Suns Can't Spoil MC Party
posted: 10/14/2009 at 10:05 PM
Everything was perfectly nostalgic on this night- even the end result.
Playing inside Memorial Coliseum for the first time since 1995, the young Trail Blazers were blitzed by Steve Nash, the oldest player on the floor, which was very fitting during this throwback celebration.
Nash scored 23 points, dished out 15 assists, and led the Suns to a 110-104 win over the Blazers. Of course, the last time the Blazers played a game at the coliseum, it was also the Suns who came away with the victory. In that game, it was Charles Barkley who led the way with 47 points.
The Trail Blazers went with a starting lineup of Andre Miller, Brandon Roy, Martell Webster, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Greg Oden, and held the lead at halftime. Oden, who went 7 for 8 from the field in the first half, took just two shots in the second half, and didn't get enough help from his friends.
Miller led the Blazers with 25 points, while LaMarcus Aldridge had 20, and Oden ended with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Roy, who's shooting troubles during the exhibition season have been well documented, went just 4 for 13 in this game, and he ended with 11 points.
Nate McMillan experimented with different combinations in the second half, but nothing seemed to click. Not only did the Suns get 23 from Nash, but notorious Blazer-killer Leandro Barbosa hit for 25 off the bench.
Phoenix opened up its largest lead of the game in the final minutes of the contest, before the Blazers stormed back to make the final look like it was a closer game than it actually was (at least in the second half).
Clearly, being this was pre-season game number 4 of 8, this is hardly panic time. I realize some of you won't see it this way, and will likely start to worry a bit. I will just remind you that this is what the exhibition season is for- finding a rhythm, searching for combinations, getting rotations set. But, there are certainly some defensive concerns that will have the coaching staff scratching its head.
The Suns, who had hit only 12 three pointers in their first three pre-season games combined, hit for 12 in this game alone. Nash was able to penetrate through the lane at will in the second half, and started racking up the assists. We've seen him dissect defenses before, so this wasn't exactly shocking.
Sloppy play, and poor free-throw shooting again dogged the Blazers. They turned the ball over 18 times, and shot just 67 percent at the foul line.
Now, I was the first to say that this night wouldn't be about the x's and o's. There was too much other stuff to celebrate- new alternate jerseys, the coliseum, all the Blazer alums in the house, Bill Schonely, ect.- but I'm revising that a bit. Here goes with my own personal observations.
I'm not terribly concerned about Roy, even though I'm sure he isn't comfortable with his performances so far. Of all the adjusting that this new Blazer roster will require, it's absolutely Roy who will have to adjust the most. He's not playing with the ball in his hands nearly as much as he has in the past, and even though we've expected his numbers to drop a little, it's hard for me to think this is going to continue.
There are several reasons, in my opinion, Roy will face some challenges he hasn't had to face so far in his young career. Most obvious is the fact that it simply doesn't look like there is the room for him to operate like he's had in the past. That's because he's been playing a lot of his minutes with Oden inside, and Miller as the point guard. I'm not saying this isn't ultimately going to be good for him (because it will), but it will take some time for everyone to get comfortable.
In short, I simply want what's best for Roy, because what's best for him is what is best for this team. Hasn't that been established? Again, this is all new. Anything this new will take time. But, when things get blurry in my life, I go with the givens- things you know. Then, go from there.
Roy is used to having Blake in the backcourt with him. Blake's deep shooting ability always left Roy basically one on one, as Steve would slide out to the deep angle to willingly give Roy room. And, Steve would drill the three if his defender left him to help on Brandon. Also, Przybilla is probably the best screen setter in the NBA, and almost never looked to score. That's different now. Oden is on one block, and Aldridge is on the other. Both can score, and the team is looking to get both involved. It's how the offense is initiated now, and it's easy to understand why. It just hasn't left much room, or many shots for Roy. When he has tried to get his own, he's running into a wall of defenders, and a crowded middle.
Roy is best when he's creating his own shot. He's not used to getting his first touch when the shot clock is already down to five seconds, and he's got to look to score off the pass. That's just not his game.
If you've read between the lines at all, you know that I've been very wary of changing three-fifths of a starting lineup that won you 54 games last season. McMillan has said that same thing on many occasions, and I know he believes it. Others are very willing to discard what we know, for what we think. I get that the starting unit will change over time, and will have to, eventually. But, that starting lineup (Blake, Roy, Batum, L.A., Przybilla), knew what it was. Isn't that half the battle in this league? Roles were defined, and a comfort level had been established. That doesn't mean you don't change it, no matter what, but I'm talking about givens here.
This new starting group, the one that started the game against the Suns, on paper probably looks better. The question I have is, is this starting unit better for Roy? The guy who is your proven franchise player? Maybe it is, I don't know. And, maybe it will be over time. I've just been a bit surprised at the number of people who have acted like the staring lineup simply has to change.
If this is the lineup we're going to see (and I'm not convinced it is), it's going to take some time for these guys to adjust. It isn't as easy as just plugging in three new starters and seeing immediate comfort and results. The old lineup gave us Roy, Aldridge, and three role players, Batum, Blake, and Przybilla. Three players who would do anything to get the primaries in a position to be effective.
Now, you've got more weapons. Ultimately that'll be a good thing. I'm just saying that it's not going to happen overnight. Remember, NBA training camps are very short. Changing what you are is a tough thing to establish in two and a-half weeks.
The one thing I do know is that this team is in very capable hands. The coaches spend an obscene amount of time pouring over every detail, and they'll get it right. These games don't count, after all. And, don't expect it to be perfect when the games do start to count. As I've said many times, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see this team still searching, and struggling at times, early in the season. But, holy cow, there's a lot of talent on this team.
Other thoughts on the night, quickly.
The coliseum looked much better than I expected. It's not easy to just pop into a building like this and pull off a game. The building people should get a ton of credit for this. It was more fun than I imagined it would be.
Because I'm from here, and grew up going to Blazer games, the night brought back a rush of memories. Not just Blazer memories, but high school state tournaments, the Far West Classic, hockey, concerts (Van Halen in 1984 was my first concert at the MC), the circus, ice shows, ect.
About an hour before the game my dad called me on my cell. I told him where I was, and he laughed. He coached teams in the Oregon high school tournament, and we both shared a few memories. I reminded him that, as a kid, that was really my arena. I was the ballboy on the end of the bench, and really, grew up there. I underestimated that this night would have my mind spinning like it did.
The other fantastic moments at this game were spent sitting next to Bill Schonely as he called the second half of the game. He's the reason I got into broadcasting, and holds a very special place in my heart (like he does for many of you). His voice hasn't changed a bit. If I'm 80, and look and sound as good as he does, I'll feel very fortunate.
Hanging with Jerome Kersey and Terry Porter before the game, listening to The Schonz, walking the halls of the MC, watching Blazer basketball...
I told you this night wasn't about the x's and o's.
RSS FEED
let us all hope the blazers get their playbook together to allow Brandon to be the player he has been for three seasons now.
Crossing my fingers, hoping the andre miller acquisition pans out...
Like you Mike, I'm not a big advocate of changing the starting lineup just because we can. Nate has already been on record as saying that the best 5 players aren't neccesarily the best combination to have start the game. Our bread and butter has won us 54 games, but now we have like a Sizzler salad bar with too many tempting side-dishes. Tastes great, but the end result is less than satisfying.
We were not a defensive juggernaut last year, and yet I find myself curiously aroused at the possibility of something different this year. I woke from a terrible dream and poked my head out the window, gazing at the town below. "You there, what day is it?"
"Why, it's Christmas day sir", the young lad proclaimed.
"The Blazers, have they become the defensive scrooges the spirits warned me about?"
"I'm afraid not sir, the team is quite incapable of guarding its own shadow. Now go back to bed you old fart, before you give yourself a heart attack!"
I was rather annoyed they went away from Oden. I watch these games to hear about Oden's progress. Blazers were winning going to him because Oden drawed attention and then kicked it out. The team works better with a scoring center in.
Nate needs to run more plays for Oden both halfs. All those brick jumped shots could have been dunks or lay ups for Oden.
You have out done yourself Mike: You forgot to mention that "You got to make your free throws"
At this moment in time, I fully agree with you on the starting unit. Our starting five last year was not to shabby. If we are going to make changes then do it methodically as not to upset the apple cart.
In all fairness, I don't know if this loss had anything to do with the loss, The added scoring of Greg, Martell and Andre more then made up the difference in BRoy's game. Nevertheless, BRoy is our franchise player and should not have to change his game or take a back seat to anybody.
Let it be known (tee Hee)that I believe the first unit should basically be the same as last years. The second unit should have Andre, Rudy, One of the small forwards and one of the back-up power -forward and Greg. I do believe that LMA should linger on the floor with the second unit because him and Oden are going to be a fantastic pair when they get their High, Low post co-Ordinated.
The lost was really due to turn-overs, missing free-throws and missing almost all our outside shots to open the middle up for easier scoring.
all that being said, it is still a great time to be a Blazer fan.
Great Post Mike
hg
Thanks, Mike, for an excellent article. Yeah, the starting lineup changes are tough. I'm not sure if Roy can adjust or not. Ultimately, I think this is a better lineup. However, I think I would start Batum, who is more defensive minded, and a role player. That would leave a good duo of Webster and Fernandez, along with Blake off the bench. What do you think?
Hey MB: good commentary...excellent hindsight.....it's pre-season, baby!
Hey MB: like i said a month ago - i still see a trade by opening night.....JMHO
Mike............that was one of your best posts.When I was young,we were a single parent family and we didn't have a tv.I listened to the Shons and Petrie,Adelman,Larue,and the rest.Those were great times,even though the Blazers weren't too good.Last night,I went to listen to the game online and it said no play by play due to restrictions by the provider.So'I heard Shon's rendition of the national anthem and the n right before the game started,it switched to Rush Limbaugh,speaking of fun killers.Shon has an amazing voice for an eighty year old.I couldn't find it on regular radio either. Any stations besides 95.5 carry the game?I'm bummed that I didn't get to hear Bill. BLAZERSROCK
Great blog, MB! I'm a loyal Blazers fan since the beginning (not the fair-weather kind!), and although I missed the game (I didn't know it was radio-cast!), just hearing Bill at the MC again brought back lots of memories for me, also.
Great report, Mike, as usual. I'm not from Portland until ten years ago, but I feel like a part of Blazer and Portland history. Thanks for that. And also for your game and lineup analysis. Nate wasn't picked as one of the top 4 coaches in the NBA without good reason; he and his staff are doing exactly what they need to do to come up with the best mix of players and rotations to start the season. Be patient and be trusting. All these guys are really good at their jobs. With all the talent we have on the court and on the bench, we'll be fine when the season starts. Just keep it all in perspective and prepare to enjoy the season. There's nowhere I'd rather be.
I grew up watching the blazers at the MC, I am now in
California and wish I could have been there. I go all of the way back to Geoff Petrie, Bernie Fryer, Sidney Wicks, Lenny Wilkens, John Johnson and more. I wish I could have heard Bill Schonely one more time. He is truly an Icon.
Thanks again for your analysis, Mike. I too agree that the starting lineup from last year should remain as the beginning core. What I don't want to see is change for the sake of change. The lineup (not starting), in my opinion, should evolve during the game. Each opponent has their offensive weapons. We have talented players to counter these weapons at any junction in the game. However, begin the game as usual to establish our base. Roy should have the feeling of control.
Practice free throws too under game conditions using real or simulated noises and distractions.
Mike, last years starting line up certainly had the chemistry to win those 54 games but you saw what happened in the playoffs. A playoff team's defense will squash the BRoy centered offense. I think with Miller and Oden in the lineup, it will be more dynamic offensively. We will see less jumpers and more options which will help. That is where the concern should be. I think this team will do fine in the regular season and be better fitted for the post season.
Great post Mike. I too miss the MC, used to go there in the old days with that great starting 5 of The Duck, The Glide, Mercy Kersey, TP and Buck Williams. Those were the days . . . .and as we all hope, more of that glory is soon forth-coming.
I think that hg has it right. Chemistry is very important and changes to a successful team should be evolutionary not revolutionary. Andre and Greg should be gradualy introduced into the starting group as they show they can have success with that group. To make your all star an after thought makes no sense
Lev:
Yes, Miller and Oden can be good with each other. That doesn't mean they need to start together. There needs to be balanced chemistry. I don't believe that Brandon and Andrey should be paired for extended lengths of time because Brandon cannot flourish. Andrey is a great asset and should be utilized as such.
Maybe Greg and Miller could start together, but then Brandon should come in with Steve, etc. There will be mix and matches anyway, but I would like to see the same unit begin games to set the tone.
I just don't want us to "mess up".
I actually made a point of not filling up my gas tank earlier in the day so I would have an excuse last night to leave the house, thereby allowing me to listen to the Schonz unemcumbered. It was great to get a blast from the past like that.
Last year I ran right into, almost right over, Schonely in the concourse prior to the Cleveland game . My girlfriend and I stopped three feet from him as he talked with whom I assume is his wife.
I told her, "Hey, look, its the Schonz." She turned to me with an,
"Oh yeah, cool, who's that," kind of a look. She is much younger than I (booyah), so it was about what I expected. Schonely, obviously hearing my comment, broke off his conversation momentarily, graciously allowing me the opportunity to approach him. I resisted, deciding to instead show him the courtesy and respect that he has earned for being such an enormous part of the team that has been such a huge part of my life. I am glad the Blazers gave him, and me, an opportunity to capture some of that old magic last night. I am even more pleased that they have honored him with the RIPCITY version of the uniforms this year. It is well deserved.
RIPCITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There's one thing I really want to see this year and it's a dominate Oden. From all these reviews of him - I'm a happy Blazer fan. Roy's having difficulties, and as you said people would seem nervous, and I do. But I didn't expect them to win a few of their games last season - but they did. This team is amazing regardless of who they are competing against and what the game really means (as in, if it's against a team they don't like *cough* Boston *cough*, or if it's a really important game that is a "Must win")
This team is amazing, and it's only going to get better unless someone gets injured or we make a stupid trade. It's going to be hard waiting another 12 days for some real Blazer Basketball, and we'll serve a dish of revenge to those annoying Houston fans.
I'm not worried MB. I knew Roy and Miller in the back court would be an adjustment, since Roy always plays at his pace, and is used to having the ball in his hands. That's what pre season is for.
Great night in spite of a loss. I only wish my grandpa was still here to enjoy the Schonz with me again.
Bring on the jazz, Go Blazers !!!!
wow fanman, brandon roy coming off the bench? are you high?
jeremy:
Of course not. That is not the way it should be. What I am saying is that there needs to be a decision as to who is going to start (Miller or Brandon) as they don't gel right now, and Miller would be better placed with other players like Rudy, etc. where he will not be taking play making away from Brandon. A number of commenters are so eager for Miller to start; I was just giving them a reality check.
If you read my earlier comments, you would know that I want Brandon to start. Maybe for tactical reasons you could have Brandon on the "bench", for a short while, to make the opponent uneasy.
Nicholas Batum needs to be in the starting lineup to contain the top scorer. It is much easier to start with a lead rather than to try and catch up.
The second unit with Webster, Outlaw, Fernandez, Blake/Bayless, and Przybilla should be a transition offense rather than half court. It fits their style much better. Joel in this situation would have to make the adjustment.
I was at the game last night and there were wonderful moments to enjoy. The 3-pt shooting of the Suns was the difference. Of course, we will have to improve our perimeter defense.
Greg Oden is showing tremendous growth. If he keeps playing like this he will be considered a candidate for the All-Star team as there are limited quality centers in the Western Conference.
Maybe Brandon Roy should come off the bench and play with the second unit. He is definitely not playing like a starter or an All-Star for that matter. It is clear that he has forgotten how to shoot the ball. I guess it wasn't such a good thing to not pick up a basketball this last summer. But I guess when you're contemplating how to spend your multi-million dollar contract instead of earning it, this kind of thing happens.
Every year Broy learns something new,adds something to his game.I'm not sure why he isn't adjusting as well as I thought he would .Ok,We have to have GO in this lineup.It is very important in the NBA to have scoring from the 5 to be successful.Dre is obviously flourishing.Is his flourishing diminishing BRoys ability to operate.Well, that is the proverbial 64$ question now,isn't it.Granted,its preseason,but are we losing because of this dynamic or are we losing because we can't make free throws and are still turning the ball over a little more.In a 6 point game,possibly .But all I know is that its no suprise IMHO that DRE and GO are flourishing together.They are well suited to what each other does best.It is,however a suprise that BRoy is not being Broy. But he is great at adjusting and I think eventually he will.On another note I agree that Batum should start,I love having a stopper on the first team,and he has improven as a scorer ,too.Man that was like a novelette. sorry,guys.There I go lickety brindle across the net !
60% free throws.This is the NBA,boys. When I coached, we would have been shooting about 500 freethrows at the next practice.Nice to see Steve come alive.Sure hope this changes before the season.Free throws lose close games.
"Lickity brindle, up the middle, and he scores!"
"Right-to-left on your radio dial"
"He gets the ball in the coffin-corner"
Boy I miss those phrases. I was 6 years old when the first ball was tossed up for the Trailblazers in 1970. I remember when Schonley gave us all a scare with a heart attach. And now he sounds and delivers exceptionally well for a man of 80 years.
After this season's schedule came out, I, like many of you, checked it out looking for potential tough stretches, difficult back to backs, and for me, specifically, the first 20 games or so, trying to get a feel for how this season might pan out. And, like many of you, I saw BRoy's and LMA's continued growth, the return of Martell, the addition of 'Dre, and another year under GO's belt as being the basis of my optimism for this upcoming season. I looked at the schedule and thought the Blazers could easily jump out a 18-3 or 17-4 start. I obviously was caught up a little bit.
Don't get me wrong, I am no where near jumping off Willamette Falls, but I have to admit that this transition from what we were to what we are will take a bit longer than I thought. I don't doubt that Nate will use these last three pre-season games to try solidify his approach a bit and try to get Brandon going. He better, because with 8 of the first 14 games on the road, includung a 5 game East coast swing, the regular season start looks to be a tough one.
Now, I subscribe to the old adage, its not how you start, its how you finish. Keep that in mind, Blazermaniacs, cause the road is going to be a bit bumpy.
RIPCITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Every thing will work itself out........Even if ROY scored thirty we wont win if we turn the ball over, miss FT's and get out-rebounded and play bad defense.
These games DON'T count they are basically practice games. Nate's trying out new stuff all game long, Coach's will find the right players, to play at the right time. Players will get comfy playing together and all will be good. The rotation will be shortened, the key guys will get more run, and will get there rhythm and timing, as well as spacing worked out. Remember Brandon is a rhythm and feel player, he doesn't just come right in and start shooting jumpers, it is all natural timing with him.
Lets not forget ROY basically didn't touch a ball all summer, so for him to come right in and pick up right were he left off isn't going to happen........it takes time (even for nba superstars)
ROY will be in the flow soon enough and sure its easy to say he needs to be with Blake and Joel, but the truth is he just needs a little time to get back into the swing, and find his rhythm.
I LOVE the throwback jersey's BEST I've ever seen......
I don't remember the year but my Dad took me to my first blazer game in the old MC...around 20 years ago, blazers were playing SAC-town, some guy named Danny Ainge was playing for the KINGS, he lit us up, I think we still won I can't remember..........
GOOOOOOOOOOO-----RIP CITY
I really enjoyed the game. My lord, even the cheap seats in that place have a nice view compared with the Garden ( but the Garden is better overall). Schonely made the night for me, and I came home and listened to his broadcast and he did a great job. I only wish we could have won the game for him...then it would have had all the nostalgia from my younger years...a West Conference Rival, Memorial Coliseum, Schonz doing the game and a Blazer victory after a hard fought game...so hopefully when we put on those Rip City jerseys in the regular season for the first time we will win.
Honestly I thought we looked tired. Jason Richardson guarded Brandon pretty tough. Greg was our best player when he was on the floor. I won't say anything about free throw shooting but I sure hope it improves because out team is loaded with guys that can shoot the ball with good form, it just doesn't seem like them to miss like that.
We were off and the Suns were on. I am happy for Channing and Nash, Amare and Barbosa looked great. I think we are the better team though, we just got to find our rhythm.
We lost to Utah last night...well at least it's the preseason. At this point I will just continue to hope that our team gets comfortable and trusting and finds a rhythm. If we can all understand our roles, be positive and let our chemistry grow...we should be fine...it's only basketball.
From a fan's perspective, it was a fine show on Wednesday. Let's go Rip City. Go Blazers.
fathom
Hey MB:
JMHO - trade soon!
minnie vinnie:
I have read your countless request that Andre should be the pg for the starters. On the other hand you have read my request that Miller and BRoy should play on opposite units in order to get full use out of what each of them brings and that is operating better with the ball in their hands.
BRoy is the franchise player; he should have the rights to play his style of play which would make Andre give up part of his. That being said, I think Andre is the one that has to adjust. If he and BRoy are on the same unit, Andre is going to have to take a back seat to BRoy. BRoy is going to have to make it a point to finding Greg, if Greg is on the starting unit. He hit LMA on pick and pop so it wouldn't be much different with Greg on a pick and roll; Also if he goes with a pick and pop to LMA, LMA can dish to Greg if they dbl team him.
The biggest problem IMO is not Andre and BRoy not adjusting to each other but with the addition of Greg and Andre puts four players in the post area that plugs up the interior which plays into the opponents hands. That leaves only one outside shooter, Unless you want BRoy to stay on the perimeter for outside shooting which isn't his game. They can't take turns until Andre becomes a better perimeter player.
On another note, if we used Andre on fast breaks with BRoy on the wing with Martell or Batman on the other wing that would play great into Andre’s game. If the transition game breaks done into a half court play then give it to BRoy to drive and dish or finish.
Would that work?
hg
Speedster
That is a horrible notion. put a 60 million dollar player on the bench and play a ageing PG that is going to be here for two or three years. That just doesn't make sense to me, plus this is Preseason and the coach is using other players as #1 options to take a look at different scenarios
hg
KA-Oregon:
I think Andre's game fits the fast tempo better then Steve's game.
It sounded to me like it was the turn-overs, poor Perimeter D and none of our outside 3 pointers falling. Plus, IMO only we quit going to Greg in the second half.
hg
Lev:
I do agree with your assessment of adding Andre and Greg making us much better. I disagree with your reasoning of the play-offs lost last year. Although our outside shooters went on Vacation, our game was OK. It was for the lack of experience and the kids being scared to death that was the culprit, not the BRoy's centered Offense. The added options will be great. If we can't start hitting outside shots with more consistency then Greg and Andre will just plug up the middle more.
hg
hg............Broy is not a post feeder, he is a scorer first.Not that he can't dish the ball out now and then.Its Broys team.But ,Dre is tearin it up and he gets about 5 rebs a game as well.You know how Nate says the players decide who starts.Right now with the exception of last game,Dre is playing better this preseason.I don't discount your argument, I just think that it's gonna be hard to keep him out of the lineup the way he is playing.
Vinnie:
I am not implying that Andre is not playing well. I am saying he is eliminating BRoy's game. Do you want Andre to succeed at BRoy's expense? What does that prove?
BRoy has proven time and time again that he is important to this team. Why do you insist in alienating him from scoring to give Andre the leading role? I don’t care who the best is and I don’t care who starts. I care about the team’s improvement not individual success. I don’t care if Andre becomes the starter and BRoy coming off the bench if it is all so mighty important who is the starter. I just think it would help the team if we had BRoy and Andre on different units until they have more chemistry. I do not believe you can get that kind of chemistry in the short time of pre-season. Andre can be just as effective on the opposite unit as he is with BRoy: Maybe even more effective because he has the complimentary players of Rudy, Webster or Batman and Travis Which contrary to most beliefs he can score. He can also make Joel more of a scorer. If we are changing 3/5 of our starting unit, I believe it will mess it up for to long.
I am not a coach and what ever is decided is OK with me, but last year we had BRoy tearing it up and we did great. This year we eliminate BRoy and Insert Andre and I am sure we will do as good but I don’t think we will do better. I read your statement that BRoy needs to start balling. Have you considered the fact that Andre has taken his game away from him and now he is the role player?
hg
Vinnie:
It sounds like Nate shares at least some of my sentiments. Andre has changed the chemistry of the first unit. Not only Roy but putting Steve on the second unit has changed his game because it forces Steve to be a play maker and Steve plays better off BRoy. http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2009/10/looking_for_defense_and_cohesi.html. This is what I have been preaching all year. You put all the big dogs on the first unit and they have too much Redundancy in the first unit and no big dogs in the second.
hg
hg............easy now big fellah,if you had read my earlier post,I have already said that Dre's flourishing might be hurting Broys ability to flourish.Just because I like Dre,that doesn't imply that I don't want our star player to be forgotten.Believe me,I think Broy is Da' man on this team. I read your link, theres validity about the defensive part.But aside from defense, Sarge seems to be sending a mixed message.I also agree with what Sarge said about Why Blake isn't playing well.He plays off Broy.Aside from Dre,If GO does not start against Houston ,I will be ultra PO'd.He has completely earned it.As has Dre,but maybe he and Broys inability to flourish together might be a problem.I pity Da' fool who has to make those decisions!
I am glad that Jordan played for the Wizards at one point in his career. You know why? Cause he was one.
Peace
fathom
Heres a blurb from the columbian regarding earlier discussions. http://columbian.com/article/20091017/BLOGS05/910179990/-1/BLAZERBANTER
Shonz was terrific, but I think Rice did a really nice job with the color commentary also. You wouldn't think that the same guy that can kill 5 minutes saying nothing as "Merlin" could make cogent and concise comments in the 5 seconds he had between bursts of Schonz's play-by-play call. But he sure did.
I'm not quite sure what it all means, other than to say that it's now pretty clear he could do so much more being serious on Courtside than de does playing the buffoon. He is a guy that definitely needs structure.
The Blazers lost and it doesn't matter. What does matter is that Brandon does NOT seem to be able to play with the Miller-Oden pairing. He's in a huge slump and it's really about time for us to stop pretending that the emperor is dressed in sartorial splendor and to point out that his hiney is showing.
I echo your sentiments that people are all too quick to assume the Blazers' starting lineup needs to be remade in 2009/10. Keep the starters who they were, play other teams even, and then bring in Miller and Oden and Marty and murder the bench units of other teams... That makes good sense to me and it's good to know that Nate is at least contemplating this scenario.
Great comments Mike.
I was taken back by the night myself. I was sitting next to Dottie so I got to hear her stories about Bill and how he felt about the night. Just a great night to relive some wonderful memories. I just wish I would have brought a radio!
I'm with you on the line-up, Mike. I think down the line(early Winter), Greg will start, but to get the season going, I think it would be unfair to take the thrill of feasting on a weaker Houston team away from the starters that fought tooth and nail in that nightmare of a match up. Generally, I think this debate has been kinda silly.
First off, this is the preseason and the team knows this. What we are seeing is the coaching staff experimenting different combos, and we should be excited to see that, not angry that it doesn't look and feel like what we've been dreaming of all Summer. Of course we want to win, but these games are about checking the pulse of the players and figuring out who makes who better.
Which brings me to the Miller question. Should he start? I don't think so. Should he play with Roy? Of course! A lot of the comments I have been reading take the tone that it's black and white, and if you're with the white unit, you only play with the white unit. That's just ridiculous.
There is always overlap. Roy is the last starter off the court, so it's inevitable that he will be spending a lot of time with the 2nd unit, and doubtlessly, some of that time will be with Miller. Still, I believe that Blake should start. It's that outside shooting of his that creates the spacing that Roy likes - and what Roy likes, he gets.
Another starter that deserves to keep his spot is Nico. Earlier, I had thought that he would do better in the second unit, but Martell is not 100% yet, mentally. He has a lot of pent up energy and is sounding(sure wish I could've written "looking") a little spastic. I like that he's coming in and trying to be dynamic right out of the box, he just needs some time to get comfortable. Right now, we need some solidity and if Nico Batum is anything, he's solid.
Finally, I would like to send out congratulations to Patty Mills for getting signed. I haven't been wowed by either Udoka or Collins. I know this city is pretty fond of Ime, but I haven't heard(seen!) anything that knocked my socks off, not to mention the logjam at SF. We have the same logjam at the 1, but the talent there is a bit more temporary(old). Miller and Blake are both excellent point guards, but to put it bluntly, Miller is a mercenary brought in to whip this team into shape, and Blake is solid but not spectacular. Bayless has plenty of potential but lacks experience. Mills is an Olympian and popular consensus is that he gave Kidd fits. I wish he had been healthy for Summer League, but maybe the door is still open...
the schonz was and still is the greatest game caller ever. period. when i was a boy i would turn down the tv and turn on the schonz. if we were down, i felt that the schonz's optimism would help us turn it around. i thought he had some kind of control of the game and i loved his insight. i loved hearing mike rice add color but sometimes it would bug me because i would miss some action. i'm so glad he's on tv with u. u guys are such homers! i love it. and u have that same optomism which makes the games bearable when we're down. u normally see the silver lining when things get rough and that is what makes u so good. i love it when rice gets all worked up and tells the ref when he's missed something.
anyway, thanks for the blogs as usual and keep up the good work!
-go blazers
Even though this is realatively unrelated,IMO I found it funny.I was checking my twitter site and Travis Outlaw last tweet said"The best invention EVER is the snuggie".Just imagining a6'9"NBA player in his snuggie is hilarious.Thenx for sharing ,Travis!
Great article on Bill Walton on B EDGE www.blazersedge.com/2009/10/17/1088734/making-peace-with-bill-walton#comments
Vinnie:
This is what I was referring to.
But all I know is that its no surprise IMHO that DRE and GO are flourishing together. They are well suited to what each other does best. It is, however a surprise that BRoy is not being Broy. But he is great at adjusting and I think eventually he will. To me that is saying that you feel that BRoy has to adjust his game to Andre not Andre adjusting his game to BRoy. That is why I said, why should BRoy change his game? Or Andre is flourishing at the expense of BRoy.
hg
Both points are valid.But, whether or not Dre starts ,BRoy as well as everyone one on the team will have to adjust to playing with someone who is aggressive as BROY.I'm not saying that players should change their game for Dre. There will be times when BRoy and Dre will be on the court together and they need to BOTH learn each others tendencies.Your perception of my statement would be mistaken. But thanx for clarifying.
C- Greg Oden
F- Lamarcus Aldridge
F- Nicolas Batum
G- Brandon Roy
G- Steve Blake
Bench
G- Andre Miller
F- Rudy Fernandez
F- Travis Outlaw
G- Martell Webster
C- Joel Pryzbilla
G- Jerryd Bayless
F- Juwon Howard
F- Ime Udoka
Reserves
Dante Cunningham
Jeff Pendergraph
Jarron Collins
Patrick Mills
I know it doesn't have much to do w/ this barret blog but the list above is a problem.... :/
Lol i love our team but howww are we going to share good minutes around each player?? lol Bayless wants good minutes, Howard wants to play and Udoka was a key bench reserve in San Antonio and look where their at?? Worse yet, look at the IR players below them..
Post a Comment
<< Home