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.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
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"
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"
Monday, September 29, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, September 1, 2008
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.
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.
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