SB Nation User Blog: bforsythe

Sweet B-Day Present

bforsythe — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:32:24 -0000

This last Saturday I celebrated my 31st birthday in my adopted home town of Bend, OR (I grew up in Tualatin). My parents, who have retired to rural Canby, came out on Sunday to visit. The night before they left my dad called and said "I found someting pretty cool for you, nothing big but I'm pretty sure you'll like it". And how. Turns out my parents had stopped at a yard sale the previous weekend and found a true Blazer fan's treasure trove. I now have in my possesion every issue of Rip City magazine from the inagural first issue featuring Clyde Drexler in his USA jersey circa 1992, to the November 1998 issue with a cover that proudly proclaimed "How Our Garden Has Bloomed" with a nice shot of the Garden.

Reading through these old issues has brought back to mind a whole bunch of ex-players, crazy predictions, and unrealized potential. Very interesting stuff, very. I thought some of you might appreciate it if I share a few cover headlines with you. If you want me to expand on them, ask and I'll be happy to. I may even re-issue some of the more interesting articles, if people wanted me to. Here are some of the headlines that caught my attention.

"Masters of the Boards: Analyzing the Blazers Rebounding Prowess" - January, 1998. This article features Gary Trent (on the cover), filling in for an injured Rasheed Wallace for extended duty, Arvydas Sabonis, and Brian Grant.

"Why Clifford Robinson deserves an All-Star spot" By Bill Schonley - February, 1994

"Talking Trash with Steve and Mike" - October, 1995. Featuring a youthful looking Mike Rice and Steve "Snapper" Jones posing for a J-Crew catalog-esque photo shoot in front of the Rose Garden.

"Hello, Harvey! Grant Marches West" - October, 1993. Apparently we were really excited when he came over. I remember I was.

"Clifford and Rod: All-Stars in Our Book" - March, 1996. So they had that going for them. Which is nice.

"Sudden Impact: Why Sabas Deserves the NBA Sixth Man Award" By Eddie Doucette - April 1996

I could go on and on. The predictions are often hilarious. I'm going to post Mike Rice's draft predictions for you guys soon. Some of it is pretty far off. I know how I'll be spending my Labor Day. Go Blazers!

Poll

Would you be interested to hear more from my new found collection of Rip City magazines?

Canzano's 95.5 Poll

bforsythe — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:24:19 -0000

Earlier today on John Canzano's radio show he posed the question of whether or not Travis Outlaw 'will become' an all-star. I think the question itself is too obscure and thought it needed clarification. What, exactly, did he mean by all-star? What qualifies a player as an all-star? One appearance? Two? Multiple consecutive appearances? I believe that a player can have an all-star season without neccessarily being an all-star. Look at Jamal 'Big-Cat' Magloire, does anyone consider him an all-star? How about Shawn Marion? In my opinion, to truly be considered an all-star you must consistently make the team for a good portion of your career, guys like KG, Steve Nash, and Shaquille O'Neal.

By the way, Canzano scored big points with me today defending Trout from a caller who questioned his intelligence based on his accent and shy nature. Kudos for that, baldy. There may be hope for you yet.

Poll

Will Travis Outlaw become an all-star?

Draft Picks?!?!

bforsythe — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:17:11 -0000

We don't need no stinkin' draft picks!!!

This is how I hope draft day goes down (I'm sure you've all been waiting for this):

First up - Jack and #13 straight up for David Lee. The Knicks get a decent sized back-up point guard hungry to prove himself and use #13 to pick up a decent big (Mareese Speights, Roy Hibbert). David Lee gives us toughness and rebounding as our back-up 4 instead of mid-range jump shooting a la Frye. This also makes Frye expendable. Apparently Channing and Martell are drawing the most interest from other teams.

Step two - Martell, Frye, and Raef LaFrentz's contract for Devin Harris and throw-ins. We all know NJ is going to try very hard to clear cap space for Jay-Z's boy LeBron in 2010, this will help a lot. This will free up big bucks for the Nets while clearing up log-jams on our roster. Heck, they've still got Marcus Williams (fingers crossed)!

And, finally, C - We use our remaining draft picks to field "Trail Blazers Europe" or the first NBDL dynasty. The way KP has things going, we are going to be the only team in the league with it's own exclusive farm system. Oh, gawd...I can't hardly believe how happy I am!

Here is what our ten man rotation would look like next year:

Starters:           Bench: (kinda gives a whole new meaning to "white unit")
Oden                Przybilla
LMA                  Lee
Trout                Jones
Roy                  Rudy
Harris              Blake

"I like it a lot." - Lloyd

Rudy's New Nickname

bforsythe — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 08:31:49 -0000

Ok guys (and ladies) it's gonna be a long offseason, agreed? What better way to pass the time than sitting on our arses trying to come up with the perfect nickname for our newest foriegn friend Rudy Fernandez (F-Bomb, anyone?) Seriously though, I go for "Spaniard" - like in the movie Gladiator. Imagine Rudy checking into a tight playoff game, maybe we're behind with time running out, and the whole Rose Garden erupts in the chant of "Spaniard, Spaniard!". I think this would be intimidating for the opposition and equally inspiring for the home team - especially when the whole crowd is still chanting, louder than ever, while the Blazers head off the court victorious after Rudy cans a game winning three. Sniff...oh why can't it be October 30th tomorrow? Anyway, what do you guys think? (I'm looking at you amlmart1!)

Carmelo Anthony a Trailblazer?

bforsythe — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:37:17 -0000

ESPN.com is reporting that the Denver Nuggets are listening to offers for Carmelo Anthony, among others. With all the talk that the Blazers could use an upgrade at the SF, could Melo be the answer? I don't believe he fits the image here in Portland as far as his off the court transgressions, but is he past the point of redemption? Does he deserve a second chance? Could Portland be the fresh start he needs? What would we have to give up to obtain his services? Our diginity? I'm not sure how I feel about this, but there is no denying a possible starting line-up of Roy, Fernandez, Anthony, LMA, and G.O. is definitely intriguing. How about it?

Poll

Should the Blazers Explore Acquiring Carmelo Anthony?

The 5th Pick: A Brief History

bforsythe — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:02:25 -0000

OK, this one was a request...last time. I swear.

2007 - Jeff Green (Boston)
2006 - Shelden Williams (Atlanta)
2005 - Raymond Felton (Charlotte)
2004 - Devin Harris (Washington)
2003 - Dwayne Wade (Miami)
2002 - Nikoloz Tskitishvili (Denver)
2001 - Jason Richardson (Golden State)
2000 - Mike Miller (Orlando)

1999 - Jonathan Bender (Toronto)
1998 - Vince Carter (Golden State)
1997 - Tony Battie (Denver)
1996 - Ray Allen (Milwaukee)
1995 - Kevin Garnett (Minnesota)
1994 - Juwan Howard (Washington)
1993 - Isaiah Rider (Minnesota)
1992 - LaPhonso Ellis (Denver)
1991 - Steve Smith (Miami)
1990 - Kendall Gill (Charlotte)

1989 - J.R. Reid (Charlotte)
1988 - Mitch Richmond (Golden State)
1987 - Scottie Pippen (Seattle)
1986 - Kenny Walker (New York)
1985 - John Koncak (Atlanta)
1984 - Charles Barkley (Philadelphia)
1983 - Sidney Green (Chicago)
1982 - LaSalle Thompson (Kansas City)
1981 - Danny Vranes (Seattle)
1980 - James Ray (Denver)

The 13th Pick: A Brief History

bforsythe — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:42:33 -0000

Looks like the 14th pick would be better for us. Only a few real good picks here. It seems to me that there are more accomplished picks at the 24th spot than 13th. I...can't...stop...help.

2007 - Julian Wright (New Orleans Hornets)
2006 - Thabo Sefolosha (Philadelphia) over Ronnie Brewer (14th) Rajon Rondo (21) Jordan Farmar (26)
2005 - Sean May (Charlotte) over Danny Granger (17th)
2004 - Sebastian Telfair (Portland) over Al Jefferson (14th) Josh Smith (18th) Kevin Martin (26th)
2003 - Marcus Banks (Memphis) over David West (18th) Travis Outlaw (23rd) Josh Howard (29th)
2002 - Marcus Haislip (Milwaukee) over Tayshaun Prince (23rd)
2001 - Richard Jefferson (Houston) over Tony Parker (28th)
2000 - Courtney Alexander (Orlando) over Hedo Turkoglu (16th) Quentin Richardson (18th)

1999 - Corey Magette (Seattle) over Ron Artest (16th)
1998 - Keon Clark (Orlando) over Matt Harpring (15th) Ricky Davis (21st) Al Harrington (25th)
1997 - Derek Anderson (Cleveland)
1996 - Kobe Bryant (Charlotte)
1995 - Corliss Williamson (Sacramento) over Theo Ratliff (18th) Michael Finley (21st)
1994 - Jalen Rose (Denver)
1993 - Terry Dehere (Clippers) over Sam Cassell (24th)
1992 - Bryant Stith (Denver) over Doug Christie (17th) Latrell Sprewell (24th)
1991 - Dale Davis (Indiana)
1990 - Loy Vaught (Clippers)

1989 - Michael Smith (Boston) over Tim Hardaway (14th) Shawn Kemp (17th) Vlade Divac (26th)
1988 - Jeff Grayer (Milwaukee) over Dan Majerle (14th) Rod Strickland (19th)
1987 - Joe Wolf (Clippers) over Mark Jackson (18th)
1986 - Dwayne Washington (New Jersey) over Dell Curry (15th) Arvydas Sabonis (24th)
1985 - Karl Malone (Utah)

The 24th Pick: A Brief History

bforsythe — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:27:23 -0000

I started doing a little digging after a conversation between myself and our good friend 'tominhawaii' that started in my FanPost from yesterday regarding Rudy's draft position (#24, Phoenix). I found the results to be 'post-worthy'. Definitely a mixed bag, but not completely devoid of impact players. Pay special attention to how the 24th pick effected the Portland Trailblazers in the 1980's. Enjoy.

2006 - Kyle Lowery (Villanova)
2005 - Luther Head (Illinois)
2004 - Delonte West (St.Joseph’s)
2003 - Brian Cook (Illinois)
2002 - Nenad Kristic (Yugoslavia)
2001 - Raul Lopez (Spain)
2000 - Dalibor Bagaric (Croatia)

1999 - Andre Kirilenko (Russia)
1998 - Felipe Lopez (St. John’s)
1997 - Rodrick Rhodes (USC)
1996 - Derek Fisher (Arkansas-Little Rock)
1995 - Loren Meyer (Iowa State)
1994 - Monty Williams (Notre Dame)
1993 - Sam Cassell (Florida State)
1992 - Latrell Sprewell (Alabama)
1991 - Rick Fox (North Carolina)
1990 - Dwayne Schintzius (Florida)

1989 - Anthony Cook (Arizona)
1988 - Brian Shaw (UC - Santa Barbara)
1987 - Only 23 Picks Taken in First Round
1986 - Arvydas Sabonis (Lithuania)
1985 - Terry Porter (Wisconsin - Stevens Point)

Bayno's Replacement

bforsythe — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:37:33 -0000

Obviously, we have another huge void to fill on our team that hasn't been generating enough chatter. Coach Bill Bayno was a very popular, well-liked, and effective coach on our team. Normally, when a coach at his position (basically third string assistant) leaves a team, it's no big deal. This, for players and the coaching staff alike, is a big deal to the Trailblazer organization. The search for and selection of his replacement should be taken very seriously. I believe it will (our front office is good at EVERYTHING), but it is something that also deserves a little more pointless speculation here at the Edge, so here goes:

Best Case Scenario:

Tim Grgurich - Grg's resume speaks for itself. He specializes in developing young talent and has had success everywhere he has been. While I realize it wasn't a pretty ending the last time he was in Portland, I believe that had more to do with the leadership of the organization at the time. With the first round sweep of the Nuggets (his current team) expecting to cause a major shake-up in Denver (despite what you heard) this would be a great time for the Blazers to try and reacquire one of the best special assistants ever.

Big Man Mentor:

Patrick Ewing - For those of you who don't believe he is an effective coach, guess again. You can't tell me that him being in Orlando and Dwight Howard's super-human season aren't related. It would be great for Oden, LMA, Joel, and Channing Frye to have his experience as one of the NBA's dominant big-men at their disposal. His leadership and playoff experience both as a player and coach would be a huge factor for everybody else on the team (including our current coaching staff). This would probably be very unlikely as Patrick believes he is ready to be a head coach, not a big-man specialist.

To The Point:

Eric Snow - From what I've read, this guy is an NBA head coach waiting to happen. I see Eric as being a Nate McMillan-esque point guard's coach. Addressing our biggest weakness as a coach could be his biggest contribution to an NBA team ever. And that says a lot for one of the most underrated team leaders ever.

The Wild Card:

Janero Diaz - The top assistant on 2007 ACB Coach of the Year Joan Plaza's Real Madrid squad, Janero makes the most sense if someone else comes over from Spain - aka: Rudy Fernandez. A proven track record of winning in a very competitive league, he would not only help to bridge a few communication gaps, he would also be key in getting the most out of Rudy, Sergio, and perhaps Jose Calderon (as well as helping us attract other euro-talents with his comprehensive understanding of their game).

Yes, But No:

Dwayen Casey - Sure he is a former Nate assistant (a TOP assistant), but this would be too good to be true. We are searching for a specialist, Dwayne is one of the best unemployed head coaches in the league. Maybe we get him as a guest speaker while he's awaiting his next job.

These are a few suggestions I came up with to get the discussion going. Has anyone else heard anything or have any ideas of who we could end up with? As always, your thoughts and criticisms are more than welcome.

Poll

Who Should be Our Next Special Assistant?

What's the Hold-up from Spain?!?

bforsythe — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:27:57 -0000

Mike Barret said in his last blog entry (April 23rd) that "Kevin Pritchard and his staff left for Spain on Tuesday" to meet with Rudy Fernandez. His use of the past tense would mean that KP and company left on Tuesday, April 21st. It's been a whole week! Does anyone know what's going on? I can't stand the suspense any longer! How the heck am I going to make it to the draft, much less next season? I'M FREAKIN' OUT, MAN!

Poll

SB Nation User Blog: bforsythe

Sweet B-Day Present

Would you be interested to hear more from my new found collection of Rip City magazines?

Canzano's 95.5 Poll

Will Travis Outlaw become an all-star?

Draft Picks?!?!

Rudy's New Nickname

Carmelo Anthony a Trailblazer?

Should the Blazers Explore Acquiring Carmelo Anthony?

The 5th Pick: A Brief History

The 13th Pick: A Brief History

The 24th Pick: A Brief History

Bayno's Replacement

Who Should be Our Next Special Assistant?

What's the Hold-up from Spain?!?

Is Rudy Coming to the Rose City?