SB Nation User Blog: LetsBlaze

Generous Joel

LetsBlaze — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:24:03 -0000

Allright, I know -- this should have been a fan-shot...but I've been gone awhile and couldn't figure out the new SBN formatting - - (which made no sense at all to me btw)

Anyway, I was reading the July 27 ESPN magazine, and in an article called "6 Things You Should Know About Dealing Athletic Ice" , jewler Harry C. Glinberg says:

"Most guys spend more on themselves than they do on on their women. But there are exceptions. Portland's Joel Przybilla is always buying things for his wife. He just picked out an anniversary ring that's 10 times nicer than most NBA wive's engagement rings."

Now we know the REAL reason she wanted him to not get suspended when he faced off with Chandler - - woulda messed with the gift budget...

Thought you all would get a smile from this - - -Greetings from NC - - DrC

In Defense of the Players: Updated with summary

LetsBlaze — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 03:40:22 -0000

4/23/09 Thank you for those who have read the long version. In an offhand way, thank you I guess for those of you who demonstrated in your comments here how easily we forget that people play on this team - - and in this league -- and reminded me why I felt compelled to write this n the first place. The paragraphs below can be summarized in just a few words. If I was Dmitri I'd draw a picture: Line crossing behavior: expecting them to be someone beyond themselves. Fair game for critique: lack of effort or focus, conditioning, preparedness, unprofessional behavior...

*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%

I have found myself numerous times, on this site and in other situations, defending our players. I'm not talking about defending their actions, but literally defending them as people. I started doing it again a couple of days back out of reflex, and decided it needed a forum all its own.

We observers are here to stay connected to this team, to stay informed, and also to weigh in with our opinions, observations, expectations and recommendations. Without the need to do that, and to enjoy the discussion, debate, sense of community, etc. that develops around that, there would be no activity on the site.

What I have trouble with here is when too much attention is payed to what the guys aren't. What they aren't able to do I guess is more specific. From there, the follow-on "if only we had ________ who could do what ____________ can't/won't/isn't doing. Which then leads to all the fantasy considerations of why all the best players should have on our black and red.

As individuals we all have our limitations. Few of us will rise to be amongst the very best at our chosen endeavour(s). We will rise to whatever level our talents, drive, curiosity and good fortune lead us. Along the way, you will learn that there are some things you are good at, some you are great at, some you pass by with and some you suck at.

We all wish all our players were fast as a cheetah, jumped like a kangaroo, had the work ethic of Tom Edison, the vision of an eagle, a warriors spirit, the gallantry of Lancelot and the wisdom of Solomon. They don't - - no one does - - they all have a set of skills and limitations that they operate with day to day.

While it is our right as fans to have high expectations, each player can only grow into what they can become. Their responsibility is to strive to continue to improve throughout their career, to maintain focus and intensity - - but not everyone will ever be all things. Thats what makes the very very few at the uppermost layer of the top league in the world so very remarkable.

I feel as fans we have to be cautious to not "accuse" a player of being themselves. I'm going to use Steve Blake as an example because I found myself rolling my eyes again as a discussion emerged the other day as to who could/would do whatever better than Steve. It ended with a comment that was like "Hah! Imagine Steve guarding anyone!" WAAAAAAAYYYYYY over the line in my opinion.

Steve Blake's game is the best it has ever been. It mostly has measurably improved year over year since he started playing basketball - - he works hard, is a true professional, etc etc. He'll never be as fast as some point guards. He won't elevate like Jerryd - - but he is continuing to work at improving physically, working and expanding his skill set - - THAT GET'S HIM AN A+ PEOPLE!!

There are valid things to complain about - - -(Steve example is over this is general again) - - If someone is inattentive, uninterested, out of shape, lacking hustle, not doing their scouting homework, being an ass off the court ....hey - they are fair game. But simply accusing them of not living up to your expectations in terms of what they can get done on the court ... this starts getting sticky.

I think the crucible test, the thing you should ask yourself before flaring off your commentary is: "

Is this a player who knows this too, cares about it more than me, and is doing everything they can to work on their weaknesses and emphasize their strengths?"

Because if the answer to that is yes, you are wasting energy accusing someone of being themselves. And if I'm around, I will call you on it each time.

Memphis Trip II - - Game and post-game

LetsBlaze — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 06:34:48 -0000

I'm going to avoid doing too much re-capping cause it's been done so well already. Suffice it to say this game was even more ugly in person. Besides that it was probably on of the worst officiated games I ever witnessed, and I think I've never seen a good one. Fortunately the last questionable call worked to the favor of Portland - -That last shot Travis took he took at least 3 steps if not 4...of course how much him getting smashed across the chest had to do with the movement is hard to determine...looked like that third step was all him though..

Some of the early fouls on Greg & Joel were invisible...the non calls on a couple of LaMarcus drives were insane. The offensive foul call on Channing was rediculous. There were a more than a few on the other side, too I just don't remember them as well. I sat with a drummer I met out here and took to the last game - - big Grizzly fan - - and he and I were taking turns complaining - - but both agreed that it was summarily awful.

Now that I got that off my chest, onto the rest of it.

The place was so empty at the beginning of the game that I swore I could hear crickets. It filled up some later, and I gotta give a hand to the Grizzly fans that were present cause they made ALOT of noise in the fourth quarter. The music that they play in between is piercingly loud - - probably exceeds and legal decibel limit that a reasonable place would allow, but Beale St is completely without reason. I spent some time listening to some music at a club there tonight (lost track of the Outlaw's after the post game), but got tired of fending off the panhandlers and hookers so I came back to my room.

Took too many pictures to look at them all now, but I'm gonna put up some Outlaw and a Lamarcus cause they weren't represented in the other post. I'll pick some out of the rest, but it will probably take a couple of days cause I tend to use up all my free time on these trips and gotta go back to being husband, father & doctor at least till the weekend .. :-)

Travis was again well represented - - not as massively as last game, but it was significant. All the folks I spoke with last time were all happy to see me - - we were running into each other around the place...

Got to actually spend some time with Travis and his family at the post game this time mostly cause I was already there talkin with them when he came out. They are without a doubt an amazingly fun-loving, close-knit bunch. I may have to get to this year's Travis Outlaw Day in Starkville just because I'll miss them by then.

Lamarcus came out to meet guests of Caleb who I believe were from Texas like him... here he and a little fella were doing the fist bump with a sizzle..was really special . . .

Trav spent some time with same little fella

I was privy to a talk between Monty and Trav's mom where she was thanking Monty for all the work he's doing with Trav . ."...especially the foul shots -- except tonight !"

Greg works on his jump shot while the Spanish Contingent catches up at halfcourt.. The vibration you felt was the shudder of the collective rest of the NBA while they considered Greg Oden with a jump shot...

Mike Barret was kind enough to invite me down to the media table...this is a picture of their "command central"

The "Player of the Game" gets a special ride to the airport

Slideshow at www.flickr.com/letsblaze/show

Memphis Roadtrip II - - Game day

LetsBlaze — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:04:28 -0000

Thought that it would be best to start over here rather than cloud up that interview post with more stuff. It's 2pm here, and I'm waiting to hear from Shav re a pre game once over. I've had some interactions with some team types, but have spared them the camera. Spoke with Mike Barrett and he invited me down to the media table at the game - - this might get interesting, we will see - - -maybe a BEdger TV interview... new epic ground?

Got to talk a bit with Damon Stoudamire. The pic below was a special pose for all of you back in Portland...he's about 20 feet from me right now talking playoffs with someone on the Portland staff...If only I had some high tech para-military listening device. They are actually talking about Greg...all good I assure you...Damon's sendoff was all about giving his best to all with the Portland organization and how he will be coming to one of the playoff games...

Went to lunch with Shav and a friend of his from back home....got back to the hotel in time to see the team off....Got to talk to Jerryd a bit - - he remembered me from NJ game and came up and said hello...got big smiles and a handshake from Martell when I told him I WAS NOT going to ask him about his foot...

In all the single pics below I asked the guys if it was OK if I took a picture for the Blazer's Edge website - - I go out of my way to be unobtrusive - - no flash, ask first...I offer them editorial review if they want to make sure they like the picture..

Memphis roadtrip II - - with some Shav Q&A..

LetsBlaze — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:57:59 -0000

4/6 3:02 EST On my way to Memphis, now bogged down in the Charlotte airport, victim of their weak wireless network. Decided to take advantage of the plug I found to charge up, then maybe move somewhere that I can get a signal and post. Hoping to reconnect with the Outlaw clan while out here, and get one last look at the team pre-playoffs.

NCAA finals tonight - - I’m wondering how Shav & Blake will deal with UNC - - somehow, there has to be some allegience to an ACC school, but Dukies are obligated to hate UNC and that may override any homegrown loyalties that Shav has - - and Maryland alumni probably would prefer to avoid giving those Tarheels anything to brag about…With any luck I may get to witness their reacton first hand

I was at Tyler Hansborough’s first game in the Smith Center in Chapel Hill and you could tell from the minute he hit the floor that he would be a special player at the college level. I doubt it will carry over very well to the NBA, but we will likely find out.

4:02 had enough connectvity to get out a couple of "tweets" . . . .seemed like I almost had Bedge for a minute, but it disappeared. Did you ever get the feeling that airports only exist to gouge people for $? Just finished my $6.50 quesadilla, contemplating a $2 bottled water, but I had one earlier so my water budget is kinda maxed. Very few people would get fat if they lived at airports - - finances would keep them lean.

9:20 EST About to go over to watch the game with Shav....maybe we will stay on live here....hafta see...

10:44 EST I'm here with Shavlik . . . any questions or comments....lets have 'em

2:05 EST Wish I had known in advance that we were gonna "Shav Live" but it just kinda evolved...it was alot of fun on this side too...will try to get some good pictures tomorrow (later?)...

Walking In Memphis - - #25 Totally represented (with pictures) UPDATED 3/19

LetsBlaze — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 02:06:06 -0000

I had the opportunity to get out to Memphis for the game on Monday - - - Met up with a BEdger (Heathos33 see below) from out near Little Rock and managed to meet - - -well - - a great number of Travis Outlaw's family, friends and followers. Seems that a large part of Travis's family lives around the Memphis area

There were nearly as many Outlaw fans as there were Grizzly fans - especially if you used an enthusiasm factor. My seats were in the same section as one set of his aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Before the night was over, any chance of me remembering most anyones name from his entourage was slim.

Everyone was so nice and kind and fun - - and everyone wanted to be sure that I met his mom - - so I'm putting her picture first

Then of course they wanted to be sure met his Grandfather who was getting in a little granddaughter love as I was getting his picture

Of course I wasn't the only one getting to say hello...the big blue "back" is LaMarcus, and I think you will recognize #7 in street clothes. The guy n the foreground with the very cool red Trailblazer hat is Travis's brother..

I only saw Travis dad from across the room..he has the hat on and the coolest Travis Outlaw shirt on that ever was made...His uncle was telling me later that night that a good look at dad would give some clues as to the future upper body strength development that we should expect from Trav.

This cute little family group (Trav's aunt, niece and nephews) sat behind me during the game..the uncle was a little camera shy (I ALWAYS ask permission!!) but he softened up later...

Below is part of the group of 5 uncles and two cousins with whom I had the pleasure of taking in the sights and sounds of BB Kings Blues Club on Beale St. after the game...

We found Darius Miles car, but didn't see him....

Thanks to Travis's family for making me feel like one of the gang...They were pressing me to come back for the 4/7 game, and I'm having a hard time thinking why not...

Heathos33 & Blake from AK

Random Blazer Fans

Oden sighting

Blurry Roy & LMA

Darius vanity plate

Nobody's home

Andy & 503 --- Pre Game

Andy & 503 post game

Photos are at Slide Show on Flickr UPDATED 3/20/09 2 Am East Coast time :-)

Junk Drawer 2-26-09 - Frozen in Place

LetsBlaze — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:15:25 -0000

If you have ever been to Minnesota in February, you will understand the title. I have had that lovely experience, spending some days in Rochester, Minn at the Mayo Clinic with a sick relative...I could get into details about the brutality of the weather but will put it in a comment down below...

Thought this could act as a vent area to discuss if our gameplans and tactics are frozen in place - - seemed like alot of talk out here last night about how being more flexible with our rotations when things aren't clicking...and aside from Batum last night, I heard much more clanking then clicking...

I was curious too about people's basketball backgrounds - - for me, I started in organized leagues when i was 7 (1969-70) growing up outside of NYC. We played 12 months a year outdoors, clearing the snow and ice off the court, playing in gloves with the fingers off...Followed the Knicks as a young child, so got to watch the championship year in '73, witness Phil Jackson's rookie year - - Willis Reed's pressing through great pain to compete - - Earl Monroe's Globetrotter-esque dribbling and finishing at the rim...

Continued through to HS where a series of knee injuries relegated me to set shots only, and a state champ quality team with 4 going off to divI&II colleges kept me in the intramural league..Still shoot a bit most every day at the basket in my driveway, now semi-coaching my daughter's team(s) - She (and I) will be at Shavlik's basketball camp this summer ...

I think I'm just getting to the point in life where I've done any one single thing more than I've played hoops, and while I was never able to execute at a high level I can still do 75% from the line...

Poll

How involved in basketball are you currently?

Play on HS/College team

4 votes

Play in Rec/Intramural league

6 votes

play recreationally 3+ times a week

10 votes

play less than 3X per week

16 votes

Coach a team/referee

2 votes

Strictly spectator but every game I can find

8 votes

Watch only Blazer games

11 votes

Hate basketball - - only here to irritate people

1 votes

58 votes | Poll has closed

Article on Greg's Injury

LetsBlaze — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:20:43 -0000

Article on Greg's Injury

Fanhouse article from 6:45 EST tonight...refernces Thursday practice as decision point

Junk down in the Big Easy - - 2/2/09

LetsBlaze — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:39:36 -0000

Tonight I get to enjoy a game closer to my east coast time zone...hopefully a big W..need to continue to redeem that letter..

Team was settled in there last night - - hopefully kept a repectable distance from Bourbon St. - - news from down there is always interesting

Bon-fire city style for instance...when I was down there in '98, the police arrested a local street fella for talking to me....felt bad cause I started the conversation...They watch out well for the tourists though, so that you can get plastered on grain alcohol and corn syrup without dealing with any lowlifes...

Great food, great music....haven't been back post-Katrina, but the French Quarter was largely spared, so I'm sure things are business as usual down town...Wonder if the still call their tall frozen drinks Hurricanes...

Road trip wrap up with pictures

LetsBlaze — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:20:55 -0000

Complete RoadTrip SlideShow

It's taken a while to get back to this - wife, kids, business, farm - ya know - things can suck up your time...but I thought it time to get back and put a few more pictures up ... I guss I'll be sprinkling them out here for awhile - - I had nearly 600 when I was done - don't know if I'll ever get through them all myself even - - but I've tried to frame the story with this.

I charted my early day game day in Charlotte- - hanging at the hotel, watching the team get ready. .in a previous post... thought I'd start with the trip over to the arena and some gametime shots. The first pic is the guy that was behind the desk at the Days Inn where I stayed ... great guy - -the real reason for the picture was the great fun everyone was having in the lobby watching food channel. The synchronicity with our recent junkdrawer was startling.

I walked to the arena .. .took some pics of local clubs and architecture to give a feel for Charlotte - - lovely town, nice people, great atmosphere around town - - even after being crushed by the banking debacle 0f 2008, there were vibrant signs of resilience.

They have their practice facility built right into the arena and all glassed open - -

The dancers were out meeting people as you came in - signing propgrams and such - the girl with the curly hair was in charge of promotions - -

our Few, our Proud were there. I can love the boys and not the mission. Hopefully the new commander-in-chief will have better discretion. I've put post game pictures up already . .

Sooooooo...

Timeout or Not???

I've included one from the Stache collection for you Northwesterers..he looked like he has put on some muscle and lost a bunch of hair probably a net neutral in total wieght...guess there's only so many endorsements available for the hippie burner look..."like, dude. check out these SUNGLASSES, man...they're like....awesome!!"

Then a couple of action shots: the first Greg Vs Charlotte

And a couple of late game Roy manuevers..

Complete RoadTrip SlideShow