SB Nation User Blog: blazersfan50

Crazy Golden State Fans

blazersfan50 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:52:22 -0000

This was a proposed trade on the Golden State of Mind sports blog. While it doesn't quite compare to some of the more ridiculous trades some of the BlazersEdge members have come up with, it still leaves a little to be desired on Portland's side.

http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2008/7/5/565386/greg-oden-movement

He is obviously a little green with envy at the Blazer's prospects next year, and who can fault him. However, even the most jealous fan, or blind homer, could see (as several other GSOM members did) that this trade is simply unrealistic.

The Problem with Upgrades

blazersfan50 — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:58:12 -0000

The conversations on this site often revolve around upgrading our point guard and small forward spots, namely with Chris Paul and small forward to be named later. I would like to point out a couple problems with these ideas. Firstly, considering the immense success the Hornets have enjoyed this season and the relative youth of their roster, it is highly unlikely that Chris Paul could be swayed to leave for any amount of money. The main purpose of these discussions seems to be finding a way to have 5 all stars in our starting lineup. There are several problems with this. One, is it improbable that we could pry these pieces away from their teams without giving up a substantial amount in return. Also, these players would demand money that would inflate our payroll and restrict our ability to get key role players, an important ingredient to a championship team. Thirdly, these all-stars want touches, and their is only one ball to go around. One could argue that the experiment almost worked with the 2004 L*kers, but they mortaged their immediate future, and used players way past their prime, which is a direction I am not comfortable in going. Role players are a crucial ingredient to a championship team. We have our three future all-stars, what we need is players who can fill in around them, specialists who perform their jobs and do it well. Some specialists: A pass-first, distributing point guard, a.k.a Steve Blake. A dead-eye outside shooter, James Jones and Martell Webster. A lockdown perimeter defender, potentially Webster or Blake (who is very capable against bigger guards), or through the draft (13 is a good spot to draft for need). A bruiser who will fight for rebounds: Przybilla (or Frye or McRoberts after some major hours in the weight room). Filling these needs and maintaining our core of Roy, Aldridge and Oden is a surefire recipe for a championship.

Our Lineup

blazersfan50 — Sun, 11 May 2008 23:00:19 -0000

With all of the discussions going on about who is required at the 1 and 3, what upgrades we need to make. I would like to take a second to throw in my five cents that potentially, we have the lineup we need already sitting on our roster. No upgrade required. Our starting lineup would feature Brandon Roy at point guard, Rudy Fernandez at shooting guard, James Jones at small forward, LaMarcus Aldridge at Power Forward and, of course, Greg Oden at center. There have been concerns that having Brandon at point would wear him down over the season, considering the pounding he takes in the paint. However, I think this is negated as he continues to develop his body, and having Fernandez on the court adds a competent (by all accounts) ball handler. LaMarcus and Oden are guarantees, but I suspect some of you are questioning my placement of Jones at the 3. My thoughts are that Jones is an amazing spot up shooter, and that he struggled at times coming off the bench getting an open shot. With four competent scorers surrounding him and drawing the D, I think Jones could have a phenomenal impact on the team. The bench would work itself out like this. Steve Blake at point, Webster at SG, Outlaw at SF, Frye assuming the PF spot, and Przybilla taking over backup 5. With Webster, Outlaw, and Frye, the White Unit would have plenty of scoring options and is better balanced. Blake, Webster, and Outlaw will all hit their open threes, and Blake and Przybilla are both competent, if not excellent, defenders. Webster and Fernandez are interchangeable at SG, depending on how quick Rudy makes the transition to NBA defenses, but I liked the idea of another ball handler. Eventually as Steve Blake grows older, his back up guard spot would be assumed by Sergio Rodriguez. This would allow the White Unit to be lightning quick, with Rodriguez leading the break, and tow of our best finishers, Outlaw and Webster, filling the lanes beside him. This lineup is potentially and arguably the best 10 (11) man lineup in the entire league. Przybilla is the, by default, best back up center in the league, and I can't think of anyone besides Steve Blake that I would like managing the reserves. That batch of veteran leadership would cool down the younger players heads and help them grow as NBA players. Considering the chemistry of our team, I highly doubt anyone would make a fuss over coming off the bench, as long as their role is clearly defined and we are succeeding. Mull over this and tell me what you think.