About last night — the Rockets and the Blazers
A few more observations about the game, tempered by a few hours to think about it, which does provide some perspective. And really, some of you are new to this site so I’ll give you the skinny right now at the start of the season. If you come here looking for a rah-rah, everything-the-Blazers-do-is-great point of view, you’ve come to the wrong place:
- I have a feeling that Houston is going to be one of those teams that’s hard to look good against. The Rockets sag all over you inside, making it difficult to get much done in the post. They’re also going to be pretty good at forcing turnovers.
- That said, getting outscored 40-26 in the paint by those tiny guys is an embarrassment. Once again, Portland looked content to match shots from distance against shots in the paint. That won’t work in the playoffs, when the opposition is more talented.
- Yes, Greg Oden made seven turnovers, some of them wickedly embarrassing. But that’s exactly why he needs the ball even more. You’ve got to let him deal with that. Get used to the defensive pressure. It’s the only way he’s going to get better. And while you’re at it, let go of the idea that the world will end if it even costs you a game. That’s not what’s important here. Think globally, not locally.
- Don’t worry about the late Houston comeback. It happens, especially in the NBA. Portland was in no danger of losing that game.
- I still don’t think Brandon Roy looks ready for the regular season. His shot is just not there yet and he doesn’t seem to quite have a feel of where he fits in.
- The Blazers spent a good portion of the game trying to set LaMarcus Aldridge up to go one-on-one on Luis Scola. Not sure why, but I guess a contract extension gets you a few more touches. It didn’t work so well.
- Why do I feel that Portland is somehow adrift at point guard? Yes, Steve Blake’s the starter, but Andre Miller feels like the right guy. And while we’re in something of a limbo state, neither guy looks all that comfortable. It’s almost as if everyone out there knows deep down Miller is the guy and they’re all waiting for the coach to come to that conclusion.
- Martell Webster played with a maturity I’m not sure we’ve seen before. He seemed to play with calm and cool. And he also showed a lot of athleticism to go with that smooth stroke.
- Greg Oden needs to relax on defense. He still flails around a little bit trying to make plays he can’t possibly make. He’s fine most of the time but once in a while he just gets carried away trying to block shots he cannot possibly reach. A big key for him will be to learn to recognize blockable shots and pass on the rest. Otherwise the fouls will continue to come. That said, I really do hope the referees give him a fresh chance — a couple of those whistles last night were reputation calls.
- That effort Tuesday night won’t work against Denver on Thursday. But the Nuggets will bring a lot of good out of the Blazers and it should be a dogfight.
NBA, Trail Blazers | Dwight Jaynes | October 28, 2009
Andre Miller, Brandon Roy, Dwight Jaynes, Greg Oden, Houston Rockets, LaMarcus Aldridge, Martell Webster, Portland Trail Blazers, Steve Blake
This Blake-as-starter charade is so silly. Really, Nate? I’m wondering if he has internalized a specific number of games that he has to carry this thing out until he makes things right and puts Miller in his rightful spot. I can’t help but think that Brandon has influenced this foolishness. And something about that seems selfish to me.
Which continues to make McMillan’s preseason comments about how guys should have to “earn” their starting spots all the more ridiculous. Miller played better in preseason, and better last night. But he’s not the starter? I guess it isn’t about “earning” the starting spot. I guess it’s about whatever makes Brandon Roy happy.
I never thought I would say this after one game, but Miller needs to start. Miller will make the adjustments necessary to work with Roy, he is no dummie.
From a talent standpoint, Miller clearly should be the starter. However, based on my observations from the game last night it was clear that Rudy played better with Miller because Rudy was moving without the ball more to create separation from his man…
When Roy was out there with Miller, Roy typically stood outside the 3 point line and waited for the ball so that he could create something. For the past few years, Roy has been the best playmaker with the ball. I think this team will take a big leap forward once Roy realizes how much easier the game is when he learns to trust Miller to get the ball in the right location. Roy can then use screens more to create separation from his man without the ball and Miller will get it to him a la Miller to Rudy under the basket last night – which was a thing of beauty! Roy can then save his body and those (potentially) treacherous strolls through the lane for those moments where it is really needed.
Sounds like Roy should come off the bench right now. Start miller and rudy. It’s still early…why not give it a try, especially if this is a team with ‘two equal units’ where who starts doesn’t really matter? I’m not being fecetious (sp?).
I saw little of the game, but what I saw of webster didn’t look like what I remembered of webster before. He seems to move like a spider monkey grabbing rebounds. Hope it continues.
Is the word ‘fecetious’ derived from ‘feces’, meaning you’re full of sh!t?
You obviously meant to spell ‘facetious’. This is a good example of why it’s important to learn how to spell.
Barry how about let’s show a little respect in the forum, eh?
Of course we all know that would never happen…but maybe it should for one game. It might make Brandon pass, and it could be a catalyst for other things to fall into place. And it would also show that the coach’s words about earning starting spots/who starts doesn’t matter don’t always ring hollow.
Hey, I was just making a clever observation about the way you spelled that word.
Sorry if you didn’t get the joke.
I miss Batum. I think he played a big role in getting the Blazers into gear in a good basketball sense – not unlike Luke Walton.
Still, I was impressed with the roster as people. The Miller stuff is part of human nature when someone new arrives. What we’re waiting for is Brandon and the others to think of him as one of them rather than the outsider. That will come soon enough.
I was watching the Cavs lose to Boston earlier. The Celtics were missing Glen Davis who broke his thumb fighting an old teammate from LSU. The Cavs were missing Delonte West who’s facing an array of problems, including some “bigger than the game” mental stuff.
So those are 2 of the best teams in the league and they are already bogged down in the drama.
I like the Blazers. Losing Batum for 3 to 5 months takes a lot of fun out of it, but this is a great group of individuals here.
My favorite play last night was watching Greg Oden track Aaron Brooks laterally on one side of the paint. Brooks passed the ball to the other side of the paint and Greg got over to the ball in time to block the shot. He looked damn quick out there.
Good things about Batum: Make no mistake, I hate Rick Fox, Derek Fisher, Dan Majerle and Tyrone Corbin. But, these are the kinds of players that Batum can be like, and really help the team. It was the disasterous 2000-01 that made me realize just how important it is to have these kinds of players on a championship team. I have to remind myself that just because he’s not the most prime-time scorer, he can contribute in those other ways, especially the blue-collar elements. Batum certainly brings a solid blue collar work ethic to the table.
At some point, Oden will have to DEMAND the ball from his teammates, much like Shaq used to do. He first needs to consistently establish a strong post position and when he gets the ball, he needs to take his time with it. He needs to become a leader in the post, not a passive observer. I don’t want to hear about how good Houston’s undersized front line defends a 7 foot beast – that is a terrible excuse for him only getting three shots. Once he successfully achieves a consistent post presense, the guards will soon realize that their jobs are far easier when he is the focal point. He is a good passer and can get to the line 10+ times per game. This will open up the much used perimeter game the Blazers already have established.
I think it’s going to be very difficult for Oden to “demand” the ball on this team. Roy might start ignoring him even more than he already does.
Dwight, do you see this potential situation occurring between Roy and Oden: I remember 20 years ago, when Artis Gilmore and Reggie Theus played together in Chicago, it was said that the only reason why Gilmore didn’t average more than 18 ppg, was because Theus wouldn’t throw him the ball.
Well, if Martell Webster steps up and assumes some offensive punch (14-16 ppg, that Batum didn’t provide), then Greg Oden can be very effective as an 11 ppg, 12 rpg center in the Ben Wallace mold.
I don’t think Roy will ignore him, but perhaps you’re right. Maybe another playoff loss will convince the team that force-feeding Roy is not going to take them all the way.
Shaq and Kobe shared the ball when they won their 3 rings together. It didn’t last as long as it should have, but it worked and it’s an example of how it can work. Roy will learn how to play with G.O.
Nice job on the boards, Greg. Let’s really work on getting him more and better touches. Now, let’s work on those turnovers, and passing out of the post. Shades of Alonzo Mourning: Many turnovers leading to easy baskets by the opposition. I agree with Martell’s impressive display of maturity and calm. If he can play like this or even just a bit better on most nights, Blazers will be in great shape at the 3 spot. Dale Ellis/Glen Rice/Allan Houston is what I hope Webster can remind us of.
Webs is already a better defender than those three! I’ve always thought that Oden’s most comparable center of the past would be Mourning, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
I agree David. The ONLY weakness Mourning had was his poor passing (and temper). Of course, we want Oden to be like Mourning in terms of unstoppability in the post, shot-blocking, interior defense, and rebounding. By the way, Webster’s high school is one mile from where I grew up! Defensively, unlike Ellis, Webster tries. He has the build and athleticism, you figure that he could be at least decent in this area. There were years that even Rice played acceptable defense, considering his scoring mind. Heck, give me Webster with 16 ppg and Rice-level defense, and I’ll take that!
Webster looks hungry. Missing a season and having a 19 year old take your place, then being given a second chance to start… that will make you hungry. A little adversity is good, and I really liked what I saw out of him.
I think that Webster more than anything needs to keep his confidence level high. He needs to convince himself that yes, I CAN get it done at this level. I confess to having lost sight of the fact that he started 60-70 games, and averaged 11 ppg just two years ago!
I think the only chance Greg has is with Miller. They seemed to see each other well on the floor last night.
Are you serious? You don’t force your franchise player (whose strength is playing with the ball) to change his style just to accommodate a 33-year old point guard on a 2-year contract. They have a long-term strategy of building around their big three. I’m glad they’re sticking with it.
When I think about a franchise player who plays with and dominates the ball, I think of Clyde Drexler. That seemed to work rather well. My real dream is that B-Roy will eventually be right there behind Clyde and Bill Walton as the franchise’s all-time greatest players. I remember that if Clyde got a step on the defender, forget it. Roy’s improving on that strength, too.
The bottom line is, Greg needs to see more touches, regardless of the outcome. To get these, I think the rotation needs to be changed a little bit. Bring Miller in at about the same time, but bring Roy out sooner, maybe at about the 8 mins mark of the 1st. Then let Miller feed Greg for a bit while Roy is out of the game.
maybe the bottom line for a fan. Yet, if you are only interested in WINS each night, like the coach, then the bottom line is wins.
I think its a bit dangerous that everyone knows what is best for Greg and the Blazers, that usually means everyone is wrong.
Nate is winning, what he is doing is winning. Let Greg grow up a bit before you start crying about the Blazers missing ‘the bottom line’.
I think one of the more disturbing things about last night was something that no one is really mentioning and that’s the pick-and-roll defense. The Blazers have made ZERO progress from last season at defending it and pretty much switched on EVERY single pick that was set JUST LIKE LAST SEASON. And you’d think the coaching staff would have made it a point of emphasis to come up with some kind of a defensive scheme over the summer other than switching…
It was just plain bad–maybe even worse than last year. They didn’t get exposed because of how bad Houston was at exploiting it, but at some point all the switching simply HAS to stop.
The funniest part of it all was watching a confused Miller–the only guard who seems to have a clue on how to get around a pick–stay with his man after the pick was set, only to realize that his big guy had already switched without even waiting to see if Andre would get through.
Not to be too critical, the Blazers are still a good team. But unless they improve their defense, that is all they will ever be– a 50 win team that gets bounced out of the playoffs in the first round every year.
Dwight, do you really feel Roy is blatantly ignoring Greg?
Why would he do such a thing?
Of course he’s not JD. This is just Dwight being Dwight. He’s quickly becoming an anachronism. Hey Dwight, “while you’re at it”, let go of the idea that the world will end if Greg is allowed to develop organically at a pace that is good for his psyche and the team as well. There’s no reason to tank games pounding the ball into Greg and watching him throw up brick after agonizing brick, while he can learn more gradually as he plays and the team can continue to grow as well. He’ll get better. Have a little patience man.
From what I saw, the only difference between last year’s Blazers and this year’s Blazers is Greg Oden’s athleticism and Andre Miller’s passing. Both should help, but both were absent during key stretches thanks to foul trouble (Oden) and coach trouble (Miller). Sure, they won, but the real test for this team will be how they perform on the road against a good defensive team like the Lakers or the Spurs. It will be interesting to see what happens the first time Roy’s one-on-one game clearly costs the team a big game. Will McMillan adjust? Will Miller complain? What about the rest of the Blazers? They’re watching the same game we are. By the way, for all the talk about Oden’s awkward offense Tuesday (no argument here), who do you think had a higher shooting percentage: Roy or Oden?
I think the key to this teams’ success isn’t Roy. Oh he’ll be a big part of it, but I believe its the combination of Aldridge and Oden together (twin towers part duex if you will…) that can take this team to a title.
Heres the problem for Miller… If he starts, Roy wants the ball. And if Blake runs with the second unit….nobody ever scores.
I think Miller will be at his best when he is on the floor with a combination like
Miller, Webster/Fernandez, Outlaw, Aldridge, Oden. That lineup is lethal, and can and will run all day long. The problem that my untrained eye sees is that the offense comes to a standstill when Blake and Roy are in the game. And Joel is not an offensive threat at all.
The second unit of Miller, Fernandez, Webster, Outlaw, Pryzbilla, works, but the defense is spotty, and you lose the overwhelming interior domination that Aldridge and Oden provide when together.
Our first unit (team Roy) should be able to stay with any starting five in the league.
Our second unit (team Miller) should be able to give the blazers a 20 point cushion against other 2nd teams.
Tom, let’s look at Team Roy. You probably all know by now that I’m a Seattle hard-core Blazer fan (who went to the same high school as B-Roy). But, remember that 1995-96 Sonics team that went to the Finals? I remember looking back at my video tapes (video tapes!), and how the second unit contributed. Let me give you some names: Ervin Johnson, Nate McMillan, Frank Brokuwski, Vincent Askew and David Wingate. And, that team won 64 games! Different era duly noted, but on paper, who wouldn’t prefer the Blazers second unit names you mentioned above (especially Fernandez and Outlaw)? The ONLY argument in favor of that Sonic second unit, is that it was more defensive-minded than the spotty defense of the Blazers second unit. Team Roy certainly has the paper talent to compete with most in the league (much like the Blazers hot starting lineup from 1989-92). This Blazers second unit needs to start gelling together. Purzy needs to be that defensive anchor of the second unit.
can someone answer this: where did the idea that Webster is a great shooter come from. I mean his statistics are decent at best… especially his 2 point FG%. Is it just because he has such a nice stroke that everyone assumes he will be an elite shooter. I mean I am not trying to dog the guy I like what he brings I am just confused as to why everyone says he is such a great shooter all the time.
Also I got to agree with Dwight. Wins aren’t as import as developing talent in my opinion. Let Greg struggle, let him fail it is the only way he will succeed.
I’ve always struggled with the same thing regarding Martell=great shooter. He’s been inconsistent at best his whole career so far, right?
I think the great stroke, the good free-throw shooting, and at times good three-point percentages tease us into thinking that he’s greater than he is. Also, that’s what his strengths were when he was drafted. I’m sure that we can look back a few years and find players with great mechanics, but who never got the touch down. I agree that he’s been inconsistent.
I agree completely with you Dwight and frankly that scares the hell out of me.
What is it gonna take for Oden to get the ball? Is he going to have to openly defy the coach and DEMAND it?
My god people if were content in shooting jumpers we seriously should have took Durant. Oden deserves to be with a team that supports him on both ends of the court…
We will never win a ring unless we involve Oden more in the offense
And, I’ll add this: Remember Moses Malone? The way he was treated when he played with the Utah Starzz, is he was told to go offensive rebound, because that was the only way he was going to touch the ball. Ok, that helped him become a great offensive rebounder, but that’s no way to treat a franchise center with such potential. Look at how well it worked when Clyde and Terry would feed Duckworth in the post, for Duck’s good three years. And unlike the late Duckworth, Oden is willing to pass the ball.
Excellent points about Malone and Duckworth
Further info from Ben at Blazers Edge via Tweets, about Oden’s touches Tuesday:
2 of Oden’s 5 first half touches came from his own offensive rebounds. Oden set ~10 screens for ballhandlers; didn’t receive 1 s/r pass.
Blazers held a 13 point halftime lead with Oden having just 5 touches in first half. 3 ended in turnovers.
# In 7+ minutes of 2nd quarter play, Greg Oden touched ball one time on offense. He was 18 feet from hoop, swung ball to Blake.
Think about how lethal Oden could be, if he could seal his man, and the guards could get him the ball. I’ve dated myself a lot, but I think about how well Mark Price and Brad Daugherty used to run the pick-n-roll. I remember my friend telling me back in church league: “They usually don’t guard the roll.”
It was strange the limited touches Greg had last night, but you know what else was strange? Joel fouling out. It’s hard for me to take much from the game last night because it was nearly a pre-season game.
Both teams seemed disjointed and unable to get in a flow (other than the Blazers’ run in the second and third quarters), and overwhelming the big problem from last and the reason it felt like a pre-season game was the officiating. It was the officials first game of the season and it showed. They were simply unprepared for the speed of the game. I hope the refs at Thursday’s game have a couple of games under their belts and are up to speed.
The (real) pre-season games gave me a greater respect of the normal refs and last night’s game gave me a greater respect for the pre-season. I see now that the officials need the games to get in shape just as much as the players do.
Interesting how many years ago, during pre-season highlights where the refs missed a big travel, Mike Tirico said, “it’s pre-season for the refs, too.” So, it’s early-season for the refs too. Having refereed before, I try not to get mad at refs, but fouling Purzy out in 16 minutes had me grabbing my hair.
Dwight,
About Blake and Miller: The game was decided by a 2d quarter run by the 2d unit, led by Miller. Andre’s over under was +1. Steve’s was +4. The Blazers won the game. Why are you looking for trouble?
I’ve posted about 3 times,never shows up.