There's been alot of debate recently on who will start at small forward in the absence of Martell Webster. There have been alot of propositions such as starting Outlaw, starting Rudy, putting Roy at small forward and starting Rudy at shooting guard, and starting Batum. The dilemma does not seem to be solved as of yet.

However, what the Blazers and Coach McMillian are crucially missing is the fact that the Blazers have the option to play whatever style they like and do not have to conform to other teams lineups. This year, we are in control of the pace and it should be our duty to exploit the necessary match-ups. Our bench from top to bottom is as deeper than most teams and we should be the pace setters in determining how the opponents play. In short, we should be able to dictate the play and flow of the game without contorting to conforming to other teams play and flow.  There is no more of changing to smaller, quicker lineups just because an opposing team has a quicker team on the floor. We can play big or small, slow or fast, and it should be our mentality to attack the opponent and let them adjust to us and not us adjust to them.

I believe this is an important psychological advantage that is implicit but necessary for winning teams to have. Looking at championship caliber teams, such as the Spurs, they have always played their own style of basketball making opponents change their strategy in accordance to their style of play. Teams have always adjusted to them. It's psychologically effective for a team to have other teams adjust to them as it gives a sense of control and stability to the game. Players need to feel the control they have in the game and be able to adjust accordingly.

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The Blazers were handed their preseason report cards today by SI. They were given a decent grade...

Link Here. 

Some good thoughts, mostly rehashed information and quotes rendered from the Oregonian in interviews and stuff like that. But I thought a key point by Aschburner was that the Blazers are still young and would be better to start modestly than to build upon the overhyped anticipation already. 

ie. dont expect another 13 game winning streak.

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First time poster here. I've been a reader for a while but now with all the time on my hands with summer around, I cant keep my thoughts grounded. Hope I don't break too many rules with this first post. And don't mind the name...just representing the best player in the L. Don't worry, the Blazers are still the TEAM. Roy, Oden, Aldridge, and all of our potential is just sick. The rest of the L has to watch out. Heres just my two cents on summer league and Sergio, starting with Bayless' shoes.

Bayless' Shoes

Has anyone else noticed that Bayless' shoes seem to big for his feet? I've watched him the past two summer league games and I can tell that he is an athletic freak with mad hops and great quickness. But, watching him run and move laterally, something seems to be off. I've played some ball myself and I personally know that wearing certain shoes can affect the way you run on the court. For Bayless, it seems that his shoes are too big making his movements a little bit awkward, slow and even a little stiff at times. Heres a couple pictures: 

Maybe its just the look of the shoes that make them look big, with the big white strip right through the middle of the shoe. Personally, I never liked the way the split colors on basketball shoes looked but thats beside the point. Compare Jason Thompson's shoes in the second picture to Bayless'. I don't know too much about Thompson but I know he's a good couple inches taller than Bayless for sure. Looking at the picture it seems as if they have nearly the same foot size. But then again, it could be the angle and relative frame of reference...

I ran this picture down just now. He looks a little bit more athletic and more fluid in this picture than from what I've seen. Here it is: 

So here's my consensus. I think for basketball players Jerryd's size and type of athleticism, wearing thicker soled shoes often makes the player look less athletic and less quicker off the dribble. I feel like Bayless should be getting defenders off of himself with quicker crossovers and getting to the rim untouched. I might be expecting too much of him but I feel like he could be quicker, but he's still mad quick. Maybe thinner soled shoes would fit him better? Maybe his shoes are too heavy making his running seem labored and very tiring. I've also noticed that he often is seen huffing and puffing after going down the court a couple times. Conditioning perhaps? 

Overall, I really like this kid. I envision him as a Devin Harris type of player. Quick off the dribble with a solid jumpshot and can attack the basket. I don't really agree with the comparisons to Jack although they do bring similar intensities. For his first couple years though I can actually see more of a Jannero Pargo resemblance. A energy scorer off the bench who can shoot and score in bunches. Pargo was a great bench asset for the Hornets this year and if we can get the same type of energy and scoring then we'll be in good shape. 

Sergio

There's been a lot of criticism of Sergio lately. I feel that this is a little bit unmerited and with the play of Koponen, Sergio has unfortunately become the scapegoat of this organization. Let me just say this. Koponen if he were signed would be the 4th guard on this team. That would be a logjam at point guard and with Brandon taking up some of the playing time at that spot too, it just clogs up the rotation. Overall, I think Koponen is still very raw. He doesn't seem to like going to his left and his handles are subpar compared to Bayless. I much prefer in the two games, having Bayless with the ball in his hands rather than Koponen. He just seems to frail. 

Also, it was only two or three years ago that Sergio was hailed as our future point guard. I think its still too early too tell whether he will pan out or not. I think he has great court vision and I like his passing. Running with Rudy I think will free him up a little bit and make him able to relax which I feel he hasn't really learned to do. I will say that Kop does have a better shot, but Sergio does seem like a pass first point guard and he doesn't really mind if he doesn't shoot the ball (or it might be that he just plain cant  shoot that makes him reluctant). 

Anyway, just leave your thoughts and comments and can't wait for tomorrow already. Summer is such a tragic period for basketball fans. Im so itchy for the season to start.