SB Nation User Blog: mcmillion

Batum outlook: D-League

mcmillion — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:23:38 -0000

Batum outlook: D-League

Certainly, most everybody expected Nic to be accumulating butt sores, not minutes... but this outlook by ESPN is still funny. I love how the writer sounds so sure of himself with such a colorful description of Batum's 08-09 future in Idaho.

Whose House?

mcmillion — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:59:08 -0000

This will be the first home game where Greg Oden is ready to play, and it should really be an incredible atmosphere. In order for it to truly be special, it is time to start the big fella.

Let's Imagine the buzz surrounding the RG...

The rumor begins to spread throughout the arena prior to the lineup announcements that Greg Oden will indeed be starting. Nobody can confirm nor deny... but the euphoric feeling begins to arise in the hearts of the Rose Garden faithful. Then, the lights go off... the music begins its arena thumping vibrations... the first four players are announced to rousing receptions... Blake... Roy... Batum... Aldridge... and then, a brief delay... the music builds... "At center, standing 7 feet tall, the big man in the middle, from thee ohio state university.... GREEEEEEEEEEEG OOOOOOODEENNN!!!!!" The crowd goes wild!! A standing ovation ensues... they're chanting "ODEN, ODEN, ODEN, ODEN!!!"... signs in the rafters declare "Oden '08, worth the wait!"... "odEn Shakes Portland's eNemies!" (ESPN... get it? ok, that was the best I could come up with)... "Put on your O face!"... "Oh-Yeah Greg Oh-den!". The crowd buzz will not die... the tip-off is approaching and Oden is making his very first tip at the Rose Garden in the regular season. The ref bounces the ball and declares "i'm going high, so let it get up in the air"... The excitement rises higher and higher and at the very tip of the ball's summit Oden is half an arms length above Drew Gooden, sending it back to Blake to begin the legendary career of Greg Oden at Portland's Rose Garden.

Yes, the crowd knows it. Brandon Roy is the leader of this team... but the Rose Garden is Greg Oden's house. It's his domain. Here, he will protect the paint. He will intimidate those who dare to contend. His first rim rockin' dunk will send the city into a 7.2 quake that will be felt for years and years to come. Greg Oden has arrived... and the fans will stand with a smile on their face... and grown men will pretend to choke or sneeze after Oden sends his first Rose Garden rejection into the 10th row, because a tear of joy will begin to surface.

This is Oden's house. Give him the keys to start the game... and set forth the incredible career that will follow.

This goes along perfectly with the Knicks preview. I would post this in the replies, but there were...

mcmillion — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:55:07 -0000

This goes along perfectly with the Knicks preview. I would post this in the replies, but there were already 40+, and nobody would see this hilarious video.

We all need a good laugh with the state of our economy right now.

Breaking it down

mcmillion — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:23:38 -0000

There's so much to break down with the personnel of this team, and I believe the first thing management needs to get serious about is transitioning this franchise from youth movement mode to legitimate franchise mode. To kick things off, shake loose a good portion of the young players and look towards building with some experienced veterans.

Who to let go:
Sergio, Frye, and Jack. (Webster, you're on thin ice)

Sergio: Has no idea what his game is... and he can't knock down shots or control an offense. Basically, he's Sebastian Telfair. Sorry Surge, but it ain't happenin for you.

Frye: Too soft, and too similar to Lamarcus. Replace Frye with an 8mpg bruiser.

Jack: There is interest around the league for Jarret. Get what you can for him while he's got some value. He's not going to be the starter at pg... so he's replaceable.

Webster on the fringe: Frustrated with this guy. But afraid to let him go.

Who to sign (ignoring cap issues, for now):

First, the wish list: Gilbert Arenas, Shawn Marion, Jose Calderon, Andre Iguadala, Josh Smith, Luol Deng.

On this list, Luol Deng would seem to be the most likely to be able to sign. But all of them are a looooong shot... just my wish list of possible FA's this summer. That's all. None will be in Portland.

FA we have a shot to sign (who fill a need): Juan Carlos Navarro, Mikael Pietrus, Beno Udrih, Matt Barnes.

Now, I'm not one who's all gung ho about getting a SF. I like our prospects of sticking with Outlaw and Jones, and possibly Webster. So, if Portland is able to throw money at any FA's this summer, it's gotta be a point guard. Widdle it down through all the names I've listed, and Juan Carlos Navarro just might be the most likely to sign, and the best prospect to fill our needs. He brings the kind of game we've expected from Sergio, and he's got more upside than Steve Blake.

However, the #1 priority, IMO, is signing James Jones to a long term contract. There is no way you let this guy get away. He brings everything that this team has desperately been seeking in the last couple of years... vet leadership, upstanding citizen, deadly 3pt shooter, and a very solid defender. All-in-all, I'm not sure why Jones doesn't play 25+ mpg. Get him a 5 year deal and watch this guy become a championship role player for the Blazers. He will probably soak up any money Portland has to offer this summer.

So, here's who I would roll with for next year and into the future.

Back court:

Steve Blake, Brandon Roy, Rudy Fernandez

SF:

Travis Outlaw, James Jones, Martel Webster

Front court:

Oden, Lamarcus, Przybilla

Locate and attain your PG of the future and let Steve Blake back him up. Then, add two more ingredients to this mix... a veteran SG and a veteran PF with championship experience.

BTW... I didn't include McRoberts, Wafer, and Miles because I really don't know what to say about any of them, and I doubt they are in future plans. As well, Freeland and Koponen are really just minor league players.

Quick reports: Outlaw close to signing (w/poll)

mcmillion — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 03:01:02 -0000

It's a very small mention, but in his new blog post, http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2007/07/some_final_thoughts_as_i_fade.html, Quick gives mention to a conversation with Trout. Outlaw says he is close to signing, but does not tell with whom... but his general tone sounds like he is looking to return to Portland.

I sure as heck hope he re-signs with us... I have grown quite fond of the Outlaw. I just hope that he doesn't tip the salary scale for us.

And hey... here's a good time to post my very first poll... woohoo...

Don't kill me if the salaries aren't exactly right... Did the best I could to get contracts from the current free agency period.

Poll

What would you pay for Travis Outlaw?

Mo Williams-esque: 5 years, 52 million

0 votes

Luke Walton-esque: 6 years, 30 million

29 votes

Steve Blake-esque: 3 years, 15 million

60 votes

Amir Johnson-esque: 3 years, 11 million

60 votes

Grant Hill-esque: 2 years, 4 million

12 votes

Let him walk

3 votes

164 votes | Poll has closed

The anatomy of a bust

mcmillion — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:41:43 -0000

http://draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2116

This is a good read, and something to think about for Al Thornton and Jeff Green fans. Of course, none of this is completely accurate, but is thought provoking nonetheless. The workout season can produce some fools gold, and we see it happen every year. There is always 1 or 2 players who suddenly leap from the 2nd round to the lottery (sorry Duck fans, but Luke Jackson is your prime example).

It's a near difficult task avoiding the land mines throughout the first round... but it's fun to speculate.

And a disclaimer to Martell Webster fans (myself included): the name of our beloved young prospect is dropped into the the list of bust examples.

A Red Hot Review

mcmillion — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 18:23:14 -0000

I lieu of the magnificent front page of espn.com today, I thought I'd jump in with my review of the book, "Red Hot and Rollin" and the film "Fast Break."

I received this little slice of Blazer glory about 2 weeks ago for my birthday. It so happens that I have a bit of a connection with the editor of the book, Matt Love. My brother played a small part in helping him with ideas and research, and he has a close relationship with Love, being his former high school English teacher.

This book is grassroots literature in its purest form. There is nothing corporate or mainstream about it; and I can't see it being any other way. It is completely organic.

The most fascinating piece of the book is Love's interview with The Enforcer, Maurice Lucas. He reveals a bounty of information that will put you right in the center of the '77 team. He drops great stories about socking David Thompson in the kisser, the "what could have been" regarding Moses Malone, and plenty of other candid info that you won't find in the mainstream media.

It is beautiful to read the many perspectives from Blazer fans and those connected with the franchise at the time. Just when you think you've heard everything there is to know about the team, another story pops out and completely captivates your spirit. I was born in 1980, and was not a conscious Blazer fan until i was about 7 years old. Reading this book, I feel like I was alive and kickin' in 1977 with all of Blazermania.

The film "Fast Break" is worth the price of the book itself. I can not believe that Love was able to include this film with the book and keep the price at a mere 20 bucks. I would have paid 50. This film is by all means a diamond in the rough. Over the past 30 years it has sat virtually unknown and almost completely forgotten. In the TrueHoop blog today, Henry Abott did a nice job reviewing the film. For clips of the film, check out his blog on espn.com.

It should be made a law that all Blazer fans must read this book and watch the film. For me, it has increased my love for the Blazers even more... which I never thought was possible.

Tip of the cap to Matt Love... I strongly believe that your book is going to infuse new life into Blazermania. Not because it is nostalgic and causes us all to long for the "good ol' days", but because it reminds us all what this city can do for its only pro sports franchise if a unique product is put on the floor... it will embrace it like no other city in the United States can.

I hope that Kevin Pritchard, Paul Allen, and the rest of the Blazers' management team take time to read this book and get a glimpse of what Blazermania is all about.

Oden. No doubt.

mcmillion — Wed, 23 May 2007 18:50:15 -0000

Get the big man.

How many dominant centers are currently in the league? You'll have plenty of fingers left to include Oden after you count them on one hand.

How many hot shot perimeter players are there in the league? Way way too many.

They say the league is headed towards the Phoenix style. That's the evolution of basketball... yet, who is still alive in the playoffs? That's right, teams with big men who can play effective half court sets and dominate the paint. Duncan is going to win his 4th championship in 9 years... and people still want to shift their style of play to the Suns? Even when the rest of those championships, besides Detroit's, were won by Shaq? Up-tempo is an exciting brand of basketball, yes... but championship caliber basketball? no. You have to be able to play both styles while dominating the paint if you want to win it all. Go for the championship... not the flare.

Kevin Pritchard sees the writing on the wall. He knows the right choice is Oden. And why? Because he knows he can go out and grab the appropriate player to fill needs on the perimeter... but he can't go out and snag a dominant center quite so easily. Yes, Durant will be a stud... and yes, he will win ball games and change the fortunes of a franchise... but he will never make up for the gaping hole at center left by a decision to pass on Oden. That type of player comes around maybe once every 10 years. And a franchise gets a chance at that player once in a lifetime.

Don't pass up that chance up.

Celebrating the '77 championship

mcmillion — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 16:29:50 -0000

In light of Lionel Hollins having his # retired, it brought me to a realization....

It would be nice to come to a point where we aren't celebrating every little bit of that '77 championship. 20 year anniverary, 25 year anniversary, 30 year anniversary, every player's number being retired... and so on. It was a great accomplishment, and something to always hold dear... but now, with all of it's fanfare in Portland, it only reminds me of our futility. We had about 3 or 4 very legitimate chances to win another title, and the team crumbled. Continuing to bring such beloved attention to the '77 title team only serves to remind me of those other blown opportunities.

Let's hope we don't have to celebrate the 40th anniversary of that title team. It was wonderful and served to develop a great culture in Portland... but I don't want that culture to be considered a losing culture.

Scouting the tourney

mcmillion — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 03:52:24 -0000

This draft is the next critical step in the development of the Blazers. A solid pick could yield 45-50 wins next season... a wasted pick may keep them stagnant. The Blazers have a prime opportunity to land an impact player anywhere in the top 10. The Blazers glaring need is for a star quality player at the 3 spot. Ime will be a very solid backup for years to come, and Travis will serve to be a strong backup at the 3 and 4... but the answer to the long-term needs at the starting 3 spot is not currently with the team. Enter the NCAA tourney and an opportunity to scout out one of the strongest crops of small forwards in recent memory. I will be glued to my chair watching intently as some prime talent takes the floor and carries with them the possibility of playing for the Blazers next season. Here are my top candidates to be blessed with dawning the scarlet red and jet black of the Portland Trailblazers come June...

#1: Kevin Durant: Needs no introduction, and we will have to wish upon the luckiest shooting star in the universe to land him. I won't elaborate, as it is only self-inflicted torture.

#2: Jeff Green - Georgetown: Great size for a 3 with the ability to pound with the big boys on the blocks and run with the scorers on the perimeter. With the limited action I have seen this guy play, I have been impressed. He has the game and size that is easily transferable to the NBA. He takes what we have in Ime and pushes it to a much higher level. His prospects remind me a lot of Brandon Roy... not flashy, is very unselfish, and is currently underrated as a pro prospect. He comes in with solid college experience and ready contribute.

#3: Julian Wright - Kansas: Again, great size for a 3. Dude is a beast. He has a great combination of size and speed, giving him the ability to match up with any 3 on the floor, and able to slide down and guard just about any power forward. His numbers with Kansas are not overly impressive, which is due to the overwhelming talent on the roster. He isn't required to score much... but he is certainly capable of doing so. Julian looks to be an intimidating force on the court. He causes mismatches on both ends of the floor and would bring that killer instinct to the Blazer roster.

#4: Corey Brewer - Florida: Plain and simple, this guy is a proven winner. He brings all the intangibles needed to win: passing, shooting, defense, hustle, and heart. There isn't much this kid can't do. When it's on the line, he is at his best. The Blazers have missed that element of crunch time production. I can see Brewer as a role player on a championship team in the NBA.

#5: Thaddeous Young - Georgia Tech: He is my darkhorse for this tourney. Durant has stolen all of the fanfare for the great frosh class of '06-'07, and Young has been lost in the shadows after a slow start to the season and inconsistent play throughout. However, he has some serious skillsets that could be deadly on the pro level... great handles, long and athletic like a Tmac, rare southpaw, and great quickness. Watch out for Georgia Tech, as Thaddeous Young could come out of the shadows to make a deep run in the tourney.

#6: Alando Tucker - Wisconsin: Probably the Brandon Roy of this year's senior class. He has remained in college all 4 years and has elevated his game to the level of national player of the year consideration. Tucker is listed at 6'5", which seems much too small for an NBA forward... but he might be able to make up for it with athleticism and speed. He is also a noted leader... being the best and most effective player on one of the top college teams in the nation.

With the exception of Tucker, none of these players are guaranteed to be entering the draft this year. But it is very likely we will see each of them declare... as their draft stock is as high as it may ever be. Thaddeous Young could help himself with another year in college, but the rest of them are almost certain to declare. I don't really believe the talk about Durant staying. What else can he do on the college level? Sustain a career ending injury... that's about it.

So, sit back and enjoy the tourney and keep an eye on those potential future Blazers. I will have fun imagining them wearing a Blazer uni and deciding if they are the perfect fit for this up and coming franchise.