Uh Oh

Lisa Dillman, LA Times: "The Great Clipper Experiment of 2008-09 continued this week with a new development involving an old player. Former Clippers forward Darius Miles worked out for the team on a scheduled off day Tuesday, one day after the Clippers dropped to 4-17, faltering in the fourth quarter against Orlando. 'We have an extra roster spot,' Clippers Coach and General Manager Mike Dunleavy said Wednesday. 'He is starting to work out for teams. And so, we're just looking into the situation.' Based on what they have seen and what they need, the woefully lacking-in-depth Clippers would jump at signing the 6-foot-9 free agent Miles, who was close to making the Celtics in training camp. The thought is that Boston wanted to keep Miles, 27, but a roster spot simply wasn't available."

This is not good news for Blazermaniacs... I'll keep watching the wire...

Good news is, he'd still have to wait 10 games to play due to suspension, so teams needing depth NOW might go after a D-leaguer...

Game 21: You got Punkd, Fool

Brandon Roy drives the lane, crosses over his man, looks for the open shooter... and finds nothing. To me, that pretty much sums up the game. The Celtics are probably going to be in the Finals, same as the L*kers. I think in some ways this was the Celts trying to send a message to te league, but especially the L*kers "anything you can do, I can do better"

They did respect the Blazers by bringing their A-game. That's something I said after the opening game of the season, too. The Blazers aren't sneaking up on anyone this year, and the other teams certainly aren't going to like people annointing the Blazers while they're gunning for a ring.

I'm getting so tired of people mis-using the +/- stat. It's like a new toy that they just can't put down. Case in point, Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge were -18 and -17 respectively, while Channing Frye, who looked wholly flummoxed and flabbergasted (airballs, turnovers, lackadasical play) finished +2. Not a huge thing, but the +/- stat is a TEAM stat, not an individual one, even though it is applied to single players. I'm still not even sure how useful it is, considering you can't tell who was on the floor with whom. Ah well.

Game 20: Abracadabra

The Wizards had no spell to cast in the fourth quarter. So that's when Roy went all Harry Potter on them. 12 points in 8 minutes from "The Reason" (Yes jorginvegas, I know that's yours. No jorginvegas I will not give you any royalties) and a couple of nifty dishes to open guys for some clutch buckets.

Greg Oden's put-back smash was super sweet, like sugared honey... I think the rim is still rattling today... Backboards around the league tremble at the mere mention of Oden's name.

This was a clearly tired Blazer team playing a clearly tired Wizard's team and still finding the will to push themselves over the top. Great effort from the guys, but there's obviously room to improve. It's nice to say that this year, look at the calendar and see that the Blazers finish off the season with more home games than road games. Even before the Sonics were stolen from Seattle the Blazers had a lot of miles on their road, now they travel further more often than any other team. I wonder why Nate doesn't go a little deeper into his bench during games a little more, just a couple minutes here and there for Ike and Bayless. I'm not talking major time, just tell them their role, i.e. "Jerryd, just come upcourt and pass" or "Ike, just grab some rebounds" It's a long season and those guys should spell the team occasionally just to keep the rest of the team fresh for the stretch run. Would they really be hurting the team in-game all that much? Even during the blowouts the Blazer's have had Jerryd and Diogu barely played 8 combined minutes.

(What happened to my post?!?!)... Oh well, 25% gone, and a quick hit on Blazers Knicks

Hmm... not too sure what happened to my Detroit post-game, but I'll re try it now (maybe the computer Gods didn't like it)

Game 18: Gutsy
Welcome back, LaMarcus!!! I think we can finally say the slump is officially over. Aldridge scored as much in the first quarter as the entire Pistons team. Now that is saying something.
The Blazer's starters were the reason for this victory, since the bench was outplayed by their Detroit counterparts in every way. Still, that's why you have depth like this, some nights the white unit will bail us out, and (hopefully most games) the starters can relax, ball, and dominate like tonight. The +/- in this game for the black unit was ridiculous. +28 for Roy, +23 for Greg, +22 for LaMarcus, and on and on. The bench... not so much.

Tonight: New Yuck
It is hard for me to believe that this Knicks team knocked off Utah. Let alone Golden State. As long as the Blazers play their own game, and are not seudced by the temptation to run run run like the D'antonis (oh, sorry, the Knicks) this is a "should" win.
The Blazers may be dead last in posessions per game, but they are second in the league in offensive efficiency. I'll take those odds any day of the week. I'm sure Nate has been pressing his team on pounding it inside against the undersized Knicks and not "going over to the dark side" so to speak by trying to run with them.
That having been said, I think the Blazers could easily beat this team in an open-court game, even with only the second unit. Do you think ANY team is going to want to face the Blazers come playoff time? Didn't think so. As long as the Blazers keep Nate Robinson contained and play big, this is over by halftime. Anyone else smell a blowout?

Dirty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_02CZPJp9cU
This is one of the worst (most blatant without actually striking the other guy) fouls I've ever seen. Great for Brandon on sticking up for himself. Good thing West didn't start nothing or he'd have had the Blazermaniacs come down on him like a freight train on an egg.

Refs should have called a flagrant, you can't horse-tackle a guy in Football, you darn well can't do it in NBA basketball. The zebras should be ashamed.

Game 17: Smoke 'em out.

Well. That was unexpected. I was all ready for a nice nip-and tuck game, even with CP3 and co. playing a back-to-back. Yeah, these are the games that good teams are supposed to win, but I guess I've just gotten used to the last few years of... ah... not winning these types of games. Great job all arounnd by the Blazers, but especially during that 17-0 run that sealed the deal. That might have been the best basketball I've seen the team play all season.

I don't count the Bulls and Heat blowouts, this came against an elite team.

Blake continues to be the water for this team. 11.2 points and 3.9 assists aint sexy, to be sure, but this team doesn't really need more whiskey. Blake sets the offense, plays great D on the other PG so Brandon doesn't have to chase the Parkers and Pauls of the world all over the place. Sergio looks great on the second unit, and I'm not sure that starting him is a good idea. There's only one ball, and Roy needs it in his hands to truly play his whole game. Blake can hit the spot-up 3 ball, 42% clip on the season, which, really what else are we looking for out of the PG spot on this team?

Oh, and this trade possiblity, at least to me, seems stupid. If it goes down, I'd have to call it the first boneheaded move of the KP era. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AomV.oHUqxr1g9YuGFUl.UG8vLYF?slug=ys-conleyoutlaw112808&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Why trade Outlaw for an unproven Point guard? Especially when you have to throw in Sergio so there's no jam at the 1? Stupid trade. Fortunately, once these "rumors" hit the web, there's usually nothing to them.

Add me again:

(To Bill Bradley)

Wow, what a one-dimensional reply. In what way is Oden one-dimensional? He's been flashing a nice turnaround jumper, filling the lane and getting some good boards and blocks. Yeah, he doesn't shoot threes, but that hardly qualifies him for the "one dimension" tag. What's so one-dimensional about Greg?

Brendan

The reply

Bill was gracious enough to reply quickly (albeit tersely)

Hi Brendan,

Thanks for writing,

Sorry you don't agree. But I don't like one-dimensional player. And it doesn't take long to see that Oden is one-dimensional.

Thanks for reading,

Bill Bradley

My letter to Bill Bradley of the Sac Bee

Mr. Bradley,
I almost spit my coffee all over my laptop when I was reading your article on how you would take Spencer Hawes over Greg Oden (http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/1428878.html#Comments_Container). I honestly could not believe that a credible sports journalist would make such a, how can I put this delicately, ill considered statement. If you want to do it right, you need to compare rookie numbers only, and not the numbers from this year since Spencer has spent an entire year getting up to NBA speed. You want (I think) the most telling stat? Greg Oden recorded a double double (along with 4 blocks) in his third game. Hawes didn't get his until his 60th game. As a matter of fact, it took Greg all of five games to record a 20 point effort, whereas Spencer had none. That's right, no games with 20 points his entire rookie campaign. And it's not because Hawes is playing behind Miller, Oden came off the bench behind Pryzbilla to record his.

Really, what research did you do for this article?
Here's Greg's game log
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/playerGameLog?categoryId=466327
And here's Spencer's (from his rookie year)
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/playerGameLog?categoryId=466345&selectedSeason=2007

look at the first 15 games and tell me Greg's ceiling is capped. I DARE you. Hawes has a sweet jumper, and he's a hell of a player, but he's no Greg Oden, sir. We're in the age of Google, and you just proved yourself an analog journalist.


Sincerely,
Brendan McMannis

Games 13, 14, 15: TMI

13, Portland/Sacramento:
Well... let's just say this was not a good measuring stick game for the Blazers. Missing Kevin Martin (who has been a Blazer killer) the Kings were merely mediocre. This was one of those "should wins" that everyone feels indifferent about unless the Blazers lose (then the sky is falling) Where's Aldridge?

14, Portland/Phoenix:
Too much Shaq.
And that's all I have to say about that.

15, Portland/Sacramento (ROUND 2!)
Too close. Just too close. Something is off with the Blazers. Yeah, they won, but it's almost too much hot then cold for this team. Still, a win is a win and at the end of the year it won't matter if they were by 1 point or 50, they all count the same. It strikes me though that the Blazers have been winning games almost despite themselves, which is the hallmark of a good team. And Brandon Roy is the man. His lefty layup is butter and should be used in my mom's cookie recipie.

Gmae 12: Domination

Well, I don't want to say I called it, but I did say this game wouldn't be close. I just didn't quite expect it to be this bad for Da Bulls. While everyone has been focusing on Oden and Roy, I was most impressed with Joel Pryzbilla, who finally got used like he should have all season when he rolls uncontested to the hoop 6-6, 14 points 9 boards and 3 blocks. Welcome to the party, Joel.

I was really loving that the Blazer's guards started to use their bigs effectively with Alley-oops from Sergio to Oden and from Roy to Aldridge. Looking at the +/- for this game is ridiculous, since most of the Blazer's were in the double digit plus. Rip city baby.

Even though the Blazer's outrebounded the Bulls 49 to 33, they allowed the Bulls 17 offensive rebounds (the same amount the Blazer's had) which was the Acchiles heel during the GS game. If the Blazers don't let that ball go through three red jerseys, Rudy dosen't get the T, and the game is completely different. Ah, 20/20 and all that.

First Blazer blowout... and they didn't even have Webster. The league is on notice.

Motivated?

Where has LaMarcus Aldridge gone? He's averaging fewer points and boards than last year. He started slow last season too, but not like this.

Freaking Bob Delaney. He just wanted to make up for letting the Blazers win on his watch in Miami.

Morrow fouled Rudy. And Delaney was way too quick on the T-rigger, but why didn't any of the other Blazers come and get Rudy away from the Ref? Where was Brandon's vaunted leadership?

Tonight, I bet the Blazers either come out motivated and flatten this Bulls team, or come out flat and get absolutely rolled. I don't think this one will be close either way.

In any case, I'm really missing my boy Webster.

Six and Four

I said a few days before the start of the season that if the Blazer's could finish off their brutal opening schedule somewhere near .500 (I was talking under) that we could view this as a potentially great season. Ten games in and the Blazer's are 6-4, with all four losses coming against teams with "Championship" on their minds, not "Playoffs"

L*kers
Suns
J*zz
Hornets

Not too shabby...


I loved what Roy had to say: "I've been telling people once he gets healthy and gets his confidence, this dude is going to be a force," said Brandon Roy, who had 24 points and six assists. "And I still think he is giving people just a taste of what he is going to do. I mean, he's good man. People just have to continue to be patient."

Again:
"People just have to continue to be patient."

Hear that all you fair-weather fans? Not that I think many of them read my blog, but I'll put it out there nonetheless. Greg still isn't old enough to drink, and I couldn't believe all the people who called him both injury prone (he stepped on Fisher's foot, it could happen to anyone) and a bust (big men traditionally take longer to adjust to the NBA game) That having been said, Oden has always played with a great NBA skill set, unlike most of the bust centers in the league who are forced into trying to do the things Oden alreafy does well: hold his ground, bail out his guards when they get beat off the dribble, and man up in the low-post.

Nate looks like he's settling on a consistent rotation, which is great considering the Lineup Two-Step he has been forced to do the last few seasons. I don't consider either McMillan or Brandon to be off-limits to criticism, but I haven't found much of anything to complain about. The win was McMillan's 100th as Blazers coach, so counting the six this season and the 41 last year, almost half have come in the last year +. Not too shabby coach.

Game 10: That's all she wrote

I'm loving the Nic Batum show. He doesn't force a shot. It is truly amazing to see a player who knows and accepts his role so well. He doesn't show up on the stat sheet much tonight, and he won't win the Rookie award, but 3-4 (2-3 on threes) in just under 10 minutes is spectacular.

Roy is... well... Roy. Simply amazing. I wish I could sit down with all the punks who were calling for him to be traded ofter the Hornet's game and "discuss" their problem. Zero turnovers for the Natural. So smooth.

13 points 8 boards ancd 3 blocks. Ladies and Gentlemen, Greg Oden has arrived. Still should have done a better job on Jefferson though. 12 of 16 shooting is just too much, and nearly cost the Blazer's here tonight, especially Greg's late turnover leading to the Jefferson jumper.

A good win, though this is a team the Blazer's should mop the floor with. Probably give the 'Zers a year or two of playoff experience and they'll manhandle teams like this... If the Timberwolves still had Ricky Davis I'd call them a bunch of cockroaches.

Adding Greg's totals to Pryz's and you get 23 points 16 rebounds and 4 blocks. Pretty decent production, but it can get better.

One Minute Left

Holy mackeral. I was hoping for a Blazer Blowout, not another nail biter (I'm down to nubs) but this is amazing... assists from Roy to Oden for big slams and Now we're talking comeback baby!!!


OUTLAW STEALS!!!! B ROY WITH THE JAM!!! YEAH BABY!!!!!!!

Game 8: Block Party

Oden Oden Oden and More Greg Oden. I really think this is a sign of things to come, 3-3, 11 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks. No Blocks Against and a BUNCH of great low-post D on Chandler. Chandler's line: 2 points, 7 rebounds... Great job, Greg! Watching the game you could see a new fire in his eyes.

I thought this was a game that the Blazer's would lose. The Hornets are going to be difficult to beat almost anytime, but at home and after losing 3 of their last 4 they were not going to lose easily. The fact that this game went down to the final seconds shows just how good this Blazer team has gotten.

A bit of an off-night for Rudy, just 10 points no rebounds and 2 assists. But it looked like the Hornets had scouted him really well and closed in every time he touched the ball. He still hit 2-4 threes despite the most aggressive D on him since the L*ker game.

Outlaw needs to own the second unit. He's got so many skills that he should me mopping the floor against the other team's reserves. He's gotten aggressive, but not consistently. Maybe some opponent will smack him in the face again and we'll all see the Outlaw we love.

Where oh where has my Webster gone? I really though this would be a breakout season for Martell, and it still could be, Batum played well, hitting on 1 of 2, (both three balls) but Webster can shoot the lights out for a whole game, and I was looking forward to seeing the defense that everyone was raving about in the preseason. Hurry back!!!

All in all, there were some great parts to this game, but the result just wasn't there. They'll get 'em next time.

Who all is going to the next home game?

Ohhhh Kay....

My link is just a signature, why are people freaking out? It's not like it's going to give you leprosy. Wow... Some people are quick to go nuts...

Go Blazers v Hornets...

Game 7: Debut, part Two

To quote Yahoo: "Oden’s first NBA points came with 49.4 seconds left in the opening quarter, when he leaped over Miami’s Joel Anthony for an offensive rebound, spun and threw down a fierce right-handed dunk as several Portland reserves bounded off their bench."

A dunk off an offensive rebound... Now that is what I'm talking about! And, now Joel Anthony will actually be remembered for something. He'll be a cantankerous old man someday with his grandkids going, "Gather 'round kids, while Grandpa tells you about the time Greg Oden tatooed "Spalding" on ol' gramp's forehead..." Good stuff. As soon as it's on Youtube, I'll be posting it here.

Also great to see Roy out there. I loved his assist to Rudy at the end of the half, that might be just a teaser preview to the big show once they develop the on-court chemistry, which already seems like it's coming along.

Speaking of Rudy, he may just run away with the R.O.Y. award. 7 for 11 shooting and 25 points. That's what we here call "efficiency" Something I think Zach Randolph was allergic to.

I'm not too worried about Greg not winning the Rookie award, Bigs usually take longer to develop anyway. We'll probably see a couple of 20 point games from Oden, but I'd guess not till towards the end of the season. Rudy, meanwhile, looks polished to a shine, which is scary because he can still clearly get better. Better put on some sunglasses folks, we aren't used to this much light in Portland!

PDFTT

Well, just in case there was any confusion, as someone suggested, 1 is the worst, 10 is the best. Thanks for the hits!

WTF

I just have to know which two people voted Brandon Roy's clutch as "1" ... Care to comment? Is there any particular thing you've noticed?

Game 6: Hit and Run

The Blazers won a game on the road with Bob Delaney as one of the officials... I might have to do more research, but I think that might be illegal...

Somehow the Blazers were able to overcome 29 and 19 from Howard, and they did it with exceptional perimeter defense. If not for Turkgolu, the final score would have looked a lot worse for the Magic. The chemistry of the Blazer's looks like it might be coming together. I'm on the East Coast right now. It's late, and I'm tired. More tomorrow.

Game 5: Any Questions?

23 has significance in the NBA. It's a number that equates to greatness. Reserved for the best player on the team (usually) it's iconic meaning is never lost on even the most casual NBA fan. Now there's another 23 for the Blazers. Not a jersey number, but the Minnesota game marked the 23rd time in his NBA career that Brandon Roy has won or tied a game with either a shot, an assist or a defensive play.

Let me repeat that for those who are hard of reading: 23 times.

It took Allen Iverson until last season to hit a game-winner.

Any qusetions?

Game 4: All hail the King...

Wow... I mean... What else can you say? In just two plus seasons Brandon has left an indelible mark on this franchise. If he gets a career ending injury tomorrow, I still say he makes the Blazer Hall of Fame. When he was stripped by Ron "The Head Case" Artest, I wondered what was going wrong with this season. The last 2.9 seconds has to be among the craziest I've ever seen. I don't think the Blazer's, or Roy, would have recovered from that steal last year.

WHAT A SHOT!

Mr. Clutch, The Natural, B Roy... Whatever you call him, he's surely the best player on the floor. McGrady might win the scoring titles, Yao might be overpowering down low, and Aldridge might have that feathery game that no one gives enough credit to, but Roy's patience sets him apart into a class by himself. He doesn't slow the game down, he takes it at his own pace. He dictates the tempo and style of play, doesn't run out of control, and sticks to his coaches game plan. I think McMillan must be in love.

SCARY THOUGHTS:
If the Blazers can come together on this upcoming road trip, they have a chance to do some real damage. The next few games include the first "Should Wins" of the season. The Lakers were going to beat the Blazer's on opening night, just face it, they're not in the same class as them yet. San Antonio was a great win, made even better by the fact that the Spurs are NOT a team that likes to lose, and they had lost their first two. Phoenix was a game the Blazers could have won, but it's understandable that they didn't. Utah... was, well... U-Tah... Now the Blazers look forward to getting Greg back, and then Martell a little bit after that. Martell will open up the floor in so many ways, and by all reports his 1-1 D has improved dramatically. Not Nic Batum level, but still very good. Now, looking at the upcoming schedule, the Magic will be a difficult team, and Greg Oden will surely be missed, not because he'd do really well this year against Dwight, but because he'd give the Blazers 6 extra fouls, allowing them to guard him closer. The Blazers could win this one, but I think it will be as difficult as the Phoenix game. The Heat will be tough since they're at home, but this game is also winnable. Then New Orleans, where I think the Blazers will get stung. The first "should win" is next, the Timberwolves, though they look much improved from last year (not saying much...) then the Warriors, also a "should."

Things are looking up!

Game 3

Too much Amare... I know he and Nash have chemistry you could launch a spaxeship with, but, really? 6 for 6 in the third? Where are you LaMarcus?!?! Urgh... well, the only solace is that the last few years, the Blazer's would have lost this game by 30.

I don't mind the Blazers starting out 1-2, they had better not go into December without a road win again though. If they can manage to stay afloat through their brutal opening schedule, somewhere around .500, they'll do just fine. One game at a time, that's all they can play.

Anyone else think the Hornets are the real deal? Wow... Why did you have to sign that conract extension, CP3?

deep thoughts

B Roy and Rudy play well offf each orther... a starting date is imminient...

1 and 2

Game 1

I'm not wasting time with a re-cap. You saw what you saw.

Wow. With Oden out for the next two to four weeks (optomistic, yes) Pryzbilla will be "the man" in the middle for the next while. I like the chemistry Pryz is bound to have with the starting unit, after logging the most starts and minutes in his career last season. That having been said, Nate's team was soft as the butter you use to make sweet sweet chocolate chip cookies. Which the Laker's made out of the Blazer's "D".

I think the loss of Greg shook the team, but Brandon and LaMarcus missed numerous shots they would normally drain. They looked like they were forcing it, not relaxed at all especially Roy, who missed his first six shots and ran up court faster than I've ever seen. He's no fast break guy, and he looked like he was working for a quick shot on every possesion.


...

Game 2

Well now. Once again. You saw what I saw.

You saw Pryzbilla playing the Low Post D that I've talked about. He does not get the block on his man, he gives up a ton of ground on every back-down, but he forces a contested shot every time. Good low-post D is hard to spot, but he's got it. I know he got five fouls, but at least two (maybe three) were bad calls going to the superstar (Duncan)

1-1 is a great start against two teams that looked to win the championship last year. Let's keet it going.

Dr. Miles, I presume???

OK. I'll make it no secret I don't want Miles back in the league. As a Blazer Fan, combining the words "Cap Space" and "Paul Allen's Money" are lyrics to the song you could lose your virginity to. But saying that he has a great shot to make it for any team is still a stretch. Sure- he played well for the Celts- now we see if he is, to quote, "Dr. Darius, or Mr. Miles" Only his next stop will tell

I'm not sure if I agree that Miles will make it back. Three reasons: Past History, His infamous Behaviour Which Shall Not be Rcalled. Past Injury, still has a medical discharge, and has yet to prove he can sustain any sort of consistent effort. Duality, maybe part of history, but I wonder

Preseason Take me now

Oh my... I for one hate to resort to cliches... but the Frail Blazers tag seems to fit here. Webster, Blake, LaFrentz, (I know... who?) Oden and Roy to a degree... and now Rudy??? I like to think that the Blazers are at least getting the injuries out of the way early, but there do seem to be "those" years in every sport where the Disabled List is like the town bike... Here's hoping no.

On the brighter side, even though he admits he's not in his best shape, Oden is proving that he's a force to be reckoned with. His projected per-40 totals at this rate are ridiculous, and probably unrealistic. Once facing regular season D, not to mention top centers, he'll come back to earth for a while.


Quick... how many cliches did I use in this post??? Win a prize!!!

Ho ho ho... Christmas Comes Early!

Well, I certainly hope 13 points in 20 minutes (with a couple of nasty dunks) silences those doubters from Fan Fest. If not, how about this picture of Greg saying "I don't think so" to Spencer Hawes:And, lo, Greg Oden said "No," and it was Good.

I thought Webster looked really good, but Fernandez showed his grasp of the game is not limited to Euro-ball (not that that's an insult anymore) fundamentals are fundamentals.

I was surprised how close the poll between Webster and Rudy was (yeah, I think that Outlaw guy might have gotten a couple votes too) But I'd like to hear anybody on why they think their player should start. What skills would Webster bring that Fernandez couldn't? Will either one of them have the D that the position will require night in and night out? For that matter, does T.O.?

Fan Fest 2008

Why why why did I have to be stuck in Seattle for the FanFest???? WHY???? Judging from the novellas people have been posting, I missed the best thing since the ball started to bounce.
Ah well, at least I'll be back for the pre-season games. There's more real optimism this year than I can remember since the Drexler days. Even during the Playoff/Jailblazer years when you KNEW they'd play OK, I don't think those teams thought of themselves like these guys do. Right on.

By the way - I read the article saying Jerryd Bayless slipped into reffering to himself in the third person... NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! That scares me.

Brendan has never liked any player who used 3rd person.......

Back to Earth

Well, as with all things in life, the cycle has turned on the media's Blazer optimism. I've noticed a lot of sites, which up until this week, that were touting the Trail Blazer's as the best thing in the league since the peach basket, are starting to temper their expectations, even to the point where (probably to make themselves stand out) are saying the Blazers will LOSE MORE GAMES!!!

It's true that improving from 31 to 41 wins is easier than 41-50, but I really see no reason for a big Blazer drop-off this year. Last year's team didn't overachive- they were underrated. Even if Rudy/Bayless doesn't work like we'd all like, that hardly means anything given the fact that Roy and Aldridge are too motivated personally to take a step backwards.

One more shot

OK, one more jab at Zach, then I can lay off him for a while.

Riddle me this: What's the use of a power forward who cannot dunk, defend, or drive without a doobie?



Also, great Media Day article on Webster (one of my favorite players to yell at on the TV)
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=10124 I love the attitude Martell is taking. He's clearly one of the most athletic of the Blazers, and I've always loved that silky 3-ball. If he can really mix it up on the defensive end, even just keep the other guy in front of him, he'll play a lot of minutes.

Last breath before the Plunge

I do realize that, while I do try for some measure of objectivity on my Blog, it's rather clear that I'm going to be biased. That having been said I realized that I had been falling into some rather easy fan-traps. For instance, my assertation in the last post where I said that Greg Odens arrival would mean fewer Double Teams on Aldridge, and I had to re-think it. Here goes.

With the arrival of any center with mobility, especially one like Oden with size, that instantly presents matchup problems for most teams. I will modify the original statement: This year, with Oden on the block, Aldridge should be freed up inside because opposing centers will have to focus on Oden and Pryzbilla. The double-teams he will be facing will likely come from the wing, a guard or the small forward coming over to help out will pressure the ball directly, and create a different kind of problem for Aldridge. That having been said, LaMarcus is the anti-Zach Randolph. I actually found myself yelling into my television for LMA to "DON'T PASS IT!!! SHOOT IT YOU FOOL." Anyone EVER remember saying that to Puddin'? Aldridge is almost too quick to kick the ball back out, a welcome 'problem' to be sure since teams can't just absolutely collapse inside knowing the bad shot and easy rebound is coming. Aldridge will get pressured, no doubt, but if the shooters have improved like they should have over the summer the Blazers will be VERY difficult to stop.



I got an idea for the Knicks marketing slogan: "Zach Randolph, where your Offense goes to die"

Last Gasp of Summer Weather

Portland Trail Blazer fans have to be among the wierdest on the planet, not the whole Portland-wierd cliche, but an actual insanity where most of us would probably give up our summer to have the NBA season right now. Ah, and I count myself among them.



Great video that popped up on my blog's reel today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuhncbO975k I figured I ought to share. It's one of the best mixes of the 2008 Blazers that you're likely to see.


Look for Aldridge to probably average the same number of rebounds and blocks this year. I think that, while LMA may have improved, the arrival of Oden (provided he doesn't turn into the Human Fouling Machine) will take some of those stats. His scoring should improve, by itself, and with the addition of G.O. he shouldn't have to face as many double teams.

Thinking Positive...

OK. Try and look at this objectively. There is a chance the Blazers don't make the Playoffs next year. I think they've got a great shot at it, but just look at the teams you can lock in ahead of the Blazers, according to my guess at Western Conference seeding:

1) Hornets... it's tough to put them ahead of the Lakers, but...
2) Lakers... Who are only here because the
3) Spurs... are old as hell, but still good
4) Rockets... unless they blow up
5) Suns... who are only as good as Nash
6) Mavs... An enigma, could fold big
7) Jazz... Lest we forget, they'll probably seed higher.
8) DOGFIGHT!!!!

The way I see it there are a bunch of teams that could conceivably challenge for this spot. Of course the Blazers are the bunch with the least issues. Not the least of which is inexperience, which unfortunately can only come with actual experience.

You can't count out the Nuggets. They'll be softer than butter in an oven on Defense, but they'll win their share of games too. The loss of Canby will hurt them a lot, so it's up in the air.

The Clips could make a run, simply because they have Baron Davis, who makes his teams better when he's happy and healthy. Having no Elton Brand or Corey Magette makes me wonder what he'll do.

We'll see in a couple months.

Devils Advocate

Three Reasons the Blazers DON'T Make the Playoffs:

1) Well, they're in the WEST... Is there anyone out there who thinks (with the possible exception of the Telfair year) that the Blazer's Playoff streak would have ever ended if they played out East? There's just way too much depth in the conference, and the Blazers have NO margin for error if they want even the 8th spot.

2) They're all a year older... but the team got... younger? It's true. With the additions of Bayless and Batum the Blazers have a younger average age than last year. James Jones' presence will be SORELY missed.

3) Bad Luck. Like it, though most likely not, always has a chance of cropping up it's pockmarked hideous skull. Injuries, miracle shots, bad calls. These are the things you must be good enough that they don't beat you, and the Blazer's have a LOOOOOOOOOOONG history of being in the right place at the wrong time.

Outlaw's Time, Oden's Cry, Efficiency

I liked the Outlaw expo the Oregonian ran today. Outlaw has always been one of my favorite players, and probably one of the most frustrating at times. He worries about "getting his shots" in the second unit, and that might be true, if he's only gonna take those jumpers. Don't get me wrong... when he's on, it's deadly, but I could see him thriving in the reserve unit by simply being the guy Bayless and Rudy can lob to for the alley-oop. With his jump, not only can he elevate over anyone for his shot, he can elevate over everyone for the dunk too. If he can consistenly crash the glass for both boards and lobs, he'll be in the starting unit.

Oden, my man, please stop screaming like that every time you come down from a dunk. It scares me because I won't know when you do it because it hurts. I can't take the pressure... the walls are closing in!!! Oxygen! Oxygen!!!

The Blazers are assembling a group of some of the most efficient scorers in the league. Roy takes smart shots, and shoots a mind-boggling (for a second-year guard) 45.4%. Stretch the Magic Forward (Aldridge) meanwhile shot a blistering 48.4%. Remember in 07, Zach scored 42 points against the Grizzlies... on 40 shots. Not efficient. LaMarcus Aldridge on New Years Eve last season scored 36 points on just 17 shots. I'll take that any day.

Taking a Chance

Luke Jackson, where have you been? I know you've gone through three back surgeries, but I still remember when you helped me win a March Madness bracket in High School (yes, I know I'm showing my youth) I've always liked you, Luke, and here's hoping you can pull an "Ime" and force the Blazers to use that juicy roster spot.

Then again, if the Blazers are making a nice push by midseason, and (say like last year) a guy like Sam Cassell gets bought out, if Jackson is an injured wreck KP will be eating his lunch through a straw.

RANDOM THOUGHTS:

The Blazers have a chance at greatness this year, if they listen to McMillan, The Wizard of D.

The second unit of the Blazers could start on almost any team in the East.

Will Aldridge be on the next Olympic team as the starting PF, if he's healthy?

Damn, is McMillan's Swarming Zone effective or what?

Rudy, Rudy, Rudy, Rudy! (sounds like the Blazers signed my Grandma)

PetKo is a lame nickname. What? Is the opposition gonna buy a puppy from him?

Great Expectations

What is it with Blazer's players and knee injuries anyway?

Delayed Gratification

Two weeks between posts was not what I had in mind, but... well... deal.

Miles has been signed by the Celts. Good luck. If he DOES make it all the way back, good for him, if not, good for the home team.

Rudy was amazing in the gold medal game. If not for some really questionable calls, he had a chance to put Spain over the top. Gods I can't wait to see what this kid does for the Zers.

I'll try and get some more time tonight to post, I feel like I'm neglecting a puppy or something...

Long time coming

After a long absence to what some people are calling "real life" I finally find time to make a post.


And I only have five minutes. Of course.

B Roy:
"OH hell OH HELL OH... ok ok ok... please let it be ok..."
Does that sum it up?

Rudy:
Ummmm, if Roy is hurt, will you take us to the dance?

Oden:
Time to rumble.

Oklahoma City...???

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AuWfE2EF.2fkeh4mRgYFJNO8vLYF?slug=ap-oklahoma-nba&prov=ap&type=lgns

I prefer the Oklahoma City Barons (y'know, as in Robber Barons)

So much good stuff...

Well, it seems the Greeks are the latest to start buying the USA one piece at a time. By now, all of you know that Josh Childress has signed with Team Grease to play the part of "Danny Zuko" oh wait no... wrong Grease. I doubt his move will have that much effect on the economics of the NBA, unless the Dollar continues to fall against the Euro.

I actually was pulling for the Blazers to draft this kid the year he came out (he even fell to the second round!) but now that I look back, he would have been heavily influenced by Puddin' and Hyde (Zach and Miles). I'm not saying he's a bad kid, but from what I heard leading up to the draft, he was more a follower than a leader.

Speaking of which, I was thinking about the 06-07 season, specifically about what I condsider to be the TRUE moment when the Blazers ceased being the Jail Blazers. Remember this game versus the Lakers? April, 07:

"There was much chatter in the locker room, the loudest coming from star forward Zach Randolph, who was harping about the team's turnovers, particularly the ones in which Lakers' guard Smush Parker was able to steal the ball from the Blazers' guards. Around the corner, in the bathroom, Roy heard Randolph ranting."I remember thinking I have to say something," Roy said Monday.As he turned the corner, he confronted Randolph, telling him that he shouldn't be pointing out individuals, that his criticism should be kept to the team as a whole."I was yelling," Roy said. "And he was yelling back at me. He said, 'I didn't say you guys were the only ones turning the ball over.' But we were both shouting."

That was the moment everything changed. That was the day the Blazers got their real leader. Sure, I think there were another couple of "incidents" on the PDX Police blotter, but the Blazers became Roy's right then and there.

For some reason, I keep hearing and reading from a lot of people that Webster is expendable, and that's just st-st-stupid. You never get rid of the 6' 7" guard who can snipe from Three Land. All the modern-era championship teams had one (Brent Barry, Spurs; Steve Kerr, Bulls; Jason Koppono, Heat; even Derek Fisher to some extent)

Great mix of Bayless' summer league here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2MuqQe505g I know these are just highlights, but from the looks of it. I can see why he didn't average more than 1.3 assists. Every time he did drive, none of the opposing bigs rolled over to help off on him, so yeah, take the open shot first. Passing is great, but any coach will tell you they'd like nothing more than a game where every basket is shot from within 5 feet. At least, if they win. Otherwise, then... that plan sucks. Don't you love sports?

By the way, 1.3 assist is exactly as many as DJ Augestine netted. The one thing Augestine did better, WAY better, was shooting a higher percentage. That's interesting, if only because With such relatively few shots, and such good production, he should have averaged more assists.

-----G---M---PTs----Sh/Att-----Pct----Reb-Ast--Stl--Blk
DJ:--3--29.7--19.7--6.0/11.--0.563--4.0--1.3--1.0--.0
JB:--4--34.0--29.8--8.2/17.--0.485--4.8--1.3--1.2--.2

Pre-Season Thoughts

Ok, maybe this Bayless kid is on to something. I've said you can't take much from summer league, but that doesn't mean you can't take anything. Bayless was MVP, scored 30 points a game and got invited to play with the Big Bad Beijing Boys. Not bad for the 11th pick. I can see why the Blazers traded to make sure they got him, but what I don't understand is why a couple of teams passed on him. I know he can take the role of scoring bench guard that McMillan likes so well a-la Juan Dixon in 05-06 and Jarett Jack last year. Best thing is, Bayless can shoot better than both of those guys.

Batum might get a chance to spot up as a defensive specialist, but this kid might be more of a project than Outlaw till he gets a role he can play. Too bad he already has a roster spot, I thought of him as a stash-pick when we first got him anyway.

Kopponen has to wait one more year. We don't need another summer league guard who can score. If he were more of a penetration passer, sure, but I think this final roster spot would be better off saved for later in the season. Look at last year when Sam Cassell opted out and went to the Celts. It happens now all the time in the NBA for teams looking to cut their losses, and players wanting to go to contenders. If the Blazers do well this year, and the right Free Agent comes along, we'll ALL want that roster spot cleared.

Summer League

Three games in, and Bayless has shown he can get to the rim at will. Yeah, it's a bunch of D-leaguers and scrubs, but the way he's been doing it shows that he'll be able to do the same thing on the next level.

Kopponen is interesting. I just don't know. Don't you think the Blazers already have enough Point Guards? He CAN shoot, though, which is something that Sergio cannot.

It worries me that there's been no passing so far in the SL. I know coaches are saying show me what you can do, and there's only one ball. But still. These last few games with Bayless at the 1 will show just how good he is. If he gets 4 assists with the yokels he's been playing with, I'll be happy.

Batum Bayless and Diogu

Well... Let's start with the least heralded of the bunch...

Diogu:
First off, the injuries. I for one think it is not a good sign that Diogu pulled out of the Summer league because of knee issues. Not the best of omens. He has a big upside I think though, if only because he can fill the role of the rebounder inside (provided he stays healthy , so this maybe is asking too much) however even without him, the Blazer's still have great balance.

Blake/Bayless/Rodriguez
Roy/Rudy/(Webster)
Outlaw/Webster/Batum
Aldridge/Frye/Diogu
Oden/Pryzbilla/LaFrentz

Batum:
A lot of ESPNers on draft night said that Batum had the biggest upside of any player in the draft. One one of them compared him to Travis Outlaw, even before the trade. I disagree. He has a thicker body than Outlaw. When Travis first came into the league he looked like a tornado of matchsticks compared to the other small forwards in the league, while Batum looks like he could hold his own in the post eventually "once he gets over being so French," according to Pritchard... well at least he won't have to go up against any Nazis.

Bayless:
Think about this, all you haters. Last year, in a conference that was largely deemed the toughest in the nation, Jerryd Bayless was #3 in scoring. He lost the Freshman scoring title to OJ Mayo by a single point, with significantly fewer field goals:

...................................G....FG...3s...FT...Pts...Avg
2.Mayo, O.J.-USC...........FR 33..237...88..122..684..20.7
3.Bayless, Jerryd-ARIZ.....FR 30..173...59..187..592..19.7

Even though Mayo made 29 more three pointers and over SIXTY more shots, he still was only one point better than Bayless, because Jerryd made sixty more free throws. Getting to the line sixty times in a season isn't easy, and he tripled it. He can drive, and defend and shoot. Who could ask for anything more? Take it easy on the kid, he's only 19 and was asked to play a position where he was outsized almost every night. Give him Jack's role from last year (Bench scoring, plus a little extra pressure on the opposing Point) Just be patient.

Thirsty Thusrday

Just gotta love the spectacle of the waterfront intro to Bayless Batum and Diogu.

Long Day...

It was a long day for me at work... not for the Blazers (although it seems McMillan is a hugger) I had about 30 seconds to post what I did, so... it is what it is.

Batum is an enigma wrapped in a riddle concealed behind curtains of uncertainty. He can dunk, I'll give him that... but then, so can 95% of the NBA. If I have any concern about the rooks it is that anyone can hit a shot in an open gym, but I want to see Bayless against Baron, or Batum versus (god help me) Artest first before I get too hopped up.

Tuesday Trouble

OK, it's been a couple a days, but hey it's not even summer league yet.

So, Batum is really supposed to be on the squad next year, eh? That'll be interesting (it was on the radio, sorry no link)

hmmm

Is it OK to hate "Flo" the progressive.com girl? Because... I do...

Even New York knows they got Pritch-slapped...

"With his next trick, he didn’t pull a rabbit out of his hat. No, this was far more impressive. He turned a cancerous, out-of-shape, one-dimensional power forward into Channing Frye. That’s not even the most amazing part. The thing about this deal that makes it truly magical is that he had New Yorkers, myself included, thinking that we robbed him."

Yeah, I'm sure for brief periods of time all the teams Pritchard dealt with felt that way. He seems to have that car-salesman ability to make you think you've got the best deal in the world... till you drive off the lot and you've gotten the extended warranty...

here's the link:
http://www.nbadraft.net/node/1351

Post-draft letdown...

It's like christmas for the Blazer's each year... The anticipation, the suspense, the thrill, the high, and now... WHEN WILL THE FRIGGIN SEASON BEGIN????

So, here are some Fearless Predictions:

Greg Oden will win the Rookie of the Year award... After posting averages of 8.6 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks, Greg Oden was unanimously named ROY for the playoff-bound Portland Trailblazers.

Nate McMillan will become NBA coach of the year... The Blazers boast a .670 winning percentage (good for 4th in the West, would have been 2nd in the East) and the media is SHOCKED, but only because they have all got their heads up their collective arses.

Brandon Roy will make the All-Star game... as a starter... proving countless fantsy basketball pundits wrong, Roy, aloowed room to roam with his sharpshooting cast averages 17 points a game... on 55% shooting.

These are all wrong I'm sure, but it's fun to dream!

Summer League

Pettri Kopponen has reportedly been promised a long look at the Point. I wonder how they'll split the time with Bayless. Oh, and what about Freeland? I haven't heard a word since last year. Is he still on the Blazer's radar?

I think the Blazers will do fine this year, barring injury.

Stupid Yahoo

Ok. I know I'm a little harsh on the Yahoo sports guys, but it is sometimes nescesary. Observe: http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/blog/roto_arcade/post/Fantasy-Basketball-Mock-Draft-Round-1-Paul-top;_ylt=AlfsXl7ED99kwSiBy2pbU.JNC5kB?urn=fantasy,91383 Caron Butler and Marcus Canby are on the list, but Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge aren't, and they both had better years last year. Improve the free-throw percentage and we're talking MAJOR fantasy value.

Mr. Jones

Well, free-agency officially began last night. I'm not even going to try and wade into that muck. I'm just going to let everything solidify, then pick my way through the rubble.

I did have one question, though. Could James Jones be brought back without hurting the long term health of the team? I've read through the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement (yeah, just a little light summer readin') and came away with a headache and anachronyms buzzing around my head like drunken gnats.

Baron for hire...

Davis has opted out of his contract. I don't envision the Blazers as one of the teams that would want him (or, to be more precise) he would want to go to. At least for now.


I know the Blazers seem to be on the cusp of something magnificent... Is it just the leftover distrust from the last management regime that I still find that last essential sliver of my fandom failing to commit? Like... like a freshman at the senior prom?

I hope so. I have to admit, from time to time I have nightmares about the starting lineup

"Aaaand NOW!!! Your PORTland TRAL-BLAZERRRRRRRRS:
At point guard... STEVE FRANCIS!!!!
At shooting guard... ROBERT (w)HORRY!!!!
At small forward... RON ARTEST!!!
At power forward... ZACH RANDOLPH!!!
At center.... RASHEED WALLACE!!!"




Not gonna happen.

G.O. Blazers!!!

oh man

I'm gonna have to get off my ass and make my own draft grades like every other blog now?


um


NO.

Blazers: A+, the rest... WHO CARES?!?!

From the Bleachers

Recently read an article about the upcoming rookie class on the Bleacher Report. Interesting, but I do disagree with one thing, at least:

"8. Roy Hibbert will average more rebounds as a Pacer rookie than he did as a Georgetown senior.

Hibbert had just five games of 10+ rebounds as a senior for the Hoyas, and I expect him to get enough playing time as a rookie to surpass that. He averaged 6.4 boards as a college senior, so this prediction could be a stretch. But, it is possible."

This is the kind of "logic" I've never understood. If a guy who's 7' 2" is outrebounded by smaller, weaker college players... Why will he suddenly transform in the NBA when he's going up against guys with talent tenacity and desire.

Silly. Here's the whole thread. Nice bits about Oden and Rudy http://bleacherreport.com/articles/33566-nba-10-bold-predictions-for-the-2008-09-rookies

Hmmm

I just noticed that I forgot to mention something here that I posted in another thread. I think a likely explanation for Bayless' turnovers is that Lute Olson, his coach left JUST before the season, forcing Jerryd to learn an entirely new playbook.

I like this kid.

Lone Outlaw

I would like to see Outlaw take over the starting Small Forward spot. He obviously put in a lot of work toward the end of the season on his deep ball, and when he got a couple blocks and got into the game defensively, he took over, remember Memphis?

So late....

OK As for the point guard situation, I think it will be Blake (ranked #32 on the player efficiency chart... ahead of Rajon Rondo) then Bayless then Surge Rod (god it made me laugh when Mike Barrett called him that last season)
The idea is that Bayless, off the bench, can push the tempo, while being a VASTLY greater scoring threat than Rigo.

I should be asleep

Have the Trailblazers sold off the naming rights? I didn't hear a word after the initial idea was announced.



If I had a vote I say all of us Trailblazer fans chip in and re-name it "The Garden of Oden"


Just an thot...

Bayless Draft Diary

Nice couple of videos just posted.
Video 1 is before the draft
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZwLmIr0jkk

Video 2 is day-of
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhXtNN67-3s

I like this kid. He's not reticent, he actually might be able to give the Blazer's a little more swagger.

Bayless to Jack to Shaq to... Kevin Bacon?

Here's a side-by-side comparison for Bayless and Jack's freshman seasons. Both were first-year full time starters.

Jack:
GS Min FG % 3s % RO-RD A - T Blk Stl Pts (Avg.)
31 31.7 97/213 .455 17/60 .283 16-94 185-106 3 51 294 (9.5)

Bayless:
GS Min FG % 3s % RO-RD A - T Blk Stl Pts (Avg.)
30 35.7 173/378 .458 59/145 .407 13-69 121-89 3 29 592 (19.7)

So, there's an obvious drop-off in steals, but that's not nescesarily a sign of a great defensive player (look at Iverson, he takes lots of risks) Jack is a spectacular student of the film room, and likely that can explain the difference. Another thing I notice is the rebounding. Bayless had better bigs to play with, but Jack has always seemed to have good rebounding skills. I would like to see how Bayless responds this year, since he's going to be asked to score less. I like him coming off the bench to start the season, provide some of the energy that Jack brought to that role last year (like Barbosa, or Stuckey, etc.)

As for the Assist/Turnover... I'm not sure yet. I can understand getting the ball stolen, even if he just put too much zip on some passes, that's ok. As long as he didn't step on the baseline. Right?

Hit the road, Jack

Sorry about the title. I actually have always liked Jack, but just kind of more as a kind of "awww, look... the little guy's trying SO HARD... Inn't that cu.... NO JACK!!! NO!!! DON'T STEP ON THE BASELINE!!!! BAD JACK!!!!" way.

He'll do well in the east. I love his explosiveness in getting (and finishing) at the rim, he's got a great work ethic, and by all accounts one of the best team guys on the roster.

Bayless! Bayless!

OK, I'm not going to get my hopes up too high. But this still is a very nice pick that didn't cost any of the core Blazers.

As for those that worry about his turnovers, he was a freshman this year, and had to re-learn a new playbook after Lute Olson left. I mean, cut the kid some slack. He doesn't need to be a true point, all he needs to do is defend the likes of Chris Paul so Brandon Roy doesn't have to tire himeself out chasing them around the floor. Hell get a few assists (Probably 3-4 a game as a rook) hit the occasional 3. That's always nice too.

The more I think about it, the more I like it.

Damn

Ok. I know I said I was going to bed, but I just noticed that the Blazers traded Dorsey. Bad move. Mark my words, this one will haunt the Blazers. This Year.

Wow my head hurts

That was a lot of trading. I think Jarryd Bayless is a steal, even if it cost Jack and McRoberts. I'm going to have to sleep and write my reaction tomorrow. Right now, Brendan tired.

Plus

McRoberts is reportely gone too. That's too bad, I wish we could have seen him on the floor this year.

Trader Grader: B+

Bayless and Igou for Jack and Rush

Jerryd Bayless! OK, not my first choice, but still. This will be a nice compliment to Roy. Neither is a true point, but that's not a bad thing because they both know how to pass the ball. I think this will work well...

On the cusp

Draft has so far been surprisingly close to what's been projected. Blazers next!!!

David Lee?

I hate to admit it, but I had to look him up. I can really only name a couple of players on the knick's roster, and that's only two too many.

Lee: Forward/Center, decent rebounder. Looks solid, but redundant on the Blazers. McRoberts will put up similar numbers, maybe more scoring less rebounding.

This is I don't see happening, unless the blazers simply trade their picks plus cash for the 6th spot and take the player they really want.

Why why why Alexis?

The Blazers don't need a center, so I don't understand the latest mock drafts saying the Blazers will take this frenchman Alexis Ajinca. I mean, if Roy Hibbert is just sitting there... Why would you take an unknown European 7 footer (yeah, THOSE picks have all been smashing successes) over a known quantity? Hibbert has great shotblocking ability, a nose for finding the ball in a rebounding scrap.

I say that this is part of a larger plan to get the point guard McMillan likes, wether he's drafted or traded for.

Tick Tock

Until Pritchard arrived I don't think I ever looked forward to a draft like this. Multiple picks, a fearless GM, and an owner who is unafraid to open the wallet.

Good times.

Jones is Free Agent Man

Well, he had up until last night, but James Jones is going to test the free agent waters, hopefully find them too chilly for his liking, and get back on Paul Allen's yacht. Hopefully with a nice raise, since this seems like just getting leverage.

Does he really expect to find a better situation? Young team on the rise, looks to him to be a leader but not the hero. Promising core, possibly one of the best centers of the new era. This is the type of situation other players like Jones opt out of contracts to go to.

Thanks Mr. Jones! Stick around another year. It's about to get FUN.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=W9VLloIPvg0

Prog

Baron Davis will be injured the first month of the season. He's gone two years without a serious one, he's due by my book.

Official

The 27th pick is OURS... for now...

End of civlilization

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-celtics-riversshirt&prov=ap&type=lgns
Really, this just goes too far. A basketball, sure. A program. Yes. A dirty shirt... well...

Yes,
but I don't have 55 bucks.

What?

Fifty-five...
THOUSAND?!?!?

F that.

Here we go...

Moving on... It was reported the Blazers are in talks with the mavs (not sure who'd theyd want off of the current staff... Kidd? but why?) No question the mavs look to move into the first round to get some help for Dirk with a shooter, but this does NOT make sense.

I thought so...

Interesting. I've been thinking this for a while, but didn't want to sound like an idiot (too late!) But I was thinking that Brandon Roy and Paul Pierce have a VERY similar game in how they manage to get into the paint without running at full tilt every time. Just read an article that pretty much confirmed it, guardedly, to quote from Roy himself:

"Brandon: I know Paul a little bit just from being in the league and playing against him, but I definitely have a ton of respect for him and his game of course. I would like to think that we have some similarities in our games’."

http://slamonline.com/online/2008/06/brandon-roy-goes-back-to-camp/

Now, was my thought on the Celts/Blazers having a similar offense wrong? Huh? Huh? Ok, maybe it is. But it LOOKS eerily similar.

And here's to you, Mr. Billionare

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/news/story?id=3459658
Another first rounder? My my my. Now that could be the leverage the Blazer's need to get something GOOD...

Isn't life just worth living when we're SPAMing?

Draft

I don't know, there's a lot of talent, but none of it is what will put the Blazer's over the top THIS year. But is that important? Maybe if we kept the pick it'd take another year, but the Blazer's would be unstoppable once eveyone developed...

Shaq no longer the long arm of the law

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is a dipwad. Every year at the Maricopa County Fair they use the pole rammed up his ass for the main tent.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-shaq-kobe-rap&prov=ap&type=lgns

Speaking of fantasy...

I actually participated in my very first fantasy basketball league this past season. I basically drafted half of the Blazers plus LeBron James and led my league until Joel broke his hand. Tough blow, he was an absolute rebounding MONSTER before he went down. Oden is the starter, no question. But I like Joel. He's a humble enought guy that I think he'll go for the reserve role, maybe sixth-man award if the Blazers do make the playoffs. Or Jones. Or Outlaw. Or... good god this team is scary.

Odd thought (ummm.. again)

Don't you get the feeling that dynamite might have been invented a few times already that we don't know about?

Draft looms

I have to say though, for now the tapestry is woefully incomplete. I like the threads being woven so far, and they seem like they're fitting a very nice pattern of fitting together. Have you had enough of these metaphors? What, exactly does Nate mean by a "Veteran Presence" (hereafter to be referred to as the VP)? If I had to guess I would think he's talking PG. Considering that's his natural position. But WHY does he seem so infatuated with Jarrett "Step-on-Baseline" Jack?

One Day

There will be a time we are free of our misconceptions
But it is not now.
There will be a place where we can gather and live as one,
But it's not here.

Yet I know,
It's coming.

Not exactly charged up

Yes.. poor Mr. Mediate and all those poor, neglected Itallian-Americans. Never a chance to make it from the crib, any of 'em.
Yeah.
Right.
This society needs to chill the FUCK out. I don't get up in arms when someone tells me the Irish are Intoxicated. I Barely blink when a drunk says that the Jews Gyped him in the gymnasium. I couldn't care less when the black kids on the bus start rapping about whailing on wussie whitey wretches (Yes, it's happened). It's all so basely offensive that I have to ignore it to save myself. And it's all so useless.
Besides I've always thought of a poolboy as being a being like on "Desperate Housewives", not exactly a derogatory comparison.
On second thought maybe Mr. Miller was making a subtle derogatory GAY comment!!!
Quick, lets figure out how he insulted the Arabs and the frikin Antarctic penguins too (what you don't think a PENGUIN could be Tiger's poolboy? You SPECIEST!!!)





I'm done.

Trade away?

I hate the ESPN trade wizard thing. I hate it with a passion. Let it never be refered to again! You don't need a degree in advanced calculus to add 12 million and 12 million, it's twelventyillion, stupid.
That having been said, I did have a trade thought. TJ Ford was reportedly sought by the Blazers last season (which KP neither confirmed nor denied in a very governmentalish manner) The Raptors would probably love another first round pick, and throw in Jarret Jack (who would thrive in the east) you could get yourself the lighting-fast PG we need.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BIhDAjqHRwA

Draft looming like a seven footer

OK. I really don't believe the Zers (YES just to piss you off) need another center. My argument merely was that there is a lot to be said for depth at the 5 and only needing a decent 1 when the 2 is so productive on the distribution eind. As haiku:

The Zers a center
Need none, point taken but why,
should we get shorter?

Or:

Augustin is nice
So is Bryce why not have both?
Oh crap I am dreaming

Come to think of it

Watching Rondo play in this last finals made me think. I know that he's got Allen/Pierce/KG, but it still went against all conventional wisdom that he'd play THAT well (5 steals in Game 6). Made me start thinking. What's wrong with letting Blake run the ship another season? He defends exteremely well, shoots a high percentage from three and is a pass-first point. What, exactly is wrong with going with Steve Blake?

What about Maarty?

Is that how you spell his first name? I think so. Oh well, not like it matters as long as you pronounce it correctly. Anyway.
I like Luennen, he's got great shooting range and a good team-first mentality. The Blazer's don't really seem to need any more "proven scorers" (Roy, Aldridge, Jones, Outlaw, etc) and Maarty's had to deal with a lot of bigger players, and has had some of his best games against some players who are going higher this year. He looks like a really good roleplayer. He could probably take a step back and hit from the NBA line in a couple years, and you can't coach the toughness he's got. I know it's biased towards the Oregon guys right now, but I'm talking second round, and these players all have ties to the community. If they don't work out, no sweat a second round pick doesn't get a garaunteed contract.

Finals Reaction & Draft Thoughts

39 points. And the crowd singing Na na na na, hey hey hey, GOODBYE! Awesome.

I Have to say, watching the Celts play, especially half-court offense, they reminded me a lot of the Blazers. The PF (LA/KG) pops out for the 15-20 footer, good drives into the paint creating havoc (Roy/Pierce) a long range sniper (Martell/Ray). One thing they won't have next year: ODEN.

That reminds me, we need a Point who can push the tempo intelligently. I REALLY like DJ Augestine, but the size of the great points in the NBA keeps going up, and in the playoffs that is where a team wins or loses.

Another Great one from Yahoo...

The Black Mamba is as cold-blooded as ever?
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/preview;_ylt=Aj252WUfkYDOEBkSK9j5I_c5nYcB?gid=2008061513&prov=ap
"Bryant said he spent much of the past two days reading a Harry Potter book to his daughters.
'It was awesome,' he said. 'He had more problems dealing with Voldemort than what we have dealing with the media and the Celtics.'"

Yeah. He's a killer.

Ok, not sports. But funny

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLLbSnpT5tk
Enjoy.

Next year, well. we're good to G.O.

Wow have you SEEN Greg Oden lately? He's been off the Media reel lately, but he's looking good. http://youtube.com/watch?v=c-CP5WfLMi8. And a great video on Nate talking about his expectation of Fernandez. http://youtube.com/watch?v=cBErLOo9yuc It's very very guarded but I've got to admit, nate sounds hopeful. What would this mean to the blazers? I started a poll of what the blazers should do in this draft, but I'll change it to whats there now (sorry, both of you... it was a tie)

Need some time at he beach?

Holy Crap. I only just noticed this. Garnett totally has a farmer tan.

Garnett Gameface

No wonder the blazers lost to them this year. LOOK AT HIS FINGER! LOOK AT HIS EYES! Ok. so sorry about the 'all-caps' there, I know I've said that's one of my pet peeves but. HOLY CRAP LOOK AT HIS FING FINGER!!!!!!! ! ! ! !

Well I've played hurt but, I've never been playing with a dislocated (at least) bleeding mess of a right index finger... have you?

Celtics Comeback?

Holy crap, just watching the finals and the Celts just cut it to two before the fourth. Unbelieveable. I remember the Nets/Celts a few years ago, but this is monumental.

Yahoo Headline Writer Drunk?

This was posted on Yahoo! Earlier with the Headline:
"Kobe's Witty Comeback"
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-nbafinals-notebook061108&prov=ap&type=lgns
Really? Has wit fallen so far? Sad. I mean, if I eat alphabet soup I poo better comebacks than that. Honestly "Go Yankees?" WHEEEEEEEEE. Frikkin Kobe, I say next year we all hit the rose garden on the LA night: 95% of everyone bring a sign that says "NO" and the other 5% bring a sign that says "MEANS"

MAN that guy ticks me off.

Mbemba Workout Video

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MG83Hb8OEwg
Released yesterday, this is a nice video of Rudy Mbemba's pre-draft workout with the Blazers. He looks quick off the dribble, a couple good finishes in close, but it's not enough to say he's worth a pickup. Some other good videos of him on Youtube as well.

Rudy a Done Deal?

According to marca.com, Rudy Fernandez is set to announce his deal to the Portland Trailblazers. Rudy has often been quoted saying how much he wants to play in the NBA. Blazer's fans can only hope he's as good as his Youtube following suggests: http://youtube.com/watch?v=UzaRAZ_yNTQ . If you read spanish, this link is VERY interesting, if not, then you've got the gist. http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/baloncesto/acb/es/desarrollo/1131631.html .