And so if you’re a free agent . . .
Would you take something like this into account when deciding whether to sign with Portland?
The Western Conference balloting at guard shows Brandon Roy 10th, trailing the likes of Rafer Alston, Tracy McGrady, Jason Kidd and other has-beens and never-wases. And this, I’m afraid is the way it’s going to be most of the time out here — no population base compared to the big cities, home games on TV so late nobody in the East watches. Hard to get enough votes for a Blazer to make it into this game as a starter.
Would this bother some free agents? I think it would.
NBA, Trail Blazers | Dwight Jaynes | January 8, 2009
I think so as well. But I also think Portland has a good reputation as one of the best organizations in the league, as well as a very bright future. So while some may shy away because they will be out of the limelight, I think the kind of guys this city would cherish being on the team may overlook that for a chance to be part of what could be a very dominant team.
At least… I hope.
Yes i am afraid it does. Trade for a player and then sign them to max extension is our M.O. Other way to do is draft and sign long term. Some of the NBA scene would rather have the bling than the ring.
Considering the Blazers emphasis on character, would they even be interested in a player that was concerned about that?
Not necessarily. Back in the late 90′s and early 2000′s during Portland’s free spending days, it didn’t bother players, especially the well established ones like Pippen and Smith to come and play here.
While it’s true that they were obtained in trades and not as free agents, it is also clear that had they had problems with playing in Portland, they would not have been here.
Cities like Miami, Los Angeles, New York, etc will always have an inherant advantage over the smaller market teams like Portland. That’s how it goes in all sports, from college to the pros.
If Portland is putting together a good, unselfish team on the court, guys will want to play here. The ones really concerned about the non-basketball stuff like the fame, nightlife, etc probably don’t fit the type of people Portland is looking for anyway. I’m not saying those things are bad, it just seems that the Blazers are putting together a team of no-nonsense players who want to win and will do anything to accomplish that.
If they are not about the team first then I don’t want them on my team.
Marko
I agree but were not both smith and pippen products of trades? I think Pippen was. Both were at or near the end of their careers, not in their primes too. I think paul allen has a good rep as an owner and people would come here but not before NY or LA.
How then do you explain Chris Paul coming in at #3? New Orleans is the #53 Nielsen market in the country. MUCH smaller than Portland.
Get in the playoffs and your NBA Q rating jumps exponentially. Of course if Roy doesn’t get back on the floor, then playoffs will be out of the question and we have another year of “woe is us”.
It might, but I think outright signing FAs is rare, the CAP room/expring contracts get used to trade for the guy who is about to go FA, then he is extended. The being able to pay more money when he’s your own FA is a big deal. Starting in the allstar game is great but only 1 guy at each position does anyway, making a couple million more per year over 5 years means alot more!
Roy should be getting more votes, but he isn’t going to realistically start as long as Kobe is playing anyway, all those other guys will have the votes but Roy will get picked by the coaches while they stay home!
I don’t think the all-star voting factors into most guys decision making (if at all). Plus, I think Roy needs a little more time before being recognized for being the great player that he is. Clyde Drexler played here for many years and he finally got recognized by fans around the country when he was voted in. I don’t remember how many times he was voted in by fans but I know it happend more than once. I know he was voted in by the fans in 1992. I think he was voted in 1993 as well. Any how, B. Roy will get his due when the Blazers make deep runs into the playoffs and the country watches him kill teams on a nightly basis in May and June. When other free agents see that, they’ll want to play here if they want to win. The Blazers are known for having top-notch facilities, a ridiculous team plane, a rich owner and a winning enviornment. Basically, Paul Allen treats his players like kings (see D. Miles’ fat contract that he didn’t deserve!) and that is why I believe players will want to come here. If those things are still important to players, the Blazers will have no problem attracting players.Just my opinion though.
It’s harder for players who start their careers in Portland, like Brandon, than free agents who already have made a name for themselves, and have established all-star status. I wouldn’t think that PTB would be targeting free agents who care more about being an all-star than playing on a contender, anyway.
I agree with jeff took Clyde awhile to be recognized. And i don’t think Brandon Roy is that clearly a superstar. Chris Paul is.
I for one really do not care who makes the All Star game. i never watch it, though I might if Brandon started. I would much rather watch a bunch of guys I know trying hard as a team to win a game. Like the Blazers. I watch most of their games
The reason McGrady and especially Alston have the votes is because of China. Seriously, look at all the voting columns and see where the Houston players rank. Even Battier.
And why all star voting is such a joke. If we need decent vote let players do it.
And for sure I agree if any player’s goal is all star game, not my choice to be a Blazer.
“And i don’t think Brandon Roy is that clearly a superstar. Chris Paul is.”
What you meant to say was: And I don’t think Brandon Roy is clearly hyped by the NBA as much as Chris Paul is.
Chris Paul:
PPG
20.7
RPG
5.20
APG
11.5
TOPG
2.8
New Orleans: 21-11
Brandon Roy:
PPG
23.0
RPG
4.50
APG
5.3
TOPG
2.0
Portland: 21-14
So, those six extra APG (point guard vs. shooting guard) and three fewer PPG make Chris Paul a superstar and Brandon Roy not so much?