Game 59 Preview: Atlanta Hawks vs. Portland Trail Blazers
by Dave on Feb 26, 2011 7:00 PM PST
in News
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PrintGame Time: 7:30 p.m. TV: CSNNW and ESPN
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Update (10:45 AM): The Blazers report that center Marcus Camby will start tonight. Forward Gerald Wallace will also be available to play and will come off the bench.
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The second game of the post-Marksian era is on tap tonight. Of all the games for Gerald Wallace to make his debut, this is among the most intriguing. Consider: The Hawks (35-23) are a bruising, physical team with a dominating defensive center, an athletic power forward, and a volume-scoring shooting guard. If healthy the Blazers (with Wallace) would be a bruising, physical team with a dominating defensive center, an athletic power forward, and a volume-scoring shooting guard. We all know that Portland isn't quite there yet but Wallace gets them a step closer. He allows Portland to trade on defense, just as the Hawks try to do. He brings that pounding presence that Atlanta has wielded for so long. He takes the Blazers from a weakened, short-handed squad to a bolt of thunder hitting you upside the head. Of course he'll need some time to settle in but even in his early stages, this kind of contest should show his value.
To this point the Hawks have had a decent, but not spectacular, defensive presence. Al Horford and Josh Smith make as intimidating of a center-power forward combination as you'll find in the league on defense. Both are big. Smith can move. Either can block shots. Both rebound. The problem for Atlanta is that the smalls have exposed them too much. Marvin Williams is athletic but only a passable defender. Joe Johnson may be a smidge below that. Mike Bibby was awful. But Bibby has been traded to Washington for Kirk Hinrich, a fine defender. Hopefully that will shore up the gaping hole in the Hawks' perimeter defense and allow Horford and Smith more targeted opportunities instead of having to bail out the team. Bibby-for-Hinrich has the potential to take a slice-above-mediocre defense to flat-out excellent. If they can make you miss the Hawks can rebound the ball, so a boost to their defense could transform their entire game.
On offense the Hawks like to break if they can. They don't force turnovers but they do scoop the ball off the glass and run. The halfcourt provides them real problems though. Horford scores 16 per game on the block but he's not what you'd call a game-changer on offense. Smith can score from anywhere but he's registering only 17 per night. Joe Johnson remains the guy but at 19 per game he's well off of his pace of a few years ago, playing fewer minutes and taking fewer shots. Jamaal Crawford is next at 12 per game and after that the offense falls off the table. The Hawks hope for somebody to get hot on a given night, which Johnson, Smith, or Crawford can certainly do. But most nights they kinda don't and Atlanta's stuck with 96 points per game. They're definitely more likely to win by making the other team score 79 than by scoring 105 themselves.
As we said, the Hawks can score on the run. Their production in the paint is no good though. It's Horford or a jumper if they get stuck in the halfcourt. They're so-so with the three point shot. Hinrich and Crawford are the best bets there. They're good at hitting foul shots but lousy at drawing them. They don't force turnovers but they don't commit them either.
Portland's biggest issue tonight may be dealing with Horford and/or Smith. LaMarcus Aldridge can only guard one of them and even that one will be a handful, let alone the guy who's being watched by not-Aldridge. (Marcus Camby? Hello? Come back to us and draw Horford out of the middle?) Even more than stopping Atlanta's bigs from scoring, the Blazers have to be careful not to get obliterated on the boards. Portland beat Denver in part by rebounding strong which kept the tempo and energy of the game in Portland's hands. The Hawks have the potential to wipe the floor with the Blazers in the rebounding department. When Portland doesn't control the ball, Portland doesn't control the game. If the Blazers can move the ball on offense and hit a couple of deep shots Atlanta will be forced to move their feet. Get those bigs moving on defense and you can draw fouls and get them out of position, making the game infinitely easier. The Blazers will have to play a little outside-in tonight I suspect, but if the outside part works the inside part should be gravy as Portland's players will be faster and Atlanta's unable to block their rim attempts. The nightmare for Portland would be bricking a ton of jumpers leading to easy Atlanta rebounds and an offense even more pathetic than the Hawks'. Allow Atlanta to stand still and pack in the defense and they will kill you. Back to Portland's own defense: you have to understand what each Atlanta player can and can't do. You don't need to watch Williams at the three-point arc or Horford beyond 10 feet. Smith you may have to help on, especially when he puts the ball on the floor, but Johnson can be coerced into jumpers by a single committed defender. These are two-dimensional offensive players for the most part. Don't let them play to their strengths and you won't have trouble.
Once again it'll be interesting to see how Crash Wallace affects this game. Rebounds and aggressiveness would be a great start.
See the Atlanta perspective at Peachtree Hoops.
Enter tonight's Jersey Contest form here.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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i think we match up pretty well with atlanta
Defensively just put lma on horford and wallace on smith. batum and wes can take turns guarding johnson. Offensively just a nice steady diet of lma. Game set match
we are officially spoiled...
See the Atlanta perspective at Peachtree Hoops.
It’s a list of who is starting and who is injured. So much for perspective.
He's laying low until the trade deadline passes...
If any teams inquire, his knee still hurts (wink wink).
So...like...
He’s good to go as soon as like the day-before-yesterday?
"If you've got the hoops version of love handles they'll expose them mercilessly." - Dave
by Oh. Em. Gee. on Feb 26, 2011 8:06 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
He can't just come back right away
It would look too obvious, especially since we’re all on to his little plot.
He’s was outed here as a malingerer recently.
I heard
He might be back as soon as this game.
For sure, you can drag back out that old W-A-L-L-A-C-E Blazers jersey you confiscated from your kid a few years ago. The thing takes on a new meaning today.
-John Canzano
by My_Name_A_Rudy on Feb 26, 2011 7:49 PM PST up reply actions
I hope your source is a good one
because we need to see the return of the Camby-man, soon
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I hope he comes back healthy.
I’ll let him sit out another game or 2 if it means he’s playing closer to full strength.
by lickety brindle on Feb 27, 2011 7:41 AM PST up reply actions
Wallace may also be able to provide a scouting report on Atlanta's bigs
since he’s played them so often in the EC
Any news on Nic’s ankle? If Batum’s hobbled then Nate may need to start Crash
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
last night
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Wasn't Nic's problem indigestion?
That’s what I believe ESPN reported it as.
by Cablinasian on Feb 27, 2011 10:51 AM PST up reply actions
That's what I thought too
but somewhere in the postgame Nico hurting his ankle was mentioned.
It was more than indigestion
At one point ( think it was in the third) he limped over to the bench and started digging around in his shoe. He really looked like he was in pain. Jay talked to him for a bit and then made him do some stuff like flexing and standing on tippy toes. Then they both headed to the locker room. I was surprised to see Nic return to the game — by the way he was acting, I thought he’d hurt his foot, maybe had a hairline fracture.
Wiggada Wiggada Zers!
this^
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Relax, if there was a stress fracture we would have heard about it by now
Nic just rolled his ankle, Nate kept him on the side as a precaution
and because Roy was getting it done
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
good. Just worried because Travis seemed to play in a bunch of games with a foot
fracture before the Blazers finally decided to take a look at it….Brandon Roy had noticed and said something to Travis games before Travis finally hobbled off the court…and was diagnosed!
Whoops -- didn't mean to get you concerned
It was just my first thought when I saw him digging around inside his shoe, that’s all.
Wiggada Wiggada Zers!
Outlaw heard a pop when he broke his foot
if Nic heard a pop the other night, he’s keeping it to himself. His foot would’ve swelled up and then they’d take precautionary x-rays, etc
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
They're playing tonight? I thought it was a sunday game.
I'm typing this here because I became jealous of everyone else with signatures in their posts.
Its tomorrow. Just an early preview
by PortlandReign81 on Feb 26, 2011 7:56 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Dave will be a wee bit busy come the 'morrow
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
horford smith
I like horford and smith plenty but really horford is a c/pf and smith is a pf/sf so even with wallace aldridge we should be alright. Preview made it seem like Camby was offcially out? I thought we we were stil holding out some hope
by PortlandReign81 on Feb 26, 2011 7:58 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Horford-6’10 245… smith 6’9 240
by PortlandReign81 on Feb 26, 2011 8:03 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
One day dave.. you'll be able to write...
Dominate on the boards and this game is ours… again… soon just not today :(
The Faith don't panic, the Faith freaks out, burns out small farms and villages in the name of the Faith.
These games are great tests for us.
To see how far along we are. Atlanta has a better record than we do, but this game is at home, which should work to our advantage.
A win tomorrow would be a huge step forward for this team as the schedule continues to get tougher.
Hope Batum's ankle is ok..he said in the post game interview that it would be.
I think Wallace will be excellent against Atlanta…they are in his former division.
Corbin must be loosening the reins
I wouldn’t have a good feeling about this, if I was a Jazz fan
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
On a side note...
I remember before the lottery and us getting the first pick in the oden draft that i really wanting Horford. horford/aldridge would be a nice C/PF combo
by PortlandReign81 on Feb 26, 2011 9:11 PM PST reply actions
you were in the minority, back then
but after their rookie years it looked like Al was the best choice…then Durant really went off in ’08-09
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
na
I was thinking we would be top 5 or 6 at the time. And at that spot I wanted horford. Obviously it changed when we got the first pick or if we had gotten the 2nd.
by PortlandReign81 on Feb 26, 2011 9:51 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I was hoping we'd get Corey Brewer
Thank God I’m not the gm.
by lickety brindle on Feb 27, 2011 7:43 AM PST up reply actions
Hindsight is always 20/20
but could you imagine plugging Noah into the C slot on this team? He was available in that draft as well, and you could make a strong case for him as the 2nd best defensive center in the league behind Howard.
Kevin Durant won me over when he went Rocky IV on Russia this summer.
by blazeraddict on Feb 26, 2011 11:25 PM PST up reply actions
Reportedly, the Blazers were interested in Noah leading up to the 2006 draft
but Joe-Kim chose to stay in Florida
imagine if they had draft him, instead of LMA
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
eh...
I think his character would have been an issue. He’s a pot head. A BIG pot head. He’s kind of a loud mouth too, personally I’m not crazy about that, but it’s probably one of those things where if he’s on your team, you love him, if he’s not, you hate him.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens with our centers now. Something’s gotta change.
by Eric Loftin on Feb 26, 2011 11:43 PM PST up reply actions
nuthin wrong with bein a pothead.
theres far worst things someone with “character issues” can do.
Resident Smartass.
and my residency is Blazersedge.com
Like getting caught going 95 on the highway with a car full of weed, or getting caught at the airport with your stash wrapped up in tinfoil, or being a washed up has been more known for your drug abuse than your basketball career?
For the vast majority of people, it’s one thing; but for a professional athlete, especially in Portland after the Jailblazer era, that’s the last thing any of the guys we bring in should do. No, we don’t need any drug abuse in the locker room now. Not when the team has fought so hard to change their reputation.
hey now, we can't only bring up the ones that were dumb enough to get caught,
Granted, anyone tokin on the herb is putting themselves at risks, legally and health wise, but….
Despite that, there are some VERY good people doing VERY good things that smoke on a daily/hourly basis.
Dare I suggest that Brandon Roy smokes a little herb or that 50% of the elite ball players do…. can I prove it? na, only because they haven’t and probably won’t ever get caught…
Look to the entourage, and check their records.
The pie is in the pudding? (I’m relatively young did I get that right?)
but yeah thats what I think about that :D
The Faith don't panic, the Faith freaks out, burns out small farms and villages in the name of the Faith.
This is what you're looking for...
“The proof is in the pudding”, although the real phrase is “the proof of the pudding is in the eating” which means the proof that the pudding is good or not is whether it gets eaten.
by LaughingJon on Feb 27, 2011 10:26 AM PST up reply actions
read my comments again
I don’t care what everyday people do behind closed doors. Pot is an illegal drug, as harmless to most as it may be, it’s still against the law. Until it becomes legalized, I have ZERO sympathy if somebody gets caught with it. That’s the risk they’re taking. I’m not looking to get into some bogus social commentary about the issue of whether marijuana is as bad as the government/media leads us to believe. That’s not the point.
The point is, after the team has been rebuilt to NOT have that reputation, there’s no way in hell they’re going to bring in players that are openly using. Do I think the rich athletes who are above the law in most situations use pot? Absolutely. The point is, it’s a PR nightmare if any of the Blazers get caught doing so. Make no mistake, the Blazers organization has taken HUGE steps to prevent any of their players being implicated in a drug scandel after the Jailblazer era is over.
by Eric Loftin on Feb 27, 2011 10:40 AM PST up reply actions
No you read mine again.
I don’t care what you think about pot, if your going to bring up the jailblazers lets look at the ones that actually were taken to jail, woods, patterson, bonzi randolph etc… don’t go blowin smoke and screaming fire, becuase i see 3 1/2 paragraphs pumpin alot of huff over buds, that means nothing and calling it, or blaming it for what was the jailblazers, when in all reality it was dogfighting, and domestic violence, guns and liquor !@$#% and @#$% that earned that tag.
the pot heads… sheed , and damon didn’t do squat except ball and smoke buds and dump money into portland, the team has been rebuilt on character and those two guys had it the other nuckleheads your talking about didn’t….
the earners of the jailblazers… … but yes they happened to smoke dope too, but they also walked alot like you do maybe i’ll just assume every walking person on the planet is a frakin moron too. :D
but don’t go blaming it.
The Faith don't panic, the Faith freaks out, burns out small farms and villages in the name of the Faith.
Yeah...
And Damon pretty much admitted after he finally kicked his pot habit (allegedly), that it was a major factor in him not playing well/having no motivation to focus/improve/practice, etc. Basically more or less saying that he was going at about 50% when he was getting baked.
Lest anyone say that the effects of pot are overblown.
That kinda makes you wonder...
about certain players who show up ‘every other night’.
like brandon?
The Faith don't panic, the Faith freaks out, burns out small farms and villages in the name of the Faith.
Common, let's win this one guys
I’m calling it right now: We’re going to overtake OKC for 1st place in our division by the end of the season, and be the #3 Seed. Need to win these games to do it.
BOOK IT
That would be an incredible feat.
Make it so, number 1. Heh. Just kidding. I doubt Armon will get the credit for it. It’s just fun to say it that way.
wha??
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Feb 26, 2011 9:54 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I think it's possible
We’re 3.5 games back with 24 left. I’m not that high on the Jeff Green trade upon further reflection, and the team has flaws. They have 2 great players, but their next starting five are: Perkins, Sefolosha and Ibaka (good potential, inconsistent now). They’re bench is just ok, and they don’t have a ton of veteran presence. They don’t have a proven 3rd scoring option, and they don’t shoot the three well.
I really think we can overtake them if we stay healthy.
Perkins adds a lot defensive
But it will be hack-a-Perkins on offense late.
OKC got better on defense
and worse on offense. The loss of Kristic and Green hurts their ability to spread the floor.
From Andrew Sharp, SB Nation, Feb. 25
Small market teams can’t compete in today’s NBA? Meet Oklahoma City, who just added a big man that’ll keep them competitive for the next five years, and makes them a title contender immediately.
But now we look at both sides after the trade, and it just looks so one-sided.
Overnight, the Thunder become a serious threat to steal the West come playoff time.
Anybody else see this as wild hyperbole? They definitely needed a guy like Perkins, but there’s going to be huge pressure on Durant to score all the time. Outside shooting is a big problem here. It’s too early for this team yet.
Shut either Durant or Westbrook down
and they’re going to have issues. Ibaka may be trouble for LMA though. Can’t wait to see how our next two games against them turn out.
Perkins is also currently injured
Should be interesting to see how well their other guys work rotating through their front court. They face the Lakers tomorrow…
Kendrick is out 2-3 more weeks
might be tricky to get him integrated before the end of April
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Really interesting
The guys they traded to the Cs seemed to do alright tonight. I’m wondering if they actually shot themselves in the foot.
They’ve gone a couple seasons without a major dose of the injury bug. Did they just trade it onto their roster?
They still have Ibaka and that other guy they got I guess.
I’m wondering if they actually shot themselves in the foot.
It wouldn’t hurt my feelin’s, none—once a Sonic rival always a Sonic rival!
Grudgingly, I’d say that Presti did good. They knew they needed size to beat L*A so they went out and got the biggest L*ker banger of them all. Now all that remains for the Thunder is to advance and have Perkins ready to face L*A, in May
Of course, Portland may have something to say about OKC’s hoped-for advancement in April, before all is said and done
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
You're starting to sound optimistic
Gives me hope lol
I didn't think Portland was playing that well, last fall
and OKC had to scramble to beat the Blazers, it took Durant going off for them to come from behind, etc
Portland’s playing better, the Thunder probably are too, but I’m not afraid of those Sonics
especially now that Crash is on our side, we just need to stay healthy (nsfbe!)
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
OKC was playing without Perkins, Green, Kristic...
And OKC wasn’t playing all that well in the beginning of the season as I recalll…their defense wasn’t what it was last year. Is it better now? Am guessing yes..by their record.
But I do think the Blazers have gotten much better since the beginning of the season…when Roy was playing hobbled and LMA hadn’t emerged..and now Wallace is here…I agree..IF HEALTHY…this team will be very very good.
Am hoping Cho has stepped in and made some changes to whatever they were/weren’t doing on that fitness/training staff…maybe updated methods…he is not one to publicize doing things…but think he is smart and aware of ALL that goes on with the team.
big time pressure on westbrook
We know durant will score no matter how much you focus on him, but dropping from a trio to duo means they’ll usually need at least 20 from russell to win. Also seems like a big vote of confidence for harden.
"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'
by sammymohawk on Feb 27, 2011 1:44 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
wow, i always feel wierd rooting for the lakers but it was nice to see okc lose today...just 3 back now!
LET'S PLAY SOME DAMN DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!
by Batum Shakalaka on Feb 27, 2011 2:20 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
you know...after seeing Kobe live at the RG...and hearing
that he answered questions at the ASG in Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Spanish…I can’t hate the guy.
He is a smart, hard working competitor…who has also gone out of his way to praise Brandon Roy…
I think the thing with the Lakers that annoys me most is their bandwagon fans…I have to say I really really cannot stand them.
Also…it would be great to be better than they are. And I want the Bulls to beat them in the finals if the Celtics can’t do it. I also want the Bulls to beat the Heat. Or the Celtics.
The team I can’t stand the most right now is the Heat. And I really do not like James…he’s a jerk.
Of course the ideal thing would be for the Blazers to beat the Lakers in the finals.
This goes without saying.
And then for the Blazers to beat whoever comes out of the East…
if he's so smart, he should learn "no means no" in english
dinasour type of guys choir boys
by mittsabishy on Feb 27, 2011 2:50 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I thought that before the trade. Now I feel stronger about that.
No rational reason, just a hunch. I think OKC is overrated and people are projecting them farther than they’ll achieve based on their talent and how tough they played the Lakers last year—which are both very good, but as the Blazers have shown, it takes more than that to win.
I have to say though that I’m likely wrong, but that’s the feeling I get.
OT
I don’t know if anybody is watching the Celtics/Clippers game, but this Eric Bledsoe kid is something else. His stats aren’t great, but I can’t recall anybody that young having such a good handle. Unbelievable dribbler with both hands and great body control. This guy is going to be really good when he gains more experience.
He's got nice upside..
Like you said, the physical tools are there and he has some skills. Problem is he can’t shoot and is bit mistake prone.
He's not a good scorer yet and he turns it over like crazy...
…but his “athletic” stats are elite. Once he stops killing the team on the offensive end, he may become a very good player since he gets a lot of rebounds, steals, and blocks.
I'm kind of surprised there hasn't been a Prz/Marks replacement signed yet
Especially considering Camby isn’t back yet
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
Probably waiting for the bigs to be bought out of their contracts this coming week.
"Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes, but no plans."
I think a lot of it has to do with paperwork
I bet the Prizzy trade didn’t become official until today.
Wiggada Wiggada Zers!
cho said that we'll have a better handle on that situation in 7-10 days
LET'S PLAY SOME DAMN DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!
by Batum Shakalaka on Feb 27, 2011 2:22 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
We have a slight chance of reclaiming 5th seed tomorrow (by .25%)
and closing to within 3 losses on OKC. We really need Camby back badly.
So excited for this game.
The intro to GW, Roy showing promise, LMA beasting, Camby hopefully coming back, should be a good rest of the year. And oh yeah, we still have Miller, Mathews, Batum, and Fernandez. I can’t wait to see what this team can do. GW/Camby/LMA on the rebounds? Mathews/GW/Batum/Camby on defense? So much talent on our roster now.
Check out my music and blog at J-Xile.com
Fernandez is playing real well too lately
I’m getting more optimistic his contributions will be less fleeting and more consistent. He was super undependable for 1 1/2 but now the shot is starting to fall again. I’m liking his defense too, especially his penchant for steals and deny defense.
I’m not trying to look through the rose colored glasses, but I can’t help see a lot of positives here.
I'd have to think
a lot of Fernandez’s had to do with his back injury. He looks like a completely different player lately especially his D.
Either player will show any expression afterwards either
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
by svlittle on Feb 26, 2011 11:38 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I wonder if Crash will flash 3 goggles?
man I hope not, act like you made one before
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Feb 26, 2011 11:42 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
kinda hope he does.
not because it’s cool, but it would mean that he’s getting along with the guys and having fun.
by SaveOden on Feb 27, 2011 5:37 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
^this
a little to the left for LA, a little right to GW
can’t wait!
by extraneous solutions on Feb 26, 2011 11:54 PM PST up reply actions
The Blazers are underdogs again
(because whenever I think “This one shouldn’t be too hard” bad things tend to occur).
ignacio
With or without Camby, the team will be lacking bigs.
It definitely should be hard.
Yeah, I'm surprised the bigs issue hasn't yet been addressed
Courtney Sims or Dwayne Jones out of the D-League, just somebody to get a few defensive rebounds and lower LMA’s minutes by just a few
ignacio
Wow
Thought Dave messed up by mentioning Crawford… Then I realized it was the lesser Crawford, not jamal, that was traded.
Never doubt Dave!
by JMLakaShotCaller on Feb 27, 2011 1:01 AM PST via mobile reply actions
gerald wallace pic caption
don’t be fooled by the rocks that i got, im still im still g dub from the block. used to have a little now i got a lot.
Resident Smartass.
and my residency is Blazersedge.com
by Devyn on Feb 27, 2011 5:34 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Please, somebody
I can’t watch the game. But as a fan of bad jokes, I want someone to use this if Atlanta’s PG pulls a major late-game choke:
“The Heinrich Maneuver.” Do it in honor of lazy punsters everywhere.
a friend of mine used that as his fantasy basketball name last year
my team name was better though in my opinion… Stuart Scott’s Eye
Resident Smartass.
and my residency is Blazersedge.com
I grew up in the same area as the Heimlich family
The good doctor’s son ended up on city council and would travel with the UC basketball team to away games since he also had university clout. My friends said he would creepily try and grope the cheerleaders. They couldn’t come up with a humorous way to work “heimlich” into his lechery.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
by mittsabishy on Feb 27, 2011 11:01 AM PST up reply actions
What's creepy about wanting to grope cheerleaders? :-)
Sounds like fun
LaMONSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by LaMarvelous on Feb 27, 2011 12:57 PM PST up reply actions
40+ year old politicians on team flights that they have no business being on
being lecherous to 19 year olds is bad.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
Take a number
Back in the mid-2000’s there was a forward named Lee Nailon. He played in Charlotte, New York, bounced around. He was pretty athletic. I waited and waited for a commentator to talk about the “Lee Nailon Press”. Never happened and, sadly, he’s long out of the league now.
—Dave
"Anything for you, Dave." --Roybot
That, sir, is tragic
What a waste of a good name. Incidentally my favorites in other sports (not funny, but perfect for their leagues) are “Ryan Longwell” (FG kicker, Vikings) and “Josh Outman” (pitcher, Oakland A’s.) Alas the Twins have a pitcher named “Kevin Slowey” and he’s pretty much as advertised.
Isaah Moses Hipp...
AKA… I.M. Hipp…
RB for Nebraska (started at OSU I think)… Great name Hall of Fame!
Stubby Clapp
recent minor league baseball player
if you’re a guy, everything about his name sounds painful
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Kicker named Justin Snow kicking in the snow
Harry Bosch: "Everybody counts....or nobody counts."
by 92wastheyear on Feb 28, 2011 10:33 AM PST up reply actions
Wasn't the Laker game supposed to be on ESPN too
3 national televised games in a row that’d
be?
by ilovebatum on Feb 27, 2011 8:09 AM PST via mobile reply actions
So glad it's on tv, I want to be able to see the crowd ovation when Wallace comes in.
Streaming the game online is no fun.
#52
by bustabucket on Feb 27, 2011 10:16 AM PST up reply actions
Post Marksian Era?
You joke, but I’m going to miss the aura of “Nice Guy” he provided.
"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"
I'm still a Marksist at heart...
Out biggest mistake was not handing the means of production over to Marks.
Stealth > Wealth
by 500dogs on Feb 27, 2011 11:09 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Is it just me or does it seem like the way people act about Marks is the
LET'S PLAY SOME DAMN DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!
by Batum Shakalaka on Feb 27, 2011 2:29 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
same as Shavlik Randolph?
LET'S PLAY SOME DAMN DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!
by Batum Shakalaka on Feb 27, 2011 2:30 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Camby as questionable tonight?
Interested to see how this turns out. Guy has been out for almost 6 weeks hasn’t he? Getting a bit scary…
Looks like I worry in vain
Coach McMillan says he will keep @MarcusCamby23 to 20 minutes, Brandon Roy to 15 minutes
Cannot wait!
I hope the Blazers bought some extra mouth pieces for Wallace to chew on!
I'm astounded by people who want to "know" the universe when it"s hard enough to find your way around Chinatown."
Woody Allen
by prajna on Feb 27, 2011 10:15 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
We actually have a front court tonight?
Camby and Crash will still be trying to get in rhythm and Camby probably back in shape. Still, this is major news!
Sounds like Dre, Wes, Nico, LMA, Camby to start
Roy, Rudy, Crash off the bench.
Can't wait till we get another big to fill in off the bench
If we can somehow stay healthy though, LMA can spell Camby at 5 for now while Crash spells LMA at 4. Should be able to get Camby down to about 30 minutes and LMA to about 38 with some crazy shuffling of minutes.
SF and guard positions we should be fine at excepting the PG position. Even if Dre stays healthy we may need someone who can spell him and keep the offense in gear. If Roy and Rudy figure it out then good but if Dre ever has to miss a game we’re sunk.
If we finish the year healthy we have a pretty solid 8 man rotation. Probably the most Nate has had to work with since we lost to Houston in the playoffs. Good solid mix of veteran players with athleticism too.
I've got good Camby luck.
I was there for his 1st game as a Blazer (loss to Boston), his big game against OKC (MAR-CUS CAM-BY!!!), and now his return from injury.
1/4 season ticket package is awesome.
Stealth > Wealth
Camby/LMA > Horford/Smith
FINALLY. Marcus is back. How sweet it is.
wha??
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Feb 27, 2011 11:03 AM PST reply actions
Any advice for a brand-spanking-new Blazermaniac?
I’m taking a good friend of mine to the game who has only gotten into basketball this year (he’s 30—late bloomer). He’s only watched 2 full games, so I’m expecting a lot of questions like, “CAN HE DO THAT?!?” and “THAT’S NOT A FOUL?!?!”and “Where’s LeBron James?”. He’s also got a flare for the dramatic, so it might get emotional.
Oh yeah, and the dude’s a total lush. Should make for an interesting social experiment.
Stealth > Wealth
You guys should get a head start on your buzz.
I think a plastic beer is like $10 at the RG. Then bring a hip flask and order sodas. BOOM, Blazer fan for life.
8.75 for a microbrew
dinasour type of guys choir boys
by mittsabishy on Feb 27, 2011 12:24 PM PST up reply actions
Pretty ridiculous when the brewery is literally right down the street.
I guess rent must be pretty high for those stalls.
Stealth > Wealth
Gotsta pre-funk.
I don’t know if I want to subject the crowd to this guy with liquor in him though. He can be…barbaric when he drinks the fire water.
Stealth > Wealth
If you're near Atlanta's...
bench, make sure he knows it’s standard to taunt, yell, distract opponents when they are shooting free-throws. Introduce him to the Free Throw Guy for tips.
Pinching One Off, Peace
A movie scene that I wish they would play at the RG deep in the 4th quarter
It’s rather salty, and some words will need to be bleeped out, but this is from David Mamet’s play, Glengarry Glen Ross:
You can’t play in the man’s game, you can’t close them – go home and tell your wife your troubles. Because only one thing counts in this life: Get them to sign on the line which is dotted. You hear me you [bleep]ing [bleep]s? A-B-C. A-Always, B-Be, C-Closing. Always be closing. ALWAYS BE CLOSING. A-I-D-A. Attention, Interest, Decision, Action. Attention – Do I have you attention? Interest – Are you interested? I know you are, because it’s [bleep] or walk. You close or you hit the bricks.
Win the day!
Uhh....Wallace will come off the bench???? whaaaaaaaaaaaaat???
by BlazerBlazerBlazerBlazer on Feb 27, 2011 11:29 AM PST reply actions
The bench needs help.
Crash will probably be the 1st player off the bench when Camby sits and LMA moves to the 5…er, I mean Big Forward.
Stealth > Wealth
For now.
He’ll be starting after he gets into the flow and learns the schemes and offense because he’s much better than Batum. Simple as that.
wha??
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Feb 27, 2011 11:36 AM PST up reply actions
not so simple
when Nate gets the idea that his first unit has jelled, he stays with it
(the coach was still wistful of his Blake-Roy-Batum-LMA-Oden starting lineup, last spring during an interview)
there are 20-25 games left to go in the regular season, it could take a injury to Nic before McMillian shuffles his starters and inserts Crash
or maybe a losing streak, but who wants to root for that?
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
He started Wes at small forward over Nic.
He’ll start Wallace there too, because Wallace is about to outproduce Nic and I doubt it will even be close.
wha??
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Feb 27, 2011 2:41 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I'm guessing he'll get some starts eventually
Right now he probably doesn’t have a clue how we play.
I know he hasn't had a ton of time to practice, but I think Wallace has to be a starter here. I'm
ok with him coming off the bench tonight mainly because the standing ovation is cooler when a new guy enters the game during the middle of a quarter. Seriously though, Nic really hasn’t shown anything this year to justify starting over a all-star and all defensive wing.
I love Nic’s play, but he loses focus and is inconsistent. Put the best 5 our there after this game.
He's a better shooter and offensive rebounder than Crash.
Those are two things the starters need. With Crash starting, the only 3pt threat would be Matthews.
Stealth > Wealth
Yeah, and Wallace is a better defender. I'm pretty sure Wallace can hit an open 3 that Aldridge is going to create when he's doubled.
Batum is no sharp shooter, he is pretty streaky. Steve Blake was a better shooter than Miller, we saw how long that lasted.
by BRoyInThe4th on Feb 27, 2011 11:50 AM PST up reply actions
Steve Blake was not the PGOTF.
Nicolas Batum is beyond a doubt the SFOTF. I suppose it’s a philosophical dilemma; do you want to develop your young talent, or start your best five players? Do you want to switch up the lineups, or stick with the winning formula?
The Blazers’ most glaring deficiency this season has been bench production. All the lineup changes and injuries have left the 2nd unit rudderless. The question that Nate is probably asking himself is whether Batum or Wallace would be more helpful to that unit. I think Wallace would do more for the bench than Batum, and I think Batum’s abilities fit well with the starters. If it ain’t broke…
Stealth > Wealth
by 500dogs on Feb 27, 2011 12:12 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
The "bench unit" is a myth.
Nate starts his best 5. The Blake/Andre experiment was the exception. There’s no reason to feature your best defender on the second unit anyways.
Besides, Wallace was an all star last year and has been the face of a franchise for several seasons. He’s not cut out for a bench role just yet.
wha??
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Feb 27, 2011 5:55 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Only marginally though
Nic’s 3-point shooting has declined this year, and Wallace has turned into a pretty good corner 3 shooter, evidenced by the fact that he hit 40% from both corners last year. He’s also shooting over 40% from downtown this month. Wallace is a far superior player to Batum at this young juncture in his career, not to say that Batum won’t be as good or better but he’s not there yet. And defensively Wallace is a terror. He’s a big dude and he’s even stronger than he looks.
by RVUStudentDoc on Feb 27, 2011 1:55 PM PST up reply actions
another reason he may be better coming off the bench with Roy...
I’ve heard that Roy likes that guy in the corner who can shoot the 3.
am guessing there will be lineups when both Batum and Wallace are in their at the same time.
I am sure that they will all get plenty of minutes and that all of the starters will be ecstatic about giving up their ridiculous minutes.
Think that Batum will be ok with coming off the bench right now. He was injured recently and honestly feel he has hit a wall…sophomore wall…even though it’s his 3rd year…he played only 18 mins/game his 1st year…then came back in Feb last year…
played during the summer and has played WAY more minutes than he is used to playing this year.
I think Matthews is doing way better on this end bc Matthews is more muscular and therefore has more stamina than Batum. Would like to see Batum add more muscle like Pippen did!!!! Pippen was scrawny when he was Batum’s age also!
Batum will get stronger as he ages
I always have to remind myself that he’s only 22, because he plays like he’s older. And for that matter, Wesley is only a sophomore. They both play with a much more mature game “age” to them. But Nico will add mass as he gets older. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him built like Pippen when he’s 27. And I actually think that Nic and GW will complement each other very well. They both can wreak havoc on an offense and run the floor so incredibly well. Nic should really be able to learn a lot from Crash and it’s going to be exciting to watch them play on the floor together in a mentor and student type of way.
by RVUStudentDoc on Feb 27, 2011 3:11 PM PST up reply actions
Put the best 5 our there after this game.
best 5 as starters isn’t always the best strategy, it depends how those 5 players develop chemistry and synergy at the beginning of each half
Portland has won something like 22 out of 33 games, and it’s not been because of their bench unit—if it ain’t broke, don’t mess with it
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Wallace will play starters minutes, regardless, def more than Batum
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I'm more interested in who finishes than in who starts the game
starting is over-rated; when the game is on the line, that’s when we need our best players on the floor
Win the day!
by Blzr fan on Feb 27, 2011 2:21 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
then, sir, you are obviously a very wise and sophisticated and knowledgeable fan of the sport of basketball
it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance
Win the day!
starting is over-rated; when the game is on the line, that’s when we need our best players on the floor
this^ rec
As I wrote earlier this year, I’d like to see Roy embrace the 6h man role—and to finish games when he’s feeling good an in his rhythm—like the other night
The same goes for Wallace, on contending teams the bench players have a role that is just as vital as the starers—and the opponents never get a break—Portland can send in waves of reinforcements and physically wear ’em down, over the course of a 48 minute game
please just stay healthy, everybody—this should be a fun ride
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
BRoy can be a hero even if he doesn't start or log major minutes
I would love to see BRoy occupy the niche of playing the last 4 minutes of every quarter, plus any OT’s that come along – - – two categories in which our team has had rocky results – - – that way, BRoy can do what he does best and help our team win
GW seems to be focused solidly on getting the W no matter what – - – I am hoping that his focus on winning will encourage our other players to put aside such petty issues as who is starting and who is playing more minutes than whom
the coach’s job is to keep all focused on getting the W and sacrificing individual agendas for the team’s success – - – I have confidence that Nate is the right man to steer our team to success in the remainder of the season and post-season
Win the day!
regular season, yes
the players should all be focused and settling into their roles for the stretch run
I don’t have your confidence re: McMillian in the playoffs, he hasn’t shown the ability to adapt and make in-game (much less in-series) adjustments while with the Blazers
I hope that will change this April, the season’s outcome (and his future in PDX) depends on it
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
it is a learning process for coach and players
Nate has done an awesome job at getting the best out of our players during the regular season. No one can seriously contend that he is not a major factor in our team overachieving during the last couple of seasons. I am confident that he will learn to bring out the best in our team during the playoffs as well. With the addition of GW, I am feeling optimistic about our shot at going past the first round.
Win the day!
so am I
Nate’s been an NBA coach a long time (10 years) I give him a lot of credit for helping to rebuild the Blazers and especially for overcoming adversity these past 2 seasons. But that’s not good enough, and he’s admitted this in the past. If he can’t win a playoff series then the regular season results will be minimalized—not just by the fans and the media but by NBA execs in a results-driven league. If he can’t win a first round series this spring, McMillian’s rep may well become that he’s a very good “rebuilding” coach but that he can’t win the big one. He’ll still have coaching job offers, but there will always be that seed of doubt—can he take a team all the way?
One argument would say, well he’s never had a healthy veteran (contending) roster so he should be given a pass—but that’s not entirely true. When he’s had healthy rosters his teams have tended to underachieved, it’s ironic but he seems to do more when he has less. His Blazer teams have been notorious slow starters and weak post-season finishers
The real question is: would a franchise with a veteran (read: ready to win it all) roster hire him to take them over the top? I guess we’ll find out as the years go by, but at this point in time, he wouldn’t be my first choice for that kind of gig. OTOH, if I was a team like Charlotte, I’d pay Nate whatever it takes to get him on my practice floor, and working with my kids—he’s proven that he can do that job well
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
yes it is ironic that Nate has overachieved during bad times, and struggled when the team was more healthy
the way I choose to look at it is that Nate’s best years have been the past couple years, and that we are on a very encouraging upward swing right now
I doubt that Nate will disappoint us when our players are all healthy
Win the day!
Never questioned Nate's ability to motivate the players...
the guy has their ear.
I’m with two4larue on the past post season performances.
I am hoping that Nate will do better this year. For 3 reasons…past experience, ability to sleep with Ambien and different assistant coaches.
I bet Bernie Bickerstaff will do a better job than Demopolous!
this^
Bernie and Bob “should be” able to do a better job re: making adjustments during the post season than Demo and Prunty. I suspect that this is one of the main reasons why Nate hired them, last June (and not because he was pressured to fire his assistants by the Vulcans. as Canzano likes to say)
the proof is in the eating of the pudding, as I read somewhere recently
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
New Items on the Menu
Hmmmmm..What do I want..
Miller to Wallace no look lob dunkorama…sounds tasty
Rudy to Wallace over the shoulder in your face lob dunk does not sound half bad either
Camby to Wallace this could be a poster lob dunk might be worth a look too.
I may have to see what those courtside seats cost again….
What kind of minutes can we expect of Brandon?
15 still?
"you better hide your kids, hide your wives, hide your husbands, cuz dey rapin everbody out here "
-Antoine Dodson
this should be quite the fun game to watch
i hereby promise not to turn it off no matter what :p
The Leeroy Rule: being insistent >>>> being correct
I hope you learned your lesson!
never give up Portland when Roy has a bullet left!
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Dirty Harry
“I know what your thinking punk. Was that 5 shots or 6? Do you really want to take that chance?”
Love that stuff
LaMONSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Crash look-a-like
Compare his pic in this post with the troll face, it’s awesome.
On topic: I’m happy Wallace is now on the Blazers, as him and Batum will make life miserable for opposing SF’s; starting tonight featuring Marvin Williams a.k.a. the-guy-the-hawks-drafted-instead-of-chris-paul
by JRC7 on Feb 27, 2011 12:54 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
WOOOOOT!!!!!!!!!! The Cambyman is BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now we can start some serious BALLIN' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, I know…twss
LaMONSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OK go ahead and tell me that someone would not have put a twss under that comment in a GDT???
Uh huh….that what I thought
LaMONSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OMG! we have more than 9 players able to play tonight?
SWEET!
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
When was the last time that happened?
I honestly don’t even remember…
LAL better win this game against OKC.
only up 3…
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
omigod...thunder fan in audience shirtless....ugh.
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
I see what you did there.
wha??
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Feb 27, 2011 5:58 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
wow...really?
I wish I could say I was surprised. Really sorry I missed that one…..
yes thet do....except that shirtless guy. tha's just whack.
good to see kobe is also doing the same to OKC as they did to the blazers.
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
I am pretty sure we were first to start chanting chanting "defense"
by Oden Mad, Oden Smash! on Feb 27, 2011 4:04 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
"the wave" was first done at the Kingdome (or so I've heard)
that’s something to be known for, right up there with the Kingstons and “Louie, Louie”
we’re so provincial it’s sick/cute
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
That would be an interesting study...
I remember Boston fans chanting it as they were about to win an Eastern Conference finals sometime in the early to mid 80s.
PTB Liberation Day - 2/10/04
Huge defensive play by Artest
And if Durant thinks Ron-Ron is a good defender, just wait until we throw Wallace at him…
ugh. i can't believe odom misses both of those fts....smh.
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
wow....2 good looks for okc and none knocked down.
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
lol, I HATE when I have something to do when there is a game on.
you should turn everything off and study for a solid 2 or 3 hours. Then you can watch the game knowing you put in a good effort.
by hoodieNation on Feb 27, 2011 2:13 PM PST up reply actions
I always try that.
Except then if we win, I can’t concentrate on anything else cause I’m so happy we won.
@CleBlazer
I’m right there with you. I’ve got a test on the clinical aspects of endocrinology tomorrow and I can’t study…all I can think about is what the new look blazers are going to play like…
by RVUStudentDoc on Feb 27, 2011 2:24 PM PST up reply actions
Yep, you are correct! Add a healthy Oden and a solid backup PG to this roster - DYNAMITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LaMONSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
acquire Deron Williams
oops, too late
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I am more excited coming to tonight's game than I have been in a long time
I will be in suite 14 – - – where will be the rest of y’all?
Win the day!
sick?
I told my sister-in-law that if she let my brother go to the Denver game with me, she could go to tonight’s game with my brother….because I have to work 12hrs tomorrow and be there at 0645..
and it’s a late start game..
am REALLY regretting this decision….
well, I gave up chances to go to the LAL and DEN games, but am thrilled to have the chance to see the Blazers tonight
Win the day!
My wife went to the LA game while I took our kids to an event; then she took our daughter to the DEN game
we have 1/2 season tickets, and a busy schedule during the week
Win the day!
thx, my wife is a huge basketball fan
We probably would not have season tickets otherwise
Win the day!
by Blzr fan on Feb 27, 2011 7:15 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Joel and Dante both playing for the Bobcats right now
nice to have another team to root for, when they are not facing the Blazers that is
Win the day!
Really excited for the game
always been a fan of Crash but never got to see him play in person, and the fact that it is for my favorite team will make this night extra special. If we win, that is.
Bat88m
Hoping Houston manages to beat NO
Would line everything up tonight for us to possibly claim the 5th seed back. We’d only be a couple games out from OKC and in contention for the division title.
Oh man
NO implodes at home against……Houston. Awful shooting night for Paul. I think we’ll overtake NO before it’s all said and done.
Predicted stat line for G Wallace tonight anyone?
My guess is 13pts-7rbs-2assists-2steals-1block-2-45%shooting-4-6FT’s,1-2 beyond the arc. I’m excited for some new talent. Plus Camby’s finally back and Roy is feeling more comfortable as a 6th man. Should be a fun/competitive game to watch. Rip City is back in action!
by NorthWest Connection on Feb 27, 2011 6:04 PM PST reply actions
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