A few notes and thoughts on the Fan Fest
First, a big thanks to the Trail Blazers’ coaches and players, and media relations department, for all the cooperation I got last night as a sideline reporter. Man, it was incredible how nice everyone was about doing interviews before, during and after that event.
I can’t even remember all the people I had on the air but it was quite a few and everyone was not only willing to do it, but seemed to have some fun with it. Nate McMillan, especially, was completely available and did two interviews. I really enjoyed that sideline role — something I’ve never done before.
Now, to the scrimmage:
– When you see all that talent on the floor, you realize that this team is loaded. Really loaded. It’s going to be next to impossible to get all these guys enough playing time.
– The small forward battle may be the toughest one to call. I’m telling you, Nic Batum and Martell Webster have the potential to be outstanding players in the league. I was shocked by Webster’s mobility. He not only looked big and strong, he was one of the quickest and most athletic players on the floor. And of course, you know how he shoots. Batum is so much more confident he almost looks like a different player than last season. He’s looking much more for his shot. His versatility is going to make him a very, very good player as he matures. He can do everything.
– The battle for a starting job that’s the easiest to call? Of the three we’ve previously talked about, I have to think it’s the one at center. It’s seems to be important to Greg Oden that he start and that’s going to play into McMillan’s decision. But keep in mind, Oden was the No. 1 player taken in the draft. He’s supposed to start. And really, there’s no other place for him because of the importance he has in the team’s future. And come on, the way he’s played so far makes it an easy call. Unless he takes a big dip downward in the exhibition season, or suffers some sort of injury, he’s simply got to be the starter.
– Not sure about the point guard spot. Andre Miller had a shaky first half and played pretty well in the final two quarters. No doubt he’s a good player, but Steve Blake’s comfort level on that unit will be difficult to unseat. Don’t worry, though, about Miller’s ability to play with or play off Brandon Roy. He’s good enough to play with anybody.
– Man, Juwan Howard knows how to play. His passing may be his biggest asset but it’s a pleasure to watch a guy who knows where people are supposed to be and how they’re supposed to play. If they pay attention, other players on this team can learn a lot from this guy.
– I hesitate to write this because of the jinx factor, but it’s amazing how injury free this group has been so far. And really, with the youth, it should be that way. Damn, don’t blame me if it changes. But when you think about it, the depth should allow for reduced minutes for everyone on this roster throughout the regular season. I would hope that would be a help in reducing injuries, too.
NBA, Trail Blazers | Dwight Jaynes | October 5, 2009
Andre Miller, Dwight Jaynes, Greg Oden, Juwan Howard, Martell Webster, Nate McMillan, Nic Batum, Portland Trail Blazers, Steve Blake
Sounds like an exciting start to the season. Glad to hear Martell’s back in shape. Yes, the team’s loaded with great talent, and it will be hard for some to get the minutes they want. Good luck with that, Nate.
Dwight,
I noticed that you mention the small forward spot is between Webster and Batum. I figured going in that Outlaw would be the odd man out, but knowing that this is a contract year for him, how did he look?
Honestly, I see Outlaw’s role primarily as the backup to Aldridge at power forward.
Aldridge looked bigger (to me), especially with Outlaw defending him in the post. Outlaw didn’t do anything spectacular that I recall. Howard’s interior passing to Oden was nice to see… I think I remember seeing him re-post to Oden in one of these exchanges.
I was acutally pleased with tidbits of Outlaw’s performance…and, honestly, that guy could easily pull down 8-10 rebounds a game if he wanted to. His leaping ability combined with his wingspan/reach could translate into numerous boards if he were so inclided…though, therein lies the problem. Not sure what his inclination is other than “getting paid like out of this world.”
people have been saying that about outlaw for the last three seasons.
next.
Just curious to see what a contract year will do to him…which hasn’t been the case for the past three seasons.
the first time around it upped his scoring near teh end of that season.
Absolutely amazing the job this organization has done. The crowd was fully sensing we have something really special forming here…
The Webster/Batum duel was absolutely unreal. Batum has really matured and Webster folks is back!
Oden was very active and appeared to have a much better feel on the defensive end. It amazes me what a difference the second year of playing makes for guys like Batum/Oden
Rudy looked eerily comfy at the point. Whatever happens, we need to keep this guy. Blake really asserted himself and made a statement. Miller just got better as the game wore on.
We are just loaded with talent. Nate is gonna have to make some tough decisions, but barring injuries, I see this team easily at 60+ wins.
Very eager for the season to begin
You know, I wasn’t so sold on Rudy at the point last night – he appeared a little confused running the show, but that may just be a chemistry thing. I guess he handled it fine for Spain, though.
I thought both our 4th string Power Forward (DC) and our 4th string small forward (IU) looked really good! I am hoping they will both get a lot of playing time.
Dwight, great job on the sidelines last night. I loved your interaction with Pritchard. You asked him about finding enough minutes for the Small Forward position, and Pritchard praising Nate on his ability to find players minutes. Pritchard then said how Batum and Webster could play the Shooting Guard position. You then bring up that Portland has two other capable players at the Shooting Guard position. Pritchard laughed, that was hilarious!!! Greatjob again Dwight!
I’m happy to be back in Oregon from Peru and I like your last two sentences, Dwight.
There’s no reason, with this much talent, for any player on this team to “average” more than 30 or so minutes a game (notice: “average”). Could this team turn out to be a new paradigm for how to acquire and utilize talent in the NBA?
Of course their are potential problems associated with pros sitting when they want to be playing and there will be injuries from accidental contact, even with well-rested players–and some will sadly be serious. But, if the brain trust can keep the player’s eyes on the prize, less playing time has FAN-tastic potential.
Dwight, nice job reporting on the sidelines! You are right on regarding the battle for the starting center. Oden HAS to start. Especially when you consider that Nate has always said that the players have to earn it. Well, hasn’t Greg earned it? He worked his ass off in the summer, he wants to start, he’s played better than Joel by all accounts and he’s the future of the franchise. If Oden doesn’t start after all of his hard work, doesn’t that send him the wrong message? Nate said all year last year that he needed to get Greg, LA and Brandon on the floor together as much as possible because they are the future. The time is now for these three to establish their identity as a “big three”. Greg has earned the starting spot.
Isn’t the reason teams go with 7 players in the playoffs because it’s near the end of the year and they can overwork them so why not go with your best?
What if the difference in the next 5 and the starters is so tiny that you can use your regular rotations even when it matters most? That way you increase the chances of finding that player who’s hot that particular night.
Could this be a team where you wouldn’t want to cut back to 7 in the playoffs?
Wouldn’t that be a chance to wear down a playoff opponent and avoid foul problems?
I guess my question is why do teams go to 7 in the playoffs if it isn’t the talent drop-off? And what happens if there is none?
That’s a tough call. I remember in 1999-00, Peter Vescey said on NBC that our players were not crazy about Mike Dunleavy’s substitution patterns. Just a year earlier, I believe that both Walt Williams and Jim Jackson said that they wanted to be traded, and “didn’t want to play a role.” It definitely takes a lot of sacrifice by some of those 7-10 players in your rotation to get it to work.
I posted this on the previous post, but I welcome you to weigh in on this. I know that Martell has been felled by injuries, and wonder about his role and confidence. If it works cap-wise, would you trade him for JJ Redick? Webster may have more upside, but Redick has shown that he can be a decent sixth man. Who’s going to be the Blazers starting 3, anyway? Batum’s a fine defender, but don’t we want more scoring there? Everybody seems to like Outlaw off of the bench. And, how did Jeff Pendergraph look?
Uh, no–the only reason I would consider that if Martell’s injury had limited his game in some fashion.
Otherwise, no–Redick’s a one trick pony, and Martell does that particular trick (shooting 3s) just as well–and has a few other tricks in his bag to boot.
DUI laws in Oregon are too harsh for Redick to consider the move.
That’s funny!! I remember how much he went off on Stuart Scott (well, more ESPN and the media, not Stuart personally) at the draft. On the positive side, he kind of reminds me of a Poor Man’s Ray Allen.
I know that Martell’s still young, so I hope to see more of that potential come to fruition. He looks athletic (had a real nice developed build coming out of high school-a defined body), and looks like he handles the ball decently for a 2/3. So, for the Now N Later, would you keep Martell as a sixth man off the bench (like Brent Barry), or would you give him a chance to start (to get more offense into the starting front line)? He can in fact stretch the defense with post-up men LA and GO down low.
Martell said he thinks Batum should start. Does this mean that he is:
A) Wanting to be in a sixth-man role
B) Downplaying his feelings/abilities to decrease expectations
or
C) A realist…as much as we love Martell, Nic is (at least at this point) the starter of this squad…even in last year’s form. The fact that he’s improved is just a nice incentive.
Perhaps all three. But he did look decent out there (Fan Fest). Though we can’t expect much during an intra-squad scrimmage. I think he was pretty amped to be playing in front of the fans again…I think that had his nerves a little jumbled. Loved how quick he looked.
Tracy Murray for three points, three points Murray.
Great report Dwight. thanks!
Most of the comments I’ve read about Oden have been very positive. However, there have been a couple that kind of indicate disappointment. My thoughts are:
1. He still looks a bit raw on the offensive side. He’s not polished. But he’s better than he was last year.
2. On the defensive side, he is impressive. I saw a couple of mistakes, but as a whole, he was intimidating. Just ask Nic Batum. Ask any of the perimeter players who hesitated to bring the ball inside while he was in the game after that block.
3. He’s clearly quicker and in better shape than last year.
These things take time. Greg is going to be a very good player for Portland, as long as he stays healthy.
Dwight,
How times have changed. Nobody is talking about Outlaw or Bayless anymore. Package these good people for a solid rebounding 2 with no aspirations for glory and this team is complete for a championship.
Ya know it is a good sign when Dwight is talking good things about the players and the team. I respect Dwight as a write and an anylis of OR sports in particular but sports in general generally. His opinion means something to me cuz I know he does not suck up or homer down on anything. To that end this blog article was music to any Trailblazer fans ears. It is measured. It is only pre-season scrimmage. But I like the tune.
One more thing I’d like to add. One more thing that goes against some early sentiments from the Godfather and many on this blog. I said so at the time. I say it louder and prouder than ever on this Monday night! Dang, after all this time. After all these years. I still SO ENJOY WATCHING BRET FAVRE PLAY FOOTBALL!!!!
Well, well, well after all the offseason hype, Oden is STILL not starting…lol? Looks like Franklin nailed another one.
All the while completely ignoring the fact that coach Mac has been saying ever since training camp ever started that the first string from last season would be first string to start first game. Nate is almost as intractable and hard headed over sticking to a pre-determined course of action as some fans are in holding onto illogical notions.
Whether Oden starts the first pre-season game, or the first regular season game, for that matter. Means absolutely nothing as to whether or not he will step up onto the big stage this season.