(or Bee, I suppose.)  I've posted before my feelings that "B" should be Brandon Roy's  nickname 'cuz that's what his teammates call him.   We hear suggestions like The Natural, which  has been promoted by Wheels.  But listen to the Wheels interview with BRoy on O-live today and you'll hear Wheels call Brandon "B" at least 3 times (never once The Natural).  Brandon also recounted a situation(s)  where a teammate(s) called/calling  on the phone would say something like "B", would do you think?

To me, it's a great alternate name.  Just a simple  "B" is so understated that it is unique and ultra cool.  I can't think of another NBA player that has ever been represented by a single letter.     And there certainly can be take offs from it such as  Killer Bee, Worker Bee, Busy Bee, Roy's Bee Hive et cetera. 

Personally, l  think it would be superb for him to be known around the NBA  simply as "The  B", or just  "B".   

I know that a fitting nickname for Broy has been discussed on this site a few times previously, but I'm just wondering now if anyone else thinks that  "B" could be the right one ....or if they have some other killer names to suggest that might catch. 

Are we seeing here an example of the tail wagging the dog?

Pritchard: Let the cake bake.  We'll grow organically.

McMillan: I need veterans.  Let's get us some veterans.

Who's in control here, the dog or the tail?  We are about to make, it appears, a big move(s), expensive and difficult to retract to acquire one or more of  Nate's  preciously viewed veterans. 

Coaches of course - to hold their jobs -  see the need to win immediately.  GM's are more often  in a position to think longer term.  From his vantage point,  Nate's requests/demands are totally understandable.  But should Pritchard be sacrificing or undermining a good degree of the very skillful maneuvering he has heretofore done to build our extremely promising and talented group of young Blazers players?  

Also  lurking though in the back of my mind,  is this statement (as reported by Quick) that KP made following a discussion with Paul Allen: "Overall our time line has moved up" (to me that was an ominous statement  for a couple of reasons and one I  felt would have repercussions).

So could it be it isn't the tail doing the wagging after all and instead it's the 'big dog" who is controlling the movements? 

What are your thoughts?  Why are we seemingly making these aggressive moves to acquire a 30 year old veteran such as Turkoglu for a position that already seems quite occupied with young talent?

I like that team, how they play and how they're coached.  They've got some exciting guys in Durant, Green and Westbrook.  I've always like Collison.  They also have a top notch General Manager who has set them up nicely with what he has already accumulated, his future draft picks,  and the huge gift that was handed him by KP in the 2007 draft.   They are a team to be reckoned with and will provide very stiff competition for the Blazers over the coming years.  They are easily my second favorite NBA team.  I'm happy they moved because  I would never let myself root for a Seattle team .....  I just couldn't be responsible for doing that.  But now I can allow my enthusiasm to run rampant while following these ex-Sonics.  Too bad their owner is a dildo though.    

On a side note of sorts, I love how Brooks lets his team play free, loose and easy.  They are fun to watch and are having fun themselves.   Carlisimo was a Nate type coach ... heavy handed and controlling.  That is the right style for some teams, but not for ones loaded with young, athletic, fast racehorses like the Thunder and especially the current Blazers. Nate has our young team thinking too much, not allowing them to use their basketball skills and instincts.  Time for him to finally show some flexibility .... or hand the reins to another coach who is willing to free-wheel.  Hmmm, I still can't get out of my mind how/why Nate didn't sign an extension last year.    

I'm wondering  how all we  Edgers are affected by the Comcast fiasco.  I tried to consider all possible situations but it taxed my limited brain power (smoke was rolling out my ears).   An assumption I made was that even if/when CSNW becomes available to the satellite companies, it will not be available to distant locations such as Dave's house. That seems logical to me but it may be wrong.   Still I hope I've covered most situations.

Nate has a tremendous challenge ahead of him this year. He has 3 rookies on the team now who will be expected to receive significant playing time: Oden (with only 1 year of college),  Rudy (a little more experienced) and Bayless (with only 1 year of college).  How difficult will it be to make the playoffs in the Western Conference while trying to break in  3 green rookies?  In my opinion .... highly improbable. 

So Blazer fans, we just might have to put those playoff aspirations on hold for yet one more year.   But in the end, it will be so worth the wait  if  you just let yourself imagine what will follow!    When it finally happens, I think we'll see that it will be more than just "making the playoffs".  We're going to be  winning some series'.

I'll not be at all disappointed if we fall short of the playoffs this upcoming season and will not be holding Nate accountable for it;  unless he is not giving these guys a chance to progress.    The joy and satisfaction will come from watching the development of these 3 high potential,  exciting players,  all the while observing the progress of  our key guys,  Brandon, LaMarcus, Travis and Martell. 

This is going to be an exciting season .... almost thrilling!   I am so pumped.

 ..... to get Rose that is.

First, I'd like to offer this opinion:  Rose will end up being a better point guard than either Paul or Williams.  He simply has so many outstanding skills.  Also - and I don't know how significant this is - Paul or Williams were never considered or discussed (that I recall) as top 2 selections in their draft.

For the sake of this FanPost, I'll make two assumptions: 1). KP would like to make a stab at acquiring Rose, and 2). he is not willing to part with Roy or Oden to do so.  Keep in mind this quote from Pritchard: "To get into the first two picks, you'll have to give up an all star and a pretty good starter".  

So, the question is:  how much would we be willing to give up to get Rose?  Here are some possibilities: 

a -  Rudy, Outlaw and #13

b - Aldridge, Outaw and #13

c - Aldridge, Rudy and #13

d - Aldridge, Rudy, Outlaw and #13

e - Aldridge, Rudy and Outlaw minus #13

Of course there are many other combinations we could offer, but excluding Roy and Oden I think Aldridge, Rudy and Outlaw represent our most valuable trading commodities.

Personally, I'd do 'a' in a heartbeat, although it would hurt to give up Travis.   But I'm not so sure about those other proposals involving Aldridge.  Give up LaMarcus?!  How could we, although I'm of the opinion that Rose will end up being more outstanding at his position than Aldridge will at his.  And, although considerable emphasis is placed on high quality bigs, I know quality PG's are highly valued as well.

I strongly suspect we'd have to throw in one of our big 3 to have any chance at Rose.  I think 'e' may have some merit as we'd still have the 13th pick to draft another power forward.

I'd do 'a' for sure.  "d" is too much.  I'd  seriously consider the others.

Am I nuts?

Am I the only one who is weary of all the Koby bashing on this site?  

Does this quote change anyone's mind?  It doesn't sound like whining to me.

       ************
"Orange County Register, Portland's Rose Garden is a thorn in Lakers' side:

    The Lakers have won 12 of 14 against the Trail Blazers at Staples Center but last won in the Rose Garden on Feb. 23, 2005.

    So what gives?

    "The athleticism," the Lakers' Kobe Bryant said. "That's always the big thing. They're just so athletic and quick. That's always been a problem for us."

This quote from Mike Barrett's blog:

"Afterwards(referencing last night's game), Nate McMillan said that having Joel on the floor more is what this team needs, and said he plans on moving in that direction."

Did I read that correctly?!! For the life of me, I can't understand why it's taken Nate so long to come to this realization?!  This concept has  seemed so obvious and many Blazer Edgers have been screaming for it all season long.  It's about time.

Still, seeing is believing (although Joel did get 31 minutes last night.)

This from the Oregonian:

-- he (Roy) said Monday his heel issues are "a thing of the past" that he doesn't "even think about any more" --

Whoa ... this is beautiful music to my ears.  I've been worried about that damn heel all year! Sports wise, I couldn't possibly have received better news.        

I've seen it opinionated in a few different places now how Phoneix, LA and Dallas are making their recent trade moves to place themselves in a  position to compete at high levels in 2 or 3 years .... inferring they're being done so those teams can hold their own against Oden and company.  

But I don't see it that way.  I'm sure the Phoneix move was to try to get to the finals THIS year.  2 or 3 years from now Shaq may not even be standing and Nash is iffy too.  Same with
Dallas regarding their attempts to aquire Kidd.  Do you really think they want Kidd so they can compete with the Blazers in 2 or 3 years?  He'll probably be retired in 3 years.  Kidd they hope, will help them get to the top this year.

With Koby being younger and still at the top of his game, the Laker's move is a little different in that it should benefit them not only in the immediate future but down the road a few years as well.  

I guess what I'm saying is that to me it's pretty arrogant of us to be thinking these trades are directly attributed to the fear that this up-and-coming steam roller of a team from Portland is striking into the hearts of the NBA nation.

I think most teams are aware that we could be pretty good, but there is a LOT to prove yet ... not the least of which revolves around Oden getting and staying healthy.    

I thought for sure by this time of the season Comcast would have made a deal with the satellite companies ... but nope, the greedy little &%#@$#*'s haven't done it yet. I'm weary of listening to the games on Audio League Pass (although I'm greateful it's there), and missing out on watching astounding performances such as the one B-Roy and the Blazers put on last night.  

But don't dispair 'cuz I have a plan that's so great that everyone will be excited to jump on board.  Here it is:  

To get Comcast's attention, I'm asking everyone with current Comcast service to cancel it today.  It will be just a small sacrifice for the good of the cause and it will save you a few schekels to boot.

Thank you in advance for helping we poor fans who do not have Comcast available, are blocked out of League Pass games and are too remote or too cash strapped to attend the games in person.  And look at the national attention a story such as this will garner with Comcast being revealed as the slimy villains they are.

Come on guys and girls; you will be remembered in heaven for this. Would I do it for you?  Silly question!    

This will likely be an unpopular observation, but I'm wondering:  Am I the only one noticing Goden's lack of enthusiasm from the bench?  Granted, he stands and gives the obligatory half-hearted slow clapping when great plays are made (bringing back memories of his stoic reactions while sitting on the bench during his OSU NCAA run last year.)

Contrast his reactions with that huge, excited, wonderful smile of glee demonstrated by LaFrentz following Roy's incredible three to send the Toronto game into it's second OT.

I realize we drafted Greg to play ball and not for his cheerleading skills, but still ....      

Am I dreaming?  I just knew this was the game that would bring our streak to an abrubt end.  But nope, I was wrong again. What's going on here?

A couple of notes:

Without TV coverage I've been listening to Audio League Pass, usually choosing to tune in to the opposing announcers because of the horrible format Wheels and Tone adhere to.  Anyway, here is a direct quote from one of their announcers regarding B Roy that was made during 'Roy's Quarter' (the 4th of course): "Right hand, left hand, contact, no contact, this guy is unbelievable!"  

Earlier they commented that what stood out was his "change of pace, change of direction, rebounding and passing abilities".  We don't have to feel slighted any more Blazer Edgers, recognition has come to us (thanks mostly to B Roy and to our team game which of course is predicated on Roy's selfless play).

We just beat a team that had a lot of offensive weapons, one that led most of the game. I'm reluctant to say this but if we're close when the  game enters the 4th quarter, we seem to have the advantage!!?  We've owned that quarter!  Jeeze, how can that be with such a young team?  Well, we all know the answer to that .... it's Brandon Roy!  

Keep it going guys! Denver though will be out for revenge I'm sure. Let's just have it close entering the 4th.  

Earlier in the season, and even just today, I've read where some fans have assesed LaMarcus as being a better player on this Blazer team  than Brandon Roy.  Personally finding this extremely difficult to comprehend, I present this question:

If it had been Roy who went down to injury 5 days ago instead of Aldridge, how many of us think we would still be riding this 8 game win streak? How many of those 5 games would we have won?  I seriously doubt there is anyone who thinks we would still be on our 8 game streak, and I'm not sure that we would have won more than a couple of those games.

I just don't think we can give B-Roy enough credit.  He does so many things on the court at such a high level. He is the heart and soul of the Blazers, the fuel for the team's mitochondria, the stabilizing influence.

Here's a recent quote from Deron Williams discussing Roy:   "He knows how and when to pass the ball. He does it all for that team. He's their go-to guy, a very explosive scorer, and he brings a lot of energy."  

In my not so humble opinion, as Brandon Roy goes, so go the Blazers.  He must stay healthy.  

Whoa, this is worrisome!  Blazer Edger's seem to be so on top of every story that comes out and thus I'm surpised I've seen no mention of Quick's blog article on O-Live describing a re-emergence (oh my gosh how I pray it's not ongoing) of Roy's heel ailment.  It's a hopefully very slight reincarnation of his situation last year that kept him out of something like 25 games.

In my opinion, Brandon's health is absolutely the most critical factor involving Trail Blazer success!  He's our guy! He's our best player.  He's our most important player.  We need him! Without him this year, I see us as having a high pick in the 2008 lottery.  

There was some controversy last year when many (me included) thought Roy should have his abnormally elongated talus bone trimmed down via surgery in hopes to permanently correct the pain it was causing in his heel.  Blazer's doctors instead opted for a multi-week therapy where Roy would wear a boot which was intended to reduce/eliminate aggravation to his heel. Well it worked perfectly as he played on a very high level for the remainder of the season.    

But I can't describe how  disturbed I was to see that this problem cropped up again during the summer!  Of course I'm equally relieved to learn that the pain has dissapated once again. Although I'm totally ignorant regarding the medical details of his condition, I still wonder if he won't someday need to take the time out to attempt a permanent remedy.  

You know, I'm extremely confident that LaMarcus' health issues are completely behind him and that he will be an able and long time star for us;  but I remain very worried about Brandon's abnormal heel situation. I hope I'm wrong.  I remain encouraged though that there seems to be a viable and permanent solution to his problem; if indeed the problem subsists.    

I'm hearing you Fatty about 'bandwagon' fans.

For instance, I am disheartened at how so many fans have justified their desertion from Blazer fandom because of the media hyped "jail blazer" image.  Yes, certainly not all our players of that era were up-standing citizens (but look around the rest of the sports world and see how much of the same goes on.)  Our extremely negative local press during that time did much to fuel the national jail blazer image and the bandwagon fans willingly bought into it too and today are using it as an excuse for having jumped off that bandwagon not too very long ago.

Those 'fans' of course chose to ignore  that during those times there were more 'good citizen' players on board than the supposed bad guys that everyone loved/loves to focus on.  And what really disappoints me, is those fair weather fans apparently choose not to recognize what we true, die hard fans were enthusiastically focused on during those so called 'bad' years, i.e., our beloved  Blazer team was in the process of amassing one of the most impressive consecutive playoff streak appearances in the history of - not just the NBA - but in all of sports; one in which I and others were so extremely proud (need to give Trader Bob some credit here).

 I was devastated when  Nash and Patterson came in and "cleaned up our team" resulting in our missing the playoff's for the first time in  something like 22 years (and of course we haven't had a winning season since).  I could have cried.   One more year and we would have tied the all time sports franchise record for the most consecutive years going to the playoffs.  Sure, we lost a lot of those playoff games in the first round, but it still was an outstanding streak, one  ahead of anything the Lakers or any other NBA team had ever done.

So yes, I agree that the Blazer organization benefits from as many fans as they can muster, but when we watch so many of those fans coming back based solely on our extreme good fortune with ping-pong balls, it  may be understandable why it may be a little difficult at first for Fatty, myself and other die-hard fans to swallow.

There has been a boatload of conversation about how we need to address the SF position. But it seems to me that so many are forgetting about T-Law. He was developing fast at the end of the season. And do you remember Nate saying not long ago that he has a good chance of starting for us this upcoming season (although I suppose he could have made that comment simply to entice Travis to stay).  But nonetheless, they WANT him to stay and with good reason I think.

He's our guy at 3. Mucho potential.  Forget about James a so-so guy.  Just because they are new doesn't make them good.  I also don't understand all the hype surrounding Fry.  There were a lot of Knick fans who didn't like him.  And those fans didn't seem one bit unhappy on draft night when they learned he was gone. But because he's on OUR team, so many now think he's a real stud.  Well, he's a young guy and I'd like to think those guys will eventually be right.  But just because he resembles LMA physically and walks like him, don't believe for a second he is in the same league.    

Don't know anything much about this 6'5" 185 lb guard from Spain, but to me he was more impressive in the highlight films ESPN showed than any player I watched tonight.  Very, very athletic and quick.  It looks to me like Rudy will be Freddie's replacemet ... and can't help but be a big upgrade over Jones.

I hated our draft to the point of this buyout of the Sun's 24th pick.  Had we picked Durant we would have kept Zach. But now ....  

In my mind, BY FAR  the most important consideration when choosing between Oden and Durant is:  which might be the least likely to sustain a serious, career shortening injury?  Such an injury would be devastating to all the hopes and aspirations we Blazers fans have been entertaining.   However, lacking dependable crystal balls, tea leaves or Jean Dixon, is there a somewhat objective method that can be used to hazard an educated guess?

Don't know for sure, but I'd wager K.P. and his team have/are expending considerable time assesing this critical aspect.  How many and what type of injuries have these players suffered in the past during their short college careers?  During  high school,  middle school and on down?   Have tendonitis, knee soreness and stiffness been occasional problems?.  How was Oden's hand injury sustained?   How normal are their feet,  leg and body structure (remember that Walton had such horribly high arches that one coach stated  how God had played a very cruel joke on him by giving so talented a player such bad feet).    

If there were only one of these franchise player's available to us, we'd maybe be more likely to just make the pick and  dismiss such an evaluation.   But since we have two to choose from, I'd think we'd be determined to make every attempt at evaluating their 'injury potential' down to the nth degree (all the while realizing such an evaluation would be  far from an exact science).  Still, if the call is close between the two, I would certainly think it  should be one of the critical factors.  

As an aside - but certainly related - am I the only one who is somewhat concerned that Oden requires so much sleep?  According to an Ohio newspaper article, he needs/chooses to take very frequent naps, which often preclude normal activities.  It's probably  a positive thing that he's responsible enough not to ignore his body's demands for sleep. And maybe it's not a concern; after all, he's still a teenager and teenagers tend to sleep a lot.  But, could this need for an unusual amount of  sleep be indicative of an energy problem?  If an energy deficiency were real, would it affect his ability to bring a high charged, enthusiastic  effort to every game during  the long  NBA 82 game schedule?

Know what though?  I'm not worried.  I suspect K.P. and his guys are not leaving this particular stone unturned.  

Is there anyone else out there who thinks this should be an important consideration, or are  you instead wanting to just pick the guy who has the potential to help us the most and let the cards fall as they may injury wise?

Dang, I wish I could have seen that Houston game.  It doesn't appear that any of our BlazerEdge faithful even realized Freddie was playing that position last night.  Wrong?  Jason Quick did though (see his game recap).

I haven't much liked Freddie's game since acquiring him this year, but how great it could be if he indeed ends up being an effective point guard. A Roy and Freddie combo would present a tall, athletic, defensive minded and talented backcourt.  Sounds like we'll be seeing Freddie there some for the remainder of the season.  If so, it will be very interesting to watch. I hope Roy will be healthy enough that we can see those two playing together with Freddie at the one.

Jeesh, how many P.G.'s do we potentially have now? Jack, Dickau, Sergio, maybe Roy and now perhaps Jones.  Umm, let's not draft one this year.      

Kudos to Paul Allen for making absolutely the right move ...  plus I'm sure he played more than a minor role in bringing Kevin to the Blazers in the first place.  

Do you remember just a few months ago that many/most were thinking Paul Allen was about the worst thing that ever happened to the Blazer organization?  I do ...I remember it, all that criticism, I remember it way too well.  You see,  just a few years before that he was thought of as the hero of our franchise, one of the best owners in pro sports. Sadly, it only seems to take a few negative media stories to influence the majority of our Blazer nation.  

If K.P. happens to miss on a draft or two, please, please don't let this happen to him.  No one gets it right ever time, so if he too proves to be human, try very hard to think back on this moment in time when he is rightfully being held - by nearly everyone - in stratosphere regard.      

It seems short diaries are ok so I'm going to include this tidbit on Jason Quick.  I felt compelled to do so since I for one appreciate his wrtings. Here it is:

*****************

By the way, speaking of coverage, I wanted to congratulate The Oregonian's Jason Quick for netting a couple of nice honors for his coverage of the Blazers. The Pro Basketball Writers Association awarded him first place in the Game Stories catagory, and first place in the Features catagory. There's more info at this link. Nice job Jason.

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Crap, I did a cut and paste on this but forgot where I got it from so I'm unable to give credit.  More importantly though is giving credit to Mr. Quick for his good work.