SB Nation User Blog: kajuayn

The Blueprint 4 Curse or Cursed?

kajuayn — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:16:51 -0000

Well, about two minutes ago I got back to my house, got cozy, and thought "this is a great night sit back and relax". So, as I normally do, I went STRAIGHT to blazersedge to see what was going on. Then I was greeted with THIS.

I was shocked...I mean what are the chances? We have already had eleventy injuries this year. I assumed it could not have been that serious. I mean, The Billa has been pretty durable the past 2-3 seasons...and I mean...Greg and everyone else, including Nate Mac, went down already. So i read down, sounds pretty serious...then i read that he is out INDEFINITELY...like WHAT? how many players do we have now? like 3? This is rediculous. That is why I want to pose a question...or series of questions.

1. What the heck?

2. Are you KIDDING me?

3. Are we being cursed?

I think this could really be the case. We have endured an extremely disproportionate number of SERIOUS injuries in one...1.5 seasons. There was Webster, Greg and Greg, Batum, Blake, Pendergraph, Batum, Mills, Outlaw, and Fernandez. I am probably missing some too. I mean HONESTLY though...HONESTLY. When I was in high school, my sophmore year, we had a similar injury pandemic. It was absurd. Every starter went down with a lengthy injury, including myself. It was hard to deal with, as it is now. It was odd because we too, like the Blazers, were poised for a great season. The Lakers fans must be plotting against us...

4. Is our training staff at fault in any of these injuries?

Over the past year, we have seen so many injuries it's ridiculous. I know a lot of these were freak injuries. But at the same time, it seems that some could have been prevented. Batum missing all this time? Outlaw and Webster both. I am not suggesting we fire out trainers but...really? this is quite odd that this many "freak" accidents have occurred. I mean this is just freak-y.

I just think this maybe some thing to think about. In the mean time, I am going to sulk about how the injury monster is hurting my team and dreams :(. Stay strong Rip City, Stay strong.

Why are YOU a Blazer fan?

kajuayn — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:56:35 -0000

So in the 9 years I have been a Portland Trailblazer fan, I have longed to have a a group of people to share my passion. It was not often I found other Blazer fans, since I lived in the Bay Area (Northern Cali-FOOOOOOOYA if you didn't know). For this, I am extremely grateful to have stumbled upon Blazersedge. I thank all of you for the contributions that collectively make this such a great site. I appreciate the links, the debate, the insight, and our two outstanding moderators.

I created this Post after RenoBlazerFan asked me how I became a Blazer fan, in my other post titled "A live Spectator's Perspective ATL vs POR", without any ties to Portland. This made me think...I'd like to know how other people came to be Blazer fans that have little or no ties to the Portland area, or greater Northwest. That is why I created this FanPost. I think it would be an interesting discussion to hear some of the bizarre stories that created lifelong, diehard, fans. Therefore, after the jump, I will divulge how I became a Blazer fan and everything that follows.

I moved to the Bay from St. Louis Missouri, where I was a huge soccer fan. I hate basketball because I thought it was too easy to score. I always felt like they scored 100 plus points because there was no strategy, you simply scored. So I remained adamant that soccer was the superior sport. Whenever we played during PE, I HATED it so much.

Then...

I moved to the Bay where there is simply not enough room to play soccer during recess. At my middle school, our playground was on the roof. With 4 grades playing at any given time there was not enough space to play soccer. Also, If you kicked ball over the fence, it was likely gone, since we were on a HUGE hill...the bay is like that. So, my friends indoctrinated me, the new kid, into the world of basketball. Granted I SUCKED, i played to get along with my new classmates. As the school year passed I really grew no new affinity to the sport.

After spending the entire year playing basketball, I still didn't embrace it the way I do now. Then, that June, I was at visiting my Uncles house down the Peninsula. While it was a sad event (he had cancer) a lot of my family was there to see him. This was right during the tragic Western Conference Finals we ALL remember. I had to watch since the only tv was occupied and no one my age was there (I had no cell phone etc to fall back on). So, I watched. My family was all rooting for the blazers, many of them hated the Lakers (stemming from the Nor Cal vs SoCal rivaly). I was enamored by the intensity and passion of the players on the screen AND my family members. Portland won that game but, as we know, lost the series. Ever since I was a vicarious citizen of Rip CIty.

While in middle school, my "upper school", 5th through 8th grade, head was a diehard blazer fan. I'm not sure how he became a fan, but he was the only true fan I knew. My best friend was a fan, but more because they were RAW in video games. My upper school head and i discussed the team, though my understanding was limited as a new basketball fan.

When I graduated to Highschool, my friends all thought I was crazy, being a Blazer fan...They SUCKED. My teammates (I was a 3 year varsity bball player . By now I spent all my free time playing and had improved SIGNIFICANTLY) lambasted me for my choice. They were all Warriors fans or something (not much better, but at least the home team). It was hard, but no matter what happened, I was Black and Red through and through. I rooted for every draft pick, watched any game I could and hoped for the best.

My Senior year my coach took me and my co-captain to a preseason game in Sacramento. A blessing...The Kings were playing the BLAAAAAZZERRRRS. That was easily the best experience of my life...we sat COURTSIDE! Even though it was preseason....How can you complain? (That's when I learned Outlaw was slightly pigeon-toed). The Warriors upset the Mavs and the Bay came ALIVE. I still couldn't embrace the movement since I just had a special affinity for PDX. I received even more ridicule for my Blazer love. THEN we won the lottery...Roy took the ROY....NICE. We got GREEEEEEEG OOOOOOOOODEEEEEEEEN!...EXCELLENT. The team was on the come up....We all know what happened after that.

Once I got to college in Georgia, I retained my Blazer Love, but even more removed from the west coast. I somehow stumbled upon different streaming schemes and kept up with any game I could. Slowly, that persistence opened me up to places like RealGM, and finally the illustrious BLAZERSEDGE. Ever since, my love for the team has only doubled. I hope to one day work for the organization or at least have a house in the Portland area. (Of course that includes season tickets as well) It sounds like a great place and I anticipate my first visit.

With that, I invite anyone to tell us their blazer story...perhaps not in as many words as I did...but i'm long winded (I plan to go into politics) so its expected. This is somewhat similar to the competition we had just before the season started, so i apologize if this is redundant.

A Live Spectator's Perspective ATL vs POR

kajuayn — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:42:46 -0000

Half Empty Stadium, Phantom Greg Oden Calls, Corny Announcer, Outrageous Outfits, Sub Par Dancing From the "cheerleaders".... This was the Hawks vs. Blazers game.

I decided to go to this Blazers game LONG ago. I knew i would see them play the hawks this year... since I go to school down here, it is really my only opportunity to see them live in action. It just so happened that today was my birthday, so i figured it'd be the best b-day present I could give myself. I asked my two friends to come along, knowing if we lost I would NEVER hear the end of it....

I text them Greg Oden's stats after every game as proof he is improving. I also yell GREEEEEEEEG OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODEN whenever I see them on campus, leaving everyone wondering what is going on. My persistence and rabid enthusiasm, as only PDX fans know how, for a team as "random" (never been to portland) has turned them both into staunch Oden Haters. It's all good though because one is a Memphis fan (easy pickings there), and the other is a Hawks fan (they passed on like 9383081390 point guards and drafted Marvin WIlliams #2...and Al Horford has gotten NO better since his rookie year...not too hard here either). I digress

...So we get to the game a little bit early, using the student discount (50% off can you believe that?). Once we get in, around 6 30...the stadium is almost EMPTY. I was disappointed. Having watched like every Blazer stream over the past 12 months...I know the crowd there is raucous, lively, and early. As tip off neared i was dumbfounded that the stadium was MAYBE half full.

The Game started and I feared the Blazers would come out flat, resulting in a stiff blowout...The opposite happened and they performed pretty well. They did not appear lead-footed or dreary at all. The defense looked good, so from here I will give me notes on the game...

Blake: He is surprisingly a lot better at D than I anticipated. It was easier to discern this watching him live. He often ended up guarding Joe Johnson, who seldom too advantage of the mismatch. Blake kept him in front and moved his feet. He hit a few shots and played a generally solid game, especially with his 11 assists.

Miller: When he was in the game, the team definitely plays differently. The offense has rhythm, people cut and it is rare that people are ball watching. He is still getting a feel for his teammates, but his impact on the game is undeniable. He got to the free throw line, something no one but Brandon does a great job of doing. He has 6 himself. Sometimes he moved a little fast and hoisted up shots early but it happens. He played some good D man. Johnson was not doing anything, including posting up, while Miller was checking him.

Roy: He played within the flow of the game early, really helping the team. His defense left something to be desired. He was hustling, squaring up, and getting low, especially on Johnson in the 4th, but it wasn't enough. He doesn't move his feet especially quickly to keep people in front. Blake did a much better job of keeping Johnson in front. In fact, Johnson seemed to make a point to take Roy off the dribble, whereas when Blake was on him he frequently toyed with the ball ball and hoisted a contested jumper.

Aldridge: He played a great game really. He took few long two's and seemed focused on attacking through the post. The problem is he has little variation on his post ups. He either backs down and fades or backs down and steps to the middle for the runner. He needs a post progression to make himself more effective. Also, he needs to establish lower post position to be more effective. He's starting so far out that he has to move his man 3-5 feet before he's really in post up range. Other than that, he played solid defense, grabbing board after board. He looked really intent on grabbing anything in his area, a wide area at that.

Oden: He did some really good things early. He scored on the first play of the game, quieting the already silent crowd. Best of all though, I got to rub that ALLL IN THE FACE of my friends...BOW BABY. With that said, he seemed a little rushed. He was aware of the fact he could dominate the hawks big men and really wanted to prove that. He was just trying to do too much at once. When he has been effective he has methodically checked down the progressions of his post moves. This was not the case tonight, though he was effective, he went to a LA like step-through multiple times. He should have gone to the jump hook, drop step, or spin baseline more. He would have been more effective. On defense he did a great job of moving his feet. He was really good at this in the first half. The Team was really looking for him early and often and he produced 11 pts. A lot of the things defenders were doing he would have been called for a foul....so frustrating. Even my friends agreed the refs just called him for things that he had nothing to do with... There was definitely a loose ball foul in the 2nd half where he had already started back up-court when the whistle blew. He also made a great play on josh smith ( I believe) which SHOULD have been a charge but was a no call...He did commit some fouls, not too many silly ones but the phantom calls he gets really prevents him from dominating that side of the ball. He just plays tentatively. Blazers should DEFINITELY go to the league and complain PUBLICLY.

Webster: He didn't play much, not much to say here. He didn't play with the same tenacity as I have come to expect this year. When he attacked the basket he passed instead of looking to ruin someone's career as he has been doing lately. He played defense and ran the floor, thats about all I can say....Oh and they put him and Bayless on the Kiss Kam....needless to say he moved down a seat.

Fernandez: WOW... What a game from Rudy. It really looked like HE was back. I don't think I can say he did anything wrong. He played with a fire that reminds me of last year. His shooting touch was great and he attacked the basket a few times. His movement on offense had the same effect off ball as Miller's did with it. He had a trillion steals and could have a had 1 or 2 more. He played some really good pressure D at times. He has definitely improved in this category form last year. He was probably our most effective 1 v 1 defender tonight. I don't know what else I can say except WHAT A SHOT...WOW. My hope were all but dashed when he hit that...Kudos Rodolfo.

Bayless: Should have gotten more PT. He was aggressive and has played well recently...and really could have helped give some people some rest so they would have been fresher at the end. He was apparently only brought in to help get Jeff Teague to stop pressuring full court.

Howard: HE CAN STILL DUNK Y'ALL. Solid play tonight.

McMillan: Let the run where ATL caught up go on too long. He was about 2-3 possessions late with the timeout. Blake played well...really well...BUT 40 FRIGGEN MINUTES HONESTLY? Nate dropped the ball with the substitutions. Webster should have played more and so should have Bayless. We need new plays, too much Iso. On the bright side, Our defense is pretty good. The rotations were there. The Zone they used looked nearly impenetrable. It would would if Greg wasn't so scared of being called for a foul in he breaths though. That was the only weak link, when the ball rotated back to his corner and he refused to close out any more than 8 feet.

General notes: Our offense looked GREAT until the 4th quarter when Roy wanted to take over. Everyone stopped moving. This is where we lost the game. Roy tried to break down his man but since no one was moving, they all just watched him. It made it impossible to get into the lane and it forced him to launch jumper after jumper. It wasn't that bad because Marvin Williams isn't stopping him...I don't care WHOSE talking. Bu t the lack of motion made it too easy to stop our offense. Then came the double teams and no one else was in a position/ready to help him. The 4th quarter, give it to roy, offense needs to be revamped.

The reason that the Hawks kept scoring is that they had a series of penetrators who attacked the defense. ALSO they had constant motion, keeping the Blazers defense shifting. It hid deficiencies of some players like Marvin Williams who has similar range to Miller. If we had motion like that, we would have won that game. Even when they posted up, people moved off ball. The Blazers just clear out. It leaves the post player with no option but TO shoot. Its not a part of the offense, it BECOMES the offense. The team seems to have lost touch with some basic offensive principles. If we get back to those, the offense will DEFINITELY come back.

Other than that...My experience was great until we lost. I had to leave with about a minute left because it was disappointing. But I felt relieved because we hung with, outplayed, and SHOULD HAVE beaten the best team in the east, at their house. I enjoyed myself watching my favorite team play. It's something I'll always remember, as I did the last time I saw them play (my hs coaches took me and my co-captain to seem them play in Sacramento during the preseason...we sat courtside...AMAZING...)

Anyways.....GREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEG OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN

Was Greg Oden More likely to be injured last year?

kajuayn — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:04:34 -0000

This may need to be a fanshot...I don't actually know the difference between the two...so feel free to explain it.

Now, more after the jump.

This post starts with Kevin Garnett...Why do you ask? Well, Garnett looks awful, but this video sparked something in my mind. For those you you that play basketball, and are good, think about playing with someone who doesn't know how to play or is nursing an injury or just moving 4 mph slower than everyone else. Their movements are awkward and unpredictable. Often their play ends up in someone getting injured, or nearly injured.

It seems to me that the brain is able to calculate and coordinate the potential movements of you and others to avoid injury. Knowing what movements are likely to happen in a given situation are crucial for this. When someone does not move in a way that fits this mold, it makes it hard to compensate. This discrepancy can lead to disastrous results

Since Greg Oden was clearly favoring and protecting his repaired knee last year, it lead to him getting injured during the season. His movement was not fluid like at Ohio State. He was very choppy and looked like the one guy who is really out of place. Many of you have said something along the lines of: "he looked like a 7ft guy who is playing basketball not a basketball player that happens to be 7ft." That uncoordinated aspect of his game, coupled with his enormous size compared to most players, made him more susceptible to injury. Also, big men are more likely to have leg injuries (look at Yao), so it seems that Oden had significantly higher chance of getting injured than the average NBA player before accounting for his cumbersome movement.

Therefore, Oden's new confidence and conditioning should make a WORLD of difference for his ability to stay healthy. I mean, look at how much better Oden is moving here, courtesy of our very own, Ben (Mucho thanks for the video Ben. That definitely quenched my thirst for blazer basketball...until tonight...Is Blazerfest televised/available online for free?) Or you could see Oden over the summer at the July training camp, here or there.

That's just my opinion...but to come full circle...KG needs to let himself fully heal...he CLEARLY is like only 70% if that. I find it absurd he recently said he had no knee problems, and his knee was "pain free"...Uhhh does he seem himself out there?

Poll

What do you think of the theory?

Yea that makes a lot of sense

61 votes

I see where you're going...but no

12 votes

South Park: "We didn't listen!"

10 votes

"Dey Tuk Uuhr Juuuhbs!"

19 votes

102 votes | Poll has closed

Greg looking better.

kajuayn — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 15:28:50 -0000

http://www.iamatrailblazersfan.com/Home/Photos/OfficialGalleryAlbum/tabid/165/GalleryView/MediaView/AlbumID/5099/MediaID/2997/Default.aspx

Here is the video of Greg at camp, day two.

Just some thoughts...

1. I have heard people mention he looks lost in this video. This however is not the case. The guards are dominating the ball. I counted 4 times total, I think, where the post player on EITHER team was passed the ball with the intent of scoring, i.e. in scoring position. Therefore, his role as to what he should be doing is ambiguous. The guards are rarely passing, leaving it to whoever bring it up the court to barrel at the basket, or dribble until they shoot. There is no real roll for big men. This is more reminiscent of AAU basketball than actual NBA/FIBA basketball.

Most importantly, he did NOT shy away from contact, running STRAIGHT to the rim when he came down on offense. If there was anyone in his way, he simply moved them out of his way. This was great to see. Although he may not be dominant on the block, this will get him some really easy buckets and give us a real that physical dynamic.

2. Greg is moving very well. In videos from both days of scrimaging, Greg has looked sharp. He is hustling and looks much quicker than last season. He knows what to do on the screen and roll as opposed to last year. he bust his but to show and get back. His speed during those plays is much better than most centers in the league, it appears. This is also a testament to his decision making, when to show and when to get back.

3. Greg is in great condition, especially considering its the middle of the summer. His stamina looks to be in good standing. The game speed is remiscent of a Phoenix Suns run when they would go up by 15 in 2 minutes, before the other team called timeout, about two years ago. But this time, it was for the entire time they were scrimmaging. This was, again, just like an AAU game, played at break-neck speed. There is a point in the video where the man he is guarding is holding his knees gaspnig for air, while Greg looks like he's doing fine. This is good to see, considering how hard it is for bigger people to get into great shape. Big men always have a hard time playing at those levels, especially centers. Therefore, it is great to see Greg running with the best of them.

4. Greg looks like he can really run the floor, so pushing the ball will be no issue with him. He has really good speed for a center and didn't appear to ever be in a flat out sprint, or going more than 65-75%.

5. Something Greg really needs to improve on is setting screens. He still sets some really soft screens. He does not put his body on the opposing guard, often setting it at an angle, almost giving the defender the chance so slide around without hitting him, unless the ballhandler goes off shoulder to shoulder (as they should, but often don't). He also leaves to early on the screen, not forcing his man to show. This makes his roll to the basket far less effecient. Since his defender doesn't need to show, Greg cannot get a lane to roll to the basket. Therefore, the opposing help defense does not have to compensate for him, and it diminishes the opportunities for the ballhandler to pass to. Thus, the offense is less efficient.

This is about as much as you can take form this video, since, as i said before, this scrimmage is not that well run. Neither team is playing to its strengths. The guards are doing whatever they want, not utlizing the big men or working for great shots. Notice the lack of outside shots taken in the scrimmage. That is telling to what type of style this is. Players are mostly driving until the defense stops them, then shoot. If they used their big men, it would allow for more open shots, by forcing the defense to react and collapse. I am surprised by the poor basketball played here. I would think that this style would be left for the rec gym, and AAU. In college, you definitely learn a more disciplined, effective, game of basketball. Likewise with the NBA, so I am surpised that in our USA Senior basketball minicamp, it is not being reinforced. This is especially significant, considering the way the international game is played. Simply sprinting at the rim with the ball, like a fullback, will not cut it. You wil not be bailed out by refs; there are no superstar calls.

TRUE PG's...we dont NEED one...but its nice to have

kajuayn — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:45:58 -0000

I have been observing, over the month and a half or so i have been apart of Blazersedge (i love it), as people continually call for a PG upgrade, calling for a TRUE pg.

Please read the whole post before voting, or commenting.

There are a lot of problems with the demands of our BE and Blazer fan brethren. I am going to state only a few.

Firstly, the criterion, as I understand it, that we want our PG to possess

1. Better Defense, to protect our bigs from foul trouble

2. Can create offense to take the load off of Brandon

3. Can hit open 3's

4. Plays well off of Brandon

What is being described here, is an all-star, all time, PG. That is not a bad thing, because I think that every team wants (and should want) the best player then can get their hands on at every position. That is how a team SHOULD be run, otherwise you start working against yourself, which sucks as a fan (imagine being a Warriors fan...I live in the Bay Area, so i can relate to that most easily). However, it is unlikely that we can get our hands on a player like that, especially without giving up substantial pieces. There are FEW point guards that sufficiently fill those criterion:

Chris Paul (not sure about his off-ball play), Deron Williams (off-ball play?), Kirk Hinrich (does most of these things OK but not great), Mike Bibby (a shell of the former Bibby, hardly counts), Jameer Nelson, Baron Davis (defense on quicker guards?), Gilber Arenas (i dunno that he can guard faster players NOW), and Chauncy Billips.

I left of a substantial number of elite point guards because they really didn't fulfull all four points. This, I think, illustrates the unlikeliness of grabbing a point guard we want, without severly crippling ourselves at other positions.9

ALSO, this illuminates how little we need an elite point guard. Of those players listed, Chauncy is the ONLY one that has won a championship. This is telling because his team is the ONLY one in the last 10 years to win without a star/elite offensive SG or SF (Rip and Tay are good, but offensively are no Dwade or Broy). This lends itself to the fact that great wings DO NOT NEED (though its nice to have, as you want the best players) elite pg's. In Fact, when you look back over the past decade at who has won a title, Chauncy Billups and Rajon Rondo are the two best PG's. Keep in mind that Rajon was much better this year than last and that Chauncy's team was not centered on the traditional superstar composition but had a balanced roster. I think this evidence supports the idea that Dominant players, mostly big men, win championships, not PG's. The value of a true, elite pg is overstated, especially when you have dynamic playmakers on the wings. Kobe has never had a very good PG, but has 4 rings. The year he arguably had his best, with Gary Payton, he lost to the Pistons and Chauncy.

Now, the Spurs HAVE won with Tony Parker, an excellent pg, but he CANNOT shoot the 3. Tony was not an elite player when the first won the title. They were driven by their dominant post players in Duncan and Robinson. Even Still, they did win two more titles with a very accomplished Parker running the point. Also, GInobili's season stats don't suggest he is very good, but his substantially higher playoff stats suggest otherwise. SO, it appears he IS a very dynamic wing, especially in the playoffs, so don't start claiming that because of his season avg's he isn't that good.

Recent Cahmpionship teams that have had Elite wings did not need a great PG, because it is a duplication of ability. The wing will often overshadow the PG for various reasons ie: easier to finish at the rim, easier to get shot off, and other things I cannot fathom.

This brings me towards a discussion of what we REALLY need from the PG position.

1. A point guard that can create for himself, and moderately well for others

2. Knows how to maximize the talents of those around him

3. Decent Defense, to protect our bigs (new rules make this virtually impossible, as no contact allows speedy guards to to watever, unless Rondo is guarding them)

These criterion are far more skewed towards the strengths of Tony Parker (though his defense could very well be a product of Popovich, who masked the flaws of and aged Michael Finely, Matt Bonner, Rasho Nesterovic, and Brent Barry...None of the players can really guard much of anything. So, as much as I don't want to, I think I will take his defense with a grain of salt.) and not Chris Paul (not saying I don't want him though). This greatly widens the scope of adequate PG's we can pursue and IF we even need a new one, because more PG's cant score/ create for others/ play decent defense, but can't shoot.

Our PG doesn't really need to know how to "run a team" or "manage a team", that really is Brandon Roy's job, as evidenced by the other elite wings in the league: Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade. The list stops there because Brandon IS the fourth best wing player in the league. All of these players really control the flow of the game for their team. What is the point of having a PG control the game if the SG or SF has the ball most of the time, and often is the one bringing the ball up and initiating the offense? In addition, Nate's micromanaging, isolationist offensice style works against a pg helping the team greatly. Ball and player movement alone would cause opposing defenses to react to all the players on the court not just Brandon. It's when our offense resorts to "brandon watching" that we have problems. This WILL NOT be remedied by adding a PG. What our PG should do is be a threat, hopefully off the dribble as we have ample shooters, to score. The penetration that our PG has will create another dynamic to our offense that is currently only offered by Brandon.

This is why I am advocating for a backcourt of Steve Blak and Jerryd Bayless. They both offer considerably different styles of play that allows for more versatility in our lineups, offensively and defensively. Blake "manages" games with the best of them, with the exception of the fast break (but we hardly do THAT anyways). Bayless adds the attacking mentality that we really lack in any capacity, other than Brandon. This is more of a question of getting more offensive weapons that can score for themselves and relying on unselfish play to make sure that we get everyone involved. Specifically, we need people to get the ball to the rim, as their style of play, and get us some easier buckets. This is what Jerryd brings to the table. He can develop adequate "managing" skills. I don't think that has ever been questioned. I think people are looking at if he can be a "True PG" which, frankly in my opinion, we don't need.

(Look at Russell Westbrook, he is regared as a great youg PG, but he really is also just a SG in a PG body. His 5.3 to 3.3 assist to turnover ration is atrocious...He shot less than 40% from the field and much worse from 3. However, his attack the rim style is a great compliment to the jumpshooting Durant. This comparison stretches over to Rondo who cannot shoot worth a lick. However since his teamates, save Perkins, can shoot, it makes him effective and hides his inability to shoot, and the "true pg" we want HAS to be able to shoot.)

I just want to point out to people that everyone on the floor does not need to be able to do everything well, thats what superstars and allstars do. Rather, We need to create a team of individuals whose skill sets compliment each other and allows them to play well together. That does not mean that everyone has to be a dead eye 3 point shooter. Nor that players who cannot shoot cannot play with Roy. Having some players that can shoot the three, and we have alot (rudy, webster, roy, blake, outlaw, batum), is great. However, we need a more balanced offensive attack, so adding bayless to the rotation gives us more of another dynamic that we don't have, people the at attatck the basket. Of the players on our roster, Roy and Bayless are the only two that can really do this. Therefore, in the interest of compiling a versatile team, Bayless should get burn at the PG, at least 18 minutes. I am not saying we should not upgrade, rather that it just is unlikely we get the pg most people want, and that what we have should be sufficient. Furthermore, don't judge Bayless about his slow PG development, as that will have to come with season experience. You cannot develop your ability to set up you teammates by yourself...it just doesn't work.

If you don't agree, please say why below.

OHH and in case people didn't get my south park references from the poll, here are links in order to help.

manbearpig

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf69EEL3WBk

Fishsticks

http://www.allsp.com/l.php?id=e186

Snuke

http://www.allsp.com/l.php?id=e157

Poll

How about this theory?

"I'm Super Cereal Guys! ManBearPig is real!"

16 votes

By George! You've got it!

32 votes

"you like putting fishsticks in your mouth?...you must be a gay fish..."

8 votes

I still want a True PG and don't agree

12 votes

"It appears that terrorists have snuck a snuke up your sniz."

6 votes

You're absolutely wrong

6 votes

80 votes | Poll has closed

Don't worry about Greg Oden

kajuayn — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:54:24 -0000

So some people are worrying about the Health of Greg Oden, and the future of our team. Many of us Blazer fans have started to question the front office in the midst of an ever so slightly bumby summer. There have been calls for huge trades, small trades, FA signings, and, in some extreme cases, for KP to be fired. People have become anxious that Roy and Aldridge won't be back. But we know that they will be here for a long time, so lets relax and move on.

This post is supposed to open the eyes of all the people who are doubting us, especially Greg. This is a theory that popped into my head some time ago and, every time i bring it up, seems very, if not extremely, plausible. Everyone i talk to about it is dumfounded by how relatively prevalent this rule is. It sounds quite loopy and rediculous, but bear with me. SO, here we go.

The reason I say that Greg will be a very good player in this leg, in addition to his exponential potential, size, demeanor, athleticism, and build, is his name: Greg Oden. He has two first names. While Oden is not a HUGELY common first name, it is very easy to conceive it as being one. Here is where I will segway into my theory.

Players with two first names dominate the greats of our sport.

It is not common to meet people with two first names, at least in my 21 years of experience on the earth. However, the NBA, especially this decade, has been overrun with great players with two first names. Here is a short list of players with two first names that immediately come to my mind:

Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Devin Harris, Brandon Roy, Derrick Rose, Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon, David Lee, Ben Gordon, Tayshaun Prince, Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis, Al Jefferson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler, Carmelo Anthony.

That is kind of a long list, but it only took me 1:30 to come up with those 21 names...All of them are, or are expected to be great players. Specifically, lets revisit this list focusing on the top players in the game right now according to Hollinger's PER (i know some people hate it, but o well)...

1. Lebron James, 2. Dwayne Wade 3. Chris Paul, 4. Dwight Howard, 5. Tim Duncan, 6. Kobe Bryant, 7. Brandon Roy, 8. Tony Parker, 9. Dirk Nowitzki, 10. Al Jefferson.

Those were his top players this year...Now...notice that 9 of those players all have two first names. Al Jeferson and Lebron might be a stretch, but I am going to allow it, since its my argument and, well, I want to. That is pretty accurate right? Now, I am not saying that JUST because you have to first names, you will be a great player. BUT, it seems that if you have two first names, and the necessary physical tools, you have a better chance that someone without two first names.

As I go back to thinking up people with two first names, only focusing on already established players, picking up where we left off, the list grows

Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Devin Harris, Brandon Roy, Derrick Rose, David Lee, Ben Gordon, Tayshaun Prince, Monta Ellis, Al Jefferson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler, Carmelo Anthony, Josh Smith, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Baron Davis, Rashard Lewis, Jameer Nelson, Gerald Wallace, Jason Terry, and Yao Ming. Now you could debate Yao, because Ming is not a first name. I think it very well could be...I have not had very many escapades to the far east to know. Although I live in a fairly large city on the West Coast, I have not met a Ming, OR a Yao. But regardless, I am counting him.

Talking about the best Chinese player ever, who happens to be a center, brings me back to our Greg Oden. Oden will be the best Old Young Guy ever. As stated by many blogs and writers, "The Curious Case of Greg Oden" is supported by his surprisingly youthful appearance, about a month ago. -- I digress.

Oden has two first names is my point, so don't worry, He will be great. And his two first names is in addition to his once in a generation abilities, that will be showcased in the years to come. He was going to be great before, but this revelation, of biblical proportions (like that eh? Cuzz the Bible has the largest proportions for everything...think Noah's Ark ;) ) (and apologies to anyone offended by using the Bible to make a joke, i guess...I digress, yet again). Therefore, we are in good hands, we have TWO players, one of which is top 3 at his position (and possibly the best, according to these people.) So therefore, I look forward to our team developing into a dynasty, led by Brandon, Roy, Greg, and Oden.

Poll

How about this theory eh?

"You're not my guy Fwend!"

15 votes

Just crazy enough you might be on to something...

86 votes

Somewhat

12 votes

Seriously guy...seriously?

119 votes

"You're not my friend, buddy!"

28 votes

260 votes | Poll has closed

Joel...invaluable?

kajuayn — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:09:58 -0000

I think people have overlooked our fortune for having Joel now, and in the furture. Regardless if Oden becomes the next Shaq, Kareem, or Hakeem, we need Joel.

Few, FEW centers in the league play more than 30 minutes a game. In fact Dwight and Yao are the only two that played significant higher than 30 minutes. (HAVE YOU SEEN YAO THE LAST 4 YEARS WHEN HE HAS DONE THIS? IT’S TOO MUCH WEAR ON A CENTER’S LEGS) Yao the last 4 years when hes done this?) (Also, look at how much more effective shaq was in less time, with fresher legs). The strain that comes with moving such large bodies at 285 pounds and up is quite significant. As I was reading about Yao and his injury, it was stated that just loosing 10 pounds could relieve up to 60 pounds of pressure on his legs. Thats a lot. I think that Keeping Oden's minutes to now higher than 32-34 minutes for his career will be a reality and a necessity. Therefore, that leaves at least 14 minutes per game that Pryzbilla could play at the 5. That is not counting the increased twin towers look we are likely to see this season and beyond. Therefore, it is easy to see where he could get the addition 5-7 minutes to keep him happy.

I don't think Joel can be let go, because even if Oden becomes the best center in the league, there is significant time that he will spend on the bench, since Centers just play less than everyone else. For instance, look at how much centers play vs. how much PF's play. It's a rediculous difference. Especially with the hand check rules and increased penetration, I feel that they wear themselves out with the lateral movement they are required to do rotating because it is nigh impossible to keep people on the perimiter.

Therefore, I think Pryzbilla should be kept. It is unlikely that even a healthy Oden plays more than 33 minutes a game, leaving at least 14 minutes a game for Pryzbilla at center.

I would chose Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Batum, and Fernandez as my 5.

As a supporting cast, to round out and 8 man rotation, I choose Bayless and Webster or Hinrich and Gerald Wallace. This way we get a slasher (Bayless or Wallace) and a shooter (Webster or Hinrich). A combination of those two as additions to the rotation really help balance the roster and create varied scoring