Joel...invaluable?

by kajuayn on Jul 8, 2009 10:16 AM PDT

I think people have overlooked our fortune for having Joel now, and in the furture. Regardless if Oden becomes the next Shaq, Kareem, or Hakeem, we need Joel.

Few, FEW centers in the league play more than 30 minutes a game. In fact Dwight and Yao are the only two that played significant higher than 30 minutes. (HAVE YOU SEEN YAO THE LAST 4 YEARS WHEN HE HAS DONE THIS? IT’S TOO MUCH WEAR ON A CENTER’S LEGS) Yao the last 4 years when hes done this?) (Also, look at how much more effective shaq was in less time, with fresher legs). The strain that comes with moving such large bodies at 285 pounds and up is quite significant. As I was reading about Yao and his injury, it was stated that just loosing 10 pounds could relieve up to 60 pounds of pressure on his legs. Thats a lot. I think that Keeping Oden's minutes to now higher than 32-34 minutes for his career will be a reality and a necessity. Therefore, that leaves at least 14 minutes per game that Pryzbilla could play at the 5. That is not counting the increased twin towers look we are likely to see this season and beyond. Therefore, it is easy to see where he could get the addition 5-7 minutes to keep him happy.

I don't think Joel can be let go, because even if Oden becomes the best center in the league, there is significant time that he will spend on the bench, since Centers just play less than everyone else. For instance, look at how much centers play vs. how much PF's play. It's a rediculous difference. Especially with the hand check rules and increased penetration, I feel that they wear themselves out with the lateral movement they are required to do rotating because it is nigh impossible to keep people on the perimiter.

Therefore, I think Pryzbilla should be kept. It is unlikely that even a healthy Oden plays more than 33 minutes a game, leaving at least 14 minutes a game for Pryzbilla at center.

I would chose Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Batum, and Fernandez as my 5.

As a supporting cast, to round out and 8 man rotation, I choose Bayless and Webster or Hinrich and Gerald Wallace. This way we get a slasher (Bayless or Wallace) and a shooter (Webster or Hinrich). A combination of those two as additions to the rotation really help balance the roster and create varied scoring

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according to berret he might opt out

i read it but i cant find link

Oden...Aldridge...Roy.....THE REAL BIG THREE

by CroRupt on Jul 8, 2009 10:21 AM PDT reply actions

I know, but

that is why we must resign him, his presence will give us elite post defense other teams cant match.

by kajuayn on Jul 8, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions

Well, he certainly was this year.

Without Joel backing up the foul-prone Greg, there’s no way the Blazers win 54 games. And, I believe that next year he’ll be a wonderful asset to have to again take pressure off of Oden.

That having been said, I think the unspoken consensus is that Oden should play between 25-30 minutes a night, starting the whole year. While Joel will be a great backup, as the years go by Przy’s role gets reduced more and more. Not to mention he’ll get older and older.

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 8, 2009 11:01 AM PDT reply actions

Joel is absolutely essential.

He does so much for this team. Great defender, higher rebound% than Dwight Howard, one of the team’s tough guys, a hard worker…I could go on. I hope he doesn’t opt out, but before that becomes an issue, I think there is no way we should trade him.

by austinpwnz on Jul 8, 2009 1:03 PM PDT reply actions

Przybilla

Only way I give him up, is if we can immediately give us great production while being able to backup both the 4 & 5. Since that is not possible, I think we should go after someone with a lot of potential who we can let develop behind Przybilla but will be able to eventually fill the role of backing up both the 4 & 5(I would love to steal Ajinca from the Bobcats). Especially because of how ineffective our 3’s can slide to the 4.

I agree, but resigning him once his contract is up, is up in the air at this moment. Depending on how our roster looks, when that time comes & if KP finds someone as I described above(3rd center)

Patience :)

by TheGreatDane17 on Jul 8, 2009 3:05 PM PDT reply actions

Once KP goes over the cap by signing Roy and LMA

I could see the Blazers offering Przy an extension. Just a hunch

But if not, a deal to the Wolves next summer for Rubio’s rights would send Joel “home” to MN and Blazersedge into delirium

When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Jul 8, 2009 3:15 PM PDT reply actions

I notice fans are either guard-friendly or bigs-friendly

Could be projecting but it seems everyone’s all “CP3” or “Andre Miller” or else, like myself, begging for the bangers up front. I may be short sighted cuz when I play pick-ups I like to box out, board and D up. But for that reason I can’t imagine a season without Przybilla. Whatever decision gets made I respect and will see it through, but having the dominance in the middle helps me sleep at night.

by jiminut on Jul 9, 2009 1:02 AM PDT reply actions