Who on the Trailblazers team actually cares anymore? It's a simple question and the answer decides whether the Trailblazers are in the playoffs or not. I want to highlight a few quotes I've read on Hoopshype that disgust me as a fan.

John Canzano: Veteran Blazers player tells me there are some in the locker room working against Nate McMillan. Twitter

Owner Paul Allen doesn't have a general manager. He's made summer sport of firing the guy in that seat. And I can't see Allen and his entourage sitting around, going, "We just didn't give Nate enough talent." Nope. That's not how the game works. McMillan is busting his chops, trying everything he can, but he's apparently being undermined, and in the end, if the Blazers miss the playoffs, he's toast. Oregonian

*More clips like this on Hoopshype, seeing as they're not on the post anymore.

As a fan this is the type of crap that ticks me off. If you're going to make millions of dollars you should be putting your heart into the game because you owe it to your coaches, management, fans, and to yourself.

So who do you actually cares? And who is trying to undermine the season? If it's incredibly obvious to the coaches and players then maybe it wouldn't be to hard to guess. My guesses below.

Gerald Wallace: It's been questioned whether he cares but I think he's a pissed as anyone that they're losing and although he's inconsistent he's a team player. Cares

LaMarcus Aldridge: His play has dropped since the All-Star break and I wouldn't be surprised if he starts to call out individual players. He's always been great buds with Nate and the face of the franchise, so I don't think he would try to bring this team down. Cares

Nicolas Batum: I feel like Nic might not be to thrilled about McMillan's comments about his defense this year and his inconsistent role on offense. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he was one of the players trying to get Nate fired. His play has been great since he began starting again though and has really shown some drive. Possibly/Unlikely Undermining

Joel Pryzbilla: Joel hasn't shown anything but heart since he has re-joined this team and I don't think there is any doubt he wants to win. Cares

Jamal Crawford: I think Crawford is frustrated about his changing position on this team and he has nobody to blame but his new teammates and Nate. He wants to win but he might not be supporting McMillan.

Raymond Felton: I think his play speaks for itself, not to mention not accepting any responsibility for failure. Definitely Undermining

Luke Babbitt: He's lucky he's still on the team but maybe he's upset with never get a real big shot. I don't think he has anything against McMillan though. Cares

Chris Johnson: He was expected to get more minutes coming into the season but I would be a little surprised if he was really upset. Cares

Wesley Matthews: He could be frustrated with losing his starting spot but I think Matthews has McMillan's back and cares about winning. Cares

Craig Smith: His drop off of playing time and diminished role probably mean he's frustrated. He's probably waiting for the season to end. Undermining

Nolan Smith: He's gotten praise and minutes from McMillan and has tried hard. I would be a little surprise if he was trying to sink this ship. Cares

Elliot Williams: Elliot seems to give it 110% everytime he's on the court and always thanks the coaches when talking to media. Cares

Kurt Thomas: He gives his body up for the team and shows some heart. I could see him being upset with McMillan's coaching but not more than he should be at his team's lack of energy. Cares

Marcus Camby: His play and minutes have fallen off a cliff. He seems to care more about not getting hurt than winning and his minutes have reflected that. I really think he's tired of McMillan. Possibly Undermining

I could very well be entirely incorrect but these are who I think are ruining all past expectations this year. Feel free of course to share below who you think is causing this.

The Trailblazers obviously have a glaring gap at the future center spot that could be remedied this summer or even as soon as the trade deadline. With Greg Oden not even being healthy enough to get surgery, all hope on Greg should be lost. Time to move on from the fiasco and look at acquiring a young center to pair with LaMarcus Aldridge. There shouldn't be any worry at whether there will be enough money to offer a big contract and that could really work to the Trailblazers favor when trying to outbid other teams with restricted free agency. There possibly won't be cap space again for a while so a deal for a free agent would probably need to be done this year.

Through free agency there seems to be 4 viable long term options at center (not named Howard). Their age is listed during this coming summer. Brook Lopez's numbers are from his 2010-2011 season, his rebounds could possibly improve to where there were his first 2 years if he leaves New Jersey and isn't playing next to Kris Humphries. A side note-when researching numbers for players, Camby is really just giving outstanding production in his minutes.

Roy Hibbert(25)-7'2", 260. 30mins-49%FG, 70%FT, 13.3ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.7blk, .4stl, 1.7apg, 3.1pf, 2.3to. Hibbert has the biggest size of any the 4 players and he actually contributes on a winner while managing(although I think it was a wrong selection) to get an All-Star nod. His FG% isn't phenomenal for a center (Aldridge has higher), FT% is good, points are average, rebounds solid(#17 in league), blocks solid(#11), assists decent(#14 among centers), but turns it over a little too much(#6 among centers).

Javale McGee(24)-7'0", 250. 29mins-53%FG, 50%FT, 12ppg, 9rpg, 2.7blk, .7stl, .5apg, 3.1pf, 1.7to. McGee is just a freak athlete who could become a monster if he puts it all together and his attitude improves. His FG% is decent for a center, FT% is terrible, points are average, rebounds solid(#20 in league), exceptional shot blocker(#2), poor passer, and has average turnover numbers.

Brook Lopez(24)-7'0", 265. 35mns-49%FG, 79%FT, 20.4ppg, 6prg, 1.5blk, .6stl, 1.6apg, 2.9pf, 2.1to. Lopez is coming off an injury but if he plays like he did before than he could be a great franchise cornerstone. His rebounds dropped off last season (partially due to Humphries) but his offense was great. He easily ranks as the best available offensive center with a decent FG% for the number of shot attempts, his FT% is also very good, points are great, rebounds are hideous but if he returns to his rebounding numbers from before last season(8rpg in 30mns) or even improves the rebounds per minute than he could be solid, blocks solid, passes decent, and has decent turnovers for the pressure he faced as a #1 or #2 option on offense.

Spencer Hawes(24)-7'1", 245. 28mins-57%FG, 61%FT, 10.5ppg, 8.3prg, 1.5blk, .5stl, 2.8apg, 2.9pf, 1.4to. Spencer Hawes is a Northwest guy and could potentially have some real interest in signing with the Trailblazers because of that. One of only a few big men that possess the skills to get a triple-double. His FG% is great, FT% is average, points are below average-average, rebounds are solid(#25 in league), blocks solid(#16), excellent passer(#1 center), and low turnovers.

There is also a chance that Joel Freeland could be bought out and make his long awaited Portland debut in 2012, so that is a potential solid center option next to Aldridge if he proves capable of playing center in the NBA. Although there is a larger gamble on waiting for Freeland and hoping he plays well than there would be on signing one of the above 4 proven players. Trades are also very possible but there doesn't seem to be any potential/current All-Stars that are entering their prime that are available.

The Trailblazers could also make a move up in the draft (if they'll even need to) to take a flier on a game changing or even just project center they feel will be ready very soon. Notable names include: Andre Drummond, Meyers Leonard, Tyler Zeller, and Fab Melo. Personally I only see Andre Drummond really being worth investing in if you're looking for an All-Star; but who really knows until it unfolds.

Just curious as to what center option most Trailblazer fans prefer. I really like the possibility of adding Hibbert, McGee, or Lopez to the Trailblazers core with Aldridge and Batum. Lopez would really help on the offensive end, McGee on the shot blocking and rebounding, and Hibbert in rebounding and defense. If a big move for a younger-ish(30 or younger) All-Star caliber PG could be achieved also either before the trade deadline for next season or during the off-season than I could see this team being a formidable threat in the NBA.

Technically Brandon Roy hasn't officially retired yet, right? There seems to only be 2 options.

Continue reading this post »

   The reaction of the trade for Raymond Felton has been full of negativity. Things like "could of got him for less" and "what were they thinking" seem to generalize what many fans as well as the majority of writers are saying. My grandma always says that "if you don't have something good to say, then don't say anything at all." I think many are not used to a normal trade because of the past few years drafts and fantasies of Chris Paul have corrupted peoples minds into thinking that the only PG that we can get next must be a perennial All-Star. For the price and conditions; this trade to me was a solid step forward toward title contention. Below I'll outline the reasons that I think that this trade was a success. 

Continue reading this post »

Kinda funny how one of two big All-Star snubs will likely be this weeks player of the week leading into the All-Star game. Only 3 western teams are 2-0 this week-Trailblazers, Warriors, and the Mavericks. Aldridge and Ellis are the two clear best this week from their teams and Dirk hasn't had two great games. So that leaves the player of the week to either Aldridge again or Ellis. What a statement two player of the weeks in a row would make.

Monta Ellis Stats This Week(Monday-Friday):

Points-28.0

Fg%-51.1

3pt%-36.4

Ft%-60.0(only shot 10)

Assists-5.0

Rebounds-3.0

To's-3.5

Record-(2-0)

LaMarcus Aldridge Stats This Week(Monday-Friday):

Points-27.5

Fg%-56.8

3pt%-not applicable

Ft%-92.9(only 14)

Assists-4.5

Rebounds-6.5

To's-1.5

Record-(2-0)

Conclusion- Aldridge is a hair behind in points(.5) and assists(.5) but is better at everything else by alot. Hopefully Aldridge can make a statement to the coaches with a second straight player of the week.

If he has a few good games to end the month he will have a VERY legit chance at Western Conference Player of the Month. He is #2 in scoring currently just behind the chucker Carmelo Anthony, tied for #1 for the month in pts+rbs+ast with Kevin Durant. Also leading the Trailblazers to a 7-2 record this month with 3 home games remaining.

  Charles Barkley is unboubtedly the dumbest ex-NBA player turned TNT analyst ever. Even after Aldrdge drops 42 and 8 he still hates on him.

Oregonlive states on their Trailblazers Links-

Charles Barkley joined the Dan Patrick show to discuss all things NBA this morning, including some interesting takeson LaMarcus Aldridge (6:00 mark):

"I think he (LaMarcus Aldridge) had a great season, but he hasn't played as well as Kevin Love and Blake Griffin. I mean, he's played great the last two weeks, but if you look at the overall picture, He's not playing better than Kevin Love. Kevin Love is leading the league in rebounding. You can fake offensive stats, but you can't fake rebounding.

There are a lot of guys who just gun it a lot and average a lot of points. You know, I never worry about those guys who score a lot of points, you can fake it on offense, but if you're getting fifteen rebounds a night, that's really, really impressive, and that's really hard work. LaMarcus Aldridge is having a very good season, but he's should not have made the All-Star Team.

You can't fake rebounding eh? Nick Van Excellant on January 23rd-  http://www.blazersedge.com/2011/1/23/1951321/kevin-loves-rebounding-numbers-are-inflated

Post by Judd Spicer http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2011/01/timberwolves_boards_impressive.php#

The rub, of course, is that a portion of the big board total comes via a team chucking up a wealth of shots, many of which are missed with possession retained.  So it's no surprise that, at 86.1 per game, the Wolves lead the league in field goal attempts.  Nor should it come as any shocking revelation that their field goal percentage of .443 charts 23rd in the league.  Should they end the season with the same clip, the Wolves would own the eighth-lowest field goal percentage for a top board team in the 3-point era; that .443 mark would also serve as the worst for a top rebounding squad since the 2003-04 Cleveland Cavaliers.

Poor shooting marks are oftentimes the case for the league's top rebounding teams.  Since 1950, the leading board squad has ranked in the top-3 in shot attempts 62 percent of the time (37 of 60 teams).  On 21 of those occasions, the leading board team took the league's most shots.  Of those 37 teams, 26 made the playoffs (70 percent).  However, that number fades drastically when looking at the three-point era and the increase of teams that come with it.  Since 1979-80, of the16 teams that have led the league in rebounding and have also ranked in the top-3 in shot attempts -- just eight of those clubs (50 percent) have made the playoffs.

 

Sticking that criteria, just one playoff team -- the 2004-05 Phoenix Suns -- has been a top board team and top-3 field goal attempt team in the last 20 years.

Top 5 rebounders for the #1 offensive pace in the league Timberwolves-

     Love:15.6

     Beasley: 5.6

     Milicic:5.3

     Tolliver: 4.2

     Webster: 3.2

Top 5 rebounders for the #13 offensive pace in the league Clippers-

     Griffin: 12.7

     Kaman: 7.1

     Jordan: 7.0

     Diogu: 4.2

     Gomes: 3.7

Top 5 rebounders for the #28 offensive pace in the league Trailblazers-

     Camby: 11.3

     Aldridge: 9.1

     Batum: 4.8

     Pryzbilla: 3.9

     Miller: 3.8

Aldridge is clearly at a disadvantage in the rebounding game but still manages great numbers.

Two weeks? That's funny because the last 25 games he's on a tear averaging around 25 and 10.

So rebounds are the overall picture? Pretty sure Aldridge has 9 more wins than Griffin and 15 more than Love. 

Defense doesn't count as anything either? Alright Chuck, whatever you say.

  The Trailblazers are only 8-8 and have lost 3 in a row, 4 of the last 6. They are 4th in the Northwest and tied for the 8th seed for now after saying all off-season that their big goal was to win the division. Is it time to start panicking? Or is it still too early to worry? What is the solution to the slow start? Is Nate to blame? Rich Cho? Or the players?

   I'm sure like myself everybody has some trades in their mind that have been brewing since Roys and Odens knees have scared the crap out of Trailblazer nation. Whether trading Roy and/or Oden is your solution or the expiring contracts of Andre and Joel, everybody has a trade that they feel can help this team.

Continue reading this post »

        A few weeks ago I was talking to my dad and I was watching the news and then John Canzano came on. He started to say how the Traiblazers were a team that if they were lucky would get into the second round and how he didn't see them as a championship threat whatsoever. Much to my surprise my dad said he agreed with that and I immediately disagreed and on the spot made a $100 bet that they would be a top 3 seed in the Western Conference this year(I was thinking Portland, Lakers, and Thunder/Mavericks top 3). I began to think about it more and I still feel pretty confident that they can pull it off with the current roster.

                     My question to you: Is this a good bet from my side?

        The Carmelo trade is imminent and my trade below offers huge immediate cap relief to the Nuggets and ships JR Smith out of town and helps prepare a little for the post Carmelo era.

Continue reading this post »

     My trade proposal after the jump to a.Get John Wall more minutes b. Finally dump Gilbert Arenas and c.Create a large sum of cap space next year to lure free agents.

Continue reading this post »

The Golden State Warriors need to make some drastic changes and I would like to suggest some that could only make this team better.The Warriors need to slow down the pace, become more efficient, and bring in new players that can play defense. They also should start playing traditional basketball instead of Don Nelson's crazy small lineups that have cost this team many games. None of this could possibly happen unless don Nelson is fired and the team is retooled. So here is what I would recommend to make this team a playoff team and respectable in the league.

Continue reading this post »

Today is Trailblazers coach and Team USA assistant coach Nate McMillan's 45th birthday. He is widely respected by players and staff across the league and has helped transform this franchise from crap to top tier talent. Being only 45, he could physically coach for many years to come, and if he did I would be glad to have him countinue coaching this great squad. He has been one of the keys to bringing in good guys that want to get involved in the community and represent Portland well.

 Coaching career

After retiring in 1998, McMillan stayed with the Seattle franchise, earning a place as an assistant coach. He held this role until 2000, when he was named interim coach of the Sonics. Although the team missed the playoffs during his first year as coach, he provided a major turnaround after the franchise got off to a miserable start that year, and he was hired as head coach for the next 2001-02 campaign. McMillan led the clubs to the playoffs in his second year before back-to-back mediocre seasons. In his final year as Sonics coach, McMillan led the team to a Northwest Division title 2005.

After 19 years with the Seattle organization, McMillan left Seattle on July 7, 2005 to become the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. He took over a team riddled with cap problems and off-the-court drama, but has steadily calmed the waters in Portland.

McMillan was an assistant coach under Mike Krzyzewski for the US national team in the 2006 FIBA World Championship, winning a bronze medal.[1] He is also a member of the National Junior College Basketball Hall of Fame, due to his All-American performance at Chowan.