A Man With a Plan
posted: 5/15/2008 at 10:02 PM
Even as the playoffs continue, and we haven't even reached the conference finals yet, the off season is coming to an end for some. That doesn't mean there isn't still plenty of time to relax, enjoy family, and slip away to a sunny beach or two, but some players are thinking of next year already, and are taking steps to prepare themselves.
As we found out on our weekly radio show, Martell Webster is one of these players who is taking full advantage of the time off to better himself. He's had a few weeks to get away from the game, and apparently, that's enough. And, while some players will tell you things, just to be saying the right thing, Webster had a fire in his voice that was different- like a player who understands what it takes to succeed at the NBA level.
So, while fans, and those who broadcast for the team, are just getting started in their months of speculation about who to keep, what moves to make, and who to draft, Webster is already getting serious about next season- on the court.
We've recently told you stories about Greg Oden pounding the local pavement, biking the hills of Hawaii, and hitting the hardwood in his hometown of Indianapolis. He's already shaved off any rust that was lingering from his September knee surgery, and sounds like he's ready for training camp to begin next week. That's been music to fans' ears, and the interview we had with Webster should put to rest any doubt that he's taking it easy this summer.
Martell spoke with us just prior to catching a flight to Los Angeles to hook up with his trainer, and said his workouts would begin immediately. He'll begin the grind, and will gradually crank up his workouts as the days tick by. He even told us by mid June he'll be hitting full stride, and that will still leave him three months to fine tune up to training camp.
Webster talked of his improvement this past season, and addressed things he'll be working on, and talked about his teammates, and the mentality the Blazers will take to next season. He spoke of his desire to improve his ball-handling skills, and said he'll not only work as a small forward, but also as a shooting guard.
In short, it was great to hear that he's got a plan, and that it begins now. It shouldn't come as a big surprise, but I'm sure not everyone is aware of what dedicated players go through during the summer months. His attitude is great, and he seems set to live up to the potential tag he's had to live with since being selected in the top 10 in the draft.
To listen to the interview with Martell,
click here.
Our radio show debuted on the new Sportsradio 95.5 FM The Game, and judging by the call volume and e-mail totals, it didn't take long for fans to make the switch. It's so great to have our programming on an all-sports station now, and not have to be in a position where sports fans have to go looking for us, if that makes sense.
The topic of conversation, both on our show and on others on The Game lately, has seemed to center on the moves the Blazers should make this off season. Even though it's not sexy, I've continue to maintain that I'd be very happy with just the additions of Greg Oden and Rudy Fernandez next season, and that's it. The Blazers were the youngest team in the league last year, and most certainly will be the youngest again next season.
As I've been saying, Kevin Pritchard's biggest challenge this summer, and in the immediate future, will be patience. He's continued to say that he's happy with what he has, but we all know how tempting it will get when he's presented with trade offers during the summer, especially around the draft.
I was listening to the morning show on The Game, and Kenny and Katy had a poll question going about which Blazer fans would like to see traded. I would have loved to have seen a selection available to trade no one, and to leave the team as it is. So, I'm asking you. Happy with things they way they are, or are you one who wants to see something happen? And, when putting your wish list for players together, keep in mind that it's going to take a lot to get a lot. In other words, you're going to have to make a sacrifice, a realistic sacrifice, if you're wanting a veteran player.
Are you ready to give up a Martell Webster, or a Travis Outlaw to land a veteran who may or may not help this team, and who may or may not click with the obvious chemistry this team possesses? I'm not saying you're wrong if that's the case, I'd just like to hear your ideas. Do you think Pritchard should stay agressive on draft day and look for more youth, or should he work on moving the pick and getting clear out of this draft? Is there a veteran point guard out there who fits what the Blazers need? If so, how do you make that happen?
That's a lot of questions, I realize. Give me some answers.
RSS FEED
Good stuff Mike. I'm kind of with you, I basically like the roster as is. The problem might be too many players. Which is why a 2-(or more)-for-1 deal makes sense to a lot of fans.
Packaging all our draft picks to move up, sending some picks with one or two of our guards for a minor upgrade, or some other way of combining assets sounds like the right thing for a team that is young and deeeeeep.
I've been fantasizing about a large starting lineup of Brandon, Rudy, Martell, LaMarcus and Greg. Good God. That lineup runs 6'6", 6'6", 6'8", 6'11" and 7'.
You then go 10 deep with Travis, Steve, James, Channing and Joel worked in with very little drop-off.
Do we really need much more?
Keep up the good work!
I'm going to side with Pritchard's take on the whole situation, which is: Keep what you have unless a good trade comes along that will certainly benefit the team.
That isn't to say there won't be tweaks to the roster, or even a lineup change. Personally, I think we need to trade one of the two point guards - Jack or Blake. I'm not one to harp on a player, but Jack needs to go for a few reasons.
* He turns the ball over countless times during each game, including unforced turnovers (eg Stepping on the sidelines when starting to make a move, or carrying the ball, or driving to the hole, finding no shot available, and passing at the absolute last second to a player that isn't expecting it)
* Blake is just better overall. Assist to turnover ration, 3 point shot. He's a good leader and we can always use him as the starting point or backup.
Other than that, the team doesn't need much tweaking. Overall, keep the team as is, trade Jack, bring in Oden and Fernandez and you have a great team to watch.
Oh, and if LMA can gain 15-20 lbs of muscle, that would be super. Nothing against him - he had a great year. But gain some upper strength and feed him the ball more down low.
Good interview and good question.
From watching Kevin Pritchard (fellow KU grad) work from afar it appears he has all this thought out ahead of anyone. If the right opportunity comes to him I can see him taking it or if the right player can be acquired for gain I can see him making his own opportunity. Does Kevin get credit for KU's championship this year too?
I do like that Martell feels the pieces are already here. Next week we will see if our bargaining chip in the draft increases in value.
Mike
great post.
I am for keeping the current roster. We haven't been able to play some of our players at all so why trade them before we have had a chance to see thier potential.
I know this is all business and changes are the only thing we can be certain of. whether it will be developing, changing positions or rotations of the players we have or trade some to maybe get some one better.
I don't know who is out there that would play for Portland that could help the team. Therefore I can't make any list of who to get and who to trade.
If players are unhappy with thier playing time and doesn't want to continue developing as a Blazer than they should be the only ones to concider trading.
Lets wait to see what we have before we change and get someone else that we will have to wait to see what we have syndrome.
I am glad you put this poll on the blog because I wanted to espress my opinion.
My hats off to downab. that was a very touching article that says it all. It is not always about winning.
hg
Mike
great post.
I am for keeping the current roster. We haven't been able to play some of our players at all so why trade them before we have had a chance to see thier potential.
I know this is all business and changes are the only thing we can be certain of. whether it will be developing, changing positions or rotations of the players we have or trade some to maybe get some one better.
I don't know who is out there that would play for Portland that could help the team. Therefore I can't make any list of who to get and who to trade.
If players are unhappy with thier playing time and doesn't want to continue developing as a Blazer than they should be the only ones to concider trading.
Lets wait to see what we have before we change and get someone else that we will have to wait to see what we have syndrome.
I am glad you put this poll on the blog because I wanted to espress my opinion.
My hats off to downab. that was a very touching article that says it all. It is not always about winning.
hg
Hey Mike... thanks for all of your hard work.
While I certainly would be happy to go into next season with the same team from a fan's perspective, I am highly concerned about the minute crunch that will happen by adding Rudy and Greg. With those additions (and possibly a first round pick), it means we are bumping two or three people, depending on the draft pick, from an already too big ten-man rotation. Sergio will likely receive even less minutes as will one of our forwards. Is that really fair to these players who might likely receive significant minutes on another roster? Can you help me with this question?
I love all the guys, I appreciate their hard work, and I wish they could stay on the team forever. But that being said, the reality is that changes might have to be made just for the sole purpose of consolidation.
I'd be happy if KP left well enough alone. The team was just fine last season, and even the one minor trade we made didn't have much effect on how the Red n' Black Machine ran.
Don't do anything crazy KP! Our future is in your hands, and you've done so well so far....don't mess it up now!
LOL, Mike you made me laugh!! I had no idea you were that in depth with the arcade game punch-out or Arcade games in general. How cool! Yeah The Sand Man was my nemesis grr..but I was finally able to vanquish him and out the game torest..sigh. Do you play 2k8 on the x-box 360?? if so I may have to challenge you to a friendly game:)
Mike, I wanted to bring this video tio yours and the other fans attention..if you have not seen this, please consider posting it on the sight..it is quite spectacualr. Here is the link:http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=1J2K6t5KV-Y check it out and get back to me if you have the time...also get back to me if your up for that challenge:). Great courtside by the way I wish I could be a guest and give a fans perspective on the game and on the Blazers. Thx for your time.
L.T.G
I'd trade Outlaw before trading Martell. The point guard situation has to be addressed, hopefully we'll get lucky on the draft. I wouldn't mind getting the 3rd pick.
There is a certain player I would like to see traded but I'm not the GM. I think what ever KP decides is the best choice because he knows the game and the players a lot more than the typical fan. I think Martell made such a huge jump from the previous season, much like how Outlaw really broke out this year. Keeping the team intact seems best.
I wish we could trade all our picks and a few players that probably will never get playing time here for Chris Paul. I think anyway we can trade for Chris Paul with out trading Roy, Aldridge, and Oden would be the best. That's never going to happen but I guess I'm saying there is no one else out there to go after.
Keep the team the way it is. We don't need Calderon either. So don't trade away any solid players for him please.
We should keep martell forever.
if there is a pg that we should be targeting, Conley or bust, anyone else will just skrew with the family.I don't think that blake is a liability at the pg position, he just won't be blowing our socks off with any amazing passes, unless he's been watching paul and taking notes. The toronto pg's are just going to be wayyyyy too expensive.
I'm a fan of starting brandon at pg, let rudy start at sg martell at sf, lamarcus,oden, tell me that don't sound good?
I don't think prichard should go looking for the trade. But if teams want to throw their ideas at kp and one of the other teams gm's sell's his guy's short and said player don't cost us more than one guy off our roster, and is an improvement over what we have today, I won't freak out on the prichard for doing it. I'll feel bad just like everyone else but...
No this team is ready to go with oden and rudy, and maybe freeland.
JEREMIAH
I agree with your lineup completely, but didn't BRoy say he didn't want to play pt all the time. Nate said that playing pt or shooting guard wasn't much different on The Blazers team. Can Rudy play pt guard also? I haven't heard to much about his ball handling skills. Also, I know we are somewhat over crowded, but do you think Rudy and Sergio should have playing time at the same time. Steve and BRoy also play good together. I guess there are to many what if for my mind. Nevertheless, I agree with your lineup completely, the second unit will be as strong as the first unit. WOW!!! We can also change personal to matchup with opponents or foul trouble. WOW!!
HG
Mr. Barrett,
Although I completely missed this past season due to the fact that I was studying abroad, your engaging blogs kept me up to swing on our amazing success this season. I wanted to first thank you for that! As far as what will happen in the upcoming draft and our future:
1) If we stand completely pat (won't happen), the additions of Rudy and Greg push us into Playoffs next year.
2) Mr. Pritchard WILL address the PG position.
3) "Bait" players will include Jack, Martell, Travis, Frye, and the expiring contract of Raef
It's difficult to say whether or not we will go after a veteran point, or try and move up in the draft. Some of this of course will depend on other lottery teams final drafting postion. I had an idea, for moving way up in the draft, and wanted your opinion on it. I hadn't seen any posting on the web thus far talking about it. I see us in the Playoffs for the next 8-10 years or so. Therefore our future 1st round picks don't seem so important to our immediate future. I see our #13 (likely) plus player/2nd rounder moving us up to #8-9. Now, if we traded that pick plus a future #1 and mabye a player, I think we have a shot at picks in the realm of #4-5 (OJ Mayo/Jarryd Bayless). I agree with many that we want/need veteran presence, however with Pritchard's tract record I think he would identify a legit backcourt mate for Brandon. This could put us over the top and into immediate Western Conference contention next year. This will take at least one player fans don't want to lose (read here Travis) and one that most already see moving (Jack). Just a though......
Keep up the good work-
Hi Mike, it's nice to read your posts again. Now that we are getting closer to the draft, I'd like to let you know that since he is back in Spain Sergio has showed his annoyance with his role in the team and with the minutes Nate is giving him. Since he has repeated it several times on different media, I am persuaded he wants his voice be heard, especially in Blazerland.
MB,
The show last night was great. I listened to it on my way home from work. You guys seem to have a lot of fun there and it shows. Not boring at all! The trade ideas were interesting, some made me want to drive fast to wherever you broadcast from (rose garden?) and bop Mike Rice on the head, but then he would keep talking and say something silly or TOTALLY smart and i was reminded how awesome and cool he is! You are cool too tho, i promise :). Anyway, Martell seems to really have his stuff together, and I love how the players try to deflect the Rudy questions. I think it's a good sign when they are obviously terrible at playing dumb, they know more and it's killing me! LOL
Anyway,
thanks and will be tuning in on Tuesday!
Enjoy the weather.
Sophia
Happy Friday everyone, go enjoy the weather.
rmcfaddi- The fact that so many quality players on our team will not recieve many minutes also worries me and I often wonder what player will demand a trade first. But you must rememebr that these guys are young and hungry to succeed, and competition for playing time will only make them want to get better, like Web for example. These are NOT guys like Damon Staudamire on our team, these guys are special.
Falcao- If I absolutely HAD to decide, I would also trade Outlaw
before trading Webster. I have a feeling Outlaw may have peeked or has come close to peeking at this point in his career, but don't get me wrong, if continues to play like he did this year I'll take him for ten more years. I just have a feeling that Web has more to offer to a championship caliber team than Outlaw does. Again, this is only if the right trade came along and I had to pick between them.
LTG- Great video find, everytime I watch the scene where the lottery is announced I get chills.
MB- When I look at our options this summer it becomes apparent to me that all discussion revolves around NEED and WANT. In my opinion, adding Greg and Rudy improves out team immensly and there are no additional changes to the roster that NEED to be made. But many people WANT to see Jack go or WANT to see a veteran come in. I think the Blazer staff would agree when I say that we don't NEED to bring anyone else in, but we will keep an open mind on all trade offers.
What is so bad about having Jack on our roster anyway? If Web can improve his ball-handling who says Jack can't improve his A-T ratio? Especially for the man awarded the hardest worker last summer. I think people underestimate how important he is to these players OFF the court and how much a guy like that lifts players emotionally in the locker room and how good he is for his teammates' psyche. Kp hasn't made a wrong move yet and I hope his first won't be on Jack.
As far as our draft picks are concerned, I think it would be smart to either consolidate two or three of them into an even higher lottery pick, or find a team that is desperate for second rounders this year and trade some of them for future draft picks, for instance, our #33 and #36 to the Clips for their 2010 first rounder.
With three second round picks, I'd expect KP to add another Foreign baller to our list of studs overseas.
Two questions Mike:
1) Timeframe on Koponen joining us
2) Timeframe on Freeland joining us
I think one of these three things could happen:
1. I think the Blazers will target three players in the draft: Derik Rose, Kevin Love or Danilo Gallinari. If we are not lucky in the lottery or on the 13th pick we will trade.
2. We trade Channing Fry, Josh McRoberts along with the 13th to Memphsis for Mike Conley Jr. Channing will be out when Oden comes in and Conley will help Greg since they have a lot of chemistry. Conley had a great last 20 games with Memphsis.
3. Trade Raef and Jarret Jack along with the 13th to Philly for Andre Miller and change. Miller has an expiring contract so it wouldn't disrupt 09 free agency plans and would give us an experienced point guard and we could see how the chemistry works.
4. Trade for Caulderon. My least favorite option. We would need to give up Travis to make this one work.
Those are my thoughts.
Great show as always MB, you guys sound great in stereo.
I would not mind if the Blazer roster stayed the same next season.
But if the pg position truly needs to be addressed, imo, Jack is the odd man out. Jack, Raef, McRoberts, Wafer and the first round pick, is all I would want to part with.
When I think of trading Martell or Travis, remember Jermaine Oneill comes to mind.
Sorry Jeremiah, Conley just doesn't spark my interest.
See everyone on Tuesday.
Lets Go Blazers !!!!
MB-
Absolutely the PG situation needs to be addressed. Our young team will not come close to reaching full potential without a PG that can get them the ball in places they can be successful as well as provide some team leadership.
Jarrett Jack is not the guy and can provide more value to other teams than to ours. He would be great on Cleveland, for example.
Also, Jarrett is a very poor defender that has trouble keeping his man in front of him.
Steve Blake can be OK, but we have to make the decision on how much PG Brandon is going to play and how much impact we think Rudy is going to have if indeed he comes over. Can Brandon guard PG's like Paul, D. Will, etc? Is Brandon willing to post them up and make them pay on the defensive end?
If you keep this team as is, it would be letting one more year go by and not addressing a known weakness. I don't think you NEED to give up Travis or Martell to get your PG. I love Channing, but he is a great piece as is Raef's contract as is the #13 pick, next years pick, Koponen, Freeland, Jack, Blake.
MB - i too would love to see Rudy & GO....KP has a tough & patient mentality....my 2 cents = it's a tough roster....who stays/who goes...???? hmmmmmm.......i say trade the pick plus Raef's contract for future picks....stock up from year to year....
I think KP is looking to Pritchslap someone, this offseason. He says we'll do a deal if we're "seduced" into one. In other words, he's looking to get overpaid. It's not a bad stance to let other teams interested in our players understand that we don't HAVE to do anything.
However, i think there will be trades. The additions of Greg, Rudy, and Freeland just provide this team with too much talent for too little playing time. If Jack stays, he's going to ride the pines, period. I've been saying it since Rudy's selection, last year. There just isn't enough room for both of them. That's without even considering Sergio.
I don't think we'll move Martell. Perhaps KP will, but unless i got an offer i just couldn't refuse, i know i wouldn't. In my opinion, Martell can almost be considered another core player. His potential is out of this world, and he's just beginning to scratch the surface of it.
He's only 21, i think moving him for a marginal or even decent upgrade would be a mistake. The growth of Martell's game seems to always be in perfect sync with the growth of the team as a whole. His timeline couldn't be more perfect. I see him taking another huge step forward this upcoming season.
Travis will carry BYC status until well after the draft. So unless i'm missing something, Travis will be difficult to move on draft day. If he is traded, it will probably be after the draft.
The guy i think may be available that i hope we can get is Conley. If KP could bring him here without moving Martell, i think i would have to bow at his feet.
I think SF will be fine with the guys we have. I am in the minority that we need to let James Jones go in order to open up more minutes, considering were adding two more guys to our crowded rotation. I'm fine with Martell, Travis, a little Rudy at that spot.
We need to address PG, and Jose Calderon would be an amazing fit for this team.
I know Toronto loves him, but they have too much money tied up in TJ Ford and he has no trade value considering his injuries. I hope we can see something happen there.
I agree with mrblazer here. KP will certainly pritch-slap someone this summer, possibly two or three times.
I too love his "I'm too hot to go after YOU" stance this offseason. That should produce the maximum reward for whatever we give up.
I have no trade recommendations, but just a general observation.
It seems the whole town is drooling and chomping at the bit to make the playoffs and get back to Rip City.
I think if we can position ourselves to get a premier PG in this draft, then we should do it.
We are adding Oden and Rudy next year and our core is insanely young so why all of a sudden are we afraid of youth? It seems to be working great.
MB you insisted on the importance of KP having patience.
How about the City of Portland practice some patience with our team? Even if we miss the playoffs next year let's not get myopic with our vision. This is a 5-10 year plan and if we can get more parades by waiting a little while longer than I say WAIT.
Anyway that's it I'm sure KP knows what's best and he'll humiliate someone to our benefit once more.
IN KP WE TRUST AND GO MARTELL
Beaverboy19
Hey MB,
I love the posts you do, I check it every day and I hope you will continue on a semi-regular basis for the summer.
I love the roster. Adding Greg and Rudy is all we need to do. People will talk about our point guards but I think they do the job well. Not every one can be Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Tony Parker or Deron Williams.
I think Sergio needs to get better and Blake needs to think shoot before pass some times. I love Jack's energy out there. All needs is to focus it better to limit mistakes.
Everyone is quick to point out their faults but they have a lot of positives. They are all perfect point guards for us. When you have Brandon Roy who needs the ball you don't need a scoring guard. We need passing guards and we have them.
All three can present match up problems with Jack's size, Sergio's speed and Blake's shooting. I agree MB don't trade anyone. Keep the team together. We have all the pieces they just need time. I know if we give someone up they will be big some where else.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Pritchard Don't TRADE ANYONE.
Ben
Great blog, Mike! I don't get the people that want to get rid of J Jack however - were they at the games? He is quick and was often a difference maker coming off of the bench - it will be a sad day in Blazer Land if we let him get away - he's fun to watch. If one must go, it must to Sergio. I say we keep the team in tact - it will help morale and confidence. But, I do trust KP's instincts!!
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the great post. With the increased media coverage that comes with blogs and team websites there is much more opportunity for fans to know and appreciate the effort and discipline required for a player to be successful in the NBA. I have been curious to know more of what they do in the off-season and interviews such as this are much more interesting than the endless and often unrealistic trade speculation.
I am so impressed with the Blazers of this past season. The youngest team in the NBA winning half their games in the Western Conference is an incredible accomplishment. Even without Greg and Rudy, is it not reasonable to assume that this team will continue to improve and win even more next season? I imagine the story you just told about Martell's plan for the summer is typical for most of the young players. Many of them seem to want more and expect better of themselves.
I am happy with the team as it promises to be and hope that most of them are back again next year. I think as long as they have the potential and desire to improve and are matching words with action, if Kevin Pritchard is patient most of them will make him look wise. Next year this time would seem a more natural opportunity to evaluate the progress made and see how the players are fitting together to meet the needs of the team.
Since Darius Miles is gone and Von Wafer perhaps not returning the Blazers have roster spots available to sign Rudy and a first round pick. The second round picks can be deferred or used for more European prospects.
Hi Mike,
I've never posted before, but I always enjoy your blogs. From what I've seen of him, I'd love to see the Blazers take DJ Augustin in the draft. If they had to trade one their points to move up a couple of spots to take him I wouldn't be upset. The kid seems like he has great potential. He's a little short, but so was Damon and so is Chris Paul.
As far as making any other moves, I agree that patience is the key right now.
I think either Conley or TJ Ford would be good fits for this roster. I dont know who we would have to give up, but thats why we have KP around. :^)
Hey MB,
I agree with you. I think no changes are needed. With the addition of GO and Rudy, we should wait and see what they bring to the team and how everyone works together. Especially since we see them being a big part of our future, it would be great to have them playing together first before we decide if and/or what changes need to be made.
Isn't the summer of 2009 when we will have plenty of money to work with anyway? Is there really anyone right know that we have to have? If not lets wait. The right guy will come along.
I think the only way we should make a trade is if the player they've had their eye on becomes available, otherwise let's see how next year goes.
Rip City baby!
MB- great post!
I've been flip-flopping a lot lately on who I think the Blazers should sacrifice in order to get that last championship piece. Truth is, we could very well be trading that piece away unknowingly. Personally, I trade Jack, two of our 2nd round picks and our 13 pick to try and move up in the draft in the 5-10 range. I do this in hopes of snagging Russell Westbrook. This guy is the real deal and he can defend any guard in the leauge right now! Did you see the final four game between UCLA and Memphis? Derrick Rose embarrased Collison all game long. Westbrook switched on him intermittingly a couple times during the game and Rose immediately respected Westbrook's D enough to not even attempt going at the basket. Instead he made perimeter passes everytime Westbrook wasm on him. In any, case, Westbrook will likely be available in the 5-10 range and is the exceptional perimeter defender we are looking for.
Furthermore, I would use our remaining 2nd round pick and hope that Mario Chalmers is still available as he is also undervalued right now as he is a premier, clutch, and smart (kansas) basketball player.
I think eventually a trade will be made that includes either martell or travis, but right now I couldn't envision trading either one unless we got a ton of value in return. Personally, I think Travis is better trade bait because other teams probably value him more than Martell, and for our team I think Martell will be better for us in the future since he arguable still has more potential to fill than Outlaw as Outlaw arguable reached or scratched his potential this season. More importantly, with Oden down low, we are going to get a lot of outside shooting opportunities on the kick-out, which Martell will be money on whereas Travis is better at creating his own shot.
If you can pry Harris from NJ, Calderon from Toronto, or Derrick Rose somehow then ofcourse we gotta sacrifice someone, but for me it's all situational and as far as trades go, teams should be calling KP and he shouldn't be calling teams (other than to try and move up in the draft which is what he is likely doing this very minute)
Hey I know that a lot of people are saying that Jack should be the one traded because of turnovers etc. However, if you look at his numbers compared to those of Billups in their third season you will see that Jack measures up. By no means am I saying that Jack is the next coming of Mr. Big Shot, but the point is a difficult position that takes time to learn. Jerret is a guy that can break down defenses off the dribble and I haven't noticed other guys besides Roy that have had success with penetration. I'm not saying that we should or should not trade Jack but give the guy a break with the turnover crap. Thanks MB for the great blog and PLEASE GET THE COMCAST SITUATION RESALVED BEFORE NEXT YEAR!!!!!!
I think trading Travis would be a mistake. Once he puts more meat on his bones he will really be something to watch. I hope he spends the summer building muscle. I'd like to see James Jones build strength in his legs, especially below the knees. Some spring to his step would force defenders to give him more space outside.
But here's the biggee: Any team who played tenacious D last year could shut the Blazers down. The Blazers could not turn outside pressure to their advantage by quickly switching to an inside game. For this reason, I would be careful about trading Jack. Jack was one of the few who would often drive to the basket and, if he didn't score, draw a foul.
I would also recommend a lot of yoga for the team, if they're not doing it already. It's great for stamina, to help overcome the "rookie wall", to prevent injuries, improve muscle control and, perhaps most importantly, poise. The winning streak and the slump last year seemed to be mainly a mental thing for the Blazers, and you have to be cool to sink jumpers when someone is really in your face.
Is Phoenix in a rebuilding mode? If yes, do you think Steve Nash is available? How about Raef/JJ w/our1st round pick in 2008
Great stuff MB!
I completely agree with you. I like the way the Blazers are right now, roster-wise. With the exception of maybe McBob, Wafer, and/or the draft picks, I would like nobody to be traded. It just seems like too risky of moves if we're giving away rising talent for short-term gains, which won't help us out too much in the long run.
The ONLY way I see us trading players such as Travis, Martell and/or Channing is if we can get some premier player. That's a huge if. I don't know if KP will get that kind of offer but I guess we'll see. I like the idea of being patient. Remember guys, patience is a virtue!
I don't want us to make silly trades to get some veteran player just for the short-comings. It would be best to wait a year, clear up some cap and roster space so we can really go hunting for some big pieces in 2009.
Keep the Blazers in-tact.
By the way, I always look forward to reading your posts, MB. Keep up the good work!
The Jack conundrum is you notice when he slips up.
You don't notice when he draws foul and foul after foul... and he's the only one to keep driving. I think that one play where we had the final shot and he tried to take it the whole court is what really put the eye on him.
I think Martell would be able to fill in that gap, though. He had some explosive moves this year, but he was pretty timid for the majority.
Hey I have found a great player that I think will still be around at 13. I'm sure KP and you know about they Chase Budinger. I was reading up on him and the guy seems like he could be a perfect fit here. Guy reminds me of Larry Bird, but he has a lot to improve on. Good news is they are all things that NBA training can really help him improve on. The guy shared a MVP award with Kevin Durant. Not only is he a great basketball player, but is also a top 5 volleyball player in the nation.
I'm hoping KP can get a heads up if he hasn't considered this guy since I just read up on him over on ESPN. They said he should be a mid 1st round pick. Check him out if you haven't.
Oh and I wanted to add this link
http://nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/chasebudinger.html
Check the Youtube video on the page. This guy fits the team first mentality that is ideal here with the Blazers. He wants to win.
if we can trade outlaw,webster and jack for artest and garcia i wouldpull the trigger.also if we can get joneal back for aldridge,lafrentz jjones or blake i will do that also.draft augustine first and pickup marbury if he is bought out. or sign calderon to start with the midlevel.and give dmiles another chance to con tribute off the bench.starting five:calderon/marbury,roy,artest,oneal,oden.bench:augstine,fernandez,garcia,frye,pryzbilla,jjones,mcroberts,dmiles if this happens and it can the blazer will hands down be the best team in the nba.who agrees with me
mike tell k.p to get ramon sessions hes a pg i think we should trade von wafer and mcroberts and a 2009 2nd rounder.
I think that there are only a few guys worth going after at the point:
Devin Harris (this guy should be our #1 target. Not a bad contract at 8 mil for next season, right age, great defender, great all around PG)
Russell Westbrook (needs to work on it, but he'll be there eventually, and you can't deny his defensive prowess)
Mike Conley (the obvious connection to Oden is a plus, but he's going to develop into a good PG on his own; he didn't go #4 in the draft for nothing)
Derrick Rose (luck. Plain and simple)
Other than those 4 guys, I wouldn't take a chance on anybody else, that includes Calderon; he'll be too expensive and his defense is too questionable.
As far as the SF spot goes, I say let is simmer for one more year. Martell is making too big of strides to deal him now. The only real concern for next year is going to be playing time for the amount of talent we have on the roster.
All we need is a PG. Jack's the odd man out, and Blake is a solid backup. Obviously, guys like Tony Parker, Chris Paul, and Deron Williams are off limits, so we'd have to look at the next tier. I agree with those that think Calderon would be a good fit, and maybe getting him would help entice Rudy to leave Spain. I also want to throw out the name Leandro Barbosa. Either Calderon or Barbosa would help push the tempo and provide solid outside shooting for Roy on the drive and kick.
I think we could get either of those guys without giving up too much, especially if we throw in multiple draft picks. I don't even think we need draft picks this year anyway. If we had to, I'd be willing to give up Martell over Travis, but it would be interesting to see what one more year of development would bring for each of them before making a decision on their future with the Blazers.
As most others have said, the roster needs very very few changes and they are minor. The starting five (roy, fernandez, oden, lamarcus and martell) will be freakin amazing. The one thing that I think we really need is rudy playing a lot with Sergio. They have known each other and played for many many years. If you watch some of the Youtube vides on these two, you will start to cry and how beautiful they play together. They are easily going to be the dynamic duo if we let them go. They are literally the best pair soon to be in the NBA, but don't take my word for it. Check out youtube on fernandez and rodriquez. THEY ARE INSANE.
i am a big fan of martell & outlaw they both need to work on their ballhandling skills. If they work hard in the off season we could take the west. with rudy & oden please we will be bad ass. If we make any trades i think it should be sergio and jack with whatever are lotto is and get another point guard in the draft. I don't know who would fit though. I do know no martell or outlaw trades period!@!!!!!~!
bballjust
You have bats in your hat.
why don't we give up oden for Shaq than we would have a new team.
Why would we want Artest? We just got rid of the jailblazers.
hg
Roy shouldn't be playing point guard too much. That is just ridiculous since he already does a good job getting everyone involved as the SG. Steve Blake needs to start, then Roy at the 2. I think Fernandez should be bumped to the 3 unless he has crazy off the dribble skills.
Starting 5 should look like this
Blake
Roy
Fernandez or Webster/Outlaw
Aldridge
Oden
Really we have no idea what Fernandez will play like in the NBA. I hope I get to see him play in summer league if he ever gets here.
Most likely, Rudy won't play in summer league since he will be preparing the Olimpic games with his national team.
Surely bballjust is being sarcastic. If not is he a Laker fan trying to keep the blazers from kicking their terminal end of the alimentory tract over the next several years?
theswhagm,
Fantastic post my friend.
Russell Westbrook would be wonderful for this team and well worth pursuing with a trade.
Beaverboy19
I would not get ride of jack unless it was a perfect deal. I would rather see the team stay the same. then this next season trade the players who don't fit. say that jack still has turnovers like he did this year then i would get ride of him. sergio, von wafer And a couple 2 rounders to get #5 pick guard. I also would not get ride of channing. he showed so much improvemnt by the end of the year. he going to be good too. If he works on his post game he would be hard to stop. we have all the players to take the west. so stay the same would be my vote. go blazers
Post a Comment
<< Home