Triple Threat
posted: 10/25/2009 at 10:01 PM
For all that we've talked about, and there's been plenty during the off season, it pretty much boils down to this- Portland's version of the "big three" is healthy, happy, and motivated. The table is set, and the cupboard is full. Even though it takes more than just the combination of three players to reach the truly-elite level in the NBA, the Trail Blazers are the envy of many teams in this league.
Tuesday night the Blazers will open the 2009-10 season with Brandon Roy, 25, LaMarcus Aldridge, 24, and Greg Oden, 21, as their equilateral triangle. Equal in their dedication to this team, to this city, just about equal in their youth, and certainly equal in their superstar potential (although you could argue that Roy is already there). If this franchise is going to win a second NBA title in the next five to seven years, it's going to be because of this trio. Dress up the crew around them, and vital it will be, but there is the core, and then there is everything else.
It's difficult to sit and judge eras of Blazer basketball, even though we all do it all the time. But, when talking about a combination of three (and it's difficult to keep it at that in all cases), this one is going to be tough to beat when it's all said and done. Where do you place these three in terms of ranking a cornerstone in this age of Blazer basketball?
I do agree that it's probably not fair to even begin to judge this threesome yet, and some of us have taken the cautious approach to not heap expectations too high. But, when you consider the fact that this group, still in its infancy, won 54 games last season, it's difficult not to get caught up in what could be.
So, was last season truly "Chapter One," or does that start now? It probably doesn't really matter, and the adjustments around these guys will continue for years. I guess what I'm saying is, when will the clock start ticking? Does that depend on your own individual expectations? Or, is that even up to us to decide? It's certainly not up to those three players to decide- not that it matters to them at this point.
Roy has clearly put himself in an elite group of NBA players in his first three seasons. It's also pretty evident that we haven't seen anything close to his best basketball yet. Nationally, however, the perception is often that Aldridge and Oden have as good or greater potential to be historical figures in this game- especially Oden.
As usual, it's all about the things we can't control- namely, injuries. A little over a week ago Bill Walton was in town mending broken ties and speaking of great regret. He admitted that some of it was his doing, but most of it was just bad luck. It's scary to think about how many titles that young group could have won if the injury bug didn't bite so incredibly hard. So, even though they did bring us that one magical title, there's so much more that wasn't realized. That group was both an amazing story, and a cautionary tale about the fragility of all of this.
The one lesson Walton kept trying to preach was to enjoy all of this while we've got it, because you never know when it's going to be taken away. As much as we all want to squeeze this to death and control every possible scenario, a good bit of all of this is simply luck.
Anticipation is such an amazing thing. It's often times better than the memory, and better than the actual act. Right now, as far as this season goes, we're right at a fork in the road at least as far as getting some answers to these early questions. I, for one, can't sit still. We're not only about to start another season, but another era.
Comparisons have been drawn between the start of this season, and the start of the 1999-2000 season. I remember being at the practice facility at the end of training camp and looking at Pippen, Smith, Wallace, Sabonis, Stoudamire, Grant, O'Neal, Schrempf, and all the others. I had just joined the franchise and was thinking to myself what it would be like to get a ring in my first year with the team. It seemed so close. Turns out, it was.
As special as that time was, this is different. That team was, for the most part, purchased. This one has been grown. This core was drafted, and tuned, by us. That other team was also a very veteran team. They had been through many wars, and its leader already had rings. This team has been described as being almost too fresh faced to know what it has in front of it.
So many of the topics that have dominated our thoughts as of late are going to fade very soon. The opening-night starting lineup issue has been played over and over again. Not to say it hasn't been worthy of discussion, but is it really that crucial? We're about to play game one of 82. There will be adjustments along the way, and the depth of this team will be put to the test. As I've mentioned many times, there will be growing pains, especially out of the gate. There will be a time to judge a body of work, but it won't be for a while.
It's been talked to death, but chemistry is so vital. Coaches always say the most difficult thing to achieve is chemistry, and maintaining it is probably as challenging. If for no other reason that's why I'm absolutely in favor of the starting lineup we saw in the final preseason game. If you read often, you know I've been preaching about this lineup since August. In the early going at least, stick with what has worked and what is most comfortable. Most importantly, stick with what is most comfortable for your heavy hitters.
Even though many ingredients will be needed for ultimate success, this team knows what it is. What's good for Roy, Aldridge, and Oden, is good for the Blazers.
----------------
Nate McMillan joined us on Trail Blazers Courtside last night. To listen to that interview, including his reaction to losing Nicolas Batum,
click here.
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Mike, thank you for your thoughts about this season. We are all hoping that it will be like magic.
Tom L: Be sure to read my last post which is located in Mike's previous post section( A Very Positive End).
hg, fivehundreddogs, and phi slamma, you will want to read it as well.
MB, let me first start off by pointing out that the last time I posted I was calling for Jerryd to be traded. Obviously according to the pre season I was to hasty and readily admit that I was wrong. He has shown that if Brandon,Blakie, Rudy or Andre get hurt that we will have a solid team anyway.
The Allfather is the key to this whole thing and has shown the potential to absolutely dominate a game. As much as I love Brandon and Aldridge, it is only the Allfather that can completely control both ends of the floor everynight.
The big three? Where do I rank them? At the top. I have said on this page before that I expect the Blazers to become the class of ALL sports. We will win multiple rings and have done it the right way with good guys. Much like the Patriots in football we have a professional approach and do not beat ourselves. Hedo was a fool. They will all want to come here soon enough we will just have to see if they cut muster and if there is room.
Mike, I'm happy with this trio, and I agree that this team will have to work for them and with them.
There is only one thing that is making me a bit worried. 54 wins last season was amazing, but it's hard to beat. Will it be a let down if the Blazers don't repeat, or do repeat but get 54 wins instead of 55+? I think a lot of people are making high expectations and are too confident with that expectation.
Will this team make it past the first round? Who knows, we could go up against Dallas, who swept us last season.
Let us not forget that other teams are improving while others are diminishing. Look at the Clippers, they are SCARY. They've got veterans and good players, as well as a strong - fearless number 1 draft pick. Who knows how much of a threat they could be.
It's going to be one hell of a season regardless, and I can't wait. Tomorrow will be one long day... until around 7pm.
Good to hear from you Mike. You sure are stirring up some emotions with this post! That 2000 team . . . you're right though, this is the beginning of a new era in the Rose City. As you said, there will be adjustments around these 3 over the years, but I think they shouldn't think about it too much, again as you said they probably aren't anyways.
Being young, I think and hope that they will just forge ahead and keep fighting, because they will have that hunger (no rings), so each year they will become more hungry and hopefully, within those 5 years, we can reach the top. I am really excited for this first game; though I'm overseas, I anticipate waking up around 6:30 the day after (or rather, night of)the game and catching highlights or at least the recaps (sometimes its too early after the game for video to be posted on NBA.com or ESPN) before I head out to class.
Well, looking forward to your post after the game.
Peace from Prague! Let's take care of the Rockets!
Mike,
I'm right there with you on entering the season with the final preseason squad.
I'm curious as to how much impact Batum's absence will have though. Personally, I feel as though you can't say enough about him. I was really looking forward to seeing more from him this year.
How much does this affect what the team will do? I was really high on Webster last summer before he got hurt. The dynamic shifts obviously, but can Webster fill the hole?
Mike, completely unrelated, but I NEED to get the games on TV here in Ohio. I just moved from P-town and league pass isn't showing many of the games through the service provider here. Internet not an option. It would be completely unforgivable to miss this new era in Rip City's rising dynasty. Any Help?
MB: What your question means to me is, "Will this team capture the magic of blazer teams past"? Whenever you live in the moment you may find yourself caught up in what can be called magical. Oftentimes, these moments are not recognized as such at the time they are happening. Only after reflecting back does the reality set in on how special that time and place were. Thus the saying, "You don't really know what you have until it's gone." There are teams that try to put together a group of players randomly in the hopes of creating this 'magic'. But more often than not,it just happens on its own, and you just know, without saying a word. I don't feel this team will pull out its disappearing act, but instead will provide us with something meaningful that we will cherish for years to come.
Thanx Mike. I personally remember the championship like it was yesterday.It makes me see the same thing in this team.What we had last year was a little over achieving but it still comes with that expectation to do better.That is where all the fan angst comes from.That is why we are flat wearing topics out this summer and preseason.We have so much riding on this as a team , as fans. I have been following this team 35 years and this is as exciting as it is scary. I feel like a kid on the night before Christmas.I asked Santa for a win.
So........Luck,Injuries.That would definitely relate to thePritchard roport that Nic is getting shoulder surgery .3to 5 months out according to Nic.Big blow to us early.something about a test.Mike, you couldn't be more right
Batum is out for 3-5 months, on account of that dang shoulder that should have been fixed forever ago. I guess it's probably tough to judge exactly when something like this is going to happen, but I would like to have been in the room when they examined him over the Summer. I'm sure he said it was fine, because he really wanted to get France a title and what can you do as a doctor if your patient tells you everything is okay. Luckily, Batum is young and will bounce back sooner than later. In the meantime, I guess the starting small forward spot is open again.
I think the player that will benefit the most from this injury is Dante Cunningham. I think Webster will probably take the starting spot, but the backup is up in the air. The obvious choice is Outlaw, but I think Nate will experiment with who has the best chemistry and work from there; that seems to have been his approach to the lineups so far. Even if Outlaw ends up with those backup SF minutes, that leaves a little more wiggle room at the backup PF, even though Howard seems to have sealed that up pretty well. Either way you slice it, if there is an opportunity at either of those positions, you can bet that Dante is going to try his best to capitalize. Another possibility is Rudy filling some of those minutes, but he's going to have to take it easy himself. I'd hate for those back spasms to grow into a larger problem.
Really though, Eurobasket seems to have boned the Blazers. We have two players that happen to be some of the best in their respective countries. Unsurprisingly, they both played big minutes and now we get to treat their wounds and are looking down the barrel of what could be a shaky start to the season. Our best defender and our best bench scoring option are both question marks, and I'm not talking about The Mysterians, but we very well might be crying 96 Tears by the time this all shakes out.
I think if we are going to let these guys play overseas--and I think we should--there should be an agreement over how many minutes they play, because it is simply not fair to us or them that they should play in a very competitive tournament, come home to a very competitive training camp, play their butts off in the preseason, then try to go 82 games in the most competitive league in the world. Who could possibly go through that? I'm not a gambling man, but I bet we'll see Tony Parker and Pau Gasol sporting suits at plenty of games this season, while Andre Iron Man Miller hold his record of consecutive games played after spending a Summer watching grass grow.
Oh well, I just hope Nico is fit in short order, because come playoff time we will need him to guard the Kobes of the conference, and hopefully, Kobe himself.
Mike: I could say amen and that would be enough, but you know me.
I have been working all day and just found out through your posters that Batuum is out with surgery. Now who was it that said we had to deep of a team and not enough minutes last week at court side? Would Mike Rice deny that accusation? Actually Batuum is one of my favorites as you know, but with our depth we will be OK. It is best the Outlaw attackers calm down a bit though.
You also know I agree with the starting 5 we had at the end of pre-season. Remember though Batman only played short minutes. So with the big 3 in good health and spirit we should fly great.
The beginning of this era to me started three years ago. Only injury can stop us now. We have the players the magic and the will, just give us health.
fanman: I read your last blog I do hope TomL read it.
hg
Can i just say one thing? Comcast is the stupidest thing ever!!! You cant even buy nba league pass because they will block out the game. Its pretty stupid that the fans, who make the portland trail blazers special, cant watch their team cause comcast wont let them. Something needs to be done, its honestly unfair, and whats worse, we fans have no say in it.
I can't even believe it, I might have to work on openeing night. I'll miss the whole game if I get called in. When is the replay? I have no DVR.
Bummer news about Batum. I actually was hoping Webster would start eventually, but hate to see this happen. We are going to really miss Batum's D. I hope both Webster and Outlaw can step up their D to make up for the loss.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2009/10/brandon_roy_the_portland_trail.html
Shame about Batum, but I like the new entry to the site. I can't wait. 20 hours until the Rockets get blown out of the sky.
Houston, you have a problem - WE'VE GOT BLAZERMANIA!!!
I have nothing to say about the game tomorrow. It's time to play, and talk about it after.
I hope the rest of the guys can step it up on D until Batum comes back.
On a more random note, Eclecticspider: Do you have any other nicknames for Oden? Maybe a new one for the new season? "The Allfather" seems like it may confuse newcomers, who won't know who you are referring to, since you are the only one who uses the nickname. You've explained the logic behind the name in the past, but it seems a little too esoteric to take hold. Obviously you are creative. I don't think I've heard any great nicknames for Oden yet from anyone. Can you come up with a stronger one that others might embrace? I believe the guys on the team call him "Old-man", and the term "Gregzilla" or the "Twin Towers" when referring to Greg and Joel seems to get use among fans, but those are the only ones that have had any traction. Oh yeah, and G.O.
all most time!!sucks about batum i was hoping for some big things from him this year.
Atruefan: I wonder if it's the same thing w/ the people who don't have comcast.. ex. I have NBATV and some of the games this season will be on there but last year almost all the blazer games on NBATV i tried to catch got cut right when they announced the start of the game.. i got mad everytime lol. But o well with that.. i just got word Batum is out.. dang.. well we got a deeeep bench so i don't think it'll hurt us like when Webster was out last year. Can't wait til the game tho!!
Whoa, and here we go, 1st of 82 games...
So bad that I don't have ESPN at my house anymore, but I'm sure going to follow every lil bit of information about our games.
This will be my first season as a Blazer-Fan (the last one I began to like Blazers at middle), and just so quickly I started to like our "big three" even more than my other liked teams.
And those teams are my old passion Jazz, and my contending Celtics.
Now, I've got my passionate contender Trail Blazers, and can't wait to see what's going to happen this season.
GO BLAZERS!
Cheers from São Paulo, Brazil
Stephen:
Greg said he preferred to be called Greg. I prefer to believe he is big enough to back that up.
I heard some of the teammates calls him the gentle giant, although that goes back to Merle Olsen of the Rams days, it probably fits.
I am like you, it is time to show the hype in the trenches. that is where it is.
hg
Mezzo:
Welcome aboard and prepare yourself for an exciting season with crazy, fun loving fans
hg
One thing struck my mind this morning Mike. You have these three incredible players - one is already an All-Star, and people are claiming LMA will be one this year.
Will Greg Oden? Without Yao Ming playing, the fans (sadly) will probably pick Pau Gasol as the new starting All-Star for the All-Star game. Do you or anyone else that reads this believe that Greg Oden could be in the All-Star game this year? With the way he's been playing in the Pre-Season, it could be a good year for Greg and have All-Star status near his name.
Herr:
Greg has showed his All Star capabilities on the floor in the regular season yet. In my book with his performance he should be there. Remember, All Stars are voted in by the fan's and LA is awfully big.
hg
Would rather stay home and listen to 24 hr coverage on 95.5,however,gots to pay da bills.Glad I'm busy today, to keep my mind off the game. Trav-nice link to the BRoy story.We are so lucky to have a player as our leader who is not only talented but knows what it takes .I'm glad he has embraced the leadership role.A young team needs a leader they can respect.And he is all about that. Lets kick Houstons ass tonight. DomiNATE...........BLAZERSROCK
BRoyFTW, HG,
I am taking night classes on Tuesdays. The first thing I did when this season's schedule came out was look to see how many games I would be missing. Much to my chagrine, I came to realize that the opening night matchup would be on a Tuesday. I immediately started to become ill. I was able to fend off my ailment for the past two months, but after waking up this morning, I'm sure I have contracted some kind of metamorphosized strain of the bird/pig flu. Fortunately, I am sure it will be the 24 hour type. However, being the socially responsible Blazermaniac that I am, I have no other choice but to stay home tonight, drink plenty of liquids, and periodically sterilize my hands with hand sanitizer. I'm pretty sure I can use Vodka for that.
Now, I am not suggesting that either of you fine gentlemen do anything unscrupulous to get out of your Tuesday night commitments. I'm just not like that. All I'm saying is that if something unexpectedly were to come up, like if fivehundreddogs were to eat HG's bowling shoes, then your bowling team, and the rest of society, would understand. You gotta do what you gotta do. It's game day, baby!
RIPCITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stephen,
I know I am about the only one who calls Oden the Allfather but that is ok with me. Actually there are a couple of people down at the Owls Nest (The Hooters Bar) that it has caught on with. I've got Sandman for Roy, Hollywood for Martell, and go with the others on most of the nicknames.
I did just watch a UFO show last night and some of the Aliens remind me of one of our PG. I do worry that Miller might miss a game because he got boinked in the ear by a monkey, however any nicknames that would come of these observations would probably not be appreciated. I did once refer to Travis as the Crystal Skull, but of course that didn't catch either.
Before Oden was drafted I used to tell everyone that he looked like Lebron James' dad and found out that Boobie Gibson had been saying the same thing. The way he knocked LJ out of his way it is possible that he is his Daddy.
I think the problem here is no one thinks I am as funny and witty as I do, which is an obvious shortcoming on all of your parts. Be that as it may, I still like all of you but unless you agree with me on all things it is obvious that you lack the same kind of knowledge and creativity required to be a true Blazer fan.
Yes I am going to keep The Allfather and annoy the rest of you to no end, and then read all your blogs and wonder why you are not using the nickname correctly or not at all.
This is what it come to when you are literally counting down the seconds until the official dynasty begins.
Here we go again.
RIP CITY!
eclecticspider,
I enjoy the posts. It's okay if you're the only one who gets your humor. Happens to me on the air all the time. That's why we get those long, awkward silent periods. I keep waiting for Rice to laugh, and then realize that he didn't hear a word I said anyway.
MB
baddawg:
That is pretty cool thinking.
I have been having all kinds of bad pain all day. I could tell my president that he can do all the secretary work because a baddawg, named fivehundreddogs ate my bowling shoes LOL that is great.
The lanes where I bowl has got KGW and I have my TV set for recording and I have a pocket radio to listen when the noise at the lanes get to loud. The thing I am most worried about is my team is tied for first place and we are bowling the team we are tied with. My wife is on my team and knows my scrupulous ways. If by any chance that I bowl badly, you know what it would be blamed on. POOR ME
hg
eclecticspider;
When I get to writing I can't even get G.O. out correctly, but I will try with Allfather. If I can remember it.
hg
Anybody who wishes to blame me for missing work, just go right ahead. My good name has been tarnished time and time again for much less.
As far as a new nickname for Oden, how about Old Greg!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYY9e4WD_Lc
Mike,
First I would just like to say that you are one of the coolest people I've ever met. My friend and I sat next to you at the first pre-season opener a few weeks ago. My apologies as obviously she knew nothing about the Blazers or basketball. She had never experienced "Rip City". I was just excited to be there and see first hand what this Blazer team is going to be like this year and hopefully years to come. My husband, without me I might add, will be at the game opener tonight. Regardless, I am looking forward to seeing you and Mike Rice on the TV again. Here's to a new season! Keep up the great work on your Blog! Cheers!
TamiM
I cant believe you guys think that D is gonna be a problem without batum is he good defensivly yes, but he only played about 20 minutes a game last season and defense is a team effort not one person maybe portland or the nba for that matter will figure that out the only ones who have are the celtics. And small foward is out deepest postion if we lose it wont be because we have no batum because houston doesn't really have a threat from the outside just keep brooks out of the key and actually get a hand in scola's face and we will be fine
calling greg the allfather is cool. the longer that one sticks around, the more meaning i think it will have. i don't know greg personally, but he seems like the type of fella who is father to many in different ways. his work with mentoring and a few other things that i've read about him lead me to this conclusion. my parallel belief goes along with what e. spider said, he might end up being the father of many an nba great before it is all over. if allfather doesn't work for you, i'd recommend one that i tried to coin early on last year, gregraham lincoln. when he gets the beard going, it couldn't be more obvious. realistically, my memory has me thinking that greg said that he liked G.O. so that is what i go with usually.
the rockets appear to be starting chuck hayes from what i read. that is truly astonishing. they must be planning on playing zone and giving chucky a step ladder and 45seconds of p.t. to rack up his 3 first half fouls.
and, can we get the p.a. to play "dude looks like a lady" when scola gets his touches.
OUTLAWFAN25.IMHO .I think you underestimate Nics value to this team as a defender.No one on this team can defend on the ball like Nic,Not to mention he plays Kobe really well.Thats invaluable.I would say that Our team D will help some,but it wont be a cure-all not having Nic.......................Is it 7 ,yet?AAargggghhhhh.2 hrs till game and going nutty(Nuttier).DomiNATE
Electicspider and MB - I've notice you both use jokes before on this blog and on air. Even though we don't post our laughter, or you can see us laughing, trust me, it is there. There's been some good times MB where you've used jokes during pressure moments and it worked out perfectly making it even more hilarious.
Hg, the all star *STARTERS* are picked from the fans. The rest of the crew I believe is not.
Herr:
I think you are right. But the whole All-Star week end is getting to be a popularity thing.
hg
TomL:
I strongly disagree with your opinion on Steve. He does ok in my opinion. I don’t understand why everybody says he is bad when he is just following instructions.
If you are going to have a battle of wit with Phi Slamma, you had better load up with lots of ammo. He has a double edged tongue that is sharp as a razor and can slice you dice you in one motion and spit you out before breakfast.
If you were to have a battle of wit with DowntownVinnie you would be fighting a defenseless man. Gotcha Vinnie {:>).
hg
What is up with Juwan Howard. I see him in adds but saw no evidence of him on the bench nor heard no mention of him late in the game when Zilla fouled out and greg was on the bench w 5?
That was a great game tonight. I was proud of Oden's Second half. Sometimes I feel like he is on the verge of becoming a 10 and 10 guy on a consistent basis.
I don't really like what McMillian has done by starting Blake and Miller. I would really like to see the starting lineup of Blake, Fernandez, Roy, Aldridge, and Oden. I know rudy is a good roll player off the bench, but if you try him starting it might stretch the floor more and get Portland out to an early lead. Just an opinion.
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