The One Thing
by Dave on Sep 22, 2009 12:17 AM PDT
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I actually have a couple of verrrrrryyyy interesting pieces to post this week but each is dependent on a third party and my third parties are being just a tad slow at the moment. SO...while we're all waiting for that, here's a discussion I was saving for late in the pre-season. We'll just have it now.
What one thing do the Blazers need in order to maximize their success this season?
It doesn't matter what you think that maximum level of success will be. It could be anywhere from reaching the second round of the playoffs (nobody's going lower than that, I hope) to winning the Finals. Whatever it is for you, what's the single most important factor in getting there?
Try to be more specific than broad. Also the question is ONE factor. No top ten lists. No hedging. No compound sentences with liberal use of the word "and". Pick your point and acquit yourself well with it. Do feel free to reply to each other and discuss other people's factors at length.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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the blazers need
Greg Oden to be the beast that we all know he can be. That alone will maximize their success and get them to the WCF, and (oops i put an “, and” in there) maybe to the Finals. IF Greg can establish some sort of offensive game, the sky is the limit for this team this year. He is already a great defender (just needs to stay out of foul trouble) and can already rebound.
i think this is a pretty obvious answer… but i am tired and not very creative as it is.
"The difference between a democracy and a dictatorship is that in a democracy you vote first and take orders later; in a dictatorship you don't have to waste your time voting"
"I don't like jail, they got the wrong kind of bars in there"
Charles Bukowski
by jpaulson on Sep 22, 2009 12:23 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Greg Oden is the key
He needs to stay out of foul trouble. The perimeter defenders need to step up so he isn’t hung out to dry as often. He can be the best offensive rebounder in the league.
Gerg Oden is the key
… the lock is the pick and roll defense.
Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.
http://www.myspace.com/y5k
by Y5k on Sep 22, 2009 1:01 AM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Ref's a key
In response to Oden staying out of foul trouble… the refs play a huge part in this. The calls Oden gets vs Yao in the playoffs made a huge difference. If Oden stays out of foul trouble, a lot of it will be due to no calls.
by DickDastardly on Sep 22, 2009 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions
I have to disagree...
blaming anything on the refs isn’t the right approach. Most of the fouls were in fact Greg’s fault, whether that be because of a lack of discipline, experience, or conditioning he got himself into bad spots or made bad decisions, resulting in fouls.
I agree wholeheartedly that Greg is the key this year, but this overwhelmingly depends on his ability to dedicate himself to learning to be an effective NBA bigman, while to some degree it is based on how he can continue to mesh with the team.
I agree. Greg is key this year and for the next many years
While improving his offense will be helpful, it’s his defense that is critical. To be more specific, his defensive footwork is the single most important thing that will help the team. That improvement will come with a combination of conditioning and better understanding of the game (aka practice).
Still on the Rex bandwagon.
by dan_the_man on Sep 22, 2009 1:40 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Defense
It’s still defense were the Blazers could and should improve over this next season. I think a key to that is Oden. He has already proven to be effective while in the game, he needs to stay in the game and keep the paint protected. I want to see big rebound numbers from our bigs, but that extra hustle from the guards to get the errant rebounds instead of standing around would be helpful as well.
Regardless I believe out defense could help take us to the next level.
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Sep 22, 2009 12:25 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
yep
The answer is defense. Anyone who answers anything else is just wrong. Because I say s.
by jksnake99 on Sep 22, 2009 12:37 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
wow, I fail
I meant to type “Because I say so.”
by jksnake99 on Sep 22, 2009 12:37 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I was more convinced
When it was just you saying “S”.
Because, I didn’t get it, and I assumed I didn’t get it because I wasn’t smart enough, and therefore, it must be right.
M—
Me, too
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
Typos on arrogant comments FTW
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
by jscot on Sep 22, 2009 3:34 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Heh man, take it easy...
….I almost spewed my coffee when I read your line. Morning laughter, FTW.
by upper left corner on Sep 22, 2009 7:02 AM PDT up reply actions
Personal experience
I’ve done it enough times to myself.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
Oh, sure
I say I do it to myself a lot, and you have to one-up me by claiming you always do it.
I can win a blatant stupidity contest with one hand tied behind my back.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
Rubbish
I do anything better than you. Even Especially stupidity.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
My stupidest recent activity
was starting a stupidity contest on the Internet.
I win.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
don't you think
Oden would be much more effective if he wasn’t constantly challenging someone who is breaking for the rim? If our guards stayed in front of their men better, the defense wouldn’t need to collapse and that keeps our twos and threes near their man. When the defense DOES collapse, it opens all kinds of cuts to the rim and that’s where Greg is left to cover for everyone else.
Defense IS the key, but it’s not just Greg that has to work on it. Our ones and twos need to move better laterally to keep their men from getting into the key.
I'm going to come up with the best line here ever, something really clever.
by musicdaniel on Sep 22, 2009 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
team defense
with the handchecking rules being what they are…it’s a lot to ask any premiter defender to stay in front of their man, one-on-one without fouling. Good defensive teams (Spurs, Celtics, etc) create a “wall” against penetration of the strong side. This takes communication and coordinated rotations to pull off, and still get back and defend the 3 point line on the weak side
every Blazer defender needs to be on the same page to pull this off. “Weak links” will be exposed by good penetration/passing and the weak link’s teammates will get into foul trouble if he keeps on missing assignments and rotations. The goal this year is to close off those defensive “chinks in the armor”
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
You are always going to give up something
unless you are so much bigger, faster, and stronger that it is man against boys territory.
The key is to have good defensive rotations team-wide so that the offensive team has to make 3 or 4 good (and quick) decisions in a row to exploit what you give them. If they succeed, they will get an easy shot and probably a score. But the more good decisions they have to make, because you have good rotations, the more likely that a bad decision or bad pass is made, either giving you possession or at least forcing them to reset the offense, which means it all starts over again (but with less time on the shot clock).
You can never really stop an NBA team. They are too good, too quick, and they get to make the decision on which way to go — you have to react. All you can do is make their decisions more difficult and under more pressure — but if they read the defense properly, they will always beat it, as long as they are willing to make the right pass.
Of course, we have an advantage — the defensive anchor that will erase some of their good decisions. If our rotations are good, some of those times when they make the right decisions, they are going to come down the lane, and meet Gregzilla. Now, they still have options, but the thing that seems like the right option at that point in time isn’t the right one anymore. Because at that point, it is almost like man against boy, because the size differential is so significant.
Alone, these guys erase a lot of defensive mistakes. But if we could get them integrated into a really strong team defense, they wouldn’t just erase mistakes, they would force the opponents to make not three good decisions, but five or six.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
by jscot on Sep 22, 2009 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
and of course, we still have a disadvantage
when Outlaw is in the the game, he often is in “no man’s land” on rotations and leaves an opening for the offense to exploit
a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link. And, if one of the players gambles for a steal (looking at you, Rudolpho) and misses, the back line defenders will be in a no-win situation of trying to guard 2 players at the same time
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Those gambles are valuable, though
Because the threat of them makes the offensive player think twice, and that hesitation can give an extra half-second for a defender to recover or a rotation to get there in time.
A player who gambles for steals can have a huge positive impact that goes beyond the single possession, especially if he runs with it and gets a dunk. It can affect how the offense plays on many following possessions.
The key is having the instinct to know when to go for it, and to do it ideally when it won’t automatically cost an easy bucket. But don’t underestimate the value of that gamble paying off occasionally.
Remember, the offense is going to score about 50% of the time anyway. So if you succeed on the steal 25% of the time, and 25% of the time it results in an easy bucket, you broke even, but they remember that steal and your thunderous dunk at the other end….
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
great point
it IS about defensive rotations. I agree. But how often our defense needs to rotate around is the key. When we have slow lateral movement up top, a whole string of decisions come into play for both teams. There are mistakes that can be made on both sides when a perimeter player drives past his man, causing a need for rotation.
The rule of thumb for basketball coaches (from what I’ve been told anyway) is that, generally, the more a defense needs to rotate in order to stop an easy bucket, the more opportunities an offense has to score.
I'm going to come up with the best line here ever, something really clever.
Yes, that's true
In general, an NBA offense will be able to use screens, quickness, etc to force rotations. But you are right, every time the defender anticipates the play and/or is quick enough to get to the spot in time, so that no rotation is needed, the fewer the breakdowns and the harder the offense has to work to create an opportunity.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
If I can only have one specific thing, it would be pick and roll defense.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exOxUAntx8I&feature=channel_page
by The Cactus Leaguer on Sep 22, 2009 12:56 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Improve.
You wouldn't know traveling if it drove up in a greyhound bus. -- Larry Bird Lewis
by prezofdeath on Sep 22, 2009 12:26 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs
Healthy
I think we are good to go just stay healthy the rest take care of itself.
Agree.
If you ever hear of someone punching out a girl scout and stealing her Samoas, it was me
- Mortimer
by Clevelander among roses on Sep 22, 2009 7:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Learn to hold leads
I loved the fact that we were able to come back so often last year but a true championship caliber team needs to know how to be more consistent, start stronger and hold a lead.
When we can do that, we’ll be in great shape.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
by skywaker9 on Sep 22, 2009 12:29 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
it is worth noting that our margin of victory was highest in the league i believe
if you look at post-all star break only
You wouldn't know traveling if it drove up in a greyhound bus. -- Larry Bird Lewis
by prezofdeath on Sep 22, 2009 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions
if not highest, certainly one of
You wouldn't know traveling if it drove up in a greyhound bus. -- Larry Bird Lewis
by prezofdeath on Sep 22, 2009 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Team Defense
Individual defense could always improve but if we seem some true team defense the sky is the limit. If the help defense improves and the guards can keep Oden off Foul Island down in the paint we can hang with anyone in the league. It’s simple, we have guys with ability, and we have a coaching staff that understands how to do it.
Oden has tons of potential but it won’t matter if he is all alone against quick guards or trying to cover the pick and roll without any support on the back side. If everyone is disciplined and does their job Oden will have room to develop and won’t be pressured to carry the defense by himself. If (when) he does become a monster then all the better, but an ‘acceptable’ Oden as part of a 5 man team on defense will win more games.
by JonathanPDX on Sep 22, 2009 12:49 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Completely agree
I was thinking an improved Oden, but he and Pryz were pretty good last year. The biggest problem was penetrating guard play by the opponents. With Blake and now Miller not being the fleetest of foot, team defense, especially defensive rotations will be at a premium.
rec
trade him again! KP Special
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on Sep 22, 2009 6:59 AM PDT up reply actions
Eat Politicians is right: Defense
Offense is fun. It’s easy to put energy into running, setting screens, practicing spin moves, and moving off the ball when you’re apt to touch the ball and shoot it. Shots ripping the twine thrill.
Good defense is hard. You have to move your feet all the time. You’re usually reacting not initiating. But defense is reliable. It doesn’t take such fine motor skills as shooting. Offense can be flirtatious. Commit to defense and it’s there night after night. On your off shooting nights, defense can save the game. The Blazers are an efficient offensive team. They’ve offense weapons galore: Roy, Aldridge, Miller, Rudy, a resuscitated Webster. To reach the next level, they need to be able to shut the other team down for longer stretches. I do not have evidence to prove it, but I suspect that defense travels better than offense and the Blazers will need to be able to beat good teams more often on away courts if they are to reach the next level. This year’s mandate: DEFENSE.
And that’s the truth.
by Trutherlizer on Sep 22, 2009 12:51 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I would have to disagree.
The Suns at their peak could not take a championship. Are we going to put down max-Suns level points and then some?
by conspirator5 on Sep 22, 2009 1:19 AM PDT up reply actions
The Suns could score a lot
They just couldn’t manage the part about scoring more than their opponents. Their offense is fast, just not efficient.
Still on the Rex bandwagon.
by dan_the_man on Sep 22, 2009 1:34 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah it was called "defense"
The Suns thought that had been banished.
by lee3022 on Sep 22, 2009 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I was Joking
if you out scored every apponent you would win every game regardless if you play D. Of Course that is not BB, that is lay*up drills.
I would hope everybody would disagree. but it is the truth.
hg
Win games on the road against other playoff/top teams. That will truly maximize our wins.
In order to do that, don’t fall back all the time early on by double digits and play like you would at home against them.
Apart from that, I agree with everything else said already.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
by Norsktroll on Sep 22, 2009 12:57 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
especially with how some of the runs of our schedule go..
I would say Norsktroll is definietly right. Winning games against playoff caliber opponents will get us to the 60 win mark and perhaps the 2nd/3rd seed in the west. That would be huge. I also think LMA’s rebounding numbers improving would help. Granted that our centers are rebound snatchers, but having Lamarcus show a marked improvement in the rebound department would bring us among the league’s best.
by GhostFacePryzbilla on Sep 22, 2009 3:38 AM PDT up reply actions
we are the leagues best
already
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on Sep 22, 2009 7:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Couldn't agree more
Seems to be about showing up ready to play every night. Even the road games we won against good teams we were down something like 15 in the first half. As we saw in game 1, teams just don’t cough up leads like that in the playoffs.
Painful memories of 2000, notwithstanding, of course.
Stay healthy is the key
More then Greg staying out of foul trouble, which will may never happen on a regular base. We need him and the rest of the team to stay healthy.
OPPs mandoman10 got his post in first.
This team is young and hungry, they will learn team defense as they go along. If they are not in good health both mentally and physically then the whole team will suffer.
hg
yeah, healthy is huge
Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.
http://www.myspace.com/y5k
LA and Greg becoming all-stars
The confidence of having 3 all-stars took the Magic to the finals last year. Obviously this means the blazers need a flying start to the year – say 25 and 5 in their first 30 games.
Get Physical!
The biggest difference between regular season basketball and playoff basketball is the intensity and physical play. The Blazers were exposed last year in the playoffs as being a soft team. The addition of Juwan as a legitimate backup 4 and (hopeful) evolution of Greg should be enough to get to the WCF. Miller also adds a body thats willing to get down and dirty when its necessary.
31 Minutes per Game from Oden
If Greg plays 31 minutes or more per game (that’s 10 minutes more than last year) it means he has his fouling under control and everything else will fall into place. Without foul trouble he will be defending more effectively, getting more rebounds, drawing fouls, and scoring more (off rebounds and put-backs at the very least). When Greg was in the game and not committing fouls we were a much better team last year.
31 minutes or more from GO (including in the playoffs) and we are in the Western Conference Finals.
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Sep 22, 2009 2:32 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree Oden needs to stay on the floor
The perimeter defense is the key to this happening.If the majority of Gregs fouls are on his own man as opposed to others then Greg will be in the game. If the majority are on wings & point guards then he will sit. by the way Dave you never said anything about the & so am I safe?
"BEER IS LIVING PROOF THAT GOD LOVES US"
- Benjamin Franklin-
Greg Oden staying on the floor
If that happens, all problems— inside scoring, inside defense, defense overall— go away with time.
Roy is the heart and soul of the team, but Oden is the key to get where we all plan on going.
Mortimer
Oden "on the floor" is a succinct way of putting it...
no injuries + controlling fouls would be a very good thing.
Yeah, I don't care how it happens
Just… stay on the floor. Good things happen when Oden stays on the floor.
M—
I'm of the mindset that
if Oden is only as good as last year, but the TEAM defense takes a huge leap forward, then we’re in the finals.
I suppose I say that because I don’t expect Oden to explode this year. IF he were to explode (20 points, 10 rebounds, 2-4 blocks, 20-30 minutes) then I’d agree that it would be equal to team defense improvements.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
Most important factor?
Me having enough time to do regular sched ahead updates.
Everything else will take care of itself.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
Most important thing:
To have a higher score than the opponents at the end of the game. I don’t know how to win any other way. :p
μὴ φοβοῦ, μόνον πίστευε.
Make them have less points than you is the other way
WITH DEFENSE.
M—
by Mortimer on Sep 22, 2009 4:45 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Honest referees
but it looks like it won’t be for this year’s playoffs
Experienced SF's
They are too young, if the Blazers want to be serious about winning a championship, then they need to trade Batum and Webster for Tayshaun Prince or Paul Pierce.
keeping the "wings" happy
if “everyone” stays healthy, there are 68-72 minutes (per game) to go around between Rudy, Batum, Martell and Travis. It may not seem like a “big” thing at this time, but little things have a way of becoming big things if they aren’t addressed early and handled delicately
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Which is why my "what they need" would be something like:
“Pecking Order”
or
“Structured Roster.”
‘Dre Miller is an example of trying to do the right thing, whether or not he works out immediately. It’s great to pile up talent, but winning teams’ players know their roles.
Defense and Oden are good points
How ever my thought is this team needs to gel and become one seemless unit. We have alot of questions regarding our chemistry this year…..adding a new vet PG and having two very talented PGs behind him……the SF issue which i dont even want to touch…….Rudy and whether or not he can remain happy playing behind Roy……If all of these factors can come together and gel seemlessly then defense and oden will probly be in the area of non factors……i mean we did win 54 with oden at 21mpg and a less than stelar defense.
by blazerbeliever97504 on Sep 22, 2009 5:10 AM PDT reply actions
Health, Defense, Oden, Teamwork
"It’s tough," Martinez said. "This is my house. This is my home."
We'll miss you, Vic
thats more than one..
cheater!!
"The difference between a democracy and a dictatorship is that in a democracy you vote first and take orders later; in a dictatorship you don't have to waste your time voting"
"I don't like jail, they got the wrong kind of bars in there"
Charles Bukowski
sigh
FINE…Oden. He’s going to need that badass swagger and mentality he had at OSU. He HAS to be tough all year long, avoid injury and play solid defense and greatly lower his number of fouls per game.
"It’s tough," Martinez said. "This is my house. This is my home."
We'll miss you, Vic
by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Sep 22, 2009 7:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Trying to go with a non-defense, non-GO answer
1st and 3rd quarters! If we can stay strong in the 1st and 3rd quarters and not have to pull out the heroics, that would be a good thing.
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
Oden needs to stay in the game
and from then on. Its all goooooood
Trade for Luis Amundson!!Do it KP!!
stay healthy
not just Oden, but Webster, Roy and Pryzbilla as well. Aside from his heart thing that seems totally fine now, Aldridge seems to be very durable. But those other guys have all missed big chunks of time.
The Future
Considering the age of the Trail Blazers squad, I think we need Jerryd Bayless to progress alot- We can’t rely on Blake and Miller for long…
Strong post play
Thinking back to our struggles last year against Houston, they all started because our post play was exposed. Scola beat us up, Yao was, at times, unstoppable. Portland will struggle against elite teams (L*k*rs, Spurs, Nuggets, Magic, Celts and Cavs) until their post players can play a more complete game. Portland beat the Celtics on the strength of LMA’s will, we need him to be mean every game. Same goes for Oden, if those two guys step up, Portland will be a contender in the not-so-distant future.
Team Defense
I’m going with Team Defense improving, over Oden emerging. Why? Because I think we have enough talent from top to bottom that we could improve, make it to the playoffs and even advance, even if Oden struggled.
If the question was, what one thing needs to happen for The Blazers to compete for a championship in the next 2-5 years, I’d say Oden. But being that the question is what one thing do the Blazers need in order to maximize their success this season? Then I think I’m going with improving our Team Defense.
"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"
by Krang on Sep 22, 2009 7:27 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Via osmosis straight from KP and Nate: "We are all about the MENTAL ASPECTS OF THE GAME this year."
Andre and Juwan represent a desire for more experience. Daunte and Jeff represent a desire for attitude and toughness. The directions we are moving in should be quite apparent.
The mental aspects of the game include: toughness, confidence, maturity, consistency, intensity, communication, teamwork, teachability, knowledge, and experience.
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
Are you saying brain absorption from brain to brain?
Do you think Travis’s skull is a semipermeable membrane LOL?
Anyway, I am not sure what is meant by osmosis.
hg
Osmosis is happening all around us. It is everywhere. The question is whether it can take place in the skulls of TO and JB? The main impediment is an overly thick manbrain.
I think the Trailblazers are pulling out all of the stops for Outlaw and Bayless. If a Vulcan Mind Meld would do the trick then that might find its way into the budget as well. In truth, all of our young players, including BR and LMA need to rub shoulders with solid veteran teammates. This year we need to grow up and feel like we are one of the Big Boys on the block.
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
I don't think any of Paul Allens Vulcans know how to use the mindmeld.
"BEER IS LIVING PROOF THAT GOD LOVES US"
- Benjamin Franklin-
If the could, they would have used it already!
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
Is it happening in my pants?
Because if so, that’s totally hot…
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Sep 22, 2009 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Greg's success is huge, Roy's rest is even better
Yeah, yeah, I know, Greg’s performance will make a huge difference but the amount of rest that we can give our 2 time all-star would be huge. Eliminating the late come back attempts and Roy’s extended minutes will make us succeed further in the playoffs. I believe with this we should make it to the 2nd round if not the W.C. Finals!
That photo you picked says it all
Brandon and LaMarcus need to keep climbing that bonding curve – they need to trust each other completely and work together seamlessly.
Lot to ask of two young guys.
Time zones, buddy.
Some of us Blazer fans are in the godforsaken Midwest.
by Austin.Brian on Sep 22, 2009 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions
I second that godforsaken
"It’s tough," Martinez said. "This is my house. This is my home."
We'll miss you, Vic
by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Sep 22, 2009 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions
relocation
Grew up in northern Michigan/Wisconsin area — I don’t even like visiting there anymore. Come back to Oregon, Austin.Brian…just don’t bank on finding a job.
Toughen up and play some defense.
Everyone needs to do this. It would be great for the Blazers to play like a slightly dirty, tough-nosed team. Defense is what wins in the playoffs.
by jenstcy on Sep 22, 2009 7:54 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
A reliable third scoring option
It does not always have to always be the same player, just someone that can take the pressure off of Brandon and LMA. Someone that can reliably spark a run leading to a comeback or to put a team away.
Outlaw and Rudy have played that role very well, but they sometimes didn’t have it in big games, namely the Houston series. Hopefully that was just first-time-in-the-playoffs jitters, and it has been washed away over the summer.
I get the paper, so I don't care!
Miller should be able to be the 3rd scoring option
"The difference between a democracy and a dictatorship is that in a democracy you vote first and take orders later; in a dictatorship you don't have to waste your time voting"
"I don't like jail, they got the wrong kind of bars in there"
Charles Bukowski
I thought that is what Andre was for,
he can post up, create his own shot and find open shooters to increase the 3rd scoring option. Anyway that is what all the posters has told me. But Oden also might be the 3rd scorer.
hg
i would love it if Greg was the third scoring option
but that may be optimistic for this season. Dre averaged 16-17 point last season, and that should be plenty for a 3rd option. Last year travis averaged 12-13 a game and he was the third option (along with Rudywho scored even less) so that is an improvement. The blazers last season really lacked a consistent 3rd option last season, and Dre fixes that among other things.
"The difference between a democracy and a dictatorship is that in a democracy you vote first and take orders later; in a dictatorship you don't have to waste your time voting"
"I don't like jail, they got the wrong kind of bars in there"
Charles Bukowski
This team needs some...
Swagger.
Go out there…kick your opponents a$$, and remind them you’re doing it. Run up the score. Dunk over seven footers, and put the guys that try to dunk over you in the stands. Don’t be jerks just to be jerks (cough Denver cough). But go out there with some fire, and make your opponents intimidated before tip off. Make it so nobody wants to play the Blazers, ever.
The Blazers need to gain the absolutely unshakable confidence that they can win on the road — any night, any where, against anybody.
"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 Sep 22, 2009 8:22 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Conviction
Confidence, concentration, coercion, creation, cream of the crop, kickin’ booty!
quid Latine dictum sit, altum viditur
A better mascot
Please. Someone give Blaze the Goodfellas treatment and get a new mascot. If that happens, Greg will become a beast in the paint, Martell will be playing every night like he did against Utah on 1/5/08, LMA will sign for the minimum and become a 20/10 back to the basket nightmare for our opponents and Bayless’ arms will grow 4 inches and he’ll become a Zen monk PG.
An Sophia will finally get that dream date with Nic.
It’s FOOLPROOF!
by DonkeyShins on Sep 22, 2009 8:32 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Give me a break
You were on a roll until you hit that dream date thing, but you obviously jumped the shark on that one.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
Au contraire
If I had said you would finally realize your ambition of world domination, then you could have legitimately claimed that I had jumped the shark. However, I kept it within the realm of remotely plausible.
That would be jumping Greg Norman
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
well underemployed
I saw him out foraging for food…that’s a job of sorts.
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Sep 22, 2009 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions
On a Blaze side note...
I saw a headline in the Corvallis Gazette Times
“Blaze destroys club” (or to that effect)….
I thought, “What’s Blaze done now ??”…
It was a fire….
What is wrong with my mind?
wow i actually got that
well i need a napkin since I spit out my food!
The one thing the Blazers need in order to maximize their success this season is...
a little fortune from the basketball gods.
No setbacks, no major injuries, no regression.
If everyone comes back slightly improved (and with this young squad this is still a realistic expectation) and stays healthy… sky’s the limit.
But I like to be here. Oh, I like it a lot! Said the Cat in the Hat. To the fish in the pot.
by you'vegottomakeyourfreethrows on Sep 22, 2009 8:48 AM PDT reply actions
I think just confidence
Once that sinks in, I think ‘we’ become very dangerous. Once we go into the season expecting to contend for a title rather than just hoping then I think we are in the conversation for a title. I think we are close. Maybe not this season but next I think that feeling will truly be there.
Blazer Fan
Killer Instint
This is one of the three best rosters in the league, in terms of top to bottom talent (the others being the L*ckers and Spurs, although San Antonio is a bit long in the tooth). Player for player, this team stacks up with anyone in the NBA. If the Blazers go out there and get after their opponents, they will win 60 games.
Give Rashad Floyd a permanent slot on 95.5 the Game
Instinct
The “one thing” for Blazers Edge – an edit function :)
Give Rashad Floyd a permanent slot on 95.5 the Game
by blazeraddict on Sep 22, 2009 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions
They seemed to have gotten that at the end of the season.
Anyway they didn’t let the L*kers back in the game.
hg
Rebound
We need Greg mostly for his rebounding, but if everybody else gets crashing the boards like they should, on both sides of the ball, it will be a beautiful thing
Perimeter Defense is the key
If our guards can stay in front of their men, our defense won’t need to collapse and leave wings open and put our bigs into early foul trouble.
Having said that, I agree with all the comments about Oden’s minutes and staying out of foul trouble. I just think that perimeter defense can help take a lot of pressure off of Greg/Pryz.
I'm going to come up with the best line here ever, something really clever.
by musicdaniel on Sep 22, 2009 9:21 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
the one thing we need
Defense. It will start fast breaks.
To be even more specific: We could use an All-Defensive Team performance from Greg Oden. – Elgin
Without you out there, we're nowhere here
by 22baylor on Sep 22, 2009 9:32 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
ha - that's great
I came down here, posted this, and then read all the other comments. Boy do I feel smart! – Elgin
Without you out there, we're nowhere here
But seriously
Lock-down defense will be key to the Blazers success. If they can improve their (lackluster) control of the perimeter (thanks to the return of Martell, improvement by Nic and the added presence of Andre) and continue their dominance of the paint (hopefully by an overall improvement in Greg’s game and continued excellence on the part of Joel and LMA), they should get more fast break opportunities which will lead to more wins.
by DonkeyShins on Sep 22, 2009 9:34 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Gee, I havent seen a picture of Al Davis (that is him, right?) for decades...
Not pretty.
Should have never moved to LA, Al.
I almost feel bad for long-suffering Raider's fans (like my brother in-law...)
almost
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
If this is how Mike Rice has become in the off season
I don’t want to see how Rebecca is now
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can I flag this as profanity?
just asking…
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Sep 22, 2009 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Find their identity by staying true to the team that won 52
With new additions to the squad, there are more variations to the lineups… this is good as long as fundamentally they stay sound and set out to accomplish the same things with which they succeeded at last year. Stay within the top 5 teams for offensive rebounding and second chance buckets. Sustain an above average 3pt percentage, slow the game down, impose their style of D, never give up in games (keep that firey grit that allowed the team to fight back in tough games when they were down), Greg needs to keep Greg out of foul trouble and finally the largest concern of mine is making the free throws. In big games, some were lost from the line… With this team and there ability to get to the rim with Brandon, Lamarcus, Rudy, Greg and now Andre, they need make those freebee’s, especially if you can get to the line 10 or 15 times in tight games.
by BRoy-TheNatural on Sep 22, 2009 9:56 AM PDT reply actions
52?
"BEER IS LIVING PROOF THAT GOD LOVES US"
- Benjamin Franklin-
by We-B-Dunkin on Sep 22, 2009 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions
What the Blazers need
is to take every game to overtime, nay… double overtime! That way everyone can get their minutes in. After all, a happy team is a productive team.
I wish I spent more time playing catch with you and less time training my body and mind to kill you...
by 1badbadger on Sep 22, 2009 10:15 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Oden dresses up like late 70's Shaq
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Sep 22, 2009 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Crush the opposition
“and” if thats not an acceptable answer, I’d fall back on “reputation for lock-down defense” — even the refs respect you and give you more benefit of the doubt when you’re known as a lock-down defensive team.
Gatorade
"HA HA HA HA HA
I'm not laughing, I'm just listing the five ugliest Blazers ever."
- rockingharder
Adrenaline shots straight into the heart
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Sep 22, 2009 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Greg Oden must perform like a #1 draft pick in his second year.
That’s it really.
If everyone else performs at the same level as last year with the exception of Oden, we’ll do very well. But the big GO needs to dominate the paint on defense. I personally don’t even care about points. Just give me 30-35 minutes a night of tenacious defense and rebounding. The scoring will happen on it’s own. He needs to stay out of foul trouble and work on his conditioning. But more than anything else he just needs to be on the floor, period. You really can’t get into “game shape” both physically and mentally unless you’re playing meaningful minutes. If he can’t get over the silly hacking fouls on guards and poor defensive positions (which also cause fouls), he’s going to be riding pine again this year.
Give me a double-double averaging Greg Oden, playing 30-35 minutes a night, and I’ll predict the conference finals. Anything less and even after adding Miller & Howard, I’m not sure they matter as much. That would actually be a great subject for a future article. Who means more to this team, for future success? Brandon Roy continuing to emerge as a superstar, or Greg Oden becoming an all star? I’m inclined to think Oden is even more important. Roy isn’t going to “carry” this team to a championship without some help from the big fella.
Regarding Hedo Türkoğlu:
Look at the bright side, Blazers fans -- you dodged a bullet. He peaked statistically two years ago. He's allegedly 30 but could be closer to 32 or 33 for all we know. (Do you trust Turkish birth certificates? And isn't it weird that he played four years of pro ball in Turkey in the 1990s?)
- Bill Simmons of ESPN.com
Oden’t not carrying us this team to a championship with Roy either though
by DickDastardly on Sep 22, 2009 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions
Oden is not carrying us to a championship without Roy either. Sheesh.
by DickDastardly on Sep 22, 2009 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions
I thought the first try had a certain ring to it
but I had no clue what it meant.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
Andre Miller
He’s not the best player on the team, but if Miller is able to drive and kick to open perimeter shooters, it will make a load of difference. Roy will not have the extra burden every game of handling the ball late and making all the plays. This will reduce the wear and tear on him as the season goes on and hopefully keep him healthier. Miller will also need to defend as well as he ever had before. If he lets everyone drive by him, our big men WILL be in foul trouble.
I am very high on Miller's impact on the team..
Of course, we want Oden to realize his “potential”, but Miller has shown to have what we need, a veteran floor general who can deliver. Even with Oden just like last year, Miller can be the catalyst to take us to a new level. This is his big chance to define his career.
And, Oden will be better than last year, as long as his body does not fail him, through no fault of his own.
This is his big chance to define his career.
I think this is a big deal. First of all, Andre wants to show the Nuggets that they shouldn’t have traded him for AI, so he’s motivated to win the NW division and beat Denver in Denver. And secondly, he’s probably tired of hearing that his teams haven’t advanced past the 1st round of the playoffs. Now he’s on the best team in his career, so I expect him to be focused and driven to push his new teammates to greatness
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I am very high as well
on Miller…yes…wait, what were we talking about?
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Sep 22, 2009 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions
team defense
I already posted this above, but defending penetration is a 5-man job. The benefit of having Miller at PG is that he studies film of the opponent and communicates the best defensive “strategy” to his teammates, when out on the floor.
This BBIQ will be much more valuable than Andre’s lateral movement against other PGs
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
CONFIDENCE
The magic ingrediant that makes a good/talanted team great is confidence.
This is different from cockiness. Confidence is that self-respect, and knowladge that you can get things done, because you have crushed your fears by practicing, seeing your nemesis for what they are etc.
My point is this take a talanted team and take away their confidence, and they lose. Take a mediocre team give them the confidence to do the little things the game requires, and all of a sudden you have a team that believes they are better than their oppoonent, and they dominate. Imagine the Chicago Bulls in one of the Jordans runs not having confidence, would they have been so dominant? Confidence is the same reason that on occassion the sub par team can pound a championship caliber team, because for that game they held the belief that they were the better team and they became the better team. What makes a contender is that they believe they are the best, and because that is the case every aspect of the game improves. So if Portland can harness that belief all season long, willing themselves to be superior to the LA’s and CAV’s etc. Then there is no stoping them.
by tornacl on Sep 22, 2009 11:06 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
A RING!
Blazers: RUN away with the title!
KP: Please don't trade the next decade's Scottie Pippen (Batum), Spanish Larry Bird (Rudy), Bill Russell (GO) or Captain BRoy - at least until they 3-peat..
by Visionary2 on Sep 22, 2009 11:16 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
GO - on the floor
But seriously… think the most important thing to help us achieve that ultimate goal is for Greg to stand with his feet firmly attached to the court, and keep his hands straight up… That will keep him out of foul trouble, which will make him a dominant inside presence, on O and D, which will eventually lead us to the promised land…
I have this vision of Nate attaching some electrodes to Greg, and having somebody give him a quick shock every time he leaves his feet on D, or moves his arms downward (causing those stupid ticky tack fouls)…
If he can stay out of foul trouble, he’ll be a nightly double-double, leading offensive rebounder, and comeback POY.
Blazers: RUN away with the title!
KP: Please don't trade the next decade's Scottie Pippen (Batum), Spanish Larry Bird (Rudy), Bill Russell (GO) or Captain BRoy - at least until they 3-peat..
Won't happen
but Team defense is what would most improve the team. Rotating quickly, not blowing assignments other than when physically out played (happens)
We’ll improve but for this team to excel and play at the highest potential, team defense is the key.
Why do I say that?
1.) Most efficient offense last year. You can improve on that, but the ROI is going to be less than working on an area you’re weaker in.
2.) Jscot said so
3.) I sit here and ponder how many more games would have been won if the team defense hadn’t fallen apart so many times and how many close games could be won if the blazers had a stronger ability to lock down as a team.
I think there’ll be some improvement, but I don’t think it’ll be good as I’d like to see.
The second key would be for Oden to become stronger/better/faster. That’ll will also make a huge impact on the team, but I’d rate defense as being higher.
The third key is for Aldridge to finally break out. For him to showcase that he can continue where he left off in the previous season. He didn’t do that last year, but if he did he’d be huge. I’d like to see him 22/9 with 2+ blocks. I can live with 8 if Oden is gobbling them down.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
oh and for fun
A fourth piece would be hunger. How hungry is this team?
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
Wasn't Frye seen at the Pancake house a lot?
That’s kind of hungry. Plus I’ve seen most of the trailblazers pictures on the wall at Beni Hana. So, I mean, if your so hungry you have to pimp yourself out for a meal when you already make millions…Plus they are like 10 feet tall. Those are some hungry players!
Have I drawn this out enough yet?
It kind of reminds me of the time I was driving down Holgate and I saw what looked like a dead possum squished on the side of the road. For whatever reason I had to turn around and go back home and grab something, I think I left my wallet at the house, regardless so I’m driving back down Holgate and that possum I thought was dead has rolled over and is sticking a single, bloodied, mutilated claw in the air like he was trying to get out some kind of Shakespearean soliloquy on his last dying breathe of air…very dramatic.
Anyone want to go to the Pancake House? I’m kind of hungry…
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Sep 22, 2009 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions
points in the paint
Barclay said it and it’s true. jump-shooting teams only go so far. great team defense won’t win games when your shooting goes south. something besides Roy layups and Oden put-backs, like post-up moves from Miller to Aldridge, cutting and hitting the cutter—these are the things that will bring us success.
the ONE thing this team needs...
Is for each player to be unselfish and work together to determine just what rolls each of our guys can play to make the whole unit work as one. If each player can do this we turn our common group of elite players into an elite team, of which their are distinct ably fewer.
I struggle sitting on my hands... don't you?
by RoysBlazers on Sep 22, 2009 11:32 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
play a more aesthetically pleasing brand of basketball
i keed, i keed.
The blazers ought to pack the paint, even if it means conceding 3s and long 2pt shots. In so doing, opponents are denied high percentage shots, while the damage of 3pt shots is mitigated by the pace the Blazers play(a la the Spurs).
"I've hacked into your brain. You're throwing a party and no one's showing up."
Good followership
I know I’m being a bit contrarian because although much is written about good leadership, there’s a lot less discussion going on about good followership. But IMO, that’s what the Blazers need this year.
Let me define my terms clearly – I have reflected on what good leadership on a basketball team looks like. And although I by no means think I’ve got it all figured out, for the time being, I think that a good leaders on a basketball court have self-awareness (they know what they can and cannot do), they are efficient (they do what they can do to their fullest ability), they are ‘team players’ (they are willing to let others do what they cannot) and they challenge and inspire others to follow them (“I’m doing what I need to do for us to win – follow my example and do what you need to do for us to win”)
Two or three years ago, I thought the Blazer’s greatest need was for good leadership. But today I look at Brandon Roy, Joel Przybilla and hopefully Andre Miller and I think that good leadership has dropped down from #1 on the list. Now, I’d say that what’s needed more than anything else are men willing to follow that leadership.
What RoysBlazers said above about unselfishness is part of this, but at the same time there are some players (Aldridge?) for whom their role is to be a bit more selfish at times. After all, overpassing can be as bad as not passing enough.
The implications of this are incredibly complex. It requires that players will be willing to learn their roles, willing to take that role and wiling to work as hard as possible to fill that role. So if Nate approaches Martell again about becoming a lock-down defender, will Webster be a ‘good follower’ or will he sulk about his offensive skills not being appreciated? If Outlaw’s minutes are fewer this year, will he give 100% while on the court or will he enter into a pity party? If Miller’s role is to shoot less than he ever has, how will he respond? Etc., etc.
I don’t think that anyone – Nate included – has a cemented picture of what each player needs to do in order for this team to win. But I think the picture is clearer than it was last year and I think that the picture will continue to be made even more clear as the year progresses. How the players respond – individually and as a team – to the challenges of “Will I do what’s needed for us to win?” and “Will we do what’s needed for us to win?” will, IMO, be the most important factor. I agree with most of what others have written about above – need for defense and toughness, need for Oden to achieve his potential, need for confidence, etc. But more than anything else, I believe the team needs to follow the good leadership that they’ve been blessed with.
"It's Our Time":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O99POVJfglY
by Storyteller on Sep 22, 2009 1:00 PM PDT reply actions 7 recs
I don't know if good followership is the thing the Blazers most need this season
but it’s definitely important and I’ll rec you for an original take. I just think these Blazers won’t have much trouble in that area, though we’re all holding our breath a little, aren’t we.
One of my concerns revolves around two numbers
2,043 and 616. Those are the numbers of minutes played and field goals attempted by Rodriguez, Frye, Randolph and Ruffin combined last year. Miller himself played 2,976 minutes and attempted 1,041 field goals last year. Webster himself played 2,132 minutes and attempted 656 field goals in 2007-08. Yet both players will be added to the rotation this year. And isn’t the assumption that both Oden and Batum (if not Fernandez, too) will/should be getting more of both?
Meaning that some players will be getting fewer minutes and shot attempts than they have been used to getting in the past. Is that a cause for concern? Potentially, yes. I pray that it doesn’t become a problem but it will take good followership for it not to be a problem.
I also have concerns about starting vs. coming off the bench for some players. For example, Webster in the past has been much more effective starting than being a bench player? Is is purely mental? Or something else? So if it’s determined that he needs to come off the bench and let Batum start, will his mindframe be what it could/should be? Likewise for Nicolas himself. And what about Blake and Miller? One will need to come off the bench – will that player embrace that role fully or will he harbor resentment? What about Fernandez – will he be content at the prospect of being a career backup on the Blazers?
Again, I’m not saying it will be a problem, only that it could potentially be a problem that can be avoided if the entire team grasps a hold of the proper mindset.
If several players decide not to buy into the concept of good followership and become a disruptive influence…..well, I just don’t want to see that happen. That’s why I put this mindset of being good followers at #1 on my list.
"It's Our Time":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O99POVJfglY
by Storyteller on Sep 22, 2009 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
That's a good point
I think it definitely makes a top ten list and if it’s not the number one thing this year, then I think it definitely hits next year if we, for whatever reason, keep all the talent we currently have.
We have a previous year where people seemed able to follow and i would hope for this to continue so I wouldn’t rate it number 1 for myself.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
role players
every championship team needs ’em
At some point KP will have to deal young/exciting player(s) for older/experienced player(s) to make all of the parts of the “roster machine” function better together in the postseason. I fully expect an outcry from Blazer fandom when this happens, but I also hope KP will make the necessary roster adjustments to win playoff series, when the time comes
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
If the any member of the current group
of ‘young/exciting players’ cannot fully embrace their needed role, yes. My hope is that each can embrace it and that the core will be able to play together for years to come. Overly optimistic? Probably so. But a man can dream…..
"It's Our Time":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O99POVJfglY
the new word kind of makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit
but +1 for the idea.
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Sep 22, 2009 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Post defense
Dominating in the post and reducing the number of close looks opponents get will be the key to bringing home the ring. Force them out of the paint.
Specific enough?
Gregory Wayne Oden
"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a woman healthy, wealthy, and wise. That's why you all are wiser than me. It's cloudydays."
Demand that Comcast cease and desist their strangehold on the team's fans
Success can be measured on the court, off the court, and by the following that this amazing young team can attract. The team can find great success by forcing Comcast to make Blazermania available to people across Oregon, Washington, and beyond.
"whoever scores the most points is probably gonna win the game"
One need: Greg Oden improving
The biggest thing: Greg Oden, his health, his fouling, his offensive development and defensive ability on the pick and roll. It’s Greg.
Health goes without saying, right? No major injuries. That’s a given.
We have firepower at the 3 — I trust Nate will figure out a productive use of minutes at the 3.
LaMarcus needs to be stronger in the post. We know that. He needs to rebound and play interior defense on the ball better than he did last year, but I think he will.
Andre needs to be what we expect him to be.
But none of this is as important as Greg’s development.
I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet
but I think Greg Oden will be important…
Interrogation Cop: What are you saying?
Fenster: I said he'll flip you.
Interrogation Cop: He'll what?
Fenster: Flip you. Flip ya for real.
by Cyclops@Centercourt on Sep 22, 2009 8:33 PM PDT reply actions
Patience
There are so many good points here but the glue that brings it all together is patience. Here is my reasoning;
1. The major requirement for entry into the Blazer club now is character. To me this means men who will work to unite and develop the team and develop themselves and never stop – never be satisfied.
2. The enormous talent both physically and mentally on this team. This is not a team that needs to overachieve. It is a team that needs to develop and grow together. What they do in November will not look like December or January etc. Get into the playoffs and continue to grow. Most analysts think the major players (maybe except for Joel, Andre and Steve) are nowhere near their peak.
3. Fan support. I do believe Portland has the best fans in the NBA. Knowledgeable and engaged in the detail. Most of the fans will be patient with the inevitable ups and downs by the individual players and the team. The momentum can grow from last year through this year. It may not be smooth but it will continue.
Character + talent + fan support + time = championship contention.
This is a work in progress. Each of the many excellent points above is solved with time for development and patience. The needed pieces are mostly if not completely in place. The trend is historically great. The attitude is close to ideal – every player wanting to play and wanting to improve to play more. Every player buying into the unity. There is no profit in worrying over what might change in the above equation. There is every reason to expect that the equation will bear fruit.
Sometimes fan support can get ugly and that can turn a developing player’s progress the opposite way. If there is a weak link in this scenario it is #3 the fans. I don’t see it happening in Portland.
Each team must develop at a different rate and way. I believe patience is needed, trusting the coach, the GM and the players to continue to develop and improve the wins onto the championship stage. Once there we hope for the bit of luck or timely event that propels us to the trophy. In spite of the multiple runs of Boston, Chicago, and LA in the past it is hard to win one let alone consecutive championships. But if we are patient we will have multiple chances to get there. Patience.
I'm gonna go in a slightly different direction with this one.
The one thing that needs to happen for us to take the next step is that Lamarcus needs to play like a bona-fide all-star. He needs to make the paint his home, and needs to assert himself as a post player first. We saw flashes of this new Lamarcus at the end of last year, and think only he will decide if and when this happens.
All of the points made above are equally legitimate obviously. Yes, Greg becoming a true force in the paint is the one thing that would quickly and immediately propel us to the top. Yes, beastly interior defense would quickly make us more formidable. But I think LMA taking the next step would provide us with a true one-two punch that would make our offense that much more unstoppable. I also think this is the most likely scenario of ONE thing that puts us over the top quickly.
The Blazers core is still young, and younger teams generally don’t defend as well as more experienced teams. I think the Blazers becoming a defensive team is more just a matter of time than making a big adjustment.
I don’t think you need a dominant center to win a championship, just a very good big rotation, as seen with LA last year, and Boston the year before, and several championships of SA. Lamarcus taking the big step toward all-star beast status would make us one of the mightiest big rotations in the NBA, even with Greg playing roughly the same as he did last year.
Continued rebounding dominance.
Just getting older will solve the rest.
"Goals are good. Plans are better." -Ben.
Dominant Oden
If Greg consistently stays on the court and dominates the defensive end, with a bit of offense as well, we will be in the Western Conf finals
by not a fanatic - just a fan on Sep 22, 2009 10:20 PM PDT reply actions
Okay, I didn't get to read the whole thread and I know I'm just repeating things
But I gotta say defense (meaning Greg Oden (meaning GO playing 28 mpg)).
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
Greg Oden
gets 28 miles per gallon? That’s not bad at all considering how big he is…What’s the lease cost on that?
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Sep 22, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Brandon Roy
He’s so good, we can take him for granted in a conversation like this.
by goblazer1 on Sep 22, 2009 11:48 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
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