SB Nation User Blog: MavetheGreat

I don't see a Trade Drawer for this

MavetheGreat — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:25:37 -0000

As we vacillate between current, future and potential point guards, I'm caught between wanting to add veteran perspective (after all, we only have two players who have even played on another team), and someone who will be around for more than a couple years. You sign a Jason Kidd, but that only solves your problem for a couple years. You target a Ricky Rubio, but he's much less ready to contribute, doesn't have NBA experience and lacks maturity (plus, will we be able to convince him to come over?). You work out a lopsided deal for Hinrich, but there are legitimate arguments that he isn't a clear upgrade over Blake.

I'm in the camp that believes we shouldn't target a SF this summer unless it is an All-Star. We have too much confusion and not enough minutes at that position already. Therefore, I want to explore options at point guard. If I knew the details and fine print would work out, I think my best case scenario would be Ricky Rubio. He seems to be available, and you have to believe that with Rudy here, KP could charm him into coming. And so, here is my potential trade:

Portland Trade Breakdown

Change in Team Outlook: -7.0 ppg, -1.4 rpg, and -1.4 apg.

Incoming Players
	Ricky Rubio 6-4 PG from Spain (Foreign) No games yet played in 2008-2009
	Craig Smith 6-7 PF from Boston College 10.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.1 apg in 19.7 minutes

Outgoing Players
	Joel Freeland 0-0 from No games yet played in 2008-2009
	Jeff Pendergraph 6-10 from Arizona State No games yet played in 2008-2009
	Jerryd Bayless 6-3 PG from Arizona 4.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.5 apg in 12.5 minutes
	Travis Outlaw 6-9 SF from Starkville (HS) 12.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg in 27.7 minutes

Minnesota Trade Breakdown

Change in Team Outlook: +5.1 ppg, +3.0 rpg, and +1.6 apg.

Incoming Players
	Jerryd Bayless 6-3 PG from Arizona 4.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.5 apg in 12.5 minutes
	Mardy Collins 6-6 SG from Temple 2.2 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 1.1 apg in 8.3 minutes
	Chris Kaman 7-0 C from Central Michigan 12.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.5 apg in 29.7 minutes

Outgoing Players
	Brian Cardinal 6-8 SF / PF from Purdue 3.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.2 apg in 14.2 minutes
	Mark Madsen 6-9 PF from Stanford 0.3 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.2 apg in 6.1 minutes
	Ricky Rubio 6-4 PG from Spain (Foreign) No games yet played in 2008-2009
	Craig Smith 6-7 PF from Boston College 10.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.1 apg in 19.7 minutes

L.A. Clippers Trade Breakdown

Change in Team Outlook: +1.9 ppg, -1.6 rpg, and -0.2 apg.

Incoming Players
	Joel Freeland 0-0 from No games yet played in 2008-2009
	Jeff Pendergraph 6-10 from Arizona State No games yet played in 2008-2009
	Travis Outlaw 6-9 SF from Starkville (HS) 12.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg in 27.7 minutes
	Brian Cardinal 6-8 SF / PF from Purdue 3.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.2 apg in 14.2 minutes
	Mark Madsen 6-9 PF from Stanford 0.3 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.2 apg in 6.1 minutes

Outgoing Players
	Mardy Collins 6-6 SG from Temple 2.2 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 1.1 apg in 8.3 minutes
	Chris Kaman 7-0 C from Central Michigan 12.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.5 apg in 29.7 minutes

Link to the RealGM page

So here's my thinking on why each team does the deal.

Why Minnesota does it:

Projected Starting Lineup:

Kaman

Jefferson

Brewer/Gomes

Bayless

Flynn

They recently traded away their backcourt to Washington and then double filled only PG through the draft. They could use some players at 2 guard who can score. I believe Bayless could be that player and Mardy Collins would provide a little depth. I've also heard that they'd like a legitimate center so that Jefferson can move to his natural position at PF (where they are overloaded). By trading Craig Smith and Mark Madsen, they are alleviating some of the bottleneck at the 4 position, while adding talent in Chris Kaman. Turning Brian Cardinal's painful contract into Kaman's less painful contract has to be appealing as well. Essentially, they are trading Rubio for Kaman and Bayless, and unloading Brian Cardinal's contract as well.

Why Minnesota doesn't do it:

While this fills out their positions well (except maybe SF), their backcourt is small (Jonny Flynn @ 6'0, Bayless @ 6'3). Additionally, this trade doesn't reconcile Kevin Love and Al Jefferson playing the same position. In fact, it probably exacerbates it unless Kaman spends his usual time injured.

Why LA does it:

Projected Starting Lineup:

Camby

Randolph/Griffin

Outlaw/Thornton

Gordon

Davis

The Clippers are one of few teams in the league with not enough minutes for their centers. They probably have to decide between Kaman and Camby, and it sounds like they'd rather stick with Camby. What they need position wise is a SF, and to that end enter Travis Outlaw. Maybe not ideal, but they also turn Kaman's long term contract into Brian Cardinal's expiring contract (09-10). They also get some prospects out of the deal, although the Clippers haven't been known to be that forward thinking.

Why LA doesn’t do it:

The Clips have many lineup/playing time minutes in the coming year. This trade doesn't solve all those issues very well. How will they find time for Z-Black Hole and Griffin? Can Eric Gordon get enough shots to be valuable with those two power forwards and Baron Davis? Who is the alpha dog? Who should it be? Can any of them stay healthy? LA may not see this trade as poviding enough in return for Kaman, but I would argue that they don't have room for much else anyway. Furthermore, moves and acquisitions that leave you scratching your head are right in their wheelhouse.

Why Portland does it:

Projected Starting Lineup:

Oden/Przybilla

Aldridge

Webster

Roy

Rubio

We get a true point guard with size that would hopefully be around for a few championship runs. We alleviate our bottleneck at SF, while adding a solid backup PF in Craig Smith. We have been stockpiling international prospects so long, the list is getting overwhelming. Maybe it's time to cash in on a few.

Why Portland doesn’t do it:

As mentioned at the top, we aren't adding the veteran experience Nate so covets. Furthermore, it's possible that we'd have to give up more than Bayless, Outlaw, and some prospects to do it. If Rudy had to be included, would Rubio want to play here? What if we had to give up Joel? Would that be worth it? Perhaps not.

Blazersedge referenced on today's Basketball Jones Podcast

MavetheGreat — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:28:33 -0000

Blazersedge referenced on today's Basketball Jones Podcast

Definitely worth a listen...

Awards Watch

MavetheGreat — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 04:09:26 -0000

Awards Watch

Maurice Brooks gives Travis and Brandon some love in this week's award watch. Brandon moved ahead of Tim Duncan in the MVP category, and Travis is listed third for 6th man.

Blazers Podcast

MavetheGreat — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:02:18 -0000

Blazers Podcast

02/26/09 Podcast is up. Some love for Jarrett Jack!

Randolph ejected for punching SUns backup point guard power forward. What the? This isn't the...

MavetheGreat — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 06:34:45 -0000

Randolph ejected for punching SUns backup ~~point guard~~ power forward.

What the? This isn't the Z-Bo I remember...

Could we start six men?

MavetheGreat — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 02:38:46 -0000

We know Oden, Aldridge, Roy will be starters as long as they're Blazers.

That leaves 2 spots to fill. I know what you're thinking, fill those spots with the best 2 players left on the squad. However, I don't think Joel and Raef will fit well in those spots...they get paid the most, hence they must be the best players on the team (a wink here will help you understand the joke).

In order to determine who to start, we should take a look at what needs are left beyond Oden, LMA, and Roy.

In Oden we have a future post presence and rebounder. We have good reason to believe he will defend the best centers in the league as well as anyone, and his help-defense-shot-blocking is great. (Awesome use of hyphens). He has no offensive game outside the paint at this point, and we have no reason to believe that will change. I'm not sure this is essential for one of our big men to possess, but it doesn't matter because LMA does anyway.

Aldridge has some post moves, an above average mid-range game, and will even hit a couple threes throughout the season. He's getting better at setting picks, and both he and Oden are decent passers. He hasn't been a strong rebounder, but with Oden or Przybilla in it would be difficult for him to get more than 10 a game. Defensively he is making great strides against the opposing 4, so we don't have a lot of weakness in the frontcourt.

Roy's skills are unique and overlap the traditional positions. He certainly can handle the ball, but you aren't sure you want him to do that the whole game. He can penetrate and score or pass, but his teammates aren't as used to receiving in that situation so it's not as productive. His shooting is great, until you get outside the 3pt line, then it's only average. Defensively, he's great against shooting guards, but he doesn't quite have the size for big small forwards, and he isn't quick enough for the point guards. To be the most effective, he should be guarding the other team's 2. Roy is a good rebounder when he isn't instructed to get back on D.

What's left?

Rebounding: You'll need an additional 6-8 rebounds a game from your SF. If Roy plays it, he could probably handle that. Not seen as essential for the guards.

Shooting: You need at least one person that is a long ball threat to keep people honest when you go to the post as well as having an option for Roy when he penetrates.

Penetration: Roy does well at this, so it isn't essential to have another guard who can penetrate, but it wouldn't hurt. This also should be split into two categories. Scoring penetration and Set-up penetration.

Ball-handling: Probably need another player at least as proficient as Roy to take the ball up the court in case of trap defense.

Defense: 2 categories here. We need someone with enough size to defend small forwards, but we need a different person with enough speed and tenacity to handle the point guards. Dribble penetration has been an achilles heel for the Blazers this year, and the point of attack (nod to The Snapper) is where this needs to be confronted. Oden likely wouldn't have the foul trouble he does if the guards kept the opposition from driving. I'd say the PG D is the bigger weakness.

So here are the players we have and their skills as applicable:

Blake: Shooting, and Ball Handling, Defense?

Sergio: Ball-Handling, Penetration (Set-up)

Bayless: Penetration (Scoring), Defense, Ball-Handling?

Rudy: Shooting, Defense?, Penetration?, Ball-Handling?

SFs

Webster: Shooting, Defense? Penetration (Scoring)?

Outlaw: Shooting, Defense? Rebounding?

Batum: Defense, Shooting?, Ball-Handling?

Question marks indicate what hasn't been proven, and although these guys are young, they may not ever prove them.

Some of the more intriguing combos:

Webster and Blake: Roy=SG. We have great shooting, and an additional ball-handler, but there are question marks on defense, rebounding, and penetration. Webster seemed to show an increased propensity for driving the ball in the preseason, but will his confidence be shaken while he's conscious of his foot. We can't have too many guys just standing around on offense.

Batum and Blake: Roy=SG. Shooting is there, ball-handling is there, defense is weak at PG, but sufficient at SF. Still lack penetration, and Batum hasn't had enough minutes to show how consistent his shot will be.

Bayless and Blake: Roy=SF. Shooting is great, penetration and ball handling are well taken care of. Defense is weird here. Roy has to guard the SF, and either of Bayless or Blake may be undersized against the SG of the opponent. I'd say you have Blake guard whichever player moves less, and Bayless guard anyone likely to penetrate.

Bayless and Rudy: Roy=SF. Rudy probably can't guard the 3s better than Roy, but he may guard the 2s better than Bayless, so the defense could work except against teams with big 3s. Shooting is great, and so is penetration. Ball-handling is there. Defense and rebounding have question marks against big teams. Against small teams however, this might be a great lineup for us.

Batum and Webster: Roy=PG. This lineup is assuming that either Batum or Webster is able to handle the ball with any kind of proficiency. Shooting should be fine, rebounding should be fine. Defense is great except quick guards could expose this lineup. However, we could exploit most other teams defenses with such a tall lineup. Would Martell or Nic guard the 2? I'd say Martell.

Sergio and Rudy: Roy=SF. Ball-handling, shooting, and penetration are great. However, rebounding and defense could be questionable. Probably too many people who need the ball in their hands to be effective.

Final thoughts:

I don't like starting either Sergio or Travis.

Because Rudy and Sergio play so well together, I prefer to keep bringing Rudy off the bench as well.

It's hard to move Blake out of the starting lineup because who can shoot well enough to replace him? That is until Webster comes back.

I like the idea of Batum eventually playing with Rudy and Sergio in the white unit, but I want to see better wing defense from whoever replaces him.

None of our SF rebound that well.

What are your combos of choice and why?

Do we currently have the personnel for the 2 spots available?

What am I missing?

Where are you sitting?

MavetheGreat — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:06:56 -0000

Heads up Blazer fans! You may not have heard, but there's a game tonight at the Rose Garden. In fact, it's the home opener against the Spurs. Halloween night, first game. Put your wallets on a chain and your kids on leashes because that place is going to get crazy tonight.

I'll be in attendance, up in section..hmm I don't have my tickets here and can't remember. I'll post after lunch with my seats.

Where are you sitting?

OT: Blazersedge Community

MavetheGreat — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:52:31 -0000

I have a recommendation that this community abides by when it comes to trolls or people who don't promote helpful, and edifying conversation. Ignore them.

In a matter of 24 hours I have seen one guy with an aptitude for worming just beneath people's skin and inching the host into madness make jerks out of our fine community. This is disappointing because many of those people are known for being great assets to the site and promoting fair, and civil discussion.

Let's make a pledge to not lower ourselves or our standards because of someone else's actions, no matter how aggravating. Let's recognize when one of our own, whom we know to be honorable, loses perspective and responds to someone disrespectfully, and let's remind them in as polite of words as possible not to turn ugly. Please respectfully remind me when I'm out of line as well (This post may be out of line as a Fanpost).

I can't tell you how refreshing this community has been to me. I wish I could read every post written because of how intelligent, articulate and humorous we are (mostly you!). It is equally discouraging when someone turns the Pepsi into Poison. My suggestion: IGNORE TROLLS and they will go away, but above all, and with any response, treat everyone with respect (even if you're sure they don't deserve it).

Sorry for getting sappy...that's unlike me.

Von Wafer scores 23 in preseason game

MavetheGreat — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:58:37 -0000

Von Wafer scores 23 in preseason game

Check out the ex Blazer stealing the show in Memphis

The Email I sent to Comcast Sportsnet

MavetheGreat — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:27:27 -0000

Maybe most of you have seen my comment under the Ryan White article.

Here is a link to that comment where you can find contact information for CSN.

Below is the message I sent to them.

Dear CSN,

Please forward this to parties responsible for the negotiations with cable providers regarding your station.

To whom it may concern,

A lifelong Portland resident and Blazer fan, I am as proud as punch of our city and our club. The Blazers resurgence has been a rainbow in the dark storm of our current economy. You can’t live in this city and not see enthusiasm and giddiness that has swirled around the upcoming season. In a time of depression and weariness, we needed something to get excited about and we have it.

Unfortunately, there has been an ugly sore marring the beauty of the Blazers pending season. Comcast and many cable providers have been unable to come to an agreement with terms of the CSN station. Blame has been passed both ways, and the sides have appeared to dig trenches and refuse to give ground. There has been a lot of money spent on bickering, name-calling, and ads to pass the buck. I’m not interested in that game anymore. It’s time for the parties to take a look around and see the situation for what it is. Ugly. Nasty. Distracting.

I’m not going to write to you about what I would say to the providers, that’s between them and me. I will say, that many of the small providers probably aren’t in a great position financially in this market, and can’t afford what you’re asking. Therefore, it’s time for Comcast to man up. At the cost of losing a bit of profit margin, it’s time for Comcast to realize how important Portland’s lone professional sports franchise is to the city and give it to them. Spin it like a charity move if you want, butter it up and get some good PR, Comcast could use it. How much money are you willing to spend on advertisements that blame others before its greater than what you would make getting your way? It’s time to do the right thing Comcast.

Sincerely

(My Name, which is a secret)