SB Nation User Blog: bbfred

Positive Predictions for Bayless/Oden

bbfred — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:30:19 -0000

Yannis Koutroupis of Hoopsworld is handing out grades for the first ten draft picks based on Summer League play and there are a couple references to Bayless/Oden that are fun reads for Blazer fans:

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9547

"Russell Westbrook – Oklahoma City Thunder
Noteworthy Performance: 18 points, five rebounds, four assists against the Indiana Pacers
Grade: B-
Review: There were some questions about how well Westbrook would play since this was his first time playing at the point guard position exclusively. He looked like a seasoned point guard though alongside Jeff Green and Kevin Durant. Westbrook handled the point extremely well and looks ready to play the position full-time. The only issue in Orlando was Westbrook's jump shot mechanics, which need some work. Other than that Westbrook play really impressed the Sonics, until they saw Jerryd Bayless earn MVP honors in Las Vegas. As good as Westbrook may be, Bayless should have been the pick."

"Outside of Joe Alexander and perhaps Danilo Gallinari everyone on this list is going to see extensive minutes during their rookie campaign. Michael Beasley, Brook Lopez, and Kevin Love all looked like viable rookie of the year candidates. While the three of them looked poised to have big years – don't expect the award to go anywhere but to Portland for Jerryd Bayless or Greg Oden."

From the followup article by Jessica Camerato:

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9555

"11. Jerryd Bayless - Portland Trail Blazers (via trade from Indiana Pacers)
Noteworthy Performance: 36 points, 14-26 FG, 3 steals against the Phoenix Suns
Grade: A+

Review: Simply put, Bayless was the best. The 19-year-old garnered MVP honors after averaging nearly 30 points and five rebounds per game and proved to be more than just a ball handler. He demonstrated fearlessness at the basket and NBA readiness in the backcourt. More importantly, he proved himself to be a reliable clutch performer. Bayless sent one game into overtime and won two others with key last-second shots. It's baffling how he fell to the 11th pick and Trail Blazers' GM Kevin Pritchard came out like a bandit yet again the in the draft."

A Rudy Interview

bbfred — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:40:43 -0000

It's in Spanish so I don't know if it has already been posted or if it's new. If someone would be so kind to interpret (Tigard schools expected we would be well served learning French). The link is from ESPN.

http://www.abc.es/20080707/deportes-baloncesto/volver-paso-atras_200807070257.html

According to the ESPN summary Rudy is talking about the option of going back to Europe if he doesn't adapt well to the NBA or if he doesn't get enough playing time. Hopefully he will do great and Blazer fans won't have anything to worry about.

A blessing in disguise?

bbfred — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 01:18:32 -0000

Ian Thomsen in his latest "Inside the NBA" column thinks Greg Oden's comparison with Bill Russell needs to be replaced with one modeling him with Amare Stoudemire.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/09/14/stoudemire.oden/index.html

What struck me as interesting is that focus of Stoudemire's recovery included finding and fixing the problems that caused his knee problems. They focused on finding muscle groups that were weak or tight which directed extra stress to his knees.

For the Blazers and Greg Oden to catch this early before more damage could be done is obviously a plus. If the recovery period includes a similar focus on finding what caused the injury and strengthening muscle groups to prevent future problems, this could be a yearlong investment in making Greg Oden ready for a long trouble-free NBA career.

Martell Webster article

bbfred — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 13:03:07 -0000

Jason Quick had a nice article today in the Oregonian about Martell. The Blazers hired a sports psychologist last year and sounds like Martell has been one of the primary beneficiaries.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/sportsupdates/2007/07/websters_finally_winning_head.html

This reminds me of an article I read years ago about John Smoltz, the all-star pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. His career began quite poorly, but after his sessions early on with a sports psychologist his career really took off. He has been one of the best pitchers in baseball for the last fifteen years or so.

I'm hoping for the same thing for Martell.

Chad Ford interviews Kevin Pritchard

bbfred — Thu, 10 May 2007 02:24:11 -0000

I found a good interview from ESPN's website. Chad Ford talking with Kevin Pritchard about prepping for the upcoming draft.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/player?context=podcast&id=2865034

This could be the substitute for the weekly interview with the Oregonian. Dave's too busy entertaining us with the player reviews, so we shouldn't expect a recap.