So, ummm... I'm not always very good at explaining things, but on every post as well as every comment, you know, there is an option to flag the post/comment... which you don't need to worry about really... but there's also a "Rec" button. I just have been feeling it would be a more positive atmosphere if all of us could put a little more effort into using that button. There's got to be thousands of people on the site between every game. I figure unless it's complete trash every post should at least be getting a couple recs. Even if it's not a great argument I try and at least scroll down and rec the thing if it makes me chuckle or nod my head.

This also goes for comments. Replying is great, but a lot of really great comments just sit there anonymously. I've been making the effort to just rec more. I figure it at least lets someone know you looked at it. Not to mention, green is my favorite color. 

Not me. I had an idea going into Game 3 about how the series would progress, and I was pretty sure about it. But it didn't happen that way at all.

On second thought, no I wasn't completely off. I wasn't surprised by any of the starters' play. Wesley was the one who stepped up on Thursday. Checking the box scores, the Mavs have been beating us in most of the usual indicators (boards, assists, turnovers). The foul line made a difference, and thankfully we made a bunch tonight, but we obviously can't count on any of that come Monday. The one place where we're consistently beating them, however, is point distribution. We're getting 5 or 6 guys in double figures to their 3. And our sixth top scorer (Wallace) is bringing down 10 and 11 in each win? Those boards are nice considering Marcus only had 5 tonight, and we're getting creamed on second chances. Chandler and Haywood combined for 7 offensive boards. Guess which was the only Blazer with 2 tonight.

Page down or jump when you've made your guess. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poll

Will the Blazers win in 6 or 7?

100%

Yes

57 votes

57 votes | Poll has closed

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4 Simple Steps:

Game 3: Start Andre Miller with the ball in the post, LaMarcus in motion and Camby at the top of the key. Use Roy minimally. Take care of business. Bonus Plan: Put Roy in during the second quarter and tell him to get ejected in under five minutes. 

Game 4: LaMarcus Aldridge in the post and Wallace starting the half-court set, looking for those two guys to combine for 55 points. Use Roy minimally. Take care of business. 

Game 5: Start Brandon Roy in the first, third and fourth quarter. Post him up as your primary option. Back to basics with Aldridge, Wallace and Miller getting double doubles. Slow it down, slow it down, slow it down and get back on defense! 

Game 6: Rose Garden baybe! 

Long version follows, and a poll... 

Poll

Does the Portland coaching staff have what it takes to make Rick Carlisle feel disconcerted, disoriented and discomposed?

36%

Yes

7 votes

63%

No

12 votes

19 votes | Poll has closed

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Granted this isn't Blazer-centric... this is a tangent to CJB's Wilt Chamberlain post.  

Here's my unoriginal question:  If you were the G.M. selecting a team from all past and present NBA players, who would you want to take in the first round?  

Here's my logic: Wilt is the greatest basketball player ever based on statistics (obviously)... but he wasn't the best team player. There are plenty of other dominant centers but I'm betting I can still get a perfectly serviceable one in the second or third round like Ewing, Mourning or Walton. I'm drafting my captain in the first round, someone who sets a tone. 

Here are the rules: 

1. You can choose anyone at any point in their NBA career, but college or European achievements don't apply.

2. First come, first serve.  If you want to take a turn, please copy the most recent list and add your pick.  

3. Moderators and newbies are all welcome. 

 

I want my team to be fired up at all times. There are a lot of good options but with my #1 draft pick of all time, I'm taking:

 

1. Larry Bird.  Clutch. 
2. 
   
3. 
   
4. 
   
5. 
   
6. 
   
7. 
   
8. 
   
9. 
   
10. 
    
11. 
    
12. 
    
13. 
    
14. 
    
15. 
    

 

 

I scanned the game previews against Miami and Atlanta and didn't notice the schedule even mentioned, though I might've missed it.  I missed the games, as usual, but did observe that this March has had an unusual pattern.  I would be surprised if some of our stalwarts weren't dealing with minor aches and pains. It's a great test for Roy, and might end up benefiting him. It's clearly difficult for Wallace.

Here's my prediction: The Rose Garden is going to get loud, and the home team will find it's groove.

Crosspost from r/ripcity. Here's my thinking. Superstition aside, LMA is the best, most reliable center on our roster. Camby is awesome but like LMA he is a true 4 who has a ton of 5 experience due to his length and BBIQ. They are very similar except Aldridge is more offense minded. But he also is stronger in the post which means he should start at center. I would start LMA at center, Camby at pf and Batum/Crash at sf. Play Camby for 15-25 minutes as your pf, and 5-10 as back-up center. Keep Nic or Crash in as much as possible including 20-30 minutes as your small line-up with Nic, Crash and Aldridge at the same time. This brings continuity to LMA instead of moving him in and out of position. Am I crazy? *You can move him back later, when we do get a healthy starter at center, or keep him there if there's a better f.a. at power forward.

Props to Lund for the idea, but he's wrong about Camby. He might have a point about Babbitt. 

1. He's already on our team. 

2. He averaged 42% 3pm in Nevada along with 8 rpg. He may not be everything, or much on defense, but he should be able to spread the floor as well as Rudy if you give him a set play.

3. Inside of Aldridge or Camby and Wallace and you've got a good line.

4. If Roy's healthy and has the ball then Luke gives him a natural pop up shooter, which the team doesn't really have right now except in Aldridge.

5. It's not a bad idea to give him some looks going into March as he's one of your only true shooters. 

6. Height 6'-9" Weight 225 pounds. 

Let's watch his highlights yeah? 

Just to state my position, I'm all for holding pat unless something excellent comes along. I don't have anything specific in mind, but I know who I don't want to trade and it starts with our most consistent and healthy players, and right now that's four guys: Dre, DC, The Wiz (Matthews) and the Star of the Show, Mr. LaMarcus Aldridge. That group right there is averaging around 84 games per season (blind guess). Unless you were being offered an equal caliber player with similar history in return, I wouldn't give it three seconds thought.  

2. My second tier is the guys who've been dinged a couple times but are active and were productive as of the last game played. That includes, in order of current production: Nic Batum, Rudy Fernandez, Joel Przybilla. I would prefer to not trade any of them but would consider fair offers if one or two of those guys were demanded.

3. My third tier is Marcus Camby. I want to see him back on the boards before I make a decision. And Brandon Roy because nobody's gonna offer us more than a sucker's deal for him right now and I'm hoping that changes or we can dump him after the bargaining agreement. 

4. Next tier is anyone on the squad who isn't seeing minutes right now. Filler material. 

5. Lastly is Greg Oden. I don't know what he could bring at this point, but I'd keep my ear open if I were Cho.    

P.S. Can I call him "General Cho" without offending anyone?  

Poll

If you had to trade one Trailblazer which would you choose? Assume the return is just draft picks.

0%

Aldridge

1 votes

2%

Batum

4 votes

0%

Camby

1 votes

0%

Matthews

0 votes

5%

Miller

7 votes

13%

Cunningham

19 votes

8%

Fernandez

12 votes

4%

Oden

6 votes

51%

Przybilla

72 votes

12%

Roy

17 votes

139 votes | Poll has closed

A problem I see is the disparity between average vs. star salaries, which makes the teams less competitive, because 1) big markets have deeper pockets, and 2) trading becomes complicated and prohibitive. Some players also have more control than I'd like in refusing or demanding to be traded. I feel the aggregate salary is not my concern but there should be better equity between the owners as in profit share. And second the players currently making the top 10% on their current contracts should give some up to the rest of the other 90% -- weighted towards the bottom dwellers. Sorry for the vague. Feel free to dissent.

Honestly I'm preparing to ramble a little. In retrospect I did ramble. I started with the title with a line from a song this dude I once played guitar with wrote, but I decided to go with Rush. The change in question is Bedge. I'm not complaining. It's just normal in life but some people move on, others come in. I've noticed a lot of good contributors have moved this season and wanted to again offer my gratitude for what they brought as well as the new and old people who've taken their place. Personally I've made this place my Blazers hub and home. I do miss some regular analysis from some guys, who I won't name by name because 'twouldn't be polite. Some disappeared last year around this time, others in the offseason. Timbo appears to have dropped off again just when Aldridge lit up. I hope everybody's doing well and enjoying the ride. 

I don't want to take any credit for backing LaMarcus all the way, because it wasn't that difficult and lot's of people did. I just want to say I'm not at all surprised. Also, I pegged the actual date when he officially blew up. I got reamed on the comment for using the word "boy" but just noticed I've said "boy" in 11 comments thus far. I think the NBA has now recognized that LaMarcus is special. As of today, nobody in the league has an answer for the L-Train... The All Star from the Lone Star State... Chewbacca. Sure this last stretch hasn't been against the toughest teams, but it's given him a chance to spread his wings. I'm euphoric to the extent I don't care what if any trades get made now.

I realize we have a toughish schedule ahead of us, but I don't see the Nuggets, Jazz or anyone else catching us now! I don't look forward to visiting Denver or Salt Lake, but I do look forward to them visiting us! If anything I kind of expect L.A. to start gaining a little ground and stay in the fourth spot. The Texas Two will maintain their dominance. Hopefully we can gain some ground against Oklahoma, but with KD averaging 29 and 7, I'd say they look safe.

I'd love to maybe gain on N.O., who just got walloped by Golden State, wow! Tomorrow it's on. If we do somehow earn the 5 spot, we can finally play the Lakers in the playoffs, something I've been hoping for years. I think Nate's strengths as a coach have always played toward Jackson's weaknesses. 

Question: How many current bigs could beat LaMarcus Aldridge today in a game of 21? How about in the Western Conference? Gasol (the quicker), Dirk, maybe Blake Griffin in 5 out of 10. I'm going to include Durant, because they'll have to defend each other more now. Carmelo would obviously outscore LMA but they don't match up in size.

P.S. I just got tickets for the game. told my wife that we're buying tickets tomorrow night. She says we'll see. So I said we'll confirm it tomorrow but we're going and that's that. I've only seen one game with her and maybe 5 Blazers games ever so hot dog! If anyone has a pair for less than a hundred, it's davisoregon-at-yahoo.

I was looking at the Wiz's (that's what Wesley Matthews' friends call him) stat lines and I began fantasizing about the difference it'll make when he's banging down 4 or 5 boards a game, not occasionally but every game. I suspect he'll be drilling on that during the summer. That's about all. Recognizing we're around at the midpoint and that's typically a time for evaluation, what kind of things would you like the individual players (and coaches) to improve before next season begins.

Will Lamarcus just generally do what's working? I like that he's more versatile now with the inside-outside. I haven't noticed any drastic changes this season, though it's obvious he did a lot of footwork. How about this summer if he adds a hook? How monster would that be?

What about Batum and Rudy? I expect they both have contract negotiations soon enough so they have to want to impress, and in limited exposure with a likely shorter season.  I'd just like Rudy to hit the weights and keep that winning attitude. Batum has to deal with everybody's high expectations. Just getting a year older I think he'll naturally gain in confidence. I'd like to see him get fired up during the game more. 

Nate... Nate, Nate, Nate, Nate, Nate. I've been thinking maybe he's changed more than it sometimes seems. I think Nate has a very firm idea of how the game should be played and he's studying constantly to learn ways to implement it. It's hard not to be impatient, but I think Nate's going about his own maturation process in exactly the right way.

Go Blazers.

In full disclosure, I've written most of this before.  Basically what it comes down to is that I think Cho should be seeking to trade away two or more of the Blazer's better talent.  Most of the proposals I see include a budding talent, like Batum, Matthews or Fernandez, and/or a veteran.  My theory is that he can deal off more than most people are thinking and get a lot in return. 

My theories are always hampered by the fact that for the past 10 years I haven't followed any team except the Blazers, and I don't have a television or season tickets. So I'm not going to name other teams or players, and I won't bother with the structure of the trade (how many teams, etc.)

I'll just name my goals:

• Look for a championship contender this year, like Boston et al. Sell them on the idea that we can put them over the hump. As the centerpiece, I'm offering whatever they need in a budding star. If their big is having problems, I'll grudgingly give up Aldridge. If they need a wing defender they can have their pick of Batum or Matthews. They can only have one of those guys. 
  
• Blazers also give up one and only veteran (Miller, Przybilla or Camby), one young back-up (Cunningham or Fernandez). That's three active players total.
  
• Blazers also give up exactly two inactive players including either Oden or Roy (but not both) plus a rookie (Johnson or Babbitt) and a Euro. That's three inactive players total. 
  
• In return, I want four, count them four active players from their team. All of them should be good enough and ready to earn play-time starting tomorrow (or the next game). I also want a couple draft picks.
  

More after the jump.

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So it hasn't really been discussed much that I have seen (the topic).  There's been a lot of discussions about potential trades and signings, as well as about the individuals, and how they play as a team.  Not much about where they stack up.  Frankly, I've noticed the absence of some regular contributors from last season.  [Edit: Regular FanPosts from last season that gave a running prognostication of sorts.]  Of course I hope everybody is doing okay despite the depression. 

But what I came here to talk about is expectations for the current squad.  I'm no stat guy so I'm not even going to bother giving any type of analysis.  Assuming there's no major moves, if everyone on our active roster were playing, plus Camby, I could right now envision the Blazers finally reaching the second round in 2011.  [Edited for wordiness]  I wasn't gonna, but what the heck I'll do a poll.

Poll

When will the Blazers' season end this year?

6%

Regular Season

8 votes

63%

First Round

80 votes

22%

Second Round

28 votes

1%

Conference Game

2 votes

6%

Finals

8 votes

126 votes | Poll has closed

So I'm watching the Phoenix game and they flash on old man Marley sitting next to Alvin Gentry and thinking he's probably a pretty good guy to have on your staff. I don't know if he'll make a good head coach (for Phoenix) but I bet his team'd do alright. And then I'm watching Marcus Camby and thinking, man, I bet you his teams always compete. He already is a pretty good player coach. I wouldn't mind keeping him if only for his effect on LMA. Other players? Andre Miller, I believe, is going to be done with professional basketball when he stops playing. Patty Mills?  

I don't know if this has been suggested before, but -- just brainstorming here -- what if we made Wesley Matthews available in a trade offer. Here is a young, energetic guy who is creating his own shot to the tune of 20 ppg. His signing raised eyebrows but I think looks pretty reasonable if we were talking to a team contending or wanting to contend for a championship who just needs that one extra piece. I'm not conversant enough with other teams to provide specific examples of teams that could use a guy like him to plug in at 2 or 3, but there must be someone. 

Wesley's salary is mid-range so that should work with a wide range of trades if I'm correct. I would consider this a rebuilding year but still want to get a decent return, so I'm looking for a team that has a piece we need. Possibly a third string SG/SF who could be as good as Matthews in a year or two if he gets experience, but who isn't being utilized right now, along with either a decent PF or a usable C.   

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I just heard Jay Jensen talking about training camp, and I realized how good the Blazers will be this year if the starters can stay healthy.  Having Greg Oden healthy and ready for the next play-offs would simply be extraordinary, but Brandon and Nicolas playing 90 games would also knock down quite a few opponents. 

That got me thinking about how much pain Brandon and Nicolas endured last season to get 50 wins. And I have to admit I don't give enough active thought about how much they sacrifice. Just look at our retired NBA superstars to see a range of maladies that they could be looking forward to.

Well that brought me back to Oden. This is hard to say, but I just try to put myself in his shoes (which would need two of me to fill). I know that I would be striving to get back on the court and prove all my doubters wrong, and to earn that #1 draft pick contract that I know I deserve.  But I can't possibly imagine what it would be like to wake up in pain and have to battle through months of training just to literally get back on my feet.  And I'd be looking at all those big warriors (e.g., Bill, Kareem, Sam, Patrick) who came before me and where they are now. 

I think I can imagine what it's like to be competitive, but to have to face all that pain and all those critics... and to know that all my hard work is going to cause me a lot more pain in the long run... I just don't know if I could do it.  Sorry if that comes off negative, but I am very impressed with the amount of effort that this young man is giving for the team, and also the dignity that he demonstrates while he's doing it. 

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A little research surprised me.  I seem to have forgotten that Brandon Roy only missed 4 games in his second season and 8 games in his third.  Nevertheless, he's averaged only 68.5 games a season or 13.5 games missed in the regular season (25 last season).  I've gotta confess I'm a little concerned about his wheels.  If he's going to be the Big Papa for this team, wouldn't it be smart to try and save him from unnecessary wear and tear?  I'd rather have Brandon sit out games or quarters voluntarily than have him nursing another injury if it can be avoided.  

First, it has to be acknowledged that we wouldn't be allowed to sit our star player without a clear reason, because it "wouldn't be fair" to the fans.  I suspect the Rose Garden would be more forgiving if they saw Roy on the sideline because we'd still be seeing the rest of our talented players.  However, New Jersey fans might be a little less understanding because they don't have much else to look forward to at a ball game.  

It also has to be acknowledged that a star athlete's confidence and ego are very real and you can't treat him like he's made of glass or else he'll get very angry (best case) and maybe lose confidence in his body (worst).

That said, I'd like to consider the benefits of selectively limiting Brandon's minutes on the court.  First, as I said, it could prevent unnecessary wear on his system.  Second, it would give the team more experience on winning as a team, without relying on him as a crutch.  During that long stretch last season before & after the all star break, we were winning a lot of tough, hard-fought games.  Nate was letting his boys run.  Third, it gives good experience to Brandon's backup leading the first unit.  

Since he is the star of the team, you have to at least start Brandon for most of the regular games when he's healthy. If I were the coach or trainer, I'd probably suggest to Brandon that maybe he has the 24 hour flu and have him stay home for some of those 1 or 2 game road trips.  Let him have some well-earned rest and relaxation with light cardio and weights. Then, against the very worst teams I might start him and give him 15 minutes. We should be able to beat Memphis, Minnesota, New Jersey and Washington without him, but even if it's a close game let see LaMarcus put the team on his shoulders. Against the very best teams (Miami, Boston, etc.), I'd also be inclined to try and keep him out of some of those fourth quarters because that's when he's likely to try and push it too hard (playing Nate ball).  Against the scrubs too, I want Brandon out of there because he's wearing a target.  

I want Brandon to keep his game strong because we'll need him to battle out the tough matches down the stretch. I think he'll get more than enough practice if we try and save his 40-minute games for the division rivals (Denver, Utah, OKC) as well as teams that are similar to the Blazers in terms of talent who tend to give us a hard time (like Houston, Atlanta, Orlando).

Otherwise, the way Nate relies on him during close matches, and the way his teammates tend to stand around and watch him playing 1 on 5, I'd be looking to trade him now while his value is strong.    

Apologies as I assume this was discussed and then said discussion lost in the hubbub over draft day.  I've been yearning a clear analysis of the draft day trade.  

I'll be the first to admit I'm not the guy to provide a clear analysis of anything but I can start it off with the rudimentary facts.  Portland traded Martell Webster to Minnesota for the 18th pick 16th pick (Luke Babbitt) and Ryan Gomes.  

After waiving Gomes, we are now left with Babbitt instead of Webster.  On the surface, it seems to me we traded a player in his prime for a rookie.  Although the rookie is, by definition, unproven in the league, I'm assuming by the numbers that he's a better pure shooter and thus can spread the floor.  However, Martell was always an offensive threat off the ball.  He also provided solid rebounding and dedicated defense, two things which Babbitt appears to need to work on.  Additionally, Martell in my eyes provided intangible benefits in his team-first attitude (chemistry) and contribution to the community.  Along with Travis, Martell was a template for transitioning out of the Jailblazers era.  

Edit: As far as rotation, I don't think trading away Martell gains any clarity because I take him at his word that he was comfortable being a role player if that's where the coach wanted him.  

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So this year I've been giving my mother-in-law (from here on, "Maw") a ride home from work for most of this NBA season.  Apparently she likes to share her work-related issues as a way of winding down.  As it turns out, the way she talks about him has frequently made me think about the Blazers organization, and particularly Coach Nate.  Yes, this is another Nate post.  

This week Maw told me that she was in the boss's office and things once again came to a head.  She expressed to him, in what she assured me was a very non-threatening and professional manner, that she felt he was mishandling some issues.  He responded with details that she wasn't aware of which gave her a better understanding.  However, the new details were in contradiction with information he had previously shared with the "team".  Maw suggested, delicately, that in her years of experience working for the organization her previous bosses had done a far better job sharing information with the team.  It seems this man keeps his cards close to his chest.  He responded with "My door is always open."

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I don't write often enough so I'll be the first to admit this is pretty unpolished, probably filled with holes.  But I was inspired last night and had to get something down (second draft)...

A herd gathered at the mountain lake, gratefully lapping at the edge of the water in the high grass. Some of the younger males had walked a little farther in and were play-fighting in the shallows. The largest, at 12 meters long, stood proudly on a rock watching his herd. In another age they would be given the name of "hadrosaur". They were hardy and adaptable, gentle and intelligent. Farther in the lake was a gigantic beast who lived in the water. Harmless but curious, it stretched its huge neck high above the water to observe the visitors. Everything seemed idyllic. A faint rumble, quite unnoticeable, sent a small ripple through the water. The long-necked host sunk down and disappeared in the depths of the lake.

At a rising along the top of the low valley, one of the hadrosaurs was keeping look-out. This one was the first to feel the rumble and thought a storm was coming. There was a second shake, and a third. As the pounding gathered speed it was accompanied by a deep sound. The look-out sounded a warning trumpet. The family began gathering itself to run. A mother rounded up her babies. Young and old escaped to the shelter of the trees.

But the adolescent males had been distracted by their play. One finally looked up and saw that they were alone. It was too late. The giant was near and would dine generously today. Now it advanced up and over the surrounding hillside, and pounded down to its prey. The ground shook feverishly. Batum. Batum. Batum. Batum.

Next, an excerpt from a master, with just a slight amendment. 

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