Scotty the Mastermind
Apr 16, 2008 May 26, 2012 24 196
RSSUser Blog
Blazers Brass needs to "man" up! (GM Think Tank)
by Scotty the Mastermind on May 19, 2012 10:51 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
How much longer can this leadership purgatory go on with the Portland Trail Blazers lacking both a named General Manager and Head Coach who would be two key persons responsible for making the off-season and draft day roster decisions that will shape the near future of this slumping franchise...
12 comments
|
1 recs |
Tweet
A Steep Road to the TOP...
by Scotty the Mastermind on Mar 25, 2008 2:27 AM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/sports/1206239106137470.xml&coll=7
In the linked article from Oregonlive.com, "A Steep Road to the Court," you can catch up on the highlights of Greg Oden's rehabilitation progress ans his current condition, both reportedly being in excellent health. The article talks about Oden's weight starting around 294lbs a month or so ago, he has lost 4lbs and has his target at 280lbs by the time training camp opens next year by training hard and working out with various coaching personel.
Greg Oden was around the 260lb mark when he was drafted to Portland. If he leans down to 280lbs the right way (keeping all his strength and muscle), Oden will have added somewhere around 30lbs of muscle in his first "off-season" of basketball. There is absolutely NO doubt that GREG ODEN WILL BE A MONSTER.
Oden deserves to have some patience as far as how much impact he will have on the Blazers. What do you think his numbers will be in his first year, and second year, and what do you think his career numbers are going to look like when all is said and done? Will he rank among the NBA all-time greats?
What kind of production or impact do you foresee Oden having immediately? Where is Oden going to be stat wise in 3 more seasons? Will he be more of a "defensive" center, all-around center, or a scoring center?
More than Talent to win a Championship...
by Scotty the Mastermind on Mar 18, 2008 12:34 AM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
While surfing the web, I stumbled across this Yahoo Sports article by former NBA player, now analyst, Kenny Smith. Kenny's article, "Teams need more than talent to win title", is a list of ingredients he feels need to be part of a teams make-up to consider them a contender or real threat to win it all.
Kenny wrote:
"There are telltale signs that show whether a team is ready for the trophy. If you go through this checklist, you can see if your favorite team is ready to win it all or go fishing early."
1. Style of play: A team should have a defined style. Are they a halfcourt team or a fastbreak team? Are they defensive oriented?
A team needs a defined style, so when things aren't going well the players can return to the system's set principles.
- A quality point guard and an inside presence: Having an inside-out game is what gets you easy baskets.
- A superstar: Not a really good player. You need a superstar, a potential Hall of Fame player. Someone who can take over a game.
- A beast: This doesn't necessarily have to be your most talented player, though it usually is. You want a player who doesn't panic when things go bad. A player that takes the big shot or makes the key defensive play. Someone with enough experience to steady the team when the pressure rises.
- A great bench: You need guys who can come in the game and change the momentum. And if you don't have anyone who's even close to being Sixth Man of the Year, you better be wary.
- Adversity: There is a point in every championship season when the team vows to play harder, smarter and, most importantly, play together. That usually results from adversity and it happens in a variety of ways: an upsetting loss, a players-only meeting, a trade or an injury to a key player.
- A magic moment: This often follows adversity. Pulling out an important victory when you're about to lose. A shot that goes in from halfcourt. A record-breaking winning streak.
- Chemistry: There doesn't have to be a love fest going on in the locker room, but championship teams need to have players who respect each other and their coach. A team that respects itself is a team that grows.
Oden's Charisma will be a huge impact...
by Scotty the Mastermind on Mar 14, 2008 2:22 AM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
While watching the game tonight, Greg Oden got pulled to the announcers desk for a quick in-game interview during the first half. Oden's charisma is instantly apparent on camera. His big smile, genuine playfulness and simple confidence in just being who he is comfortable being is REAL and enjoyable. He is a lot more Charismatic than the other young core players on the Blazers.
Roy is obviously a GREAT young player, he is so mature and professional when he is being interviewed, Roy is clutch in games, and he is already an all-star. But his only critics say that he lacks "flash" to his game. Personally I love the player and find Roy very exciting. But...
Oden is going to be THE personality that will really define this team to the NBA and its fans. Every time I see Oden on camera I can't help but think Oden's presence with this young team will have more immediate impact than his play. LMA is not really a character, even though he is a baller. To me, Oden has the charisma to be an elite NBA talent.
Aside from being a year older and a year wiser; Roy, Aldridge, Outlaw and Webster could all experience their biggest boost to their game by having the charismatic Oden on the court and in all the games. I am growing more and more excited to see the Blazers with Oden as the center piece.
Oden seems to have much more star potential than Kevin Durant. Durant is pretty boring when he talks in post game or in interviews, he just doesn't seem interesting or captivating. Oden is totally opposite, Oden is the star that Portland needed to draft, Oden doesn't just fit the culture... he will define it.
Will Oden's impact be felt the most through his star power or his play in 2008-2009?
Do you feel that Oden is going to live up to his billing and be somewhere around an Amare Stoudamire meets Dwight Howard? Do you think Oden will be more, less, or??? than other NBA highly drafted players? What will Oden's impact be on the blazers for 2009?
Trade with Minnesota for Foye?
by Scotty the Mastermind on Mar 12, 2008 12:02 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
Obviously the "Player Roster Moves" conversations have been heating up since the Blazers are on the outside looking in for this years playoffs... even though there is still a chance (only if Portland puts together a nice 6-8 game win streak).
Watching the game last night made me think about Minnesota's team:
PG Randy Foye
PG Sebas Telfair
SG Rashad McCants
GF Kirk Snyder
SF Corey Brewer
SF Ryan Gomes
PF Al Jefferson
FC Chris Richard
In the ESPN Mock Draft Lottery, Minnesota is favored for spot #2 (most likely Derrick Rose, a point guard), or if Memphis gets #2 (Grizz drafted Mike Conely last year, a point guard) and they would likely take SG Eric Gordon, leaving Minnesota again with best available being Rose.
Would Blazers Fans be interested in moving some combination of Jarrett Jack, Channing Frye, and our first rounder this year for PG Randy Foye. He is 24 years old, from the same draft class as Roy and LMA, he is posting 11ppg and 3.2 assists. Foye was injured the entire first half of the season, and Telfair has been working well in their system. Consider also that we would end up getting some other player in the deal to make the money work.
Is Randy Foye worth it to make a move like that?
LaBron's future with the... NETS?
by Scotty the Mastermind on Feb 26, 2008 12:12 AM EST
on Blazer's Edge
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebronjayz022508&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
LaBron James could have a future with the Nets. Not until 2010, though. Read this article, it is pretty interesting how Jay-Z, the hip-hop star, is part owner of the Nets, personal friends with King James, and also starting a marketing firm that there is speculation already involves James.
On top of that, the Nets of New Jersey are going to be moving to a new arena in... Brooklyn! How about selling some jersey's people? Brooklyn on the front, James on the back... BLING!
Lets look at this from our Championship hopes...
in 2010, the Nets will have had five first round draft picks (2 in 2008, 1 in 2009, and 2 in 2010). They already started clearing cap space by getting rid of J.Kidd, taking on Stromile Swifts ludacris contract and getting younger. They already have Devin Harris (age 24) at point, maybe keeping Vince Carter around for a few additional years (he is 31 now, so maybe 2 more years after LaBrons jump to the Nets), and a stable of youngsters like blossoming big men Sean Williams(BC), Josh Boone(UConn), DeSanga Diop and Nenad Kristic in the post; as well as young backup SG Maurice Ager(Detroit) and PG Marcus Williams (UConn). Add these young players with LABRON JAMES and some combination of 5 first rounders in the next 3 seasons... this team could look very very scary come 2010 and beyond.
Even with the crew that we have growing in Portland... that might put a damper on our Championship dreams. What do you think?
Blazers to Raise ticket prices in 2008-2009...
by Scotty the Mastermind on Feb 14, 2008 7:42 PM EST
on Blazer's Edge
As posted on www.realgm.com
http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/50861/20080214/blazers_boost_ticket_prices_for_2008_09/
It seems that they are going to increase ticket prices by an average of 5% next year....
It is a small increase, but it is an increase non-the-less.
How short are the memories of the Blazers-Brass??? Do you and I remember the teams through the 90's? Do you remember the price gouging that continued to go on every season, and the threats made by Paul Allen about moving the team? Do you remember how he sold the arena to make the team "easier to move" from our town? Do you remember how the ownership leased the Rose Garden back to itself for a premium to help rationalize driving up prices?
I do. I also know that this team, this organization, we LOVE is actually a business that gets us every chance they can.
I just think it is weak that the Blazer-brass is already going to "Capitalize" since this team has just recently RE-ENTERED the hearts of Portlanders. The TrailGANGSTER past isn't far behind us, and neither is the EMPTY Rose Garden for Blazer games that went with it. I personally think this is BUSH-LEAGUE. In a DOWN economy with a team who really hasn't done anything yet except change to meet our markets expectations of CHARACTER and community. So why the increase?
How many games do you WANT to afford for Blazers games? Or are you okay watching at home & at sports bars?
The Long Term Plan: Who's In and Who is Not?
by Scotty the Mastermind on Dec 12, 2007 4:29 PM EST
on Blazer's Edge
Boy was that Utah game great! Admittedly, I was one of our fans wondering how a win AT UTAH would be possible without LMA and against a Utah Jazz team that is stacked with talent and toughness. I see the Utah Vs. Portland rivalry growing in both intensity and importance over the next decade as both Utah and Portland are building into strong Western Conference contenders.
While watching the Blazers hold strong onto their lead and ultimately win this game, I was thinking of this rivalry growing and couldn't help but reflect on one of the subjects that was tossed around quite a bit this past off-season: Which players on our current roster do you think are going to be Blazers for at least the next 5 seasons?
Of course B.Roy, LMA, and Oden are in it to win it, but who is going to be part of our 10 man rotation for the long term?
Which point guard is going to be the odd man out? Blake, Jack, or Sergio?
Are the three small forwards all good enough scorers and versatile enough to keep? If not, who is the most expendable?
Pyzbilla looks tough this year, will Oden's presence make Joel expendable, or do we need that additional big man presence, toughness and fouls as part of our big-picture?
Personally I think that the following 11 players are the future five years of our Blazers:
Blake, Jack
Roy, Rudy Fernandez
Webster, Outlaw
Aldridge, Frye, McRoberts
Oden, Pryzbilla
Additional draft picks can factor into this team, where I could see Blake moving to the proverbial bench shooter role and potentially Pryz being phased into a "big-body" off the bench to get foul minutes.
What do you think?
Darius Miles' new home...
by Scotty the Mastermind on Oct 27, 2007 5:50 AM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
While watching parts of tonights televised pre-season game between the Lakers and the Kings, the announcers could stop talking about Kobe Bryant's dislike for the level of talent on his team, etc. etc. Basketball fans everywhere should take note at what the difference between True Greatness and simple dominance. Kobe's game is dominant, but he does not, nor will he possess true greatness, because he just doesn't have IT. Seriously, is it just me or has Kobe already given up becasue boo hoo, his team isn't strong enough to compete. Boy does that send a message to every player... don't play with Kobe, cause nobody is good enough to be his Pippen and Grant/Rodman. Babyboy Bryant can score and defend at true elite level, but his desire to prove his game by elevating and willing those around him to get better and win championships the way Air Jordan did is completely non-existent... keeping Kobe a mere mortal.
But... what if the Lakers tried to appease this wimp by attaining the rights to high upside Darius Miles to play SF or bench scorer for them. Heck... we will only take whatever the Lakers would want to give us. I don't even know if logistically this trade would go but it sure would be nice to get rid of Darius to a team like the Lakers. I wonder what Kobe's response would be?
Martell's Post Game comments...
by Scotty the Mastermind on Oct 11, 2007 10:57 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
Last night watching channel 8 news after the game, I saw an interview with Martell where he said "...they know what I can do, and I know what I am capable of, it was good to go out and do it."
This comment tells us that Martell has continued to receive the confidence from the Blazers organization about his offensive game and his continued development. He was smiling, he looks leaner, and lets face it, he just appears a lot more game ready. I am not claiming that Martell is going to blow up the same way we are all thinking LaMarcus Aldridge is going to blow up, but lets face it, Martell with confidence and swagger is much more exciting prospect than the soft-n-timid head-hanging version of Martell that we saw most of last year.
Most of us had expected him to have at least a handful or so more games in which he was a key offensive component, what with his reputation fo having such a PURE shot and elite NBA athleticism. It seems that what we have been hearing out of the Blazers and the coverage is that Martell has been working real hard on his shot, conditioning, and head this off-season. So it begs me to post this question to the BlazersEdge Nation:
Patterson and MacMillan Deliver what has been asked...
by Scotty the Mastermind on Oct 3, 2007 11:20 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
I got to thinking about our revamped roster, our top-caliber drafts the past to years, our team attitude of working hard (thanks Nate) and team personality (thanks Patterson)of enjoyable possitive competitors, how great our arena is, how great the city of Portland is and, ultimately, how great it is to be a proud of being a TrailBlazer fan again.
I feel that as a whole, it seemed that a majority of Trailblazer fans have asked primarily for a team that we can root for, still be proud of what we are supporting, be competitive and fun to be a part of. At this point, the vibe seems that the Portland Trailblazers are back to being in the favor of Oregonians as a whole; which means better crowd and more people. Steve and Nate have delivered. Period.
Surely there are many who say we have to prove it on the floor in order to come back, buy tickets and rejoin Blazer Mania. As for the rest of us, we know that the bottom line is these guys are worth rooting for. The bonus is that the Blazers have drafted and traded their way to now possess the NBA's most-potentially-laden young roster; which provides a chance that this team could become elite. I sense, even with Greg Oden out and Brandon Roy looking to deal with this injury agian, that excitement and passion will be very apparent at the Rose Garden this year. Hey we like all these guys now!
So, thank you Mr. Patterson and Mr. MacMillan for delivering what I was expecting.
Now, if we can only keep Mr. Allen from cranking up the inflation now that he has a team that will draw....
Media be hating...
by Scotty the Mastermind on Jul 6, 2007 3:32 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
Even when it is not my team, i truly can not stand how much NEGATIVITY consumes media writers. It is always about what somebody absolutely CAN'T do rather than all those things that a group or individual does really well and positively impacts their world. Aside from local news working their buns off to scare you into fearing all that society has to offer every single night, Sports Media is easily the Silver Medal winner for Negativity brought into the world...and yes, they even beat out the terrorist organizations. Anyway...
I want to talk about a former Oregonian and Blazer: Danny Ainge and his Boston Celtics. Okay, so the Celtics were crap this past year. And, they didn't "Win the Lottery" to get the Superstar (Durant or Oden) needed for the Celtics to get any respect (even though it wouldn't have made them any more of a real contender immediately).
First off, it sucks pretty hard that the media only gives you one option in the off-season: Get the best available player (top draftee or top free agent both qualify) or no matter what you do it isn't good enough to keep your job.
Well, i recently read about what the Celtics have and what they are looking to do. The Celtics have Paul Pierce at SF, who is an offensive stud, a leader and still can get it done, they added Ray Allen, who if he would have been moved to Portland we would have been loving on it for sure. So, I gotta give it up to Danny Ainge for adding a solid all-star guy who IS one of the best shooters in the NBA...now and all-time.
They also have Al Jefferson. Last year Al made huge strides and looked better and better all season. He is going to continue that trend and will prove again this year that he can play with anyone in the league, not saying he will dominate every PF around, but he can more than hang. Check this out:
PG Rajon Rondo/Telfair/Rookie Gabe Pruitt
SG Ray Allen/Gerald Green
SF Paul Pierce/Ryan Gomes
PF Al Jefferson/Leon Powe/Rook Glen BigBaby Davis
C Kendrick Perkins/Brian Scalabrine
Obviously they have needs at #1 priority Center and #2 priority Point Guard.
Rumor is that they are coveting Jammal Magloire, Marcus Canby, or Joe Smith for the Center. Magloire or Canby would give them one more former All-Star on their roster, totally 3. Plus an up-and-coming stud like Jefferson? At point, they are looking at Steve Blake, Derek Fischer and Greek sensation Theo Papaloukas.
I just read an article in the Boston Herald featureing Ainge saying "We are definitely not done (with Free Agency/making moves)" and "no, I wouldn't say we are only one move away"
Read between the lines: They are two moves away from having a very competitive roster: Those two moves are PG and Center. They only have 12 guys under contract (assuming both 2nd rounders from this year are on the team) So they have three slots open. If they do add say Magloire at center and Papaloukas or Fisher at the point, this team will look very very competitive in the wide open East. Think about it, LaBron and Cavaliers made it to the NBA finals and the East is wide open. Now the Celtics have two great shooters, a handful of top-talent youngins who are getting better each year (led by break out candidate Al Jefferson into his 4th season, dunkmaster Gerald Green into his 3rd season, speed demon PG Rajon Rondo into his 2nd season, and backup big man C kendrick Perkins into his 5th season out of high school), they could have just enough blend of All-star experience and primed-to-play-up-youthful-talent to more than win a few games next year.
Yes, they are still 2 moves away. But there are enough solid role player types around that IF (and it is a big IF) the right two guys decide to choose Boston, then the Celtics could be making the media types eat their own words.
Last year I compared the young Celtics upside with the young Blazer upside quite a bit until it was clear the young Raptor upside was the team to be watching, but this Celtics squad could be very potent this year. I am not counting them out, and I think Ainge has taken the right gambles. It is all too easy for the common fan or media writer to over value a rookie and undervalue an experienced pro.
Go get em Ray.
"Timetable" was key word used by Pritchard...
by Scotty the Mastermind on Jun 29, 2007 9:31 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
Today on the 1080 the fan radio, Kevin Pritchard did a quick interview recap of the draft, how he felt and what the future holds for the Blazers. The key word he used when talking about the Zach move was "timetable", as in " Zach didn't fit into our timetable that we have laid out so it was best to move him."
I will admit my knee jerk reaction was that the Knicks screwed us on the deal and that we could have gotten more for Zach, like at least a future 2nd rounder or two (even though there is a "backend" to the deal that we won't know for 10 days; rumor is that we get Malik Rose and they take Darius "the dumpling" Miles off our roster). But with how important managing the Cap is in Pro sports, I am all for making absolutely sure now that in 2,3 and 4 years when we are going to be signing our true Franchise players to longer deals that we won't have to let the great one's go.
Truth is, Timetable is the key and Pritchard wants us all to know it. I have been a big pusher for the "youth movement" here in Portland and Anti-Strong Vet (especially SF) because we aren't ready for our playoff pushes yet with our REAL Nucleaus (Roy, Aldridge, Oden and crew). I sat at the bar (On Deck Sports to be exact) during the draft and listened to a few guys still yammoring about us picking up Chauncey Billups because we NEED an upgrade to J.Jack or packaging a trade for an experienced SF-scorer... but the fact remains, we should not blow our wad this early on a guy who's skills might be slipping when we due hit the primetime with our CORE, even though the salary of a 4-6 year deal could hinder us from truly putting together a run... ONCE WE ARE READY.
Again, we have to preach patience. We, as fans, need to look at what we have (aka Glass is Half Full) and not what we don't (glass is half empty) because truly in the big scheme of things these next two seasons, '07 and '08 are the seasons that are building the confidence, skills, and chemistry that are going to hopefully give us quite a few championship contentions.
Glass is Half Empty: 1.) Yes, we truly could use a great outside shooter for next season 2.) There is plenty of room to upgrade the point from Jarrett Jack 3.) We still don't have a difinitive stater/star at the important position of #3/Small Forward.
My answer is a cocky "So What!" worrying about those items is forcing an issue that really makes no difference right now because we have two and three seasons to really figure it out.
Obviously we have:
SG - Brandon Roy: Prototypical Combo-Guard who scores, creates, distributes and carries the Leadership tag on this talented group.
Uber-Center - Greg Oden: Defensive wizard in the post and the kind of athleticism/size mixture that defines prototypical. This cat averaged 15/10/3 in college with his strong side wrist in a cast. Boo-yah.
PF - LaMarcus Aldridge - the length, athleticism and range on both sides of the ball to be an elite NBA FC/4/5. He has a complete game and doesn't need to get the ball fed to him like Z-bo did to make it happen on the stat sheet. He is Elite.
So, we now have THREE Potential Superstars if you as a fan expect more, drop it. We will see some great development from our other talents over the course of the next two years, or they will be dumped... it is pretty obvious by the moves we have been seeing that aggressive drafts can replace half a roster at a time.
What we have to develop:
GF - Martell Webster: I won't be surprised to see Nate/KP pushing to get Martell in the starting role early as a make or break move for his career in Portland. If he can put it together by the All-Star break, Fans and the Team will know who the answer at SF is. If not... trade bait next draft.
F - Travis Outlaw: Pritchard said on the radio that they have every intention to keep Outlaw as part of the Core here. Tr-Out is explosive, isn't scared to shoot and is a phantom shot blocker with speed, hops, and still has upside to brag about. He will definitely be a 2nd Unit player for us unless Martell falters huge (because we know Ime is not getting 28 minutes per game this year). Outlaw will be a key scorer for the 2nd unit and will continue to build an "Uncle-Cliffy-esque" fan base as a 6th/7th man.
PG - Jarrett Jack: 3rd year Pro J.J. gets the nod for another season and fits the timeline of the team so he can still show the guys upstairs if he is going to get the keys to this car for the long haul or if we truly need to upgrade. If you are one who ABSOLUTELY KNOWS that Jack isn't the answer at PG, then you are obviously too egotistical to discuss anything with (especially sports or hot chicks). Jack will prove his worth over the next two seasons or be dealt. The fact is that he IS good enough for our team over the next two years.. especially now that we have PG's Sergio Rodriguez, Rudy Fernandez, Peteri Koponen, and Taureen Green all in developmental try-outs for our long-term vision (and two more years worth of first round picks in the upcoming years to fill this effectively).
PG's - Sergio Rodriguez: has the speed and flashy play to make the group of athletic big-men we have assembled turn into a new class of Phi Slamma-Jamma. Shooting needs to improve, but he is cool and fast.
Combo-Guard - Rudy Fernandez: Indications are that he is in Euro leagues for one more year due to contract reasons, which is great. Even better is his pedigre as a big guard (6'5) who can man the point, play off the ball and create shots both inside and outside. I really feel this is our #1 back-up plan to two things getting Sergio or Jack out of town because either doesn't develop as promised, or to Martell filling or not-filling the outside shooting role that we are lacking. Rudy can do both and we get to wait at least a season to pull the trigger on finding out. But, he has proven to be a big-time baller even as a youngster in critical Euro league play.
PG - Peteri Koponen: This kid is also 6'5, which gives us lots of depth with big point men for the future, and the pick of the litter of these great international talents that we have drafted. Koponen was one of the fastest risers in the draft due to workouts; he alegedly plays with a lot of natural control of the game, is primarily a distributor and is TOUGH. And is only 19, so he could wait 2 to 3 seasons before we pull him over.
PF - Josh McRoberts: STEAL of the Draft. I know there are Dukie haters, and rightfully so. But at 6'10 240 and elite level athleticism for his size, has a very versatile game and isn't scared to push, shove and be tough down low, I am calling him the best pick of the 2nd round. I will agree with all of you who don't think he is going to be a superstar in the NBA, NO Duh, but he is a baller and will be a very solid role player in the NBA. I thought he was laker bound in round one and could have helped them immediately. Instead he is one of our guys in what looks to be an amazing front court for years to come. Foul trouble in the post... not the Blazers.
FC - Channing Frye: Drafted in 2005 as the #8 overall pick, the 6'11 Frye is a long athletic former Arizona Wildcat who is versatile and can run the floor: obviously there is a pattern here. We have options. He isn't a star in the making but he does have skills and fits our plans and Timetable.
SF - James Jones: This guy we got from Pheonix, he is a 6'8 SF from Miami (the U) and was drafted in the second round in 2003 by the Pacers. I think the big deal with this pick isn't as the SF answer. It is clear that Outlaw and Webster are more talented, but his salary works as a replacement to either Dickau or Freddie in the Z-Bo deal, as an insurance policy we grabbed him for the roster so we wouldn't have to scramble and give up a guy our Brass still hasn't decided on for the long term. He is a token for that move, and could be more, but I feel just the insurance policy we need to make sure Z-bo (and Ideally Darius too are gone for good).
PG - Taureen Green: You gotta like getting the two euro guards in round one that will be overseas at least a year, and a winner like Green to fill Dickau's slot on the roster as a player that we don't need to sign a guaranteed deal with. SO essentially he gets a contract based on what we see in Vegas and is further insurance for the PG position. I loved this pick. He is fast and has won two championships. The preps-to-pros guys (Travis and Martell) should learn a lot from this kid at training camp just from his pedigree. He is a win for the Blazers even if he doesn't stick.
Other than that, we have:
C-Joel Pryzbilla for 3 or 4 more seasons as a key big defensive back-up center if we need it. He is a great player off the bench and hopefully we can keep him around, you always need all the help you can get in the playoffs, especially in the post for D.
SF- Ime Udoka: Pritchard also labled Udoka as a core member of the Blazers and that they are going to sign him if it is right for both parties... i.e. unless some other team offers him more than the scraps Paul Allen will send his way. I like Ime, but there is no way he gets anywhere near those 28 mpg he did unless we have injuries to Martell, Outlaw, and Jones.
FC- Raef LaFrentz is under contract for 2 more years, showed at the end of last season that he is still a gamer off the bench, can score, is in general a mismatch and when he is off the books opens us up for a bigtime contract.
Combo-guard Steve Francis: Formerly known as Franchise, now in Portland his nickname is Enigma. We got him for sole reason of purging crappy characters who the fan base is tired of, and this guy USED to have tons of game. But, the truth about his contract is that even if we buy him out his contract is still on the books for 2 years, so he either plays a year or two and fills in for the scoring option if we aren't getting what we need outside our core, or we buy him out and use the roster spot for another prospect.
PF- Joel Freeland will be in Europe for 2 more years to indefinitely. I guess not indefinitely we did get him in round 1 so at some point he gets his contract and has to be part of our roster. Lets hope he continues working and we can see something out of his 6'10 frame.
Gone is Magloire, it didn't work out for the former all-star and we can't really leverage a sign and trade without impacting our near-term cap concerns for the CORE.
Darius will be gone to New York, I am already counting on it.
Boy is this a load of players, but after months of debating on this website, it looks like we have a great group of future stars and future solid role players to create a great TEAM. And that is what I want, a TEAM, not all-stars who want money and fame, a TEAM who wants to play together, win together, stay together and be part of our Community.
Now, my only hope is that Big Man Paul Allen doesn't continue to squeeze the fans and community of Portland for every drop of dough we have, keep the PROMOTIONS (where did the nose-bleed $500 season pass go so quickly?) and keep an eye on the prize: A happy fan base that wants to buy merchandise, go to games, spend money and be glad that you are around. It was that way before Paul Allen got here, and now with this team of talent and character, Paul needs to make sure that his business plan focuses on the Family appeal of the sport, the friendly atmosphere of Portland, and the reluctance of our people to forced into doing stupid things to make the richest get even richer. Like the whole Rose Garden deal that we will never forget. Paul, just don't try that stuff again and we will have a beautiful relationship and hopefully a ton of Championships...
Go Blazers.
Calculating the LaBron factor for Blazer Championship Hopes...
by Scotty the Mastermind on Jun 3, 2007 11:47 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
Okay, so we all know that LaBron James is a great baller now, and that with more time who knows how good he and his team will be. So, it makes me wonder: How do you beat LaBron of the Future?
Let's be honest, he probably won't get the ring this year, but the possibility is real and know he knows what close tastes like. The Pistons are a good team, better than good in fact, and they have great players and seemed to be the better fit. But, LaBron is in the finals...
So for us Blazer hopefuls, having a great 2006 draft with Roy, Aldridge, and Sergio, haveing the #1 and undoubtedly a great draft this year landing one of the top two prospects and more, plus our other young talent to fill in gaps, we look good. But what is going to be necessary in our lineup to be able to handle LaBron?
I like Martell Webster alot still. I like Travis Outlaw alot still. I still think both are going to be great assets to the Blazers of 2007-2015, but what can KP and Nate do to provide the most Anti-LaBron-Aresenal on our roster?
I don't think the answer is as simple as trading Z-Bo to whomever has the pick of Corey Brewer and take on whatever to make it work is the only answer, but the more I think about it getting a defensive stopper like Corey Brewer is, with his size (6'9) and championship pedigree he would be a worthy move by KP. I mean, there are going to be at least two more drafts after 2007 for our Blazers before we are truly big-time contention threats, so we have options. And maybe we just start drafting every Euro to stash, every defensive stopper we can grab, or ??? I think this issue is key to us getting our rings in Portland...
Afterall, if not for Jordan, Drexler would have won one here in P-town.
Zach is still the best player we have...
by Scotty the Mastermind on Jun 1, 2007 3:13 AM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
It is so hard to actually get those words out, but it is true and there really is no doubt. I have been posting on this website with many of you for a while with the intentions of coming up with the best plan for our Blazers to have a winning roster, most of the time we are talking about getting rid of Zach because 1.) he has the most trade value for us to leverage and 2.) he has done enough stupid stuff off court while in the NBA for many of us to want him gone.
I was just reading on ESPN NBA Rumors, that a.) Z-bo wants to stay and be a part of what Portland is building and b.) KP called Z-bo to let him know that he has not been shopping him for a trade. So, of course, for the first time in a few weeks I had enough reality check to contemplate: What would our team look like with Z-bo in the mix next year and beyond and what kind of magic could KP pull off outside of trading any of our real talent to add another solid player or two in the draft outside of our #1 pick?
There is so much trade talk going on, but lets talk strategy for KP if he is to keep Z-bo in the mix (regardless of how long) on who is that one guy we need to go after, and if you know how we could go about moving either Dickau or F.Jones to open up one more roster spot. And, Do we really want to resign Ime Udoka?
The best veteran help we can add...
by Scotty the Mastermind on May 18, 2007 2:57 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
Theo Papaloukas, you know... or if you don't check out this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodoros_Papaloukas
The reason I bring this guy up is I was just reading on DraftExpress.com that Papaloukas just changed agents in hopes of coming and proving his game in the NBA. Check out that Wikipedia link to get the downlow on this international star (most popular int'l player and consistent winner).
Yeah, Papaloukas would be a 30 year old rookie, but he would give us more than enough fill in to leverage J.Jack as trade bait for better help at the 3 or 5, and undoubtedly would help Sergio and Roy develop. It was impressive to see the impact that Jorge Garbajosa had on the Toronto Raptors (Jorge was a 28 year old rookie this year) and was having a killer season until he got injured.
Recently written on DraftExpress.com:
"PAPALOUKAS, WOW
And I really mean WOW. I could say it again and again, actually just what happened on Sunday. PA-PA-LOU-KAS, that's the man. No matter how many times you have seen this guy stepping up to run a show in big games, you can never get enough. He was truly the best player on the floor in the final, single-handedly keeping CSKA in the game with his ability to play the pick-and-roll, find the open man, get all the way to the hoop and post up his opponents, always showing the decision making of a privileged basketball mind and the character of a winner. Apparently, he wants to try the NBA badly (he has reportedly even switched agents as the previous one failed to get him there), and chances are he will get it done this summer."
This is the type of move that Blazers Brass can do, make a splash with fans, and not risk much cap room, trade value, or a high draft pick.
What do you think about adding an international vet like Papaloukas to play the 1-2 punch with Brandon Roy (007)?
Brewer and Noah...
by Scotty the Mastermind on May 16, 2007 7:07 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
SF Corey Brewer and FC Joakim Noah, two of the hottest prospects in the upcoming draft and two guys that have been drawing a bunch of attention from the Blazer Faithful here on this blog, were recently featured in an ESPN.com Insider story by Chad Ford. If you are an insider, take this article for a spin.
If not, I will highlight some of his insight...
Ford spent a day (this past Monday) at an elite basketball training facility called Abunassar Impact Basketball training center, that features state of the art training that included customized meals, strength training, skills work and five-on-five work, and where Brewer and Noah are working to prepare for the pre-draft events. Abunassar, an NBA elite trainer trains Kevin Garnett, Chauncey Billups, Baron Davis, among others, in the offseason.
In the individual workouts, Ford writes about Brewer: "Brewer looks great. He's stroking the ball from 18 feet and showing range out to the NBA 3-point line with good accuracy. He has great form on his jump shot with a high, quick release. He gets great lift on his shot and shows the ability to shoot off the dribble, too. He's most impressive, however, getting up and down the basketball floor. He has excellent speed for his size and is very explosive getting off the floor."
Ford writes about Noah's skills workout: "Noah is grunting and huffing with every post spin and dunk. Somehow, that frenetic energy he brings to the court every night also translates to the practice court. At one point Abunassar tells Noah that he doesn't need to grunt so hard in the workouts. Noah smiles and says that's the way he rolls. It's pretty clear it's not an act...Noah has a wacky release. He puts the ball on the left side of his head and then shoots it across his face in a diagonal motion...The crazy thing about the shot is that it goes in pretty regularly from 15 feet in...The fact that he shoots the ball the same way every time, according to Abunassar, means that his shot isn't nearly as problematic as it looks."
All this information is pretty standard with other scouting write-ups I have read on-line. But here is the part that made interested in the prospects of Brewer:
"Brewer joins a group to play five-on-five. The Blazers' Martell Webster and the Rockets' Kirk Snyder are here. They're joined by USC's Gabe Pruitt, San Diego State's Brandon Heath, Iowa's Adam Haluska, Creighton's Nate Funk, Oregon State's Marcel Jones and Wright State's Dashaun Woods. The play is fast and furious. Webster was the No. (6) pick in the draft two years ago. He would've been just a sophomore in college this year. He has an NBA body and two years of pro experience. But he still doesn't have the game of Brewer, who clearly outshines everyone else on the floor. His smooth game, from pull-up jumpers to alley-oop dunks, shows just how destructive he could be in an open-court game."
Obviously this is one guy's opinion, but... Is Brewer really THAT great of a prospect. I mean during the season, all the way up until the final four this year, Brewer was a #8 to #10 prospect. Now, Brewer has moved to the #3 or definitive Top 5 on most scouting lists.
It is clear that we all want either freak Center Greg Oden or freak Small Forward Kevin Durant if the BBall Gods shine on us, but if we are to draft other than 1 or 2... Maybe Brewer is the answer?
Sum of its Parts...
by Scotty the Mastermind on May 14, 2007 9:25 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
Does anyone remember the late 90's JailBlazer Squads? Man did we "acquire" "talent" back in those days. Trader Bob cuttin' deals, Sheed getting T's, moving Jermaine O'Neal beacuse there was no room for young improving players on our perennial playoff team. It was so frusterating to me as a fan to be constantly turning players over, not having the "team" approach and basically being a squad of over paid mercenaries. It got us to where we are today. And oddly enough, I read posts and it seems that fans have forgotten those days of yesteryear where we had high priced talent, superstar wanna be's, and winning season's. But did you really like the team, or were you just rooting for the Blazers WISHING they would morph into Porter, Drexler, Kersey, B.Williams, Duckworth and Uncle Cliffy? Don't lie. I know you were and you NEVER really liked Rasheed because he was a punk and despised Portland for wanting more out of him.
Speaking of wanting more... We happen to have a roster that features six top prospects age 23 or younger. Of course you know:
PG Jarret Jack age 23
SG Brandon Roy age 22
SF Travis Outlaw age 22
PF LaMarcus Aldridge age 21
GF Martell Webster age 20
PG Sergio Rodriguez age 20
Yes, these guys are ours, here in Portland. We acquired them on thier way into the NBA and they are still here. I read a lot about bringing in "Star Power" (Rashard Lewis, Gerald Wallace, or whomever) But I prefer the "organic" movement of drafting guys and leveraging Nate MacMillian to get the most out of the young players we have drafted.
My question is this. Based on the six guys listed. How competitive can the Trailblazers be in FOUR YEARS (based on LMA getting to age 25, the age that Z-Bo was in the mention for becoming an all-star) The stipulations are that we keep these six guys, don't add any true superstar talent via free agency, but build the roster through drafting and mid-level free-agent support. Can an NBA franchise be fully built through the draft in today's game? Or are Big-name big-dollar free agent acquisitions neccessary to get a championship season?
Blazer fans reveal thier motives...
by Scotty the Mastermind on May 9, 2007 3:16 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
Is it more important to you, as a money-paying, heart and sweat pouring, card-carrying member of Blazer Nation in the Capital of Rip City, to have...
A.) A Team We Can Be Proud Of. Character is our number one focus and we can stomach maybe making playoffs, maybe missing them, having a decenlty competitive team, but we have the best group of citizens/role-models in the league. Team Character #1 or not a fan PERIOD...
or
B.) A Team that will WIN and be in the playoffs next year and another 20-30 year run. This offseason is our play to get back into the winning-ways of Blazers past where we become a perennial play-off team with an exciting flavor of hoops. WIN NOW!!!
or
C.) A Championship sometime within the Roy/Aldridge era. Building for a Championship run will take a little more time/up-and-downs, but making the right moves at the right time and not getting jaded into wanting to please other fans with an extra 5-10 wins next year or 10-15 the year after that, and some meaningless 8th or 7th seed appearances in the playoffs when we should be plotting and developing a true Championship core. Trophy or Bust.
SO??? Which are you? Please vote.
Keep Zach Randolph Campaign
by Scotty the Mastermind on May 6, 2007 10:39 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
Hey Blazer fans, do we really want to get rid of Zach Randolph; an all-star caliber low-post offensive specialist who averaged 23ppg and 10rbg this season, showed heart and determination last summer when he worked extremely hard to rehab his injury, lose weight, gain leadership clout with a young team, and add a great deal of skills and moves to his offensive game. For all intents and purposes, Zach Randolph proved that he is interested in being a serious competitor,an all-star caliber low-post force, and a guy who wants to be a leader and star in the NBA. Zach is a player that WE drafted as a late first round pick who this year proved to be a real pro.
Now the questions about how he handles being on the "last limb" here in Portland with our NEED for clean and positive professional athletes is the biggest factor in favor of dealing the young star. I just read a diary below about how Dallas would be interested in Z-Bo because of his ability to dominate a play-off tempo game and how Z-Bo dominated the Mavs earlier in his career. I know Blazer-Mania is hopeful of a young, high-energy squad that runs up and down on fast breaks; but Nate knows that a weapon like Z-Bo is priceless in the playoffs (even considering his mid-level defensive ability).
Zach can and will prove one of two things to Portland:
1) He can avoid negative situations and continue to work hard and become a beloved Blazer legend. OR
2.) He is percieved as a "Can't Win With" player and is dealt.
Can we build Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge's Blazer team into a Championship winner better with or without Zach Randolph?
This Draft is Special...
by Scotty the Mastermind on May 3, 2007 6:15 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
Last year at this time we were hearing some consistent remarks about the then upcoming 2006 NBA Draft that downgraded the potential success and impact from the draft:
- The overall number of impact players throughout the draft were less because it was the first year of the new age rule which kept "preps to pros" talent from entering the draft.
- For some reason, not all "Lottery" guys were entering the draft, Noah and Gators, McRoberts from Duke, etc., guys who were regarded as lottery picks didn't enter. Noah, was slated to go #1 overall had he entered.
- No clear cut top-tier. Usually in every draft there are one or two can't miss prospects and the 2006 draft was a concensus "push" amongst the top 7 prospects (this is partly why we were able to pull off what we did).
Teams with multiple picks in this years first round could dramatically change thier futures if they play thier cards right. Look how much our Blazers future was changed off of a draft that most media were billing as unspectacular. Our picks will do just fine, and if KP is as active as the hype he has created it should be IMPOSSIBLE TO CALL. My question is: Do you have any ideas how we could get an extra first rounder or two from the teams that have multiple firsts?
Philly 76ers picks 12, 21, and 30
Pheonix Suns picks 4?, 24, and 29
Char Bobcats picks 8 and 24
Det Pistons picks 15 and 27
And...
What late first round, non-lottery player do you think would be a nice fit in with our teams talent and make-up?
Zach Randolph for Lamar Odom
by Scotty the Mastermind on May 2, 2007 8:57 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
I just read the ESPN rumor page for the NBA where there was mention that Lamar Odom's syle of play doesn't mesh well with Kobe's and that they want All-Star help to go with Kobe. Odom is big, skilled and is a seemingly good person. Maybe this is the move we do with Z-Bo? Could a core of Roy, Aldridge, & Odom be the base of our Championship run?
see article below:
To all who believe SF is the way to go with our 6th-ish pick...
by Scotty the Mastermind on Apr 27, 2007 2:12 AM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
Yes, it is true that the starting position that the Blazers have the room for greatest improvement in is the Small Forward position; but I think the Blazers only play in this years 1st round draft is to get the best player available. At thier spot in the draft it should most likely be a Forward-Center, Power Forward, or pure Center. If Portland really is to become a running team, guys like Yi LianJian, the lean and quick seven footer from China, or (I hate myself for saying this) Florida's Joakim Noah. Would be the best players available. Noah is a sturdy 6'11", is very athletic (and loud)and proved to be a great fast break outlet passer and trailing option; exactly the role Z-bo will be trying to learn this year.
As for the Small Forward position, it comes down to one real question: Do we keep Ime Udoka? His spot on the roster, I would hope, is more vulnerable than GF Martell Webster or F Travis Outlaw's spot, both of whom are highly talented youngsters and were drafted by us straight out of high school with the purpose of patience and development of top talent. Yes, there are a few "preps to pros" players who make an immediate impact (LaBron James or Amare Stoudamire), but successful Preps to Pros players are not always immediate impact players. It does take time for the players impact to arrive if they come in the league young and inexperienced. I remember BlazerNation being behind the "building of our future" by going young three drafts in a row (Outlaw, Telfair, Webster) and now the core of our talent is all at a similarly young age and development level. Roy(age 22), Aldridge (21), Webster (20), Sergio (20), Outlaw(22), Jack(23), with Randolph at age 25 and Pryzbilla at 27. I think we could be in a very competitive situation with two more years of Nate-style experience and KP influenced drafts/offseasons.
It is apparent that Outlaw is ready for consistent minutes next year (will be 4th season) and Webster, while still only 20years old, would be a no-brainer for time once his confidence with his shot is ready (maybe 07-08)so I see his game coming on next year or possibly 2008-09 season. It may seem a ways away, but we KNEW THIS when we drafted them; it will take 3 to 5 seasons to develop! I want to keep them BOTH, so going out of our way to try and draft a Small Forward with our 2007 1st round pick is reaching for something that really isn't as big of a problem as some make it out. We have three small forwards, one is a local blue collar guy(Ime) and two are getting ready to break out. If the BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE is a small forward, then I guess we can take them. To me, the best move is whatever player KP and Nate deem as Most Likely to Succeed in the NBA at our pick. I have seen mock drafts with SF Julian Wright going 3rd to 11th or Jeff Green going 6th to 15th, and Corey Brewer going 5th to 12th; the point is there are a lot of top quality small forwards in this years draft, and it is difficult to determine which can have the best career as a pro, let alone, as a Blazer. No regrets, just take the BPA. Further more, Websters offensive combination of pure shooters stroke and slashing abilities to score around the rim and Outlaws explosiveness and blocking ability prove quality in our young players that I believe will be highly effective in the NBA; and both could start or play the 3/SF.
FYI:Randolph was drafted out of college as a Freshman, and had his breakout year in year 3 (4th from highschool).
Get sold on Webster and Outlaw.
What Direction do we take in the draft?
by Scotty the Mastermind on Apr 11, 2007 5:03 PM EDT
on Blazer's Edge
I know it is still a little early, but I have become so excited about the Blazers this year that I am already looking forward to what talent we can add in this years draft. I had fun reading the BlazersEdge comments and ratings of current Blazer players from 5 to 1 a few days back and I am wondering two questions:
1.) Do you think we go for a Post player or a Wing player with our early first round pick? i.e. do we grab either a Roy Hibbert/Spencer Hawes/Joakim Noah/Yi Jianlian or do we grab a Corey Brewer/Jeff Green/Julian Wright?
2.) With the three picks in the second round, who do you think has the skills and character to fit in with our core players and Nate's way of doing things (aka, who should we jockey for in round 2)?
Showing 1 - 24 of 24
