SB Nation User Blog: TwoDeep

"B"

TwoDeep — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 03:38:14 -0000

(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.

Poll

"B" ?

"B" Rocks

63 votes

"B" Sucks

39 votes

"MEH"

79 votes

None of the Above

22 votes

203 votes | Poll has closed

Seeking Veterans - Tail Wagging The Dog?

TwoDeep — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:11:54 -0000

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?

Poll

So what are your thoughts?

KP has finally caved to Nate's requests/demands

17 votes

KP is on the same wavelength as Nate

26 votes

PA told KP to hurry so Nate's wishes for veterans will be met

22 votes

KP's simply taking advantage of cap space

55 votes

Another scenario

9 votes

129 votes | Poll has closed

Hear The Thunder

TwoDeep — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:18:37 -0000

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.

"Left Out" Poll! Who Are Ya?

TwoDeep — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 03:59:08 -0000

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.

Poll

Click your applicable situation

Comcast SportsNet Northwest (CSNW) is available to me and I subscribe to it

49 votes

CSNNW is available to me but I don't subscribe 'cuz I don't fell the need for their broadcasts

4 votes

CSNNW is available to me but I don't subscribe 'cuz I'm waiting for it to be picked up by a satellite company

9 votes

CSNNW via cable is not available to me but I'd subscribe if it were

1 votes

I subscribe to CSNNW but will switch to satellite when/if it becomes available

1 votes

CSNNW is not available to me and I'm waiting for it to be picked up by my satellite company

10 votes

I live out of CSNNW's range (cable or satellite) but I subscribe to League Pass

7 votes

I live out of CSNNW's range but choose not to get League Pass

9 votes

I could give a crap less; I'll watch the non-televised games via internet feeds

7 votes

You omitted my situation (please explain in comments)

10 votes

107 votes | Poll has closed

One More Lottery In Store

TwoDeep — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:22:12 -0000

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.

Poll

Are we playoff bound this year?

Yep

194 votes

Nope

20 votes

214 votes | Poll has closed

How Much Is Too Much?

TwoDeep — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:32:21 -0000

..... 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?

Kobe Bashing

TwoDeep — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:54:47 -0000

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."

Nate on Joel

TwoDeep — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:53:34 -0000

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.)

Best News Of The Year

TwoDeep — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:23:59 -0000

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.

PDX Striking Fear?

TwoDeep — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:17:19 -0000

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.