We kept the team we love! No trade celebration!

Will give Diogu a moment of silence… but he will probably be happier with floor time anyway.

I’m so happy we kept Roy, even LeBron for Roy would be a letdown for me. He represents what I am cheering for.

LaMarcus didn’t leave for Amar’e or Bosh (even though Ben’s headline almost made me throw up). For the price I much prefer LMA, not to mention I love how he doesn’t back down from NBA jerks like Garnett & Odom. He is our underrated guy with skills nearing the best at his position for his age.

Oden is a huge part of our future, and however tenuous that might make our future, I’m gladder to be a part of it because of him. And who could replace him anyway.

Blake. Don’t take him away for the super expensive Hinrich! He is what we need for now. If he continues to up his game (defense) he could be what we need then, too.

Batum, the nation doesn’t believe in you, but I do. I think you are our championship SF and I’d be much happier winning with you ‘cause you are making your dream come true. Your dad would be proud.

Pryz. You had me at “I hate New York.” I have no idea how you have stayed so cool all these years while the refs make at least one absurd call against you every game. You belong in this team while we try to reach the stars. If anyone has earned it, it’s you.

Outlaw is a force of nature. When he is on a tear no one on this team can score like him (well, until you are back Webster). I hope we are in a championship game where you go off unstoppable style for a game. I would laugh at the opposing defenses actually thinking they can change the outcome of your plays. Thanks for keeping this team close too. You are huge for our locker room. Something that even Butler/Prince probably couldn’t replace.

Rudy FTW!!! Well, lets face it. You aren’t getting traded because the Blazers like doubled our fanbase as soon as we saw you play, saw you swagger, saw you at all. That being said, I don’t have a mancrush on you, but I love the way you play (except for I’m siding with Pryz on your defense).

Sergio, our little general. Sorry about the playing time, but you’ve gotta admit that the other two are pretty good too. I love to see Blake, Bayless & even Roy learn from your passing. Luckily we have Outlaw and Batum to finish when they pass it. Anyone could finish on your passes. I definitely never wanted Hinrich or anyone else actually available over you. Thanks for actually playing some defense too.

Bayless there is no way Portland is giving up on your talent. You are true competitive fire without the cockiness. We’re loving watching you play the game because every time you are on the court you bring it. We don’t want Rose or Westbrook. We want you.

Webster, we wouldn’t get so mad at you getting injured if we didn’t think you were so great. It’ll be nice to have a true shooter back at the three. Get well soon, we aren’t giving up on you.

Shav you celebrate on the bench almost as much as Bayless. Sorry we can’t get you on the court, but you are my No. 1 13th man in the whole NBA.

Frye how do you have such a great attitude. Great to have you around and I know you can get the shot back. We don’t want you packaged out of here at all.

Raef! Kickin’ it over in the Midwest… I think? You were great in our locker room and it is good to see that you weren’t used to gut our team. I’m sure it was you who made KP put down that phone. What a great guy! And rich too!

Ruffin. ‘Nuff said.

On behalf of all of us Blazer fans here at BE, we are proud to have you on our team. Play with fire in your veins; you’ve earned the right to take it to the next level. Go Blazers!

        The Portland Trailblazers are an awesome 3pt shooting team this year. They were a strong one last year too, but our 3pt contingent has changed. Above are comparisons (the raw data is from espn.com) of our long bomers so far. If I omitted someone you think should be here, I'm sorry. This is meant to be forward looking and not to include those who shouldn't be shooting threes (LMA; who has an atrocious record).

       With a view of being forward looking I've tried to compare some past numbers to show how 3pt development is going. In all cases the present is better than the past. Those who are truly blossoming this year are Outlaw and the rookies. Since players tend to get better and better at shooting 3pts following their rookie years, Batum & Rudy may represent some amazing investments for the team. As has been discussed in other posts, Outlaw has been shoot more when he is open rather than dribbling up to his defender. This may be improving his %. Still, because of his career numbers, one would expect his % to fall as the year continues. If it does not, it is undeniable that he has drasticly improved.

    Blake has been steady most of his career. He's been nothing special, but nothing bad either. This year he and Sergio were rumored to have worked on their games a lot. Perhaps this increase is in relation to that, or perhaps it has to do with Gregzilla. Regardless, Blake is now in the realm of a quality shooter from three land. He is making good choices. I'll forgive Sergio a bit because he has to shoot cold more than Blake. Still, he should just work harder to set Rudy up.

    Please feel free to post comparisons of other players the Blazers might acquire, but remember, they are not in the Portland control group. Their % might change were they to be as open as a Blazer when shooting a three.

    Other random thoughts:

1. Is Roy shooting too many threes when he could be setting up the better shooters instead? (Yes, establishing his jumpshot helps him get to the hoop later.)
2. Outlaw & Frye have improved hugely. More than can be reasonably attributed to better interior play by others.
3. I <3 Rudy/Batum!
4. Remember, statistics are limited in descriptive value when speaking of basketball. This group of statisics neglects all other parts of play (shot form, for example, which ensures better consistency).