Koponen Strong in Loss
posted: 7/15/2008 at 10:17 PM
The backcourt once again led the way for the Trail Blazers in their second game of the Las Vegas Summer League. But, unlike Monday night, Portland wasn't able to pull out a second-straight victory, as they fell to the Sacramento Kings in overtime 75-74.
As I've said in the past at summer league, the wins and losses are not concerning. What we were hoping to see in this game, again, we actually saw. Jarryd Bayless was very solid, scoring 26 points, and going 13 for 16 at the free-throw line (that's 39 free throw attempts in two games, by the way, for Bayless). He did most of his damage from the shooting-guard spot, but did see some time at the point.
Petteri Koponen, who continues to get good run at the point-guard position, looked even better in this game than he did in the first. Koponen (pronounced KOPE-enan, and not the way you've been hearing it), had 18 points in this game, and also added 3 assists and 3 rebounds.
If he keeps this up, it's going to be very difficult for the Trail Blazers to send him back to Europe to sign with a team in Italy or Spain, possibly losing the chance to sign him for the next three or four years. He's getting offers from European teams, and they'll want a long-term committment, with a significant buy-out clause. If the Blazers end up signing Nicolas Batum, which they're expected to do, that would put the roster at 14. Petteri would make it 15, so there is room. It is nice to have that spot available heading into the season, just to give you flexibility, but Koponen is showing he's got NBA game. It would create another logjam at the point, but that's a concern that can be addressed down the road.
What's been impressive to me in these first two games, is the fight both Bayless and Koponen have shown, and the willingness to take big shots. Bayless is obviously NBA-ready, and there's not much concern there. I can't say what he's done has been surprising, but it's been very nice to see him adapt so quickly to the pro game, even if this is just summer league. Clearly, the competition will be different in the regular season, but his ability to beat his man off the dribble is something that will translate immediately.
Koponen did some of his damage tonight against a solid NBA player, in Quincy Douby, who plays for the Kings. Douby had 24, and saw action at both the point and the two. But, was matched up many times with Koponen. Petteri showed the ability to handle on-ball pressure, and was able to get into the lane. He also had several nice set-up passes. Some of them were converted, and some were not. Again, when he's playing with better individual talent, there's reason to believe his assist total will skyrocket.
As for Batum, he looked a little nervous once again, but his talent and potential are obvious. He was just 1 for 8 from the field, but was active, and grabbed several rebounds in traffic, and played solid defense.
The Trail Blazers do not play again until Thursday night, when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Vegas. They'll practice on Wednesday, and will scrimmage against a couple of different teams, which is normal during summer league when you have a day off.
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Mike - It sounds to me like Batum all but made the team. Koponen however, at this point only has a shot. The way I see it Koponen is playing a lot better and deserves a spot on the team more so than Batum. I want to see both guys make the squad but I'm a bit confused. It was assumed that Batum would go back to France for a year and now it's assumed he's on the team. He really didn't show or prove much. Why is he expected to sign all of a sudden? If the Blazers end up signing only 1 of these 2 players I would rather it be Koponen simply because he's a better player at this point. I do hope they sign both of them though. "Batman" is a pretty cool nickname for Batum. They could play the Batman theme song every time he scores in the garden. They could shine a Batman spot light on him in the introductions, and shine that famous bunny spot light on Koponen lol ha ha... too much, I know.
Another full game and 2 assist. Obviously, here we have a great player but he's not a PG. I must admit i didn't know anything about Bayless before Portland got him in the draft night, but i still think that he's not what the Blazers need. We need a pure PG. A pass first guy, because with Outlaw, Roy, Rudy... we have enough fire power.
I know the summer league is not the best place to see how a player really is (everyone is looking to shine by his own) but let's hope he can develop his passing skills a little more. That's what we really need to have a great team.
so.... i'm really curious now, mb, what you think the starting lineup will be and what the new white unit will be. i can see unlimited possiblities, but i'm sure nate will want to solidify a rotation. i'm just wondering where bayless is going to fit in with roy and rudy and blake and sergio
PK is one of those guys who is almost invariably expected to fold when exposed to "next level" competition, yet he has so far managed pretty well to keep up his own game at every level tested - I guess it means he must be better (more promising?) than most people think.
Hey Mike,
Off topic, but there was a rumor at the beginning of last year the Blazers were looking to have some new Uniforms going into the 08-09 season. Anything new with that??
I notice that Koponen's form is never consistent. It's almost like his arms or body is not strong enough so that he can shoot effortlessly. I wondered if anyone else noticed this. I wonder if bulking up a little could help him shoot more consistently.
Almost every time when Koponen's shot looks good it is good. When it looks bad it's usually is off. I guess I see the Kevin Martin comparison.
Great game by bother these guys. A lot of fun to watch.
Thanks for your blog, Mike. It's good to see you rooting for my fellow Finn - here's hoping he'll make the cut. About the pronounciation, though: I don't know from where you got the whole KOPE-enan thing, or what's the other way you keep hearing it, but here's how it really goes: KO- (as in KOrea), -PO- (as in POcket), -NEN (as in liNEN).
Thanks for clearing up the pronunciation for us, my brother and I spent have the night mocking Snapper and the other guys below average commentating abilities!!! Especially, mispronouncing Koponen every 2 min..
I like what I see!! At this point Batum has showed us very little and Koponen and Bayless have exceeded expectations. Passing on Koponen would be a horrible mistake.. from where he has gotten with simply Finish coaching and action.. a decent frame and the ability to become much, much stronger in a few years. I dont think he even owns a shaver!!!! -or has to for that matter. If Batum is signed and Koponen not it would be the first time I questioned KP.
Cannot wait for the season to start! In the mean time check out this optimistic article: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/37925-2008-09-nba-guarantee-portland-finishes-with-the-best-record-in-the-west
Petteri looks like a stud, and seem like a likable guy off the court as well.
I'd love to say bring him over, but I think it would be more beneficial for him to stay in Europe and go to a premier league like ACB rather than come sit on the bench here.
I don't see us unloading Sergio right now with Rudy coming over, and it would be a battle for Kopo just to get what limited minutes Serg has, let alone anything else.
He's a keeper though, so hopefully KP makes the best decision for us and him.
Mike;
Thank you for getting your views out so quickly.
The scoring did not come as easy in the second game,which was good. The Kings guards were much better and our guards had to work much harder and still got the job done.
Can you imagine with Oden, LMA,Broy and Webster what either one of these guys could do to a stingy defense with their ability to brake down the defense.
From what I have been hearing Rudy could do the same, and of course BRoy. I can Feelit.
TO BE OR NOT TO BE A BLAZER THAT IS THE QUESTION, I am all for signing PK to the roster. When LaFranz's contract expires we will have flexibility than, and there is also the issue of Sergio, it may be good to have him because he played with Rudy, but Rudy will eventually have to learn to play with other pt guards.
I think both JB and PK have surpassed Sergio, so I don't see the problem. Make Sergio earn his spot or send him some place else.
I really think Kevin has already decided what to do but he likes not showing his hand to quickly.
I agree with you, He would be hard fixed not to sign PK. One of the bloggers on Oregonlive said that we could slide Jerryd over to shooting guard and then we would be three deep in every position. And Kevin said last night that all our guards, Martell and Outlaw can play many positions. That alone gives us flexibility.
SIGN PK AND LET HIM HAVE HIS DREAM.
hg
I was again highly impressed by our starting backcourt. But I really get the feeling that as I look at roster spots, that Koponen is closer to being NBA ready than Batum. My feeling is that if Batum is signed, it will be more of an economics decision than anything. But then if you sign Batum for that reason, I think that you have to give Petteri equal if not greater consideration as he is in a similar situation contract wise.
If we sign both of these guys I'd say that at least Batum must spend some significant time in the NBDL. Although since I get to see the Stampede first hand, I'd love to have both of them spend some time improving their game in the minors.
Thanks for the story MB!
It was a good comeback that fell a bit short, but these young players showed fight.
Batum looks like he will be an active player, but his confidence in his shot is shaky at best. His misses were mostly wide open looks that he will have to knock down if he expects to get any real pt in the pros.
Koponen is very impressive. His handle is not very tight, as he seems to bring the ball out very wide with his long arms. Despite that, Sean Singletary, who is a very pesky defender, had a hard time picking his pocket. He and Bayless are only 20 and have plenty of time to improve. If you ask me, Koponen deserves a roster spot right now rather than losing him for 4 years.
Bayless showed once again that he can get by his defenders seemingly at will. It will be interesting to see his progression as he goes up against the quicker, more talented Western Guards. He will not have as easy a time getting by C. Paul, or D. Williams and will have to adjust to the faster paced NBA game once the real season starts.
I also counted at least 8 passes that he made which led to open looks by his teammates (5 or 6 to Batum alone). He could have easily finished with 7-10 assists in this game, so don't be concerned about his passing stats in the summer league.
Bayless's shot will be just fine even though he is not hitting right now. All you need to know about Jerryd's mindset is this:
In the off-season, most HS basketball players find pick-up games and work on their AND-1 moves. Bayless never has. He spent those hours in a gym by himself working on his fundamentals rather than picking up bad habits on the asphalt.
He is driven to get better every day and he will do whatever it takes to get his shot right. In time you will see that he is a very good outside shooter even if he has not proven it to this point.
Wow, I sure miss you & Rice calling the games. You guys add sugar and spice to your broadcast and when I listen to the summer league broadcasters, it is just boring and almost puts me to sleep. Don't get me wrong I like "Snapper" but it is still pretty boring.
Has anybody else noticed this Hill guy? If he is not the cliche of a lumberjack/turned player, then I don't know what is. That is some funny stuff! On another note, the play of Koponen has been very strong and if he keeps up this kind of consistency then he would make a great addition to our team! Bayless has been an animal out there and it has been great seeing him get to the line. I don't see us settling for all jump shots next year, that in my eyes cost us games. The future is starting! It's an exciting time to be a BLAZER!
...one last comment about Bayless; he is only 19 years old! (turns 20 in three weeks)
I watched Brandon Roy play 60, maybe 75 games in college and was a big fan of his game. Although he was good as a Freshman and good as a Sophomore, his greatest leaps in improvement came between his So-JR and Jr-Sr years. He did not become the dominant ROY/AllStar that you have come to know and love until he was seasoned in the Pac-10 for 4 years.
Dwane Wade was 23 years old when he was drafted and it took HIM a year or so to adjust to the pace of the NBA game.
Unfortunately in today's day-and-age money drives the draft, so you get Bayless as a raw, talented young man who is only one year removed from HS.
Bayless is a hard worker, is coachable and has a drive to be the best. Have patience and you will be surprised at just how good that he can be.
MB, thanks for the updates, I love reading your point of view...........so while you're at it, what's the latest with a Comcast/Satellite deal? I sure would love to see the games this season.
Sign PetKo!!!!!!!
KP needs to sign Petko... If there's a roster spot that needs to be opened, Sergio is only on the books for a little over $800,000 -- and that's almost free in NBA terms. He can be cut or made the object of a "Camby trade."
Letting Petko go back to Europe and expecting to be able to woo him over 4 years from now is not an option. The Blazers lucked out being able to get Rudy to suck it in and play for rookie scale -- it no doubt helping that Phil Knight lives down the road and he's a Nike boy... One can't count on that happening again, particularly given the direction the dollar is headed vis-a-vis the euro.
I'd be a little shocked if KP decides that an empty hole on the roster is better than having Koponen inked and under team guidance.
t
I felt strongly about PK after the last Summer League and the last two games have only confirmed it.
If we let PK go just so Rudy can have a Spanish-speaking buddy escort that has no chance in heaven of getting PT under Nate, then we are stupid, stupid, stupid.
Of course, KP is a genius, so have no fear...PK will be here.
Rentasquid, I think PetKo is a terrific nickname, and I can pronounce it and spell it. I for one will use that. thanks
hg
People worried about Bayless and his assist numbers - keep it in perspective. They told him to look for his shot. They are trying to make a decision on Kopenen not Bayless, so they need Kop running the point. Bayless can work on his skills at the 1, when he is back in Porltand.
Another terrific effort by both Bayless and PetKo! Koponen is fun to watch. I thought he did well in the first game but he looked even better in the second. He looked real comfortable handling the point.
Bayless is going to need some work on how to think and play like a point guard but I have faith he'll get there and it won't be a long wait.
Batum on the otherhand; I think we'll be waiting on him for a while before he can contribute.
Go Blazers!
I hear from the announcers from summer league, I read a comment on this blog, I hear it from my freinds..."jerryd bayless is good but he needs to distribute the ball more, 2 assists for all of summer league is pretty bad" and i agree. But with how many turnovers portland has been having and how poorly there shooting has been (35% last night) i dont blame bayless for not having any assist...O and this is pretty cool if you go onto espn.com and go to truehoop bayless is listed as MVP of summer league...
Thanks Mike for a great blog. It really seems you guys live the blazers and watch these summer league games and all the considerations about the team rosters for the upcoming season.
It was especially funny to listen to Rick Kamla's joking about the international broadcasting and TV-feeds.C'mon, who would stay up for a game that airs at 3am. when you can see these games in web-stream just when you want and have the time for it.. for Rick i'd say, Finland is definitely watching!!(if not maybe live)
I think PetKo has proved himself to be NBA-ready and motivated to work hard in the coming years to become ever better.. It's also nice to hear all the positive comments about him and his game. Hope he JB, and Batum all stay healthy throughout the S-League and each get the deserved chance to show what they can do. Then it's all up to KP to do the right thing, and I believe he knows what he's doing.
KO - PO - NEN ...where's the accent?
The majority agree, this guy has a complete game. What I was mostly concerned about was his defense. I've been really impressed with how well he has stayed in front of his man...and I'm thinking he does this better than Sergio....and he's only 19. I would love to see him here this season.
As for JB not being a true point? First off, he's been asked to play the 2 in summer league. Secondly he's been a point his whole life until injuries forced him to play the 2 last year. This team will have the luxury of putting as many as 4 players on the floor at the same time that can create their own shots or opportunities for others. You know how hard it is to defend a team that can do that? When the set play doesn't work, no worries, Bayless, Roy, Rudy, TO...all these guys can create...and all can finish. Can't help but be excited about this season.
Holy Blazermania Batman!
Yeah Darth Siles,
You dont know anything about the blazers or basketball. stick to star wars bud....
I agree, Mike, the outcome of the game really isn't important for this summer league. This summer is about putting the ball in hands of Bayless and Koponen in many different situations and see how they respond. Also, there is getting a look at Batum.
I think PK and Bayless have been fantastic. I find myself wondering if the people who are concerned about Bayless' assist numbers are even watching the game. More than any year i can remember, the Portland summer league roster is rounded off with some of the worst stiffs you can find. That might be a little harsh, but the truth is the talent level is horrible.
Koponen only had 3 assists, but he was finding guys for great looks all night. There's nothing him and Bayless can do about playing with guys that simply can't convert. Sacramento was doubling both guards as soon as they crossed the halfcourt line because our other players just can't score.
I think Koponen is going to get signed. I just don't think KP could come up with a reasonable explaination, at this point, for letting him sign a 4 year deal with another team. The thing is, i just wish he could be a little more supportive. The blazer staff has been gushing over Bayless, as they should be, but all seem to be reluctant to give Koponen the credit he is due.
This kid is under an enormous amount of pressure, and he is coming through in a big way. He has a complete game and has delivered on both ends of the floor. What is not to like? The fans are certainly taking notice, and i couldn't be happier for him.
Darth_Siles
If you had watched the game and or listened or read some blogs, you would have discovered that JB was instructed to drive and shot at every opportunity. That may or may not make him a pt guard, but he should get an A for following instructions.
I am sure you know more about what the blazers need than the establishment and the other fans, but we think he will do fine.
hg
I love how people seem to collectively worry about how Bayless only had 2 assists last game. I guess because Koponen had 1 more assist than Bayless we know who the real true point guard is. It's getting pretty annoying hearing people complain about it. How many shots did players miss off of Bayless passes? 10?
What is all this "we need a true point guard" talk? Do you guys even listen to yourselves? Is Brandon Roy a true point guard? You guys really need to get over the idea that having a player that fits each positions role perfectly is what is best for the Blazers.
Just enjoy watching Bayless make these NBA hopefuls look like fools. The negativity over Bayless not playing the style you want to see him play after only 2 summer league games is over the top.
We need the podcast to ODENS interview on the drive on 95.5. I missed it. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!
Just thinking back to this time last year when you told us Comcast would soon be finalizing negotiations with the cable companies so that we could see all those games. What a difference a year makes, eh?
I wish folks would quit commenting on the Comcast snafu here, it's not the arena for it. Call your provider - this is not the place to complain about your TV provider.
On the contrary, johnvm, this is exactly the place to vent about all things blazer. Mike has always encouraged fans to voice their opinions about anything blazer related, here, good or bad. I think it is ridiculous for you to think fans getting screwed by decisions made by the business side of the franchise shouldn't be able to complain about it.
Since the blazers put their broadcasts in the hands of a cable company, thousands getting screwed in the process, no one should be able to complain to anyone but the cable company? Just because the cable company is directly responsible for screwing fans doesn't let the blazers off the hook for putting the decisions in their hands in the first place.
Mr. Blazer, right on!
I just wanted to complain about the Comcast deal. I have DirecTV and I can’t get Comcast in my town. I’ve been waiting patiently for almost a year now, all the games that were on Comcast last season I listened to on the radio. Wheels is great, but it’s just not the same.
I would like to ask you Mike; what should we do? Wait quietly? Sign petitions? Call Comcast? Send letters and emails? Annoy the hell out JohnVM?
Bayless will do much better in the assist category once he has players who can score around him. Since he'll be the rookie he will be smart enough to know that he doesnt need to score 20 a game to prove he is good. he knows what he has to do this year, but right now he just wants to win these games....and like when he was at arizona he had to do most of the scoring to do that. he will be a good PG...i GUARANTEE IT!
I was just thinking about that Bull's dynasty of the 80's and 90's. Imagine what they could have accomplished if they had a 'pass first' point guard. Maybe that is what they were lacking. Hmmm...
Alright, seriously, I really don't see any serious holes in the blazers lineup for this coming year. We may not be the reincarnation of that Bull's dynasty, but I think that things should continue on the up and up path. I am not too worried.
Props to MB and KP and all in the Blazer's organization.
TheKillaPRYZdollaBILLA said:
"Yeah Darth Siles,
You dont know anything about the blazers or basketball. stick to star wars bud"
Thanks for your "nice" words.
I think i've been always respectful with all the bloggers in this site, but this is not the first time i recieve this kind or answers from another bloggers, just for telling my opinion.
You may understand that there are many overseas fans of your beloved team and, for us, is not easy to understand everything that happens there. Anyway, we are as interested as you in knowing everything about the blazers, and blogs like MB's helps us a lot. But there are always trolls like you.
Probably, this won't go anywhere but Mr. Barrett, i think you should control more that kind of comments like that from MR. TheKillaPRYZdollaBILLA.
By the way, there's more basketball (a lot more basketball) than the one you play in the US and I think you got the point when Argentina, Greece, Spain and a lot of teams beat you in the REAL international championships.
Sorry about this off-topic.
To chime in on the Comcast scenario, I am very bummed by the whole thing. I've been living in Eugene and enjoyed having CSN; it was great. Tons of outstanding Oregon sports content as well as everything Blazer!
I've been a Blazer fan all my life; I was born in '77 (during the season); while I was in the service I followed as best I could online. Getting back from overseas to watch Blazer games was one of the best things about being back to Oregon.
Now that Comcast is here, great! It's a great opportunity for Blazer fans... Or Blazer fans that can get Comcast.
"Unfortunately," I just got an
incredible work opportunity in Bend. I assumed that there would be a way to get CSN, or buy League Pass. Horrified, I am now realizing that due to Comcast's inability to srtike a deal with other providers and the league pass blackout, I may not be able to watch more than 22/82 games this year.
I've been waiting for this season my whole life.
Blazers, please do something to fix this before the season starts.
-Scared in Bend
Yeah Dan, I live in Bend too. Last year was frustrating (we used to get all the games before the Comcast deal) however if they don't get this worked out, this year will really really suck. Hope they fix this or I'll be extremely unhappy.
Darth,
I think you have a valid opinion and I also think you have to take what a guy whose name is "thekillarpryzdollabilla" with a grain of salt. However, I disagree with you that what the Blazers need is a "pure point guard". Is Tony Parker a pure point guard? Chauncey Billups? No. You definitely have to have a guy who can distribute, but right now there is nothing about Bayless that says he can't be a great passer as well as a scorer. Brandon ROy is going to be the floor general for the Blazers for the next decade, so I believe that Bayless, who can score, is the perfect compliment to take the pressure the off of Roy.
PS. Even though the international leagues are packed with talent, the NBA is still far and away the best league in the world, otherwise Rudy, Manu, Pau, Dirk, and Yao would be playing elsewhere.
Oh, I also agree that we sign the Finnisher.
Hey Mike,
Great post as usual. I definitely think Koponen needs to be signed and Batum we can wait on. I don't know what we are going to do with all the point guards though. Also, how much play do the Blazer Brass have with the Comcast/Satellite Deal. I know Comcast is probably holding out for big time money but it seems to me that the Ownership of the Blazers should be pushing Comcast to get a deal done ASAP!!!! The Blazers, I feel by not doing anything, along with Comcast are alienating the fans who only have satellite. I love the Blazers and am so extremely frustrated with nothing being done yet. If they do not get a deal done soon, it will be frustrating to miss a great season of Blazer Basketball. MB, let me know any updates if you have any. GO BLAZERS!
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