What do you think?
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NBA, Trail Blazers | Dwight Jaynes | February 19, 2009
Dwight Jaynes
You may remember me from my 25 years at The Oregonian and Oregon Journal. Or my stint at the Portland Tribune or appearances on local talk radio. Well, times change and so have I. Right now, I'm still watching the world float by, but only when I have the time.
They call me "The Godfather" now, especially in the mornings, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the "Morning Sports Page" with Chad Doing and Antonio Harvey, on Portland's No. 1 sports station, 95.5 The Game.
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I’m really pissed off. Portland could have gotten into the mix for the West finals without mortgaging the future one bit… and didn’t do it.
@Jacob: we wont know for sure until ~12:30…
I THINK IT STINKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sheesh the “Sky is falling” crowd are certainly out in force today….
On the other hand, One Center Court has been very quiet about Greg “SamBowie” Oden’s latest injury…… Must be a bit more serious than the spin from his agent…..
No shitty contracts, no head-cases, no Batum shipped out for 33 year-olds.
I like it.
Dwight,
How about that Blazer coverage in the Oregonian? Very little about the trade deadline, and even less about the Oden injury. Don’t these stories deserve major play?
Personally, I am glad they did not take Carter. I just didn’t see the fit. I guess we will see how it works out, but I am ok with not doing anything.
Seriously nothing? really? We all just got punked. I understand if you dont do a deal here but dont freaking talk it up so much like you will do one. Now we can go celebrate with michael Ruffin yay! oh well Pritchard better make up for it this summer meanwhile lets go finish the season and get swept in first round.
KP, as usual, did what he thought was right for the team. The fact is that regardless of what people have reported, only the people within the organization know what was truly available. Based on KP’s track record, there’s no reason to be disappointed unless your a fan who just wanted to see a trade happen because it was deadline day. KP has always had a plan and his plan is working. I trust his judgement because his success speaks for itself. Out of all of the players that were supposedly “available” to them, there wasn’t one IMO who would make them good enough to beat the Spurs or the Lakers. Notice that none of the guys available got traded (Wallace, Carter, Jefferson, etc..). Apparently all the other GM’s didn’t think they were worth dealing for either.
I was disappointed that the trade of Bob Whitsitt’s insights for a monkey and a back of peanuts didn’t go through.
This team will not make the playoffs now…so if you like the roster and like not making the playoffs, then today was your day! By March 13 this team will be the 9th seed in the West.
My preference was always the off-season deal or FA piece. This group is too young to alter. We already have some serviceable SF’s and PG’s. Let this marinate and assess after the season. The deals might be better this summer and now we have flexibility in extending Roy and LaMarcus (if we choose to). In short…I cool with it.
Jeff, first KP’s record is okay but not fantastic. He got lucky with pingpong balls and picked Oden, and that’s lookin that great lately. Second, yeah so he got Brandon. But he also didn’t get Devin Harris last draft day when he could have traded Travis Outlaw and Jarret Jack for him. That right there is horrible. Third, if he truly had a chance to get Amare for RLEC and LaMarcus, well LaMarcus had better turn into somethin else or that’s going to prove him wrong again. And lastly, it’s not that other GMs didn’t think those players were worth dealing for (Cleveland was trying hard to get Butler) it’s that there were only a couple buyers in this market. Almost everyone was trying to get rid of someone because of cap reasons, we were one of the few teams in a position to take advantage of cash strapped teams and we failed.
So before you start singing KP’s praises take a step back and review everything. Because so far I’m not that impressed by his decisions. He got lucky on Brandon, but other than that nothing he’s done has really panned out (although I was so glad when we got rid of Zach, but we basically got nothing for him). I think this is one of the biggest mistakes he has made thus far by not trading RLEC and actually getting something for it.
The Blazers need help not only from a veteran leadership standpoint, they SUCK on defense. Outlaw is atrocious, but for some reason Nate keeps him in forever in games, KP won’t trade him. I think we know who really runs this team and it’s Brandon. That’s the only reason Outlaw is still here, and until Roy can grow up and realize that “his boy” isn’t that good, Outlaw is going to be a main staple of our offense and laughable defense.
So get ready for another 10 years of mediocrity Portland. Because that’s all KP has set us up for is mediocrity.
Patience. This team doesn’t contend for another two years anyway. In the present economy, a nice player can probably be had for the mid-level exception.
Watching Greg and LMA starve for touches in the post isn’t a problem that’s screaming for VC, etc. to ride in and fix it.
The Blazers did exactly what a young team needed to do. Nothing.
KP now has a track record for not taking big risks that could potentially make this team a real contender. He took the safe pick in Oden, passed on Harris and let another trade deadline expire w/o making a move to fix our defensive and offensive woes.
Official Blazer motto: “Wait till next season.”
I like the motto of “Striving for mediocrity, follow the path of Bob Whitsitt”
A young team needs leadership, and they have none of that, even from their coach. When Brandon Roy says he has no one to look up to on this team, isn’t that a plea to bring in someone good? Maybe someone to help? And Kirk, this is no ordinary young team. We’re in the playoff hunt, right now, but we could easily be out of it and we’re depending on a whole bunch of young guys, 4 of whom haven’t played more than 35 games in a year. And if you haven’t noticed, our defense is a joke. Memphis started torching us, OKC, New York, these games shouldn’t be that close. That’s what a vet would do. Get into these young guys face and not let them back down like they have been.
Plain and simple KP screwed the pooch here. He had the opportunity of a lifetime and instead of jumping out, taking a chance and grabbing it, he simply sat there expecting it to come to him. Thanks KP, for nothing.
Blazer Dawg,
Your complaining about Defense and your solution is Stoudamire?
I’m sorry but your credibility just went out the window.
Hmmmmm…. Who was really out there worth trading for…. really nobody….. I will now sit back and wait for Ricky Bobby’s blathering and drivel….
Blazer_dawg: Perhaps Paul Allen should hired you instead of KP. They’d go 82-0.. Those are genius takes you have. You could at least be a consultant because you have all the right answers.. I am just honored to be on the same message board with the NBA’s first mentally retarded GM.
For all of you bashing the trades that KP didn’t make, I would like to remind you that they were ALL RUMORS. Not one of you KNOWS that KP turned down one deal or another, not one of you KNOWS if Paul Allen stepped in and said he wanted to keep RLEC and benefit from the savings himself.
That’s right, none of you know anything for sure, so maybe you shouldn’t talk about things you have no direct knowledge of.
Bob, your scathing intellect continues to impress. I wasn’t making fun of the Blazers, but rather you, neophyte. You are the consumate one trick pony when it comes to your comments. Thanks for the laughs!
Nobody wanted to be the next victom of K.P., no matter what the price.
There was a golden opportunity here to create some excitement and add an experienced player to a young team that doesn’t really have an identity right now. It’s obvious to anyone that watches that this team has not been playing well lately and it really could have benefited from a trade. Outlaw should be out the door. His value will never be higher. As much as he contributes with his scoring, he takes away equally with his unwillingness to defend or rebound and his questionable (god-awful) shot selection. I mean, how long is it going to take this guy to learn the basics of playing smart basketball? The Blazers better have a hell of a plan in place because with the way the competition is in the NBA right now, it is going to take more than this roster to contend. I kind of miss the Blazers of old who weren’t afraid to make a move and shake things up. I am very disappointed today.
RB, Why are you so obsessed with me ?? Is this due to proving you wrong at every turn in regards to Greg “GlassBones” Oden….. Might want to look in the mirror as make the “one trick pony” statement…
Gladly, go back and look at my posts these past months, you will find I have been critical and supportive of Greg. It is called being a rational thinker. I think it is funny that you have now projected your obsession with Greg on to me. It is humorous that you are blind to your own criticisms that you put on others.
I enjoy posting to you because of your reactions and continued posting of beyond logic ideas. I really think that you do this for attention and thus I give it to you.
Yeah you were right
Bob about the plus minus aguement the other day weren’t you? And the double doubles. Also, Bob what were KG’s numbers his rookie year, and Kobe? Keep trying Bob.
Interesting…. After every post that I have made Ricky Bobby is posting moments later to attack… Talk about obsession…. (and I am not referring to the cologne) Get some mental health counseling quick, or you will be in the same boat as Sam Adams…..
wow you posted right after me……..hmmmm pot calling the kettle black Sam?
My gut tells me it was not the time for a “franchise changing” trade. I think the team is still finding its identity. Sure, someone could have come aboard to help in *this* playoff run, but in the grand scheme of things it would have been short-term, really. I think Chad Ford was mistaken. KP wasn’t being reluctant, he was exercising patience.
Again….. there was not anyone worth trading for that would have made much of a difference…..
5…4…3….2…1….
I’m a little disappointed but not crushed (mostly because I wasted a lot of time this morning hitting the refresh button for nothing). The only two players I would have been truly excited about for this team were Tayshaun Prince and Shane Battier (and it doesn’t sound like they were available) – great defense, outside shooting, don’t need to have the ball in their hands to be effective, and a solid veteran presence to hold the fort down until Batum and Webster get more seasoning.
The trade exception cushions the blow because now they will have almost as much under the cap (when combined w/the exception) as they did with RLEC, and more flexibility to boot.
On behalf of the posters of this site I would like to thank Bob and Ricky for their entertainment.
Mr. Whitsitt, you would not take Richard Jefferson, 28 yrs old, finals experience, and ok with being the third option? Seriously all joking aside about your ever clear view of Oden, your response will be very telling to me.
Hey Bob, sorry brother can’t argue with your thinking. When do you move back into 1 Center Court? As an olive branch, I will carry your boxes to show that I am ok with you being right and me being wrong.
Dan,
IMHO the cost for Richard Jefferson was too great. In the offseason the trade exception acquired, and the RLEC will bring a bigger bang for the dollar…. Don’t need a minor one hit wonder with RJ.
If KP would have screwed up with a trade deadline deal as much as he screwed up with the Oden/Durant pick, then I think we can all agree that the Blazers are probably better off with him keeping his hands off for now.
Sometimes not making a move is the best one. In the final analysis, I think Pritchard did the right thing.
We all know this is a young team, but one that has a winning record in a highly competitive conference. They are learning how to win, and how to rely on each other. They have come miles ahead in term of maturity than just a year ago
Yes they have much to learn, and their lack of experience sometimes glaringly shows (especially on the defensive end), but I don’t think we can really fully assess EXACTLY what we need without a FULL season with this team
On the plus side, we created a good amount of cap room. There are some attractive free agents this summer and I have a feeling a better opportunity for trades. Many owners are gonna increasingly look for ways to dump high salaried players, and I believe Portland’s patience will pay off by waiting till August.
I am good with the no trade for now. I am realistic in that we won’t be a championship contender this season. As frustrating as they are to watch on defense at times, this has to be one of my favorite blazer teams to watch in a long long time
Pritchard and his Blazers have won my heart over, and to me that is what matters most right now
Thanks Bob,
Just out of curious nature, who is available this summer that is someone who the Blazers could target as a FA that is better than Jefferson for example? I don’t know that is why I ask.
Major blunder by Portland today. Anyone who watched the game last night can point out the problems in our roster. Outlaw(and soon, Webster) are not the answers for our lack of a wing defender. Webster might be next year, but right now he’s still walking around in a boot and won’t likely play until April-after the toughest part of our schedule. Outlaw is a liability on both ends of the floor. I know, I know, Mr. Fourth Quarter, but come on. The guy is just terrible when his shots not falling. Everything starts and stops with his offense and that has spelled disaster recently(Golden State?). Also, it doesn’t matter how many points he scores when he gives up just as many. I mean, he did get schooled by a guy the organization said couldn’t even play basketball anymore…
And Sergio? Don’t fool yourselves Portland, this guy could be great-just not with the Blazers. He is the worst defender on our team, bar none. His inability(lack of motivation) to get through a pick or keep a man in front of him causes the breakdowns in our defense. He is the cause of a lot of the rotating that ends up with a mismatch favoring our opposition. And again, he gives up as much as he produces-another “wash” guy.
But the real problem today is the coaching. Last night especially, when we were bricking jumper after jumper, Bayless should have been in the game doing what he does best, wreaking havoc with his ability to get to the basket. Where was he though? On the bench. That’s on Nate. He sticks to his rotations like a security blanket. Batum was having a steller game on both ends of the floor but also was on the bench. Calling it questionable coaching is being easy on him, but at some point he has to let Bayless and Batum run free. That is, if the organization really thinks they will be as good they say they think. What do we have to lose if this season is about player devlopment?
We need to consolidate the rotation, a little addition by subtraction. Isn’t it clear by now that Sergio can’t thrive in Nate’s system and that Outlaw has peaked? So why not trade to adjust the roster into one that fits within the parameters of the coaches game plan? Is Pritchard only ballsy in the offseason? Is Nate in the hotseat? A lot of more questions than answers today, and only 29 games left to address them all…
I’ve started several businesses over my adult life, all but one successful- the most important deals I ever made were the ones I didn’t do.
Trading for its own sake is stupid. KP can only do the ones other GMs are willing to participate in.
P.S. The Fighting Bobs need to get a room.
Some fans bring up good points about Nate’s coaching but don’t you think it’s plausible Pritchard was dangling Bayless and that is the reason he didn’t play? Obviously it was a patented KP smokescreen. Who knows if it triggered any moves from other teams.
I agree with KP, why add another man’s garbage contract to a decent team and wreck the chemistry.
This team is 2-3 vets away from a deep playoff run and not just 1 key vet away. That many trades mid-season would destabilize the locker room.
Well said Erik.
The biggest mistake didn’t happen today (although it was a big mistake not doing the Plan B deal), it happened a couple days ago when KP & Co. didn’t chase and acquire Miller and Salmons for RLEC + Channing + Sergio + draft picks. That deal was there and it didn’t happen…
Now the Blazers get to finish this season with their scoring 3 essentially out for the year and Channing Frye getting slaughtered at the low post for who knows how long. And Travis Outlaw logging big minutes as a “Power Forward,” which is pretty much a contradiction of terms why you’re talking about the king of the 19 foot fadeaway jumpshot…
There are holes in the team — obvious glaring holes — that were not patched up. We’ll see if the leaking boat makes it to port or goes down like last year’s did… I’d advise people to start strapping on the life vests… This crew looks like #9 in the West to me…
Not moving the RLEC was a 100% financial decision. People should not kid themselves about “KP knows what he’s doing” and “KP has a master plan.” It was about SPAM — Saving Paul Allen’s Money — in a bad economy. Even billionaires are running scared, pretty clearly…
Today was Black Thursday for the 2008-09 season…