 2009 4:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't like the whole thing for various reasons I spelled out on another thread about the same subject.
But I would be much more comfortable with the idea if the contract was for 2 years with an option for the third. Five years is way too long to be tied down to a player for that much money at his age.
"She turned me into a newt!
A newt?
...I got better."
by Seijeff on Jul 2, 2009 1:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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