Battle of Big Men
posted: 9/19/2007 at 1:50 PM
The full-court scrimmages were very physical on Wednesday morning at the Blazers practice facility in Tualatin, and no one minds that. Now with Greg Oden unavailable to the team's frontcourt, there are minutes and positions up for grabs.
Joel Przybilla once again looked good, both in the weight room and on the court, as he and Raef LaFrentz went head to head in the games. Not only has Przybilla added definition, while losing weight, but he's worked to rebuild his outside shot. Not often do you see a player drastically change his form and have success, but so far it's working for Joel.
Przybilla credits his work with assistant coach Monty Williams, which started late last season and carried over to the summer. Gone is the hitch in his backswing, and his release point is more out in front. In short, his shot is very attractive, and is going in. After each workout he's spent time at the free throw line, and realizes that could change his effectiveness, especially late in games. Przybilla basically just said "I worked my butt off this summer, and that was before we even knew we had the number-one pick." So, in other words, well, you get that.
LaFrentz continues to shoot well from the perimeter, and is playing solid defense. People forget that Raef was a very effective shot blocker. If he can get 15-18 minutes a game, and add some long-range shooting, he'll be a help to this team.
One of best matchups on a daily basis is the one between LaMarcus Aldridge and Channing Frye. They are both long, athletic, and are two of the better perimeter shooters the Blazers have. With no Zach Randolph, and Oden out, the Blazers are lacking in back-to-the-basket big men, to be sure. We'll see what changes the coaches make to the offensive style that this team plays to make up for that. I think you'll see more of a up-and-down, fast-breaking style of offense, that looks to get its points early in the shot clock. It will likely mean higher-scoring games. We'll see what impact it has in the win-loss column.
Making a guest appearence at the practice facility today was Doug Christie, who's hoping to get back into the league. The Seattle native was just looking for a place to get a good NBA run in prior to training camp, and decided to come to Portland. He also knows some of the Blazer coaches well, and it never hurts to show someone what you still have left in the tank. The Blazers have 15 on the roster, and therefore don't have any room to sign someone like Christie to a contract. But, you never say never, so I'm not saying it.
Christie turned 37 in May, so it's not like he's ready for a rocking chair. Although, hypothetically speaking, he would be about 14 years older than the average Blazer. Physically, Christie is in excellent shape, and ran the floor with energy and ease. He was easily one of the best defenders on the court, as some of the young Blazers experienced. At this point he's just searching for a team that is willing to give him a chance.
As usual during the full-court games, Darius Miles was on the opposite court going through his rehab. As I've mentioned before, Miles topped out at 259 pounds following his micro fracture surgery, which was a much more serious and severe surgery than Oden's. In short, Darius' road to recovery has likely been much longer than the one Greg will face. The good news for Miles is, he's down to 223 pounds, and is now taking part in shooting drills and light running and cutting. I asked him if he'd be willing to sit down soon and do a Q and A with me for this blog, and he agreed. So, look for that in the coming days.
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Great news Joel is in such great shape. We can really use him even more with Oden being out. Be interesting to see his new shooting style.
It'll be interesting to see the faster pace game as well, but if the Blazers make to many mistakes Nate will slow them down quick!
Look forward to the Miles interview.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the news. Should we stop hoping for video?
Hey Mike, thanks for another fantastic update. It's really great to see how hard the team is working right now.
You discussed roster slots today, and it made me wonder something. Does Oden still count as a roster spot for this season, or will the team be allowed some sort of injurty exception to sign another player. (Not Christie, but someone else maybe?)
Also, great news about Joel and Darius. It's wonderful they are both working so hard. Look forward to the Miles interview.
cantdunk,
Hopefully, video tomorrow. Working on it.
And, Oden is on the roster and counts toward the 15. No exception there. The only thing you can do, if you really want to clear a spot, is buy someone out. Extremely unlikely at this point.
MB
Thank you MB for giving Blazers news that we really to hear.
I'm hoping for some video too.
Mike, Thanks for the update. I bet it has been hard to get motivated and write the blogs now that we have all had the wind knocked out of us! But I sincerely do appreciate the time you give up for us fans. It felt like a good kick to the junk all day when i heard the news about Oden, but then I remembered how optimistic I was even before the lottery. The sun will shine in Portland again! It is exciting to know we will finally get to hear from Darius himself. If you read this Darius, I hope you know we are all behind you and want you to succeed. What has happened in the past is in the past and I know that if everyone judged me according to only my stupid decisions I would be hated. Keep your head up and work hard and know that is all we ask.
Hey MB,
Great update, I love that you will be sitting down with Miles soon. I would love to hear if there is a time estimate for when he could actually suit up... thanks again.
Wow so cool seeing Christie in that picture. I wondered what happened to him after his runs with the Kings.
Anyway, I've written about 5 comments on Greg's personal blog. I wish he would update. I hope he has a better outlook now that there has been time for it to settle in. Just let him know you can't always skip to the good part, life isn't like that. This year shouldn't go to waste. He needs to train and talk to players and coaches to learn new things.
Joel looks great. The guy works so hard and plays hard. Can't wait for the season to start.
as a result of his injury, greg oden has the chance to write one of the most epic sport odyseys of all time. from the time he stunk it up as a kid, to the time he led his team to the national championship game with his off hand, to the time his carrer came to a halt before playing a single nba game, to the time he came back to lead his team to the championship, etc... you get the point. i want to be there when he comes back and be part of that moment. i'm sure the garden hasn't ever heard that kind of noise.
thanks mike. you've been very gracious to do this for us.
p.s. how's sergio doing? the up and down stuff could really elevate his game.
1. I would personally love to see Christie on the Team. I really thought he played hard for Sac.
2. Joel will have break-out season!
All the Joel Haters will see!!
3.Darius, just play defense and shoot %50 thats all I ask. Oh and I saw your Oreo 21 car. Whats up with that??
4.This year is gonna be so much fun to watch!!
thanks for the update i'm really looking foward to the darius interview it would be nice if you could get him on the radio show sometime as well he sure seems to be working hard to get back i hope he gets to 100% at some point
Mike,
The following was from Wikipedia under injury exception:
Disabled Player Exception: Allows a team that is over the cap to acquire a replacement for a disabled player who will be out for either the remainder of that season (for in-season injuries/deaths) or the next season (if the disability occurs during the offseason). The maximum salary of the replacement player is either 50% of the injured player's salary, or the average salary, whichever is less. This exception requires an NBA-designated doctor to verify the extent of the injury.
Captain GEO
Mike,
You indicated that there is no exception for Oden but can't the Blazers apply for an injury exception to go over the 15 if a player is expected to miss the whole season. We have seen that with other squads...I think Denver got one when Kenyon Martin went down. I have heard it several other times where the team applies to the league for an injury exception and the league will grant it under certain circumstances.
Frozen peas......
captain geo,
You're right about the exception for a player who's gone for the season. I guess I'm not ready to rule Greg gone for the season. That's just my own personal opinion, and I have no reason to think he could be back. But, I guess that's why I never went there as an option. I'll throw that question by KP and see what he says.
Very nice work on figuring out the other puzzle. Yes, peas.
MB
Mike, thanks for the hard work. looking forward to the Miles interview. i have high hopes for him on this team. in a way to see him come back 100% would make me feel a whole lot better about Odens chances. correct me if im wrong but if Oden doesnt play a game this year he will be a rookie next year and be eligible for the rookie of the year in 08/09. i really hope they take extra time with Oden and make extra sure he is ready at each and every step of his rehab. thanks again Mike!
The black with white writing makes my eyes go crazy!!!!! Please change the color scheme.
Nice work Mike! Love the Blog
While I know it's tempting to see Oden play this year I would much rather he sat out the whole year and wait until next year. From what I've read the players that didn't have a successful come back were players that came back to early. Why take the chance just to see him play a few games this year? I'm sure he's eager to play as well, but for his own good waiting until next year is probably best. Of course I'm no expert, but from what I've read I wouldn't want him to come back to early.
Well, if the chance to sign Christie is available, I think that would be a fantastic thing. I know that we are a very young team and our young players need to play together and grow, but you can't get a veteran like Christie every day. Having someone like him in the locker room and at the practices would be a huge positive influence on all our guys!
I know that we are at our player cap at the moment, and the only way to get room would be a two for one or a buyout, but really why aren't we thinking of buyout at this point? Green is signed to a 1 year deal at what, 650,000? With Blake, Jack, and Sergio rounding out our main points and Roy with the talent to also play point I really see Green as an expendable member of the frontcourt, especially if you can replace him with someone of the quality of Christie, even if its only for 1-2 seasons.
What are your thoughts on something to that effect, MB?
Thanks MB. Although I like Doug C. I do remember a little drama in Sac. With that I'm thinking why chance it. Keep what we have with the rookies. Given the chance Green will get the ball to the right people as he did for the Gaters. He's a nice surprise. Doug is only good for maybe one season whereas Green is young and fits well in what the team is doing. If we can bring him on without disturbing what we have, sure! Lets do it. Hey MB No matter what you do we will all be hungry for more. Thanks for what you bring to the fans. We haven't heard anything from Paul Allen lately. We know we aren't his only team, but any word on his excitement of what he has put together. It's so funny how everyone on 1080 the fan now act as though they never said anything negative about him. MB I can't get enough Blazer talk. What's the hope of getting more time on the radio. Every day would suit me just right. One Final thing (BEAT LA)
Its good to know that the team is in good spirits after the loss of Greg and is in great shape because of their personal determination to be better. I know Roy is going to be fine, i watched him his entire college career and he is one of the toughest guys in the league. Its also good to know that Greg Oden is there at camp studying and preparing himself for next season.
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