MVP for LaMarcus
posted: 10/03/2008 at 10:22 PM
It's not the MVP trophy he'd ultimately like to put on his shelf, but LaMarcus Aldridge does have one of these honors now. He took home the award after scoring 25 points on 12 of 19 shooting, as his team, the Black Team, beat the White at the Rose Garden 74-67 in the Wells Fargo Fan Fest. Before you start getting overly concerned about the low scoring, keep in mind they played 20-minute halves.
On a rainy Friday night, with high school football going great guns, and playoff baseball on TV, over 11,000 Blazer fans were inside the Rose Garden for this free event, which included a chance to meet the players, part of a practice, and the scrimmage. It was a record crowd for this event, which started back in 1998.
I've said several times in the past week that Aldridge has looked fantastic so far in training camp, and that was on display in front of the fans. He's beefed up his upper body, and his outside shot has never looked better. If he's healthy, he will absolutely lead this Blazer team in scoring this season. I wouldn't be shocked to see him average 20 to 23 points per game. And, no one will benefit more from the addition of Greg Oden than LaMarcus. His back is covered, you can't double him, and he's got big-time help defensively.
There is, however, a new fan favorite, and it's really no surprise who that is. Rudy Fernandez got an incredible ovation before he even took the floor, and was spectacular in the scrimmage. He's flashy, but always seems to be under control, and has a huge impact at the offensive end. Oh, can he pass the ball. And, he hit four three pointers, and finished with 18 points. He's smooth, has great energy, and everything seems to get turned up a notch when he's in the game.
Travis Outlaw was also very good in the public's first look at the team. He hit three bombs and had 20 points. The second unit, with Travis, Rudy, Przybilla, and any number of point guards, is going to be very solid.
With Steve Blake nursing a sore hamstring, Sergio Rodriguez got the start with the group that is going to be the first unit. After halftime, Sergio and Jerryd Bayless switched teams, and Bayless got to run with the first unit. Bayless had 7 points and 6 assists, and Rodriguez ended with 5 points and 3 assists.
Oden was playing with the first unit, and the defense gave him a dose of what he'll be seeing in the regular season. He was doubled anytime he touched the ball, and Przybilla played very physical defense against him. Greg did have an impressive blocked shot, and a couple of power jams, but looked to be just trying to get his sea legs. No one is concerned about that.
Martell Webster didn't shoot the ball well, but played well overall. Brandon Roy was Brandon Roy, if you know what I mean. He had 14 points and 7 assists, and ran the pick and roll very well with Oden and Aldridge. Back when he had his minor knee surgery, we didn't think we'd even see Brandon in the exhibition season at all. So, the fact that he played in this scrimmage, and was very effective, was nothing but a bonus.
Perhaps no player has shown more improvement from the summer league until now, than Nicolas Batum. The young rookie has the potential to be a lockdown wing defender, and has some skills offensively. I love his game, and he has shown he belongs in this league, right now.
Camp continues for the Trail Blazers over the weekend, but Saturday is sure to be light day. This was a long scrimmage, and the players were noticably feeling it by the end. Still, we saw a lot, and the fans got a great show.
RSS FEED
Mike,
You're right, it was a great show. I sat courtside with a couple of my cousins, & we had a blast. We waited outside since 1pm to make sure we were first in our doors, & the players definately made it worth the wait.
I think Greg set the tone on the first play of the game when he came from the weak side to ERASE Ike's short lay-in attempt. That was nasty! It was frustrating to watch Greg getting double & triple-teamed every time he touched the ball, like you said, but he passed out of them really well, & if other teams truly try that, then Lamarcus & B.Roy will light them up!
Around the start of the 2nd half, we were noticing how Rudy's jersey was drenched with sweat, more than any other player, & I think that just shows how he is always moving at full speed out there. He was like a lightning bolt, never seeming to slow down. And his shot was smooth.
Also, don't know if you noticed, during lay-up lines, the dunk contest that broke out between Travis & Jerryd, but WOW can Bayless get up there. He was dong any dunks we were telling him to, and made a "between the legs" & a "360" look easy. Nevermind Outlaw in the actual contest. I think at Jerryd's height, he'd be a lock to take it.
I love our team, & can't wait 'til Tuesday, to see the start of our punishment of the rest of the league.
Go Blazers! Playoffs!
Mike:
I've read too many of your blogs. You wrap-up of the fan-fest was about the same as mine. OK!! like Rudy you are a lot more polished.
Blazers_joe said everything else I wanted to say. That dunking contest between Jerryd and Travis was fantastic. The 360 degree dunk by Jerryd was fantastic, but the old Clyde the Glide bounce off the back-board and the dunk by Travis was also great.
Martell's outside shot wasn't going in but his ball handling and going inside looked great.
I thought Sergio looked much better, he shot the ball better and of course his passing and ball handling was great.
I thought LMA, Rudy, Jerryd, Outlaw and of course taking over of the game by Broy was the stars of the Fan-fest. The defensive battle between Oden and Joel was awesome. I was thinking that Oden wasn’t doing good, but then I remembered just how great of a defender Joel is and how he shuts down most NBA's great centers and the fact that Oden is really green yet. Like blazers_joe said, Oden’s monster block and his power dunks will set the tone of what we will see from Oden.
I didn't get to shake your hand mike, I was too far away. I got to shake Rudy's and Martell's hand and that was great.
I think Rudy will be a great replacement for James Jones. Those three pters looked smooth. I was also glad to see Travis's trays go down.
The Fan-fest was absolutely terrific.
hg.
Mike, Is there any chance you can compare Greg's performance tonight to scrimmages that you have seen in training camp?
hmmm... i just watched the video of the fan fest on oregon live. i know this isn't a great representation of the game, or what people will play like during the season totally, but this is what i noticed... greg looked a little lost. he also looked huge. Mike you see him all the time... is that just a bad representation of him on the video? And i wonder how much the added muscle has slowed him down...
rudy looked brilliant, he'll be the catalyst on the second unit for sure.
I'm really impressed with the number of assists jerryd had, thats promising.
LA looks buttery smooth. If i had one, I'd even let him date my daughter. lol
And travis putting up 20 in a 40 minute scrimage is sweet. i love travis and the fact that he and rudy can coexist and both put up almost 20 like that is fantastic.
Mike,
Great job tonight. Your questions to the players were right on and the evening was electric.
This was my first fan fest and I can't wait for next week! Thanks for keeping us in the know. Go Blazers!
Rudy was even better than I expected, he's going to be huge for us this year and I can't see him not playing at least 25 minutes a game -- he's too good not to.
Overall, just a great night, almost everyone looked good. Oden definitely looked like someone who hasn't played in a year, but once he gets going he'll be a force..the guy is just a physical monster.
Good stuff, can't wait for the season to start!
Man, wish I could have been there.
Loved it. Wish Oden could have got more play, I didn't go to see Steven Hill. I loved Rudy's game, he is so smooth. He is just like Brandon Roy in every way. He is a great passer and I had no idea. If he lacks the play making that Brandon has he more than makes up for it with his 3 point shooting.
That was so fun to watch. I'm excited about almost every player. I think they should just cut Luke Jackson, Tatum, and maybe Hill. We don't need a 3rd back up center. Pryzbilla and Oden are plenty and we need Oden to get his minutes.
Good job doing the PA. Man it cheering for the black side only lasted about 10 minutes for me. I couldn't help but cheer when Outlaw hit a shot, or Bayless and Rudy made a play. That was great fun. Have a good weekend.
MB - you forgot to mention RUDY! i thought he played VERY well...he didn't force anything & looked like he belonged!
I was at the scrimmage last night, and there was certainly a lot of potential for greatness there.
I was especially in for all with the play of Rudy Fernandez. I've seen a lot of basketball at that pass he made early in the game was just sick. I mean sick... I have never seen a pass like that! My buddies couldn't believe it either. This guy plays with such fluidity and energy I can't imagine it not rubbing off on the other players. I could see that he was kind of frustrated at times, with his teammates however, because they seem to be out of position for what he was expecting. This is to be expected to because of the new players, and just coming off of very unified and methodical Spanish team.
Here's the big thing. . . and my buddies concurred, along with the guy behind me in section 111 after five minutes of watching Greg Oden play. He said aloud, what me and my buddies were think in all long. He said. "He ain't got game." Ouch! that's what I was thinking too. . . there was no energy, no spring in his step no explosiveness. The emperor has no clothes. His timing was off big time a shot was flat, and he looked like a deer in the headlights sometimes.
Okay, I know he's really young, but to say he is ready for prime time. . . big mistake. . . to say he's better than Joe Prizbilla and should start now. I don't know? He certainly not in the kind of shape that KP said he would be in come the beginning of the season, which was 100% back. is this how he looked during scrimmages in training camp. He appears to be about 50%, to me. Would anyone else concur?
I can't believe how critical of Oden people are being. I'm surprised he even played considering he just tweaked his ankle and this is a meaningless scrimmage. I'm sure he wasn't going full blast and I wouldn't want him to at this point. He should just let the game come to him and get in shape. You guys got to realize he is coming back from a season ending injury and will be out of shape. BUT I seen enough just in that video that he HAS GAME!
Just be patient guys.
RUDY, RUDY, RUDY, RUDY!!! THE BEST PLAYER ON THE PLANET!!! Oh My G, I'm so excited for this season... check out that LINEUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! STARPOWER
Oden just needs more work with his cardio. It's obvious that he's out of game shape but still has the ability to dominate large areas on the court. Who wears number 0 for the Blazers? He's not on the roster but i've seen him do some impressive things on the Blazer practice video...he was also gettin his groove on during the rookie dance competition...any help?
That was a really good practice game. I can't wait to see the second preseason game which will be broadcast on KGW 8. Will the rest of the preseason games be on Tv as well?
What about Rebecca Haarlow, Tony and Michael? what do they do during the off-season?
MB
I was sitting with blazers_joe, my other cousin and my dad in court side front row directly across from you. We waited outside the rose garden since around 1 pm. It was well worth it.
We had a plan to get in the front row. As I entered the garden I headed for LaMarcus but was cut off. I ended up shaking hands with Sergio. Then he was standing in the way of the turnstile. I said "Sergio your in my way" and he said sorry and moved. Any other time I would have stayed but I was motivated to get the front row seats.
Sitting front row was the best thing ever. I wish I had those seats at every game. I would go home horse every night. I made a comment to Brandon while Bayless was guarding him "Don't let the Rook crowd you", Bayless sought the death look at me. I love his intensity. He is going to be great.
My reaction from the game are the same as blazers_joe. I have to say I was most impressed with Rudy. Joe came up with a great nickname for him the Magician. He has some slight of hand tricks like that between the legs pass. I thought Oden took what the D gave him. He was doubled and tripled he didn't get a lot of chances. Don't worry 4drjack he has got game. His team mates just know he needs to be double and tripled to take the ball out of his hands.
Finally in response to "david and ann" I think the fan fest was a great success. Both my cousins and my dad came away with autographed t-shirts. My cousins were from Blake and my dad's from Oden. While I didn't get anything. What I didn't get in material items was made up for by great memories. Seeing my team and my idols was all I needed. I soaked in a sight I had never seen and don't know if I will see again.
I will always remember having to be rude to Sergio to get in.(Sorry Serio) Watching the players joke around when you interviewed them. Seeing Bayless and Outlaw trade dunks. Getting the death stare from Bayless. Oden, Aldridge and Joel's sheer size. And Rudy's bag of tricks.
From a very satisfied fan
Ben
Funny how two people can watch the same video and come away with completely different views.
Of course Oden hasn't played in any type of game in over a year so there was rust, but I thought he did fairly well considering how the D was concentrating on him. Early in the game Oden was double team and he made a excellent pass to LMA for a easy basket. We are going to see a lot of that. At the end of the video Oden made a sweet move while being triple team for a basket. I was really impressed, I didn't know he had that much of a game with his back to the basket.
Also besides his influencing the game on D by just being there, besides his blocks, just ask LMA what a influence Oden had on O.
It'll take a little bit for Oden to get into shape and for him to completely trust his knee, but I seen plenty in that video to know he's going to be quite a force this season.
Hey "David and Ann",
How old are you man? Crying about not getting an autograph LOL, what else did fan fest do you wrong? Did you not get the chance to have your picture taken with Blaze the Trailcat?
Why don't you focus more on the game and team, and less on harassing guys who are probably half your age for their signatures.
Yeah... i just watched the video from the fan fest again and then watched some highlights from greg from college and last year's summer league.
Greg, drop about 20 pounds, hell, 25, 30 pounds. We want greg oden, not shaq.
He looked so amazingly athletic for a guy so big last year and in college, so much that i hadn't seen anyone move like that since hakeem, and even then, i'm not sure i've seen anyone move like him.
At the fan fest he looked too big and uncomfortable in a body that big. He couldn't explode like he used to and i'm not sure that i'm totally going to buy into that he's just comming off knee surgery. I think he's too big. drop anywhere from 15-25 pounds and he won't be stopped, he'll be as athletic or more than Amare, and more powerful than shaq.
I guess I'll chime in here. I got the feeling some of you would worry when we didn't see a dominant effort by Greg in the scimmage. Keep in mind, not only was he trying not to push a sore ankle, but other than a couple of summer league games over a year ago, this was the first game action for him since the Final Four his senior year at Ohio State. It's kind of easy to forget that. The last thing he wanted to do was to completely go balls out in this scrimmage when he didn't feel like he needed to. I saw him tweak that ankle, and honestly, at the time, I didn't think he'd be playing in the scrimmage at all. I also witnessed the pick-up games he played in at the practice facility during August and September, and can tell you that you've got nothing to worry about. As we've said all along, his biggest impact, especially early, won't likely come in the scoring column. He's going to be a force defensively, sets a massive pick, and demands a ton of attention from opposing defenses. He also is very effective at running the pick-and-roll (just ask Brandon Roy), is a very good passer, and runs the floor extremely well for a guy his size. I know you were probably looking for more in this scrimmage, but it's hardly a concern. That being said, if you're expecting that he's going to be a combination of Shaq and Tim Duncan right out of the chute, perhaps your expectations are too high. This is a marathon and not a sprint, and you're going to be thrilled with Greg.
MB
I wasn't concerned at all, I knew what to expect. If Oden would have scored 20 it would have been better than expected. His legs look so think and he doesn't look at all in the kind of shape he was last summer league. I wonder if you think he will ever get back to his leaner frame or if he is going to stay bulk like he is now. He is very quick for his size right now, I can only imagine if he slims down he will jump higher for those blocks and jump hooks.
I think about 3 months into the season if Greg isn't in really good shape I will be worried.
MB,
My thoughts exactly, just one thing I believe it was Oden's freshmen year not senior at Ohio State.
Hey! Dave and Ann
Happy three years! But I must check you now. You are going to have to be a little more understanding when it comes to getting close to these guys. Now that you are sober I'm sure you may get my picture. 11,000 people wanted to touch or be touched by these players and you are upset you didn't get an autograph. Go to a meeting and and process what you are feeling and calm down. This is your team right? One day at a time BROTHER!
MB,
I have a question for you. I've been thinking about it and why double and triple team Oden in his first scrimmage? I understand they want to get him prepared to play in real games, but I would think they would want him to get some confidence and of course let the crowd see what he's got. Just seems a bit extreme for his first scrimmage that is mainly for fans.
Thanks for chiming in Mike. Some fans seem way to critical of GO right now. He is going to be a complete game changer. I'm glad that he is a patient guy and is highly coachable. He will have a much longer career that way! I get the impression that Greg is wise beyond his years: great athletes seem to have that as part of their make up. Your weighing in on this topic is much appreciated. Go Blazers!
A lot of you are pretty concerned about Oden. He hasn't played in over one year. It's been ackowledged over and over again that he is not yet in shape, but that he's making steady progress. There have been times in practice where he has looked dominant, according to reports, but he needs to get in shape. Since these things have been fully disclosed since day one, why does it still shock people, when they see him play, that he's not in shape? Did they think the Blazers were overstating his condition?
But one thing the Blazers have also said is that he WILL be in shape by the time the season begins. But even then, we need to be patient. He's not going to become the most dominant NBA center overnight. This is going to take a bit of time...but Greg has all the tools.
Remember what Mike said..."(Greg) looked to be just trying to get his sea legs. No one is concerned about that."
fan fest was fun. My only complaint was the $5 hot dogs that tasted like last seasons left overs! It's amazing what you will eat when you're starving! Please, please improve the food service at the Garden!
Mike;
I don't have your expertise, but I was at the fan fest and I thought he played ok. Joel is a great defender and regardless of Oden's conditioning, and abilities Joel will make it rough on him. Which is good because this is was a scrimmage. That being said, I was not concerned with his game at all. He did make mistakes but they were just mistakes that every player makes. I seen many of mistakes from other players that was just as bad or worst that the bloggers didn't pick up. In fact I saw a couple from BRoy. Why not ridicule him.
Thank you for your input, maybe it will help some of the doubters.
hg
There is no doubt that Oden will be a force to be reckoned with this year. He just needs some time to get up to speed. His presence alone makes Roy, Aldridge, and everyone else more dangerous.
I don't think it would be such a bad idea if Oden came off the bench. He's young, rusty, and hasn't proven anything yet. I say let him earn it (starting). Give him something to prove. Pryz is a solid starter, a terrific defender and rebounder, and knows our system. Until Oden shows he is better than Pryz, he should come off the bench.
Go Blazers!
Greg Oden "IS" the truth. Him not going all out was a calculated move by the coaching staff. Dont worry guys, Roy, Aldridge, Tha Thrilla and the rest of the squad will definitely be instrumental in helping G.O. get to that higher plateau of greatness. I think he fits our team like a hand in a glove. No question! I do think, however, it would be good for him though if KP (the mastermind) went and got somebody like an Olajuwan, David Robinson or someone else to work exclusively with him. You see what Abdul Jabbar And Ewing have done for the development of Andrew Bynum and Dwight Howard. Overall i think hes coming along just fine. Przybilla will have a phenomenal season as well, Rudy is like no other player to come out of Europe. Ever. Bayless is absolutely relentless!! and he has an attitude, I like that. If we make the playoffs this year there is not a team that i would say we cannot defeat. I just hope Nate will unleash these guys and trust them. Give B Roy (the little fundamental) the ball, let him create and watch us flourish. P.S. Travis Outlaw Should NEVER be traded, that is unless we could send him, Webster, Blake and LaFrentz's expiring contract to cleveland for LeBron James. OooooooWeeeeeeee!!!! Imagine that starting five - Roy, Rudy, James, Aldridge and Oden-
Mike, thanks for the coverage. I live in The Dalles and can rarely get over there, but I can't express how excited I am to watch this team take it to the rest of the league. Every time I think about what we have, I feel grateful that we have KP. He has truly brought back to Oregon the kind of team we all grew up loving and cheering for. Rip city, baby.
Hi all...
I'm a new Blazers fan from Columbus, OH. I loved Oden when he was here in Columbus for his one year (his talent, his skill, his personality)...Portland is lucky to have him. It's killing me that I'm going to have to catch all of the home games in the wee hours of the Eastern time zone.
Anyway, regarding Greg - for all of you who mentioned that he hasn't played since the Final four...also remember that his one year at OSU he was nursing his wrist injury as well. so Greg hasn't been at full power in real games since high school. That's a lot of down time. He bulked up during the season last year and that extra power in his legs will help his longevity. As the season wears on, he'll drop some pounds and get in much better game shape. Be patient -- he and the rest of the blazers are going to terrorize the league this year. Can't wait!
Greg seemed to confirm the pre-draft rumors that he lacks the mental mindset to become a great NBA player. He was aloof in warm-ups, barely making an effort to get loose. He showed NO emotion. It was frustrating to watch Greg jog up and down the court as if practice/scrimmages don't matter. I'm not buying the "in-shape" argument, he lacked the necessary intensity from the time he stepped on the court.
Thought LaMarcus, Brandon, and Rudy looked great. Travis was good. I'm looking forward to the start of the season but have definitely tempered my expectations for Greg.
Mike,
I loved the fan fest and came away with several thoughts.
I think that our starting line-up should be Rudy, Roy, Outlaw, Aldridge and Oden going 1 - 5. Length has a lot to do with good defense, and these guys would be stifling in a zone. Also, you have to have your best talent on the floor, and an immense amount of respect to the other guys, these 5 are that to me. We would have the best second team in the league with Blake, Bayless, Webster, Frye and Pryzbilla. This team would not struggle against ANY second team in the league, and would do well against many first teams. Add a splash of Sergio and some minutes for Ike to muscle up on people, and we have a very complete picture.
I also think that we should have a D'Antoni style line-up of Bayless, Rudy, Roy, Outlaw and Aldridge. There are times when you need to score in bunches, and I'm a big fan of coaches "borrowing" other philosophies. We should have a unit that will try to shoot within the first seven seconds of the shot-clock. I would love to see LaMarcus going all James Worthy on the rest of the league in a line-up like this. If he's not an All-Star this year, next year will be a lock. With Oden's gravity attracting defenders, LaMarcus will truly get to showcase his shooting touch.
Overall I just can't wait. Our guys look to be one of the most well assembled and hard working groups of players. Our battles with the Lakers and Hornets will be epic for years to come...
Thanks to the team and organization for giving us something to look forward to for the '08/'09 season!!! GO BLAZERS!
It could have been worse.
Greg could have rolled that ankle and got carried off the floor as the murmurs grew louder and louder. How would you have felt then fellow Blazer fans? I think we're all in agreement that we need to be thankful for what we have with Oden, afterall, we were never guaranteed anything with him in the first place.
Post a Comment
<< Home