SBNation.com User Blog: Cadellac

Lets Play Survivor

Cadellac — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 05:57:19 -0000

Fast forward a few years ahead. The Portland Trail Blazers have won a World Title. Yes, they're NBA champions. If this did happen, which I hope it does in the near future, which players from our current group would be on that team and who wouldn't? Lets play a little survivor to find out.

We can assume Maynor, Hickson, Jefferies, Pavlovic, and Babbit, and Nolan Smith are already gone, as they will likely leave this offseason. With that, here's my list of who will stay on the team and who will go.

Will be on championship roster: Lillard, Batum, Claver, Barton, Leanard. The reason for this is that these are our youngest, most promising guys. I see them filling their potential as our stars and role players. Of course, this leaves holes in the roster, which is where the rest of the guys went. Olshey seems like the type of GM who only makes little moves or blockbuster trades. Trading LA and Wes for a young superstar seems like the type of move he would make, and trading away Williams and/or Freeland in a Maynor type move would give us a near complete roster with a Big 3.

So that's who I think will stay to win it all for us. Who do you think from this roster will still be here when we win a ring, if anyone?

Poll

How Many Will Be Part of the Championship Roster?

All 15!

1 votes

Around 10

3 votes

Around 5

23 votes

1

7 votes

None

3 votes

37 votes | Poll has closed

Barton or Claver?

Cadellac — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 05:00:24 -0000

If you had to let one go for whatever reason, who would it be? Both are similar in a lot of ways in that they both need to work on shooting, have the same type of wingspan and athletic ability, have good handles, see the court well for a guard/wing, are energy guys, etc. Barton of course being a bit more offensive minded and Claver being more defensive minded.

Personally, I would keep Barton. He's a little younger, a little more motivated, and I think has a whole lot more potential and value to this team than Claver. I also just can't get the idea of Claver turning into a non-shooting Rudy Fernandez out of my head. Something about his game makes me feel like he won't be able to play in the NBA long term for us. Either way, very hard for me to choose between the two right now. Haven't seen them play enough and I'm probably still on a Barton high, so...

Poll

Will or Victor?

Will the Thrill

59 votes

Claver (nickname?)

53 votes

Haven't Seen Enough

27 votes

139 votes | Poll has closed

Blazer's Broadcasters

Cadellac — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:44:54 -0000

I've been reading other teams' comments recently during games, and one thing I've noticed is that nearly all of the complain about Mike and Mike. Here, I'd like to bring up the topic of what really makes commentators good, and whether our Mike Barrett and Mike Rice fit the bill.

First, we should categorize the stereotypical commentators found in the NBA...

Homer

~~Mike Barrett~~ The Homer has bias for their team and aren't afraid to show it.

ESPN

~~All National Commentators~~ These commentators are Homers at heart but try their very best to hide it, but when things get exciting late the bias is usually clear.

No Bias

These commentators don't exist. The only exception would be a commentator that isn't a fan of the sport, which I have personally never heard of.

Retired Player A

~~Charles Barkley~~ Retired Player A usually complains about how the league isn't the same and continually get angry in an attempt to make his or her point.

Retired Player B

~~Shaquille O'Neal~~ Retired Player B often doesn't have much skill as a public speaker, but adds a fun though sometimes over the top dimension that includes some player insight.

Clown

~~Mike Rice~~ Also known as color commentators, the title "Clown" is pretty self explanatory.

Stat Guy

~~??????~~ This type of commentator is all about stats and strategy. If you listen, the things said are quite interesting, but when you're done you'll feel like you just memorized every playbook and box score man has seen.

The list of stereotypical commentator categories could go on forever, but that should cover the basics. Most NBA broadcasting companies have two TV commentators, though TNT and ESPN sometimes have three. The question is, which combination is the best for Portland? Currently, I would categorize Barrett as a Homer, though he does show flashes of trying to hide it, and Rice as a Homer Clown. If Barrett could hide his bias a little better and provide us with more views from the other side, I wouldn't mind him so much, and it seems like he's trying to do that. Mike Rice on the other hand, is Mike Rice. If you don't like him, you have not completely absorbed Portland culture.

Deciding whether they should be replaced, I would say no. Unless the Blazers were to go under a major cultural shift, the Barrett and Rice combination is the best option despite its flaws. Any other combination wouldn't fit this city, but a trio of Mike and Mike plus Roy does intrigue me.

Other stereotypes you can think of? Opinion of Mike and Mike? Opinion of other commentators? Which team has the worst commentators? Comment below...

First, we should categorize the stereotypical commentators found in the NBA...

Homer

~~Mike Barrett~~ The Homer has bias for their team and aren't afraid to show it.

ESPN

~~All National Commentators~~ These commentators are Homers at heart but try their very best to hide it, but when things get exciting late the bias is usually clear.

No Bias

These commentators don't exist. The only exception would be a commentator that isn't a fan of the sport, which I have personally never heard of.

Retired Player A

~~Charles Barkley~~ Retired Player A usually complains about how the league isn't the same and continually get angry in an attempt to make his or her point.

Retired Player B

~~Shaquille O'Neal~~ Retired Player B often doesn't have much skill as a public speaker, but adds a fun though sometimes over the top dimension that includes some player insight.

Clown

~~Mike Rice~~ Also known as color commentators, the title "Clown" is pretty self explanatory.

Stat Guy

Other stereotypes you can think of? Opinion of Mike and Mike? Opinion of other commentators? Which team has the worst commentators? Comment below...

Poll

Who Would You Vote Off the Island?

Blazers Starting 5 Top Ten in League

Cadellac — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 04:41:10 -0000

Blazers Starting 5 Top Ten in League

Not surprisingly to Blazer fans, our starting 5 ranks top 10 in the league. I'm guessing a lot of that has to do with our bench...

Joke Drawer

Cadellac — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 06:31:57 -0000

No, this is NOT a trade drawer. This is NOT a junk drawer. This right here is BE first ever Joke Drawer. This is the one and only FanPost that can guarantee that you will smile at least once while reading the comments.

All jokes, memes, GIFs, whatever is funny or amusing having to do with the Blazers or NBA that wouldn't regularly go in a FanShot can be compiled here. Please, no jokes that attack people personally, are overly offensive, etc. ~~(exception being Raymond Felton jokes)~~

Where's Freeland?

Cadellac — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 20:06:38 -0000

So far, Luke Babbit has been winning the backup minutes for PF. In my opinion, I think Freeland is more effective, especially since he can hit the three. Babbit simply can't defend bigger PFs, and brings no interior defense to a team that has close to none already. The only explanation I have for Babbitt playing is so he develops, and more so Meyers can get more experience being the only true big man. What do you guys think?

Poll

Freeland or Babbitt at backup PF?

Chalupacabra

33 votes

British Dude

90 votes

123 votes | Poll has closed

Lillard Ranks with Lebron

Cadellac — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 06:07:41 -0000

I know this should be a FanShot, but like the guy before me it doesn't work. Anyways, I thought this was cool. http://espn.go.com/nba/notebook?page=dailydimelive
It says that Lillard is the first rookie to have over 20 points and 9 assists in his NBA debut since Lebron James in 2003.
I guess to make this more of a FanPost, do you think Lillard can continue to put up more than 7 assists per night even when his teamates aren't on like tonight?

I know this should be a FanShot, but like the guy before me it doesn't work. Anyways, I thought this was cool. http://espn.go.com/nba/notebook?page=dailydimelive It says that Lillard is the first rookie to have over 20 points and 9 assists in his NBA debut since Lebron James in 2003. I guess to make this more of a FanPost, do you think Lillard can continue to put up more than 7 assists per night even when his teamates aren't on like tonight?

Matthews or Williams?

Cadellac — Thu, 10 May 2012 03:50:39 -0000

Continuing this series, who would you rather have for the next 3-4 years? You can only have one. I would take Wesley, simply because of his character. He's a straight up hard worker. Players with these attitudes are hard to come by, and he's looked at as a leader by his peers. He is slowly improving his dribble too. Elliot has potential to be something special, but as a Blazer fan, his injuries concern me, especially because of his high-flying ways.

Previous matchup results...

Hickson or Faried?-Hickson wins 231-226

Babbit or Williams? (Shawne)-Babbit wins 309-18

Feel free to tell me when these posts get tedious!

Previous matchup results...

Hickson or Faried?-Hickson wins 231-226

Babbit or Williams? (Shawne)-Babbit wins 309-18

Feel free to tell me when these posts get tedious!

Poll

Wesley or Elliot?

Wesley (nickname?)

44 votes

Elliot (nickname?)

85 votes

129 votes | Poll has closed

Babbit or Williams?

Cadellac — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:04:07 -0000

Since comparing players from other teams to current Blazers makes some BE members angry, (see Hickson or Faried) I thought I'd compare two current Blazers. For the next 3-4 years, would you rather have Luke or Shawne on this team. I would rather have Luke, simply because he's younger and is consistently good at one thing, shooting. Shawne isn't a bad player, but he's proven to be inconsistent. What do you guys think?

Poll

Luke or Shawne?

CHALUPAS

312 votes

Shawne Williams (nickname?)

18 votes

330 votes | Poll has closed

Hickson or Faried?

Cadellac — Sat, 05 May 2012 04:41:41 -0000

After watching the Nuggets, I couldn't help but notice Faried and cry to myself over how we could have had him. (I then cried again after seeing miller) Faried and Hickson's games are incredibly similar though. They're both young, athletic, has a nose for the rim, and undersized at their position. Who would you rather have though? I'd personally rather have Hickson, because of his willingness to play behind LA in a 6-7 man role and his experience in Cleveland, but he may end up costing us some cap space if we decide to keep him. Who do you think is the better option on say, a 3-4 year contract?

Poll

Faried or Hickson?

The Manimal

229 votes

J.J. (does he have a nickname yet?)

234 votes

463 votes | Poll has closed

Where's Jonny?+Trade LA?(POLL)

Cadellac — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 05:54:50 -0000

Where is Jonny Flynn? In my opinion, he's a much better player than Nolan, has a chance to be a solid player if given the time, and is our ONLY natural pass first PG. At first, I just though Kaleb was giving him time to learn the offense, but JJ went in tonight and got considerable minutes. JJ may have deserved those minutes, and the Blazers needed his size against L.A., but when Raymond has an off night, PUT IN FLYNN! Please, I'm not bashing on Kaleb but I just want a reason. I don't mind Thabeet not playing, since he may cost us rebounds when we lack rebounds anyways, but... WHY FLYNN! Anybody have any answer for this?

I put the trade LA thing just because I wanted to see what you guys think. Remember Zach Randolph? Do you see something similair happening to L.A. if our New Jersey pick turns out well? His age has been a concern of mine for a while, 26 just doesn't seem young enough to me to last the rebuild. Am I just crazy?

Poll

Should Jonny become a rotation player?

NO

58 votes

YES

289 votes

ONLY IF THE ROSTER CHANGES

31 votes

378 votes | Poll has closed

Jonny and Hasheem (POLL)

Cadellac — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 05:36:51 -0000

So the Marcus Camby trade brought us two young, high pick "busts." These guys haven't seen playing time for a reason, but I think Kaleb will be happy to give these guys a chance to play. We have nothing to lose, so why not? Here's my opinion on the two and where I see them after this summer.

Hasheem Thabeet

He was the number two pick in a fairly good draft, and stands at 7' 3". Played a kind of Chris Johnson role in Houston, and hasn't shown his potential yet. Since the options we have for our frontcourt besides LA are old guys who will get tired quickly (Kurt and Pryz) or undersized guys who are only affective against certain teams (Kurt and the Rhino) I think Kaleb will have to make Hasheem a rotation player. Honestly, I don't think he'll prosper, given his lack of motivation and busted confidence.I can't see him as a starter on a championship team, but his length and suprisingly good ball handling and IQ will always get people to pay attention. He does pass well too, which is something this team lacks in big men. Unless the older guys set him straight, he'll probably be signed o a small contract or allowed to walk. If the small chance of him finding his game here and becoming a hard worker do happen, then I can't imagine him ever getting better than a pretty good backup center. All in all don't expect him to be the COTF, but don't count him out of the rotation.

Jonny Flynn

6 foot PG who can dunk. This guy is athletic. He reminds me of Elliot Williams, with less of a jump shot and a whole lot more athletisim. He had some injury troubles, but I don't think its anything that will lead to early retirement. (I'm still bummed out about that) I think this guy has a pretty good chance of flourishing here. He prospers in a fast paced team like (I hope) us, and isn't too bad at running a team in the halfcourt. In my opinion, if he has a good season here (something like 10 points and 5 assists) as a backup pointguard, we should sign him and make him our PGOTF. If he doesn't, there's a whole other draft and free agency waiting for us, so why not. The only thing I worry about here is him getting playing time. Nolan isn't doing bad, and I would hate to take away his chance at making a break. All togethor, I'm actually very excited to see Jonny play in a Blazers uniform.

Anyways, what do I know, right? Most of you probably have more NBA stats locked in your head than I do, so what do you think? (And just to stir some contreversy, I have a feeling Raymond will be averaging 18 and 8 in the last 20 or so game in a way that doesn't promote losing...)

Hasheem Thabeet

Jonny Flynn

Poll

Who Has a Bright Future as a Blazer?

Hasheem Thabeet

51 votes

Jonny Flynn

144 votes

Neither

188 votes

Both

38 votes

421 votes | Poll has closed

Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews Super share what their favorite Super Bowl snacks are. Nicolas...

Cadellac — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:40:15 -0000

Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews Super share what their favorite Super Bowl snacks are. Nicolas and my mother should have a duck cooking contest.

Prime Roy vs. Current LaMarcus

Cadellac — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:36:11 -0000

First of all, anybody know how Brandon's doing?

Anyways, LaMarcus's PER recently jumped to 23.59! That's near Dwight Howard production, so here comes the quesion. Which player do you think is more valuable? The two are pretty hard to compare, one being a big man and the other being a guard, but who would you rather builld a team around?

The 08-09 Brandon was producing 23 points on 48 percent shooting in 37 minutes. He made 82 percent of his FT and had both 5 assists and rebounds a game. 2 TO, 1 steal, and 38 percent from downtown to finish off all the stats.

LA is averagin 23 points on 49 percent shooting in 38 minutes. He makes 78 percent of his free throws and has 9 rebounds a game. 1 block and 3 assists, with the same number of TO and steals.

The stats are similair, so which one is more valuable? LA is a big man, which pretty much is an advantage itself in a league of guards. He's fairly smart with the ball, and plays defense. He can be a leader, but is nothing of what Brandon was. Brandon was a little smarter with the ball, and had those clutch moments.

I actually didn't watch the Blazers as much in 08 as I do now, so what do you guys think? If you could have either, who would you build your eam around? (NOT NECESSARILY THE CURRENT TEAM)

First of all, anybody know how Brandon's doing?

LA is averagin 23 points on 49 percent shooting in 38 minutes. He makes 78 percent of his free throws and has 9 rebounds a game. 1 block and 3 assists, with the same number of TO and steals.

I actually didn't watch the Blazers as much in 08 as I do now, so what do you guys think? If you could have either, who would you build your eam around? (NOT NECESSARILY THE CURRENT TEAM)

Poll

Who is the better centerpiece for a team?

Patty or Pryzbilla?

Cadellac — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 06:14:41 -0000

Marcus Camby's injury got me thinking. With injuries being a part of the game, especially with the Blazers, it seems like the team goes from deep to shallow if just one key rotation player goes down. It seems to me the Blazer's do have money to sign a decent bench player.

Should we even bother, could Pryzbilla be the quick fix, or could Patty help us the most?

Either solution has its ups and downs.

Lets look at Patty. If we choose to sign him, it could mean having a backup PG or another guy sitting on the bench. We don't know for sure if Patty has improved in China and Australia, and if he hasn't, then Nolan will probably get the few minutes ahead of him. Even if he doesn't play, he is the joy of the team and can bring smiles and energy to the team, especially Nic and Wes. If he has improved to where he can play 5 or so minutes a night consistently, then his value skyrockets. Right off the bat, he brings energy to a team looking for sources of energy. He can shoot the three with accuracy, and most of all, maximize Jamal's play, something the team is relying on but isn't getting. Although he isn't a very good defender, I think he is better at D than Nolan and knows Nate's style.

Pryzbilla on the other hand is proven and will give what is expected. He would probably act as Kurt's white twin, and give a decent 10 to 15 minutes off the bench at C or PF. Although he does get injured, between Marcus, Kurt, and Pryzbilla, having one injured at a time wouldn't be all that bad. He doesn't seem so old compared to 37 and 39, and also knows Nate's style of play. He would fit in with the second unit well too, which seems to be slower paced with Kurt, Jamal, and Craig in there (exception: Batum). He isn't a long term solution, but the team isn't made for the long term either. Plus, he could fill out a couple of those empty seats with long time Vanilla Gorilla fans.

Finally, the most likely scenario is signing nobody. Hoping that injuries don't plague the team, Jamal will learn to play a little more PG, and Craig continues to play at around the level he is at, the team seems fine for a deep playoff run given chemistry increases and people start playing to their potential. The season could be rough and tiring, but we have people fighting for minutes and trying to find their roles as we know it.

There doesn't seem to be many other interesting FA left out there, but if there are, comment below. And if signing Patty isn't even possible, please let me know. I kind of assumed at that part.

Should we even bother, could Pryzbilla be the quick fix, or could Patty help us the most?

Either solution has its ups and downs.

There doesn't seem to be many other interesting FA left out there, but if there are, comment below. And if signing Patty isn't even possible, please let me know. I kind of assumed at that part.

Poll

Should the Blazers...

Sign Patrick Mills

32 votes

Sign Joel Pryzbilla

89 votes

Do Nothing

20 votes

Sign Both!

35 votes

176 votes | Poll has closed

Why Felton May NOT be the Long Term Option...

Cadellac — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:45:34 -0000

Don't get me wrong here, Felton is a high quality player, but every night he plays out there just seems awkward. I understand that it is early in the season, and Felton has been bounced around a little, but still. At the start of the season, when most people thought we would be a fastbreak team, Felton seemed like the obvious choice within reason. Now that McMillan has made it clear that we are playing faster, still in a half-court offense, Felton's skills don't seem to be used in the correct way. Since he likes to fastbreak, he tends to push the offense in the halfcourt, which leads to turnouvers. That's a small thing that can be adjusted throughout the season, but the fig one is his mentality. The team is full of hard nosed players. We constantly see people diving on the floor for loose balls, causing havoc. HUSTLE. Raymond works hard, but he seems to move away from potential plays that include hustle and try to get another player to do his dirty work. Then you'll see him flail his arms in frustration and smile in anger. I don't know if he's used to the days as a Bobcat where young Wallace was everywhere on the court at once or if it is his personality, but either way, it doesn't fit the team mentality and sometimes hurts them. I'm not worried about his turnovers, as I think that's just a product of being a youngish, new PG, but I am worried about his personality. He seems like a nice guy, but his mentality on the court has to change.

I'd post a trade here, but the Trade Machine is down so, I was thinking something like Felton and Batum/Wallace for a fitting PG. I don't think we should trade him just yet, but if he doesn't work out after these 66 games then...

Poll

Do you think Felton will fit in by the end of the season?

Yes

191 votes

No

29 votes

He Already is Playing His Best

13 votes

We Won't Be Here

5 votes

238 votes | Poll has closed

Elite PG Blazer Kryptonite?

Cadellac — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 06:30:02 -0000

Has anybody else noticed that both games we lost, we not only lost but we lost in a very ugly fashion. Both of those teams had an elite PG. A PG who can control the tempo, and force the game into a style they and their team can benefit from the most. Another reason for those losses cold be the fact that both were the first road games on road trips, maybe the sudden shock of not having the crowd affects how this team runs. But aside from that, therre are many other signs that are pointing to where the Blazrs will struggle this year.
As of now, the Blazers rely heavily on pace to score points, by confusing or beating the defense, and rely on turnovers to help initiate that pace. An elite PG like CP3 or Nash not only squeeze the orange, but can slow down the tempo of the game at their will. Not to mention, Felton seems to have a little trouble staying in front of these types of players.
What do you think? Will Elite PG be a problem for Portland this season? (By Elite, I don't mean PG like Westbrook that look to score first and could easily switch over to SG)

Has anybody else noticed that both games we lost, we not only lost but we lost in a very ugly fashion. Both of those teams had an elite PG. A PG who can control the tempo, and force the game into a style they and their team can benefit from the most. Another reason for those losses cold be the fact that both were the first road games on road trips, maybe the sudden shock of not having the crowd affects how this team runs. But aside from that, therre are many other signs that are pointing to where the Blazrs will struggle this year. As of now, the Blazers rely heavily on pace to score points, by confusing or beating the defense, and rely on turnovers to help initiate that pace. An elite PG like CP3 or Nash not only squeeze the orange, but can slow down the tempo of the game at their will. Not to mention, Felton seems to have a little trouble staying in front of these types of players. What do you think? Will Elite PG be a problem for Portland this season? (By Elite, I don't mean PG like Westbrook that look to score first and could easily switch over to SG)

Poll

Will Elite PG's be a Problem for the Blazers?

Yes

84 votes

No

24 votes

Not a Factor

16 votes

Any Superstar Will Create Ugly Blazer Losses

27 votes

Too Early to Say

61 votes

212 votes | Poll has closed

Best Free Agent Fit for Portland?

Cadellac — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:23:53 -0000

According to recent posts, there are at least four free agents the Blazers are trying to acquire. Jamal Crawford, Carl Landry, Reggie Williams, and Josh Howard. Here's a rundown of how I think the players would fit in if signed they signed with us.

Jamal Crawford: 31 years old, 200 lbs., 6'5'' Guard

A fair shooter, likes performing in the clutch, a little inflated ego, years to respect. This guy would bring immediate depth to Portland's roster, and would help fill the hole of players who can put the ball away with confidence in the 4th. His numbers are going down, but any shooters would help Portland. I think he wouldn't mind signing with us, but might bring us back to those days of having too many wings and too many players needing minutes to develop. He would be okay with coming off teh bench, but only as a sixth man, meaning Batum gets screwed in the face. To me, he's nice to look at on the roster but not a practical fit for the future.

Carl Landry: 28 years old, 248 lbs., 6'9'' Forward

Okay post player, excellent one on one defender, and in his prime. Landry also fill the bench, helping LA rest a little and maybe even play a little center. A little. He is undersized for a center and might not be able to do much against bigger, stronger centers. He would also be a fair starter for when Camby takes his mid-season injury break. In that case, I think LA would slide to C and Carl would take over at PF. Solid overall, I think this would be the hardest player to get, but also the best fit and option for the long term.

Those other guys: Veteran bench players, nothing special here. Look them up for more info.

Jamal Crawford: 31 years old, 200 lbs., 6'5'' Guard

Carl Landry: 28 years old, 248 lbs., 6'9'' Forward

Those other guys: Veteran bench players, nothing special here. Look them up for more info.

Poll

Who would be the best FIT for the Blazers?

Jamal Crawford

73 votes

Carl Landry

90 votes

Josh Howard

2 votes

Reggie Williams

12 votes

Nene (it will happen)

10 votes

Nobody

9 votes

69-0

7 votes

203 votes | Poll has closed

Waive Roy; Sign Nene Possible?

Cadellac — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:39:06 -0000

Is this even possible? If we waived Roy, could we sign Nene? If so, I think it would do wonders for the team. We would be able to treade Camby for a younger, cheaper backup C/PF, stop relyiing on Oden, and open up the SG position for Batum to truly get minutes and become our sixth man. Any downsides to this if it did happen? Do you think Nene is a downgrade from Camby? (He's not Dwight Howard, but Camby is getting old and Nene is in his prime so...)

Poll

Waive Roy, Sign Nene?

That's not even possible...

94 votes

No, kids are so stupid these days...

12 votes

Maybe, if Nene was Dwight Howard or Chris Paul...

8 votes

What about using the clause on Camby?

15 votes

Yes, all the way, I'm down, 69-0 baby, etc. etc.

65 votes

194 votes | Poll has closed