Mr. Blazer or Mr. Paycheck?

It was not all that long ago that we posted about our Coach and what we in Rip City thought about him.  The consensus was that Nate is doing a heck of a job, but it LMA or Roy wanted him out he would see the door. 

Last week we were hit with the news that Nate declined the opportunity to negotiate a new contract and instead wanted to “earn” it.  Since this is a slow time (between the Draft and before summer league) sports radio and the blogs lit up with the little nugget nestled in the Oregonian.

So what does this all mean?  First, it is important to note that we here at the OG support Nate and feel he is one hell of a coach.  Look at our team last year.  No one outside of Portland expected much of us after Oden went down.  And in all honestly, not many in Portland expected a .500 season.  A lot of that has to do with our team, but lets not forget that Nate lays the foundation.  So we are on record as supporting our coach.

So….why the big deal that Nate said he wants to earn his contract?  He never said he wants out, he simply said he signed a 5 year deal and he will honor that deal….good enough right?  RIGHT??  Well not really…at least for some.

Let’s not forget that Nate left Seattle on his own and was rewarded with an excellent contract.  He has shown he is not afraid to leave a comfortable place and go for the money.  If Mr. Sonic could leave the Sonics like that he could surely leave the Blazers just as easily.

Portland’s new sports radio station 95.5 The Game (which by the way provides amazing Blazer-related content ever day…thank god) was buzzing.  Every explanation was discussed, every opinion was given, and Nate himself even went on Wheels After Work to explain his words. 

Here is a quick rundown of what Portlanders think about Nate’s situation:

1.  He is holding out for lots of money

2.  He is being honorable and serving his contract and will deal with it later.

3.  He is going to bolt for another team in 2 years.

4.  He is not the coach for this team

5.  ETC, ETC, ETC

So, let’s cut through all of this and look at it from the one standpoint that has not been discussed.

First, Nate makes $5 million a year.  A top tier salary for a coach in the league.  Phil Jackson makes $10 million a year, top of all coaches.  If the Blazers wanted to extend Nate right now you would see him get a jump in salary.  Probably $2 million a year or more.  Just to be conservative and for sake of argument we will say he would get a $1 million jump per year.  So an extended contract at the minimum of $6 million a year keep him at the top of the league, and very happy.  Its hard to turn down $6 million a year.  So, we all know Nate turned down some serious cash.  Let alone the fact that the team wants to keep him…job security and money is hard to pass up.  So why do it?

Well, that is easy.  Nate wants more money.  Just like any player, or person in a job if they see the ability to make more they will go after it.  So why does this concern people?  IT SHOULD NOT.  Let’s look at this from a different angle.  If Nate were to jump at the chance to resign he would be saying a lot of things.  The loudest is the fact that he is going after job security.  If Nate were to sign a 3 year extension at $6 million a year he is guaranteed $18 million at the minimum.  No matter how good or bad the team is he gets his cash.  So passing up speaks volumes about what Nate thinks about this team.

What Nate is telling everyone is this team is DAMN GOOD.  Who better knows the team then to coach?  If Nate were to jump at the chance for job security he is telling everyone that he is unsure about the success of the team and wants to secure himself because this team may not live up to expectations.  What he is saying about not re-singing is that this team will succeed and he is in line to cash in.  No person in his position would turn down guaranteed money if the team was bad.  And no person would sign for millions less when they knew the team would blow up like expected putting them in line to get a bigger payday.  By riding out his contract he gives up security, but he also gains leverage when we start our march to a championship. 

So while the rest of Rip City freaks over this news, read between the lines, understand that what Nate said by not re-singing is music to our ears.  When our team goes above and beyond what even we expect and Nate is getting Zen like money remember this post.  Thank you Nate for showing us you believe in our team, and letting us peek behind the curtain to our assured success.

So long James..we hope we’re not making a mistake

The Oreonglive blog reports this morning that James Jones is ready to sign a deal with his home town team the Miami Heat for a guaranteed 8 million for two years, and an option for more cash after those two years (providing that the 3-point assassin delivers).  James opted out of his last year with the blazers for 3.2 million and it sounds like Miami will be getting our James Jones Mojo for just a 800k more. We understand that there are more factors that could create a salary cap block for our coveted future all star point guard,  __________(insert name here), but for what James is asking are we making a mistake by letting him go?

We know that last year, our beloved Ime Udoka was taken by the San Antonio Spurs, and we were happy for the townie that got his money and also a chance to compete for the championship. However, Ime, was more of a town hero and not someone who the Blazers relied on at the 3 point range. He did well shooting, but was never rated as the #1 3-pointer in the league. Listen up Blazer fans, we are about to let James “44% from the 3″ Jones walk away. We don’t want to keep saving our money for a player that we don’t even know would look our direction (i.e. D Will). Grandma always said, a bird in hand is better than 2 in the bush. Our team looks solid right now counting James Jones in our roster spot. There is a great chemistry building in the Rose Garden and one big reason for that is James Jones. Why give that up?

We sound like we’re doubting K.P., and yes there is that doubt. But we still think a GM batting .700 is pretty amazing (count the miss on Sergio being a good point guard). As Blazers fans we need to voice our opinion even though we trust our GM. Today is the day for free agents to sign new contracts. Knowing K.P. he might have a trick or two in his sleeve and the blog might be talking prematurely. We just know that as fans keeping James Jones would be a great start to this years free agency.

BlazersOG Exclusive Interview With Russell Westbrook

After helping the UCLA Bruins advance to back-to-back Final Four appearances, Russell Westbrook joined teammates Kevin Love and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute in declaring early for the 2008 NBA Draft. After deciding to be physical-only participant at the Orlando Pre-Draft Camp, it’s apparent that Westbrook sees himself as a guaranteed top 15 selection. I had a chance to catch up with Westbrook just after he went through his workout at the camp. 

Woody Wommack: You were a late arrival at the camp, electing to come with the physical-only group, what do you think of the atmosphere in Orlando? 

Russell Westbrook: It’s good, I’m excited to be here.

WW: Did you know what to expect coming in because you’ve talked to former teammates who have been through the camp?

RW: A little bit, I’ve been practicing and working out so I kind of expecting what I was going to do. 

WW: How do you think you did in the non-basketball physical testing?

RW: I did alright, but we’ll see what happens.

WW: Do you think some of the activities are overrated, i.e. bench press?

RW: I mean it depends on how teams take it. I just needed to go in there and do my best I could and see from there. 

WW: In early draft projections you’re sort of all over the board, what would think if you fell to pick  No. 13 and the Portland Trailblazers?

RW: That’s alright with me, I’ve worked this hard wherever I go, whatever team takes me I’m just going to go in there and give it my best.

WW: Do you see yourself as a point guard in the NBA?

RW: Yep.

WW: What about the people that say you’re a “combo guard?” 

RW: It doesn’t matter, wherever the team needs me to go, probably at the next level that will be the point. Unless I automatically grow 3-4 inches in the next week or so, but I don’t think that’s going to happen, so most likely I’ll play the point. 

WW: Do you have any workouts scheduled?

RW: Not as of right now (Friday May 30) but we’re going to go back and look at it tonight.

WW: What have you been hearing from teams?

RW: Nothing new really, the same old stuff I’ve been hearing all year. Just lottery, that’s about it.

WW: Is it frustrating sometimes not knowing where you could go?

RW: Oh yeah, I mean you  hear all different types of things, somebody  might tell you this, somebody might tell you that. But you only know on June 26 when your name gets called so I’ve just got to keep working until then.

Woody Wommack is a freelance sports journalist based in Orlando, Fla. He covered the 2008 NBA Pre-Draft camp for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the San Jose Mercury News, the Bloomington Herald-Times and the Spokane Spokesman-Review. To see more of his work visit his journalism blog at http://woody-wommack.blogspot.com

 

Rookie vs a Vet

Last night two writers of this blog had a very interesting conversation about the draft.  The topic, do we take a PG like Westbrook or trade to get a veteran?

Most in Blazerland have said that we need a vet PG to take the reigns of this team and move it into a championship status.  However, the allure of Westbrook, a strong defender, solid shooter, and a guy who can play with and without the ball make an intriguing situation.  Don’t forget DJ Augustin, and waiting in the wings Petteri Koponen.

If we decide to go with a rookie, lets just say the two we would take would be Westbrook or Augustine, or bring Koponen on board we would have the benefit of our entire starting unit being young, talented, and ready to grow together.  Westbrook provides to most solid of the three, Koponen the most unknown (remember we already have one European sitting the bench). 

A vet brings all the obvious, experience, talent, steady play, etc, etc, etc.  But depending on who you get their lifespan on our team is limited.  Lots of talk has been going around about Billups, but he is old, and will he be around when Oden and company come into their own?

DJ Augustin

 

This guy can flat out fly.  He is a solid PG, will do what we need.  But will he be around at 13?  Is he worth trading for instead of Westbrook?

Petteri Koponen

Everyone in the NBA gets excited about a foreign born player.  Probably because they have the ability to become Tony Parker, or Manu Ginobili.  Is Koponen that guy?   Or is he just a fresh face that will fade like Sergi Monya?

Russell Westbrook

By far the most complete of the PGs available to us.  Pac 10 Defensive Player of the Year, plays on and off the ball.  He wont be around at 13, so do we make a move?

Remember we are looking for a dynasty here….not a single championship!  So what do you think?

We have a poll going….check it out and vote!

 

Draft Workout Schedule

 

The Blazers have released their Pre-Draft Workout schedule and it goes a little something like this:

Tues., June 3

Rodrigue Beaubois (France/PG) *underclassman
Rudy Mbemba (Congo/PG)
Mike Green (Butler/PG)

Wed., June 4

Giorgi Shermadini (Republic of Georgia/PF)
C.J. Giles (Oregon State/PF)

Sat., June 7

Sasha Kaun (Kansas/C)
Steven Hill (Arkansas/C)
Gary Forbes (UMASS/SG)
Victor Claver (Spain/SF) *underclassman
Stanley Burrell (Xavier/SG-PG)

Mon., June 9

Lester Hudson (Tenn-Martin SG-PG)
Jaycee Carroll (Utah State/SG)
JJ Hickson (NC State/PF) *underclassman
James Gist (Maryland/PF)

Tues., June 10

Bryce Taylor (Oregon/SG)
JaJuan Smith (Tennessee/SG)
Marcus Dove (Oklahoma State/SF)
David Padgett (Louisville/C)
Darian Townes (Arkansas/PF-C)

Thurs., June 12

Russell Westbrook (UCLA/PG)
Tywon Lawson (North Carolina/PG) *underclassman

Sun., June 15

Jeremy Pargo (Gonzaga/PG) *underclassman
Bo McCalebb (New Orleans/PG)
Luc Louves (France/SF) *underclassman
Pat Calathes (St. Joseph’s/SF)

Mon., June 16
Davon Jefferson (USC/SF-PF)
Shawn James (Duquesne/PF)

Tues., June 17

Joe Alexander (West Virginia/PF-SF) *underclassman
Donte Greene (Syracuse/SF)
Marreese Speights (Florida/PF) *underclassman
Deron Washington (Virginia Tech/SF)

Wed., June 18

DJ Augustin (Texas/PG)

Thurs., June 19

Robin Lopez (Stanford/C)
Javale McGee (Nevada/C)
Kosta Koufos (Ohio State/PF-C)
Malik Hairston (Oregon/SG)
Darnell Jackson (Kansas/PF)
Richard Hendrix (Alabama/PF) *underclassman

Fri., June 20

Luc Mbah a Moute (UCLA/SF) *underclassman
Will Daniels (Rhode Island/SF)

Sat., June 21

Brandon Rush (Kansas/SF-SG)
Courtney Lee (Western Kentucky/SG)
Mark Tyndale (Temple/SG)

Sun., June 22

Maarty Leunen (Oregon/PF)
Juan Palacios (Louisville/PF)

Mon., June 23

Darrell Arthur (Kansas/PF)
Anthony Randolph (LSU/PF-SF) *tentative

Tues., June 24

Nicolas Batum (France/SF)
Sonny Weems (Arkansas/SF-SG)
Marcellus Kemp (Nevada)
Shan Foster (Vanderbilt/SG)

Is their anyone you guys think got left off?  Let us know.

Blazers 2nd Round Draft 2008

While the rest of the NBA world speculates on the first round of the NBA Draft, we here at the OG feel little to no time has been spent looking at the possible 2nd round picks the Blazers have.  2nd round picks are usually gamble picks, a guy you can take a chance on and possibly bring on once camp is done, or a guy you can stash away in the D-League, or Europe for a few years.  Since KP has taken over the helm of the Blazers he has used 2nd round picks to: keep on the team (Josh McRoberts), trade during the year (Taurean Green), to acquire and then quickly trade away in the same draft (James White, 2006), and on and on…..Basically the second round pick can be a gem (Manu Ginobili, Michael Redd, Rashard Lewis, Gilbert Arenas, Carlos Boozer) or a bust (Khalid El-Amin, God Shamgod).

While we own the 13th overall pick in this upcoming draft, we hold 3 second rounds picks.  All of our 2nd picks are courtesy of trades KP has made in past years.  We actually do not hold our own pick, it was part of a previous trade, but hold 3 picks from other teams (33 from the Grizzlies, 36th from the Knicks, 55th from the Suns)…funny how these things happen. 

For sake of argument lets say the Blazers use all three picks, or at least one of them.  Who would we take?  Most times GMs use the “best of the rest” principal in the 2nd round.  This makes sense since it is a gamble you might as well not draft on need as much as talent.  Former GM John Nash liked to use the “gamble on size” in the second round.  That landed us Ha Seung-Jin….thanks John no wonder you got fired the day before ‘06 draft.  Whatever you plan in the 2nd round may be it is important to do your homework because you can look like a genius when you select Manu with the second to last pick in the draft.

Here are some options, assuming the Blazers take a second round pick:

Kyle Weaver SG/PG Wash. St. Sr. 6-5, 201

“Big guard withthe versatility to play both guard positions … Plays PG for Washington State and handles anddistributes the ball very well … His ability to run the point guard position at least within the rotation on the next level makes him intriguing … Very long, his wingspan gives him added length andmakes him a tough assignment on bothends of the floor … An excellent defender with a chance to get a lot better if he continues to work at it … Has a quick first step and a solid handle enabling him to get into the lane for shots or dishes to teammates … Has good vision and passing ability … Competitive, tough nosed player who raises his level of play in big games … His overall quickness and athleticism allows him to get by opponents and make plays that players his size aren’t normally capable of … Hard worker who showed a great deal of improvement in his junior season … Solid free throw shooter at 77%.” (NBA Draft.net)

Omer Asik PF/C Turkey 7-0, 220

“Consistency is his calling card as he always gives his team some points and an equal share of rebounds while being a capable shot blocker at the Euroleaguelevel (should be able to be a solid shot blocker at the NBA level as well) … Center seems to be his natural position as he loves playing with his back to the basket possessing a good assortment of moves to get his shot off … He is a tenacious rebounder going for the offensive boards as well as wiping the defensive glass … A late bloomer who has progressed considerably over the last 2 years. He possesses a good reach and good hands, and his frame appears to be able to add weight.” (NBA Draft.net)

Ronalds Zakis SF Latvia 6-9, 230

If you can speak Latvian then you can know more about this guy….http://www.basket.lv/jauniesu_izlases/speletaji/ronalds_zakis

Ryan Anderson PF Cal, 6-10, 240

“A highly versatile big man who can score near the basket or outside the three-point arc, Anderson emerged as one of the top freshmen in the country last season … paced the Bears in both scoring and rebounding as a rookie, shooting 38.2 percent from three-point range (58-152) and79.8 percent from the free throw line (103-129) … produced eight games with at least 20 points, including a high of 27 points vs. Oregon State in the Pac-10 Tournament … a member of the 2006-07 Pac-10 All-Freshman team and was honorable mention All-Pac-10 … also chosen a second-team Freshman All-American by Basketball Times … named All-District 14 by the NABC … most natural position is power forward, but was forced to play center much of his freshman campaign after starter DeVon Hardin hurt his foot in the year’s 11thgame … should benefit from increased depth at the post position this season … attended the Pete Newell Big Man Camp over the summer.” (CalBears.cstv.com)

Mario Chalmers PG/SG Kansas 6-1. 190

“A two-year starter who broke a 26-year KU record by recording 97 steals in 2006-07… Was named 2007 co-Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, the first year the award was selected… Has led the Big 12 in steals his freshman andsophomore seasons… Has been named to the Big 12 All-Defensive team each of the last two seasons… One of 30 players invited to try out for Team USA at the Pan Am Games in summer 2007… Will contend for postseason accolades as he received many following his freshman and sophomore campaigns… Has a great court sense and can play either guard spot.” (kuathletics.cstv.com)

Sonny Weems SG/SF Arkansas 6-6, 201

“An intriguing prospect with developing skills … A ridiculous run/jump athlete who thrives in the open floor, up tempo game … High riser who regularly converts on highlight dunks … Shows nice touch on his shot … Slashes to the basket well with long arms and good body control … Playing alongside a good point guard really enhances his strengths as he is very good at running back door and converting ally oops … A solid free throw shooter (80%) … Has really improved as a three point shooter … Shows a great deal of potential as his skills are steadily catching up to his athleticism … Quick hands and feet make him a quality on ball defender … Solid defender who gathers a good deal of steals with his long arms and anticipation … Explosive leaper who jumps better off two feet.” (NBA Draft.net)

The one to watch for: Mike Taylor PG/SG Idaho Stampede 6-2, 190

We don’t see the Blazers taking this guy since he has had major problems with the law.  But trust us, this guy will be the one guy who makes it, or the best 2nd round pick this year.  He was the best player on the Stampede last year, and the reason they won the DL Championship.  His time in the NBA DL gives him a much better advantage playing among more NBA caliber players then most 2nd round picks.  He is lightening fast, can score, rebound for his position, and will be a player in the rotation next year…mark this and remember us when you see it happen during the season (just read the link about his pre-draft workouts). 

The One To Stay Away From: DeAndre Jordan C Texas A&M 7-0, 250

Every year NBA Scouts, GMs, and bloggers get jacked up about some “promising big man with potential.”  You hear the mantra “you can’t coach size” and you see these big men fail year in and year out.  This year’s draft bust is DeAndre Jordan.  Some foolish team in the lottery is going to gamble on this guy and he will end up like Chris Anstey (oh wait we drafted that guy, good thing we traded him).  Again, mark our words and hold us to them when the season wears on you will see the truth in our words.  So, why do we mention this potential lottery pick in an entry about 2nd round picks?  Because this guy belongs in the 2nd round.  He is no better than Ha is, or was.   In the last 5 games of his NCAA career he had one DNP, played 5 minutes vs Kansas St, 4 minutes vs Kansas, 5 minutes vs BYUin the first round of the tournament, and 15 minutes vs UCLA in the second round loss.  If Mark Turgeon wont play him many minutes in important games what makes anyone think he can play in the NBA?

So, who do you think we will take with a second round pick?  Remember, we are assuming we will take one!

Lets hear it!

 

PG of the Future?

All the fuss recently about Jose Calderon NOT being an option for the Blazers has opened up the new, (well, actually, old) question: who is our point guard of the future?

Blake is good, but probably better as a backup.  Chris Paul should be on our team (remember we didn’t take him because of Telfair…thanks John Nash) but New Orleans is not stupid enough to let him go.  Deron Willims (again, could have been ours) is planting roots to be the next John Stockton.  So what does that lead us Blazer Fans to hope for?

Option 1: Kirk Hinrich.  The OG has a reporter stashed in the Windy City and he reports that Hinrich WILL be available.  How does he know this?  Well, the worst kept secret in the NBA is the Bulls will take Derrick Rose with the first pick.  With Rose on board, Kirk becomes expendable.  He is relatively young, but he does has a semi-large contract.  The nice part is that his contract does go down as it progresses.

Option 2:  Free Agency.  Here is the problem with option 2….Jeff McInnis, Gary Payton, Eddie Gill, Randy Livingston, and John Lucas are our options.  Besides half of them heading for Fort Lauderdale, I don’t think many could even crack out top 15.

Option 3:  Trade Ideas?  What do we do here?  Do we keep Blake as the starter, trade Jack for something else and hope Sergio comes on strong?  Sergio is an uptempo PG, and with Oden back our team will be more up-and-down.  So what do you think?  Is there someone else out there we should target?  Who should we trade?

The Hand that Feeds?

So assuming you’ve heard about Rudy Fernadez’ hand injury, what are you thinking?  It doesn’t sound major, but they’re sending him back in two weeks for another MRI and further testing.  After last season’s shocking Greg-Oden-Our-Savior-Out-All-Year newflash, this doesn’t really even compare.  Don’t misunderstand - Rudy is great, we want Rudy here, and can’t wait to see him walk onto the court alongside Greg, LMA and Roy.  That said, he just doesn’t feel like the game-changer that GO does, at least not initially.  But maybe we just haven’t had time to get our hopes up as high as we have for GO. 

Do you agree?  Here’s some Rudy Fernandez video below, just to show some love.  And I love the nickname/music combo.

 

 

 

Notes on a Scandal

First, we’re sorry we haven’t been posting as regularly lately - we’ve had distractions (like work, wives, short jail sentences) that pulled us away from the blog temporarily.  That’s over now.  We’ve quit our jobs, left our wives and served our 22 days for pulling an Isiaih Rider under a bridge with coke can.  We’re back.  And we’ve got some great ideas to cover the lull in coverage over the summer.  So keep coming back, there will be new posts and commentary on a regular basis going forward. 

In watching the Spurs-Lakers game finale last night and the replays of the final shot and non-call, there were a million things that the commentators (EJ, Reggie Miller, Kenny and Charles, then Tim Legler on ESPN) didn’t mention that seemed worth mentioning.  First, for Reggie Miller and Kenny to say that Barry should have jumped into Fisher (rather than have Fisher come crashing down on him) implies that a player should guarantee his shot being blocked and should rely on the referee to call a foul, when there is no indication he would’ve gotten one either way.  Barkley had just said that a referee shouldn’t decide the game and I can appreciate that, but when a non-call is as important as a called foul, the referee is deciding the game either way.  Let’s not forget that Barry is a great three point shooter (hence Fisher’s wild close-out) and that he would’ve had two, if not three free throws coming.  I don’t care if Pop and Barry won’t complain about the non-call, or that Phil wanted to talk about Fisher’s shot hitting the  rim the previous possession - there is no question that Barry was fouled on the last play.  Imagine for a moment if Kobe had been hit by Bruce Bowen in the same way and attempted the same shot.  Do you think there would’ve been a whistle?  And I love Joey Crawford, but let’s not forget that this is the same referee who challenged Tim Duncan to fistfight after a game last season and then ejected him while he sat on the bench.  This wasn’t just a bad non-call, it was a terrible non-call by a referee where he has a history.  Nothing wil change, but it sullies the game when things like that happen.

Da Coach

To go along with Oregonlive’s You Be the GM post on Nate McMillan today, we wanted to take a minute and offer a little more insight into Nate’s past, present and future.  First, you’ve got to give it up to a guy who spent his entire 12-year career playing for the same team, during which he became their all-time leader in assists and steals.  Only Downtown Freddy Brown played longer for the Sonics and the Sonics retired McMillan’s #10 jersey in 1999.  His tenacious defense made him a respected enemy for our beloved Trailblazers during the golden years of Clyde, Terry, Buck, Jerome and friends. 

He was an assistant for two years to Paul Westphal and went on to lead the Sonics for five years, posting a respectable .537 winning percentage, culminating in a 52-30 season in 2004-2005 and a division championship.  In Portland, he’s had a little tougher luck, with 21-61, 32-50 and 41-41 seasons adding up to a .382 winning percentage over the last three years.  While Nate has been praised for his remarkable ability to focus his team during a timeout, he has also engendered a consistent run of criticism for his backing of an inconsistent Jarrett Jack and the long benching of the once-promising, now-disillusioned Sergio Rodriguez. 

None of this is to say that we don’t love Nate.  Because we do.  More than you can know.  Just like in highschool, Mo Cheeks was the teacher who coached golf, taught a few classes, joked around and let you wear a hat while chewing gum in class.  Nate ain’t that guy.  In Nate’s classroom, no one talks while he’s talking and if you tried turning in an assignment late, he’d tell his policy is No Late Work Accepted, No Exceptions.  In a way, Nate’s timing was perfect for the 3rd youngest team in NBA history and, if we’d been able to keep the pace of December and January for another month or two, we would’ve made the playoffs and Nate would’ve been getting serious COY consideration (he finished 9th in the voting, receiving 3 3rd place votes).

Obviously the Blazers’ front office is very happy with Nate and the players love him.  But here’s a question to put your Nate-love to the test: what if Brandon Roy or LMA were being treated like Sergio?  What if these two were unhappy with Sarge’s discipline and started talking publicly about it?  How would you feel then?  With names like Avery Johnson and Mike D’Antoni on the market, you have to wonder what it would be like with them at the helm.  How would these young guys respond to the General?  Is D’Antoni really as bad at developing young players as they say?  These are the fun questions we can ask and debate in the off-season, so give us your thoughts below.

The Enforcer

Every good championship team has that one guy, the guy who protects the star, the guy who enforces the unwritten rules of the game, the guy who puts a hurtin on the other team to let them know who owns the paint.  Come playoff time we need someone who is going to protect Roy from the hard hits he will take in the paint.  Someone to get in the mind of Kobe and put him on the floor when he tries to drive the lane.  Basically a guy who is willing to let the other team know that when you foul Roy you will be getting the same thing back…we need a hit man.

Looking at some of the great enforcers in league history we can see they come in many different forms.  Maurice Lucas of the Blazers was one who would just plain thrown down (even in the NBA Finals!).  Guys like Bruce Bowen straight up lock you down on “D” and play the dirty, cheap unseen jabs at a guy that take him out of his game.  Then you have the “instigator.”  The guy who is not really a bad ass as much as he is a fly that bothers you and makes you respond.  The greatest of all time Rick Fox.  His main goal on the court in the playoffs was to get under the skin of the best player, to get that guy to throw a punch, make a push, anything to get both him and Fox out of the game or games.  Man we hate that guy.

Let us say this off the bat, we love our team.  Everyone knows that we have a young, great, and talented team.  However, is the current team soft?  One thing that Jail Blazers had that we need is swagger.  People were scared of us when we were full of criminals.  Not saying we need to go back to a roster of thugs, but we need someone, something that will give us the punch we need.

About 5 times this year we saw teams seriously try to intimidate us,  especially Lamar Odem and the Lakers.  The world around the league is that we could be bullied.  The last game of the year saw LMA and Outlaw get in the face of Odem, but nothing was done on the court as retaliation for his hit on Roy.  With our team getting Rudy and Greg back the question must be posed: who is going to be the next enforcer of the Blazers?

Option 1:  Greg Oden

When Oden comes on board we know he will own the paint.  It is much more accepted in the NBA when a center of PF bangs someone hard then when a PG or SG does it…in a way it is expected that if you enter the paint you will get a little beat up.  But do we really want Oden being the enforcer, the guy who could potentially in a playoff series be suspended for a game?

Option 2: Joel Przybilla

The nice part about the Vanilla Gorilla is that he will now be our backup center.  Losing your backup center is not nearly as bad as losing Oden for a game or so.  We know Joel gets his fair share of hard hits.  He also kick boxes to stay in shape.  If you think about it, Joel has never played a full season in the NBA, so maybe if he gets a few suspensions for roughing up someone else his only games missed will be self imposed.

Option 3:  Free Agency

Beyond Greg and Joel our team lacks a hard nosed, bad ass who can be the enforcer.  Nothing against Europeans, but they are not know for their grit.  James, Webster, Frye, those guys are just plain nice.  When looking for an enforcer you want a guy who is not afraid to throw down, a guy who can get in the head of the other team’s star, a guy who will take a suspension for the team.  So you don’t want that guy being a star or someone who is the third or fourth option on the team.  That takes Oden out of it.  Do we have room to add this guy in free agency?  Who do you think we should go after?

So what do we need, who will be our enforcer??  Lets hear it.

Jose?

As far back as this season’s trade deadline, Kevin Pritchard has been rumored to be interested in obtaining Jose Calderon of the Toronto Raptors. This off season Calderon will become a restricted free agent. With the recent news of Darius Miles being cleared from waivers, the Blazers have some serious cap room for the 2009 off season. Many have speculated that with such a large cap space and a need for a premier point guard that the Blazers will make a serious run at 2009 free agents Chris Paul or Deron Williams. Recognizing these juxtapositions, Blazer fans must ask themselves: do we want Calderon now or a chance at Paul or Williams a little later?

This season has been a break out year for Jose Calderon. After TJ Ford went down with an injury 14 games into the season, Calderon got a chance to start for the Raptors and has made the most of it, averaging 11 points and 8 assists while leading the league with an amazing assist to turnover ratio of 13.00 (just for comparison the next closest player in the NBA is LeBron James with an assist to turnover ration of 8.00). Calderon has a reputation as a team player, locker room favorite and all around good guy in the community.

There is little doubt that both Paul (arguably one of the best players in the NBA) and Williams are more gifted PGs than Calderon. Williams and Paul are big names who would undoubtedly make the Blazers better if they joined the team. But getting either of them is by no means certain. Aside from having an up-and-coming team, what could the Blazers offer either Williams or Paul that they can’t get with their current or other teams? Deron Williams looks to be happy in Salt Lake playing for a team that figures to join the Blazers as one of the premier teams in the Western Conference for years to come. Paul seems to be a shoe-in to bolt New Orleans, but why would he want to come to Portland? Joining a team in a small NBA market is a death sentence for most players financially, resulting in them leaving millions on the table in potential endorsements. Moreover, with the NBA collective bargaining agreement, all teams interested in signing Paul will be offering him a max contract, thereby eliminating the chance that the Blazers could out spend other teams.

It is also reasonable to wonder if a player like Calderon may actually be a better fit in Portland. Both Williams and Paul are used to having the ball in their hands where they can make plays or set up the offense. They both have high scoring averages and are used to a steady diet of shots on the offensive end. The Blazers are looking for a point guard who can run the offense but is also willing to share duties with Brandon Roy who is also a skilled ball handler. The Blazers are likely looking for a point guard who can score but is willing to be the 4^th or 5^th option on the floor; simply put the Blazers are looking for a pass first, shoot second point guard. Both Williams and Paul are excellent passers, but would they be willing to see their scoring average drop to join the Blazers? Whereas Calderon is a wizard with the ball, almost turn over free and possesses a nice offensive repertoire which has only gotten stronger since joining the league. With a floor full of franchise players and future (or current) All-Stars, do the Blazers have room for one more?

Tell us what you think. Is Calderon the right choice for the Blazers or should they take a chance at getting the big time play of Williams or Paul? Or do the Blazers even have a chance of nabbing Williams or Paul? Post your comments and let us know.

Why is Nate the Best Coach in the NBA?

Great article today in the Wall Street Journal, of all places.  The story breaks down how Nate McMillian has excelled as an X’s and O’s coach. Many of us complained that Mo Cheeks just didn’t have it when it came to basketball knowledge. Nate more than makes up for this and it shows in both the Blazer performances out of timeouts and wins in close games. Read the story; its nice to see the Blazers get some national coverage, even if its in a newspaper not known for its sports writing.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120846936079424371.html?mod=sports

LaMarcus, You’re Our Man!

As the NBA season comes to a close, the league bestows upon the members of the Association a litany of yearly awards. Since the 1985-86 season, the Most Improved Player Award has been issued by the league to the player who has made “the most significant improvement” over the previous season. Recently, the Trail Blazers launched www.ripcityrising.com to lobby for LaMarcus Aldridge to win the award. But aside from an amazing web site and a much improved year, how do Aldridge’s numbers stack up against other players in the NBA in the running for the Most Improved Player Award (MIP)?

As with all awards, the criteria to win them are somewhat subjective. It is clear that the MIP award has at its heart a requirement that a player make a significant statistical improvement from the previous year. In an effort to analyze statistics of improvement in a non-bias way, we at the BlazersOG have crunched the numbers of potential nominees for the MIP award in order to compare and contrast their stats. There are an endless number of stats that can be included when analyzing a player; moreover it is always a difficult decision to decide how to judge a player’s improvement.

We at the BlazesOG feel the MIP award is first and foremost a personal award and accordingly we have chosen to analyze players’ statistics looking at the five most common categories used to value a player’s ability in all facets of the game: Points, Rebounds, Assists, Steals and Blocks. Using these statistics we have compared the 2006-07 season to the 2007-08 season of the nine most likely players to be considered for the MIP Award. Taking the various improvements (or in some cases, lack thereof) made by each player, all equally weighed so as not to give one position an advantage over another, we added the players’ net increase in each category together thereby giving them what we call a Total Player Improvement Average (TPIA).

The results are below.

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Steals	Blocks	TPIA
LaMarcus Aldridge	8.7	2.6	1.2	0.4	0	12.9
Chris Kaman	5.6	4.9	0.8	0.1	1.3	12.7
Rudy Gay	9.6	1.6	0.6	0.5	0.1	12.4
Andrew Bynum	5.3	4.3	0.6	0.2	0.5	10.9
Hedo Turkoglu	6.3	1.8	1.7	-0.1	0.1	9.8
Mike Dunleavy	4.9	0.6	0.9	-0.1	0.2	6.5
Rajon Rondo	4.2	0.5	1.3	0.1	0.1	6.2
Deron Williams	2.8	-0.3	1.3	0.1	0.1	4.0
David West	2.1	0.9	0.1	0	0.6	3.7

As you can see, Aldridge’s Total Player Improvement Average is tops among potential MIP nominees. Although Aldridge has not had the greatest improvement in any one statistical category, his overall improvement is the best among the nine potential nominees.

Looking beyond the numbers it can be argued that both Chris Kaman and Andrew Bynum should not be considered or at a minimum penalized for only playing 58 and 35 games respectfully. It is hard to justify giving a player the most improved award when they don’t play the vast majority of the season.

Another factor that may be considered is the effect the players’ improved status had on the overall team. To date, Hedo Turkoglu’s emergence this season has helped result in a net gain of 11 additional wins for his team. David West’s great year has helped the Hornets improve their record from last year by 17 games. Equally as impressive is Boston’s turn around with the help of Rajon Rondo, however few would argue that Rondo had little more than a cursory impact on Boston’s huge win total. Others, like Rudy Gay’s or Mike Dunleavy’s break out seasons have resulted in no additional wins for their respective teams. In comparison, Aldridge’s year has helped the Blazers improve their record by 10 games from last year.

Looking at the totality of the facts, in our opinion LaMarcus Aldridge is the most deserving recipient of the Most Improved Player Award. Aldridge’s overall game is the most improved of the nine nominees. In addition, he has played a full NBA season while helping his club achieve a .500 record with the third youngest roster in NBA history and playing in the difficult and dominate Western Conference. Unfortunately, we hold little hope for Aldridge if the voters are as inept and myopic as those recently polled on ESPN.com when their talking heads amazingly failed to even mention Aldridge as a potential MIP nominee.

It is our sincere hope the various voters make Mr. Aldridge the third Blazer to win the Most Improved Player Award along with Kevin Duckworth (1987-88 ) and Zach Randolph (2003-04), thereby tying Washington with the most players to win the award (Pervis Ellison (1991-92), Don MacLean (1993-94), and Gheorghe Muresan (1995-96)).

Here’s hoping for you, LaMarcus.

The All Time Blazer 6th Man: Geoff Petrie

Last week we asked for your input on who should be named the All Time 6th Man.  The votes are in, the comments are in, and we are proud to name Geoff Petrie to the All Time Blazer Team!

Here are some of your comments:

“…You can forget Larry Steele because his numbers just aren’t up there with some of the others. In my mind, Petrie definitely takes this. I love Sabas and Buck, but you’ve got to consider Petrie’s time with the Blazers, both as a player and in management. It’s too bad that he didn’t stick with the team longer (and a big part of why Adelman left…), but the guy is Portland, through and through.” Devin

“In my opinion it is Petrie…It seems sometimes he is the forgotten Blazer. The guy could stroke it from anywhere…played above average defense, and was a damn good passer.”  Juan

There is no doubt that Petire would be one of the best three point shooters in Blazer history if they actually had a 3 point line when he played.  He could play either guard or forward, could score with the best of them (2 51 point games which is second all time to Damon’s 54 point game).  Petrie was one of those “glue guys” that are quickly becoming a rarity in the NBA.  He calm demeanor and willingness to play an all around game was respected by teammates and opponents alike.

Congrats Geoff Petire All Time Blazer Sixth Man!

Here is how the All Time Blazer Team looks after our 7 week debate:

SF:  Jerome Kersey

PF:  Maurice Lucas

C:  Bill Walton

SG:  Clyde Drexler

PG:  Terry Porter

Coach: Dr. Jack Ramsay

6th man: Geoff Petrie

American (Blazer) Badass

This past Tuesday, our Blazers had a victorious battle against the Lakers. It’s just satisfying to beat Kobe and co. This was the second time though, that Lamar Odom took it to one of our players and try to intimidate the team. Last time he did this, we ended up losing the game, but the Blazers were able to keep their cool this time and finish with the win. It was also great to see the Trout and LA step up to Odom and pretend like they were going to throw down. Watching this moment during the game, we got to thinking, where is our “intimidator”? where is the guy that you send in, just to mess with the Lamar’s of the NBA? This year’s draft could have a great freshman class with Beasley, Rose, Love and others. These guys are great scorers or defenders or have some awesome basketball IQ, but do we need more young superstars? Why don’t we pick for toughness or trade our pick for a badass in the league? Someone who can go in the game just plainly kick some ass and throw the opposing team off, taking their focus out of the game. Someone like a Bill Laimbeer or a Dennis Rodman. We think a championship team also needs one of these kind of players. Derrick Rose might be able to handle the ball well, but he won’t be able to if he’s getting banged up inside, by some a$$hole who’s not really looking to make a play on the ball, but on his head. 

 

 

Shopping with Oden

When it comes to celebrities, we as a society disect every aspect of their life.  What they wear.  Who they date.  Where they shop?  So it was with no shame that this story was thrown on our desks and we immediatley had to report.  The witness asked that his real name not be used.  He just wanted to go by “Malone“

     “I was walking home on Thursday, April 3rd.  It was around 10:30 at night.  The Blazers had just lost to the Lakers , so i was feeling a little pissed.  As I made my way up SW 10th avenue past the Art Museum, I realized that I needed to buy a few things at the Safeway.  I went inside, grabbed a basket, and proceeded to peruse the aisles.  As I turned the corner, into the frozen foods section, I noticed a large shadow had enveloped me.  I looked up and found myself face to face with none other then Greg Oden.  Now I don’t need to tell you how remarkable the size is of this soon to be Hall of Famer, but being up close and personal was a leeetle bit different than seeing him on TV.  It took me a few moments to remind myself not to stare. I stepped back, nodded, and side stepped Mr. Oden.  As I passed him, it occured to me: What do 7 foot NBA centers shop for at Safeway.  I hurridley glanced into his basket and was suprised to see nothing but Crystal Light bottles, some water and a Wok.  Could this multi-millionaire really have nothing more than the bare essentials.  Then It dawned on me.  He’s still only twenty.  When I was twenty, I lived off nothing but a packet of Top Ramen a day.  I went on with my shopping and eventually checked out.  Mr Oden was getting into his brand new Candy Apple Truck.  I waved, knowing we’d meet again.”

Remarkable.  This brief encounter with a Greg made us here at BazersOG curious.  What other incidents are there of random fan interaction.  Did you bump into Clyde at the Ringside.  Did you stop Rasheed for possesion of Marijuana.  Let us know!

All Time Blazer Team Part 7: 6th Man

We have been creating the All Time Blazer team here at BlazersOG and thus far here is what has been assembled:

SF:  Jerome Kersey

PF:  Maurice Lucas

C:  Bill Walton

SG:  Clyde Drexler

PG:  Terry Porter

Coach: Dr. Jack Ramsay

Throughout this process we here at the OG have compared the best the Blazers of past and present had to offer at each position and made our decision on who we feel was the best, and thus given the title of “All Time Blazer.”  However, this week it changes.  We are asking YOU who do you feel is deserves to be the All Time Blazer 6th Man?  Now, as we originally stated the criteria for 6th man is going to be based on the principle of “best of the rest” NOT the best 6th man of all time.  So, look above at the All Time Blazer Team and tell us who you think is the one left out, the one who deserves to be on this team because they are so good regardless of position they belong. 

Each week we have had many posts claiming that we selected the wrong person, that someone else belongs in the positon, well this is your time to get them on here!  Next week we will tally the votes for the player who receives the most votes (and best argued reasons why) and will reveal the All Time Blazer 6th man.

To help you out here are some players that have been debated and argued belong on this squad. 

Geoff Petrie

Larry Steele

Kiki Vandeweghe

Arvydas Sabonis

Buck Williams

Rasheed Wallace

Zach Randdolph

Brandon Roy

LaMarcus Aldridge

Who else?  Who do you feel belongs on this team under the criteria “best of the rest?”  Let’s hear it!

Three Points - Ring it up!!!

1. Joel Przybilla is rapidly becoming a Blazersog favorite.  He plays with a toughness and grit that we haven’t seen in years.  And he’s average 16.6 boards per game over the last 5 games (including 8.8 rpg in February - actually 9.9 rpg after the first three games of February - and 11.0 rpg in March).  Did you see the elbow he took to the face from Deke?  What about when Bobby Jackson fouled him under the basket and scratched his armpit and side so badly you could see it on TV (Ah, the beauty of HD)?  And we love it when Joel gets technical fouls - it’s always for going after somebody.  Talking and whining to the refs is stupid - leave that to Kobe (anyone want to take bets that he doesn’t get another technical this year (and get suspended a game for being over 15) no matter what he does?)  But getting in someone’s face and getting T’d up for it is definitely worth the point.
2. Something is wrong with James Jones.  He is in the middle of a terrible shooting slump and doesn’t show signs of coming out of it.  In the last two weeks, he’s gone 0-3, 1-3, 0-0, 3-9, 1-2, 0-6, 1-3, and 0-3 from downtown.  At one point last night after he clanged his third three attempt (he missed all three and didn’t score), Steve Blake looked to pass him the ball and Jones threw up his hands in protest as if to say, “Me?  No way!”  While we appreciate him not just shooting over and over every time he gets the ball, he has to be ready and willing to keep throwing them up there.  Given his normal easy stroke and great shot selection, you have to wonder if his knee is bothering him or if something else is going on.  We’re worried about the guy.  We need the Gunslinger back and draining those corner treys!
3. Changing Expectations:  It isn’t just Portland fans that have changed what they expected out of this team, but Doug Collins, Marv Albert and the rest of the national announcers.  They talk about Roy’s talent and LMA’s bright future and continued improvement.  But there hasn’t been much talk about how young this team is or about what they’ve achieved this year, in spite of the low expectations from the outset.  If every time they kissed T-Mac’s ass and said how clutch he is (how many rings does he have again?), they said something relevant about the Blazers roster, we wouldn’t throw up during most nationally televised games.  We watch league pass and hear opposing team announcers say better things about this young team.  We expect more of national press (and Doug Collins is an idiot - he mentioned Aaron Brooks not really having a three point game… a college .374 average, .404 his senior year, and .303 as a rookie in the NBA).  You just know that next year is going to be all hype or disappointment.  It is going to be “Greg Oden is the next Bill Russell and the Blazers are going to win the West” or “This Blazers team is never going to compete with Kobe and the Fakers with Bynum and Gasol.”  All we ask is for intelligent thought and honest opinion.  Let’s not forget where we started.  And remember that for next year, too.

.500 Record: It Doesn’t Matter

With eight games to go before the end of the NBA regular season, the question on all Blazer fans’ minds is: Can the Blazers finish with a .500 record? This is a logical question for fans of a franchise that has not had a winning season in four years and yearns to see signs of progress in this young Blazer squad. With the likes of Dallas, San Antonio, LA Lakers and Phoenix waiting for the Blazers in April, the chance to win four more games looks tough, especially without Brandon Roy. Although Blazer fans worldwide are waiting with bated breath to see if the boys in scarlet and black can pull it out, the bigger question is why? Why does anyone care if the Blazers finish with a .500 record? It doesn’t matter!

No matter how you look at this season it has been one of remarkable achievement for Blazer Nation. From the season ending injury of Oden to having the second youngest roster in NBA history, this year’s Blazers had every reason to pack up the season and get ready for another lottery pick. But instead this team fought tooth and nail to compete in every game. Yes, there have been some silly losses. But there have also been some amazing wins. All the while the Blazers saw their first All-Star, in Brandon Roy, they can be proud of since the days of Clyde emerge as the team leader the Blazers have been missing. LaMarcus Aldridge coming off an injury plagued first season has blossomed into an offensive threat and a second weapon on the floor in only his second year. Travis Outlaw has solidified himself has a dangerous 6^th man while James Jones has shown the Blazers have a 3 point threat off the bench. Joel Przybilla has recovered from a horrible season to put up, game after game, blue collar performances that have become his trademark. The list goes on and on of emerging stars and powerful growth of the Blazer roster that has marked this year.

More importantly, Blazermania is back. For the first time in a long time people care about the Blazers again. Like being hit with a wet blanket, one can’t help but feel a sense of excitement in the air on the streets of Portland. The Rose Garden is selling out, the media is writing positive stories and season ticket holders are coming back in droves.

So why does a .500 record matter? Yes, it would be a nice vindication of success for a young team that has worked hard all year. But hasn’t their season been vindication enough? Haven’t all the gutsy last second wins, rough but tough defensive efforts and hustle plays shown us that this team gets it? The Western Conference is a tough place to get wins, especially this season. If this team loses the rest of their games they will do so by fighting to the bitter end. Like Falcor in the Never Ending Story says, “Never give up and good luck will find you.” Nothing can erase the magic of this year, not even finishing below .500.