They signed him today, so much for having him stay in France another year.

On Jul 22, 5:53 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> They signed him today, so much for having him stay in France another year.

I'm not real impressed with Batum. I liked Darrell Arthur better.

Bayless is a STUD though...

Rizzo

Frank Rizzo wrote:
> On Jul 22, 5:53 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> They signed him today, so much for having him stay in France another
>> year.
>
> I'm not real impressed with Batum.

No one is yet. They just decided they wanted him here to work with him
instead of in france.
He will likely get more minutes in the d league than on the team.

> I liked Darrell Arthur better.

I think there was a problem there that does not fit in the portland
'culture'.

>
> Bayless is a STUD though...

Wonder if he will fit into the 'team' concept...
I see him getting pretty frustrated sharing minutes with Blake, rudy, sergio
et all.


Bayless and LMA vs team USA
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/tlongII/bayless-aldridge.jpg

Terraholm wrote:
> Frank Rizzo wrote:
>> On Jul 22, 5:53 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>> They signed him today, so much for having him stay in France another
>>> year.
>>
>> I'm not real impressed with Batum.
>
> No one is yet. They just decided they wanted him here to work with him
> instead of in france.
> He will likely get more minutes in the d league than on the team.

http://www.columbian.com/sports/localNews/2008/07/07242008_Blazers-like-Batums-defensive-potential.cfm
Kevin Pritchard does not hesitate to term rookie Nicolas Batum as a project
who is still “a ways away” from becoming an NBA regular.

But the Portland Trail Blazers general manager also believes Batum can fill
some of the Blazers’ needs, even if it means seeing most of his action in
practices, or perhaps the NBA Development League. And those concerns — a
need to balance the roster and add a wing defender — led Pritchard to sign
the first-round draft pick on Tuesday rather than leave the 19-year-old
Batum in Europe for more seasoning.

“I don’t know if he’ll get on the court this year,” Pritchard said Tuesday
in a telephone interview from Las Vegas, where he is watching LaMarcus
Aldridge and rookie Jerryd Bayless practice with the U.S. Select Team. “We
know he’s a little bit of a project. He’s got to work on his body and (jump)
shot. But he’s just got some physical tools that you can put him in a game
and he can defend somebody.”

==

He agreed that Batum’s position is similar to that which Blazers forward
Travis Outlaw faced when he entered the NBA out of high school five years
ago — physically enticing with his length and high level of athleticism, but
with a raw skill set and need to improve his strength.

“They’re definitely in the same ballpark,” Pritchard said. “But they also
have some of the same physical tools. Great length. Hard workers. And
obviously, Travis has grown up to be a great piece to what we’re doing. It
took a while, but he’s definitely a good comparison to what we have in
Batum.”

So why sign Batum now rather than leave him in Europe to develop in games
instead of practices?

Pritchard said it came down to the Blazers’ immediate needs. The team had
only two small forwards returning next year — Martell Webster and Outlaw —
which could have left them in a difficult position if either is injured next
season. And while raw offensively, Batum’s length and athleticism gives
Portland an extra defensive option on the wing.

Plus, Pritchard said he is not ready to firmly state that Batum is not ready
to play.

“I just don’t want to put any preconceived notions,” he said. “One thing you
want to do is you want to see how players improve. I don’t want to presume
that the kid’s not ready, or we’re definitely not going to do this, until we
get him into training camp.”

On Jul 23, 9:29 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Frank Rizzo wrote:
> > On Jul 22, 5:53 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >> They signed him today, so much for having him stay in France another
> >> year.
>
> > I'm not real impressed with Batum.
>
> No one is yet. They just decided they wanted him here to work with him
> instead of in france.
> He will likely get more minutes in the d league than on the team.
>
> > I liked Darrell Arthur better.
>
> I think there was a problem there that does not fit in the portland
> 'culture'.
>
>
>
> > Bayless is a STUD though...
>
> Wonder if he will fit into the 'team' concept...

Unless they beat the shit out of him in practice to put him in his
place. This is the NBA. However he he abuses the above trio every
practice and performs better in games, I don't think he'll be ok on
the pine. I don't think Nate will be dumb about it though. AHHH the
embarrassment of riches.

Rizzo

Frank Rizzo wrote:
> On Jul 23, 9:29 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> Frank Rizzo wrote:
>>> On Jul 22, 5:53 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>> They signed him today, so much for having him stay in France
>>>> another year.
>>
>>> I'm not real impressed with Batum.
>>
>> No one is yet. They just decided they wanted him here to work with
>> him instead of in france.
>> He will likely get more minutes in the d league than on the team.
>>
>>> I liked Darrell Arthur better.
>>
>> I think there was a problem there that does not fit in the portland
>> 'culture'.
>>
>>
>>
>>> Bayless is a STUD though...
>>
>> Wonder if he will fit into the 'team' concept...
>
> Unless they beat the shit out of him in practice to put him in his
> place. This is the NBA. However he he abuses the above trio every
> practice and performs better in games, I don't think he'll be ok on
> the pine. I don't think Nate will be dumb about it though.

Nate has already said Blake keeps the start for awhile at least IIRC.
I think he wants the veteran in there while the two rookies will understand
their role for now.
Work on learning the system while not competing for the start.

About the only position Nate has opened to winning it is SF.
Will not be as vital to have Travis's scoring in the 2nd unit.

> AHHH the
> embarrassment of riches.

Certainly there are worse problems. =)

Black Unit Blake, B Roy, Webster, LMA, Oden
White Unit Bayless, Rudy, Outlaw, Fyre, JoeL.

White unit might make the playoffs starting in the east?

Leftovers Sergio, Diogu, Batum... and mr ending contract lefoul

Too deep often does not last into a season far with injuries though.
Ws have been though that often enough.


--
Laurel T
A coach after being informed, that like
players, their drug tests would include
banned performance enhancing drugs:
"Does that include Viagra?"

On Jul 24, 4:46 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Frank Rizzo wrote:
> > On Jul 23, 9:29 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >> Frank Rizzo wrote:
> >>> On Jul 22, 5:53 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>> They signed him today, so much for having him stay in France
> >>>> another year.
>
> >>> I'm not real impressed with Batum.
>
> >> No one is yet. They just decided they wanted him here to work with
> >> him instead of in france.
> >> He will likely get more minutes in the d league than on the team.
>
> >>> I liked Darrell Arthur better.
>
> >> I think there was a problem there that does not fit in the portland
> >> 'culture'.
>
> >>> Bayless is a STUD though...
>
> >> Wonder if he will fit into the 'team' concept...
>
> > Unless they beat the shit out of him in practice to put him in his
> > place. This is the NBA. However he he abuses the above trio every
> > practice and performs better in games, I don't think he'll be ok on
> > the pine. I don't think Nate will be dumb about it though.
>
> Nate has already said Blake keeps the start for awhile at least IIRC.
> I think he wants the veteran in there while the two rookies will understand
> their role for now.
> Work on learning the system while not competing for the start.
>
> About the only position Nate has opened to winning it is SF.
> Will not be as vital to have Travis's scoring in the 2nd unit.
>
> > AHHH the
> > embarrassment of riches.
>
> Certainly there are worse problems. =)
>
> Black Unit Blake, B Roy, Webster, LMA, Oden
> White Unit Bayless, Rudy, Outlaw, Fyre, JoeL.
>
> White unit might make the playoffs starting in the east?
>
> Leftovers Sergio, Diogu, Batum... and mr ending contract lefoul
>
> Too deep often does not last into a season far with injuries though.
> Ws have been though that often enough.
>
> --

W's haven't been deep in a couple years but DAMN you have a nice
looking roster up there! If Frye or Diogu can ever pick their game up
a notch (didn't they get drafted one right after the other?) you'd
have the scariest second unit I've seen since the Pistons won their
first championship.

PG Dumars (who was the starting SG but was PG on the second unit) or
Michael Williams
SG Vinnie
SF Rodman
PF Sally
C Edwards

This Portland Roster could be that good. And I aint no PDX homer
saying that, as you know. Just a fan of the game. Pritchard is my
hero (of course it's easier with Paul Allen's checkbook than Chris
Cohan's so Mully is pretty good too.)

Rizzo

Frank Rizzo wrote:
> On Jul 24, 4:46 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>> AHHH the
>>> embarrassment of riches.
>>
>> Certainly there are worse problems. =)
>>
>> Black Unit Blake, B Roy, Webster, LMA, Oden
>> White Unit Bayless, Rudy, Outlaw, Fyre, JoeL.
>>
>> White unit might make the playoffs starting in the east?
>>
>> Leftovers Sergio, Diogu, Batum... and mr ending contract lefoul
>>
>> Too deep often does not last into a season far with injuries though.
>> Ws have been though that often enough.
>>
>> --
>
> W's haven't been deep in a couple years but DAMN you have a nice
> looking roster up there!


On paper at least...it is much better balanced now.

> If Frye or Diogu can ever pick their game up a notch

Fyre was playing well at the very end of last season, hopefully he will
contribute.
But either one can fill that role. Nate also likes to play small with Travis
at PF at times.
Someone is getting left out.

> (didn't they get drafted one right after the other?)

Yes, 8th and 9th


>you'd
> have the scariest second unit I've seen since the Pistons won their
> first championship.
>
> PG Dumars (who was the starting SG but was PG on the second unit) or
> Michael Williams
> SG Vinnie
> SF Rodman
> PF Sally
> C Edwards
>
> This Portland Roster could be that good. And I aint no PDX homer
> saying that, as you know. Just a fan of the game.

Well Blake will likely be gone next summer and someone will be moved up.
But then if a free agent starter is added, assuming a small forward Webster
would be added to the reserves.
Assuming no trades... which is just silly with KP...


> Pritchard is my
> hero (of course it's easier with Paul Allen's checkbook than Chris
> Cohan's so Mully is pretty good too.)

Actually they are spending a lot less money under KP, but that will have to
change in 2 years to keep this team together and then it will be nice having
Allen...


--
Laurel T
"It's another one of those things that sort of
gurgles up from the basketball Babylon,"
Petrie on a Trade Rumor
Laurel T

On Jul 24, 9:14 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Frank Rizzo wrote:
> > On Jul 24, 4:46 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >>> AHHH the
> >>> embarrassment of riches.
>
> >> Certainly there are worse problems. =)
>
> >> Black Unit Blake, B Roy, Webster, LMA, Oden
> >> White Unit Bayless, Rudy, Outlaw, Fyre, JoeL.
>
> >> White unit might make the playoffs starting in the east?
>
> >> Leftovers Sergio, Diogu, Batum... and mr ending contract lefoul
>
> >> Too deep often does not last into a season far with injuries though.
> >> Ws have been though that often enough.
>
> >> --
>
> > W's haven't been deep in a couple years but DAMN you have a nice
> > looking roster up there!
>
> On paper at least...it is much better balanced now.
>
> > If Frye or Diogu can ever pick their game up a notch
>
> Fyre was playing well at the very end of last season, hopefully he will
> contribute.
> But either one can fill that role. Nate also likes to play small with Travis
> at PF at times.
> Someone is getting left out.
>
> > (didn't they get drafted one right after the other?)
>
> Yes, 8th and 9th
>
> >you'd
> > have the scariest second unit I've seen since the Pistons won their
> > first championship.
>
> > PG Dumars (who was the starting SG but was PG on the second unit) or
> > Michael Williams
> > SG Vinnie
> > SF Rodman
> > PF Sally
> > C Edwards
>
> > This Portland Roster could be that good. And I aint no PDX homer
> > saying that, as you know. Just a fan of the game.
>
> Well Blake will likely be gone next summer and someone will be moved up.
> But then if a free agent starter is added, assuming a small forward Webster
> would be added to the reserves.
> Assuming no trades... which is just silly with KP...
>
> > Pritchard is my
> > hero (of course it's easier with Paul Allen's checkbook than Chris
> > Cohan's so Mully is pretty good too.)
>
> Actually they are spending a lot less money under KP, but that will have to
> change in 2 years to keep this team together and then it will be nice having
> Allen...
>
> --
> Laurel T
> "It's another one of those things that sort of
> gurgles up from the basketball Babylon,"
> Petrie on a Trade Rumor
> Laurel T

"Son you just got one more rebound than a dead guy"

Frank Layden to Mark Eaton after a poor rebounding game.

Frank Rizzo wrote:
> On Jul 23, 9:29 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> Frank Rizzo wrote:
>>> On Jul 22, 5:53 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>> They signed him today, so much for having him stay in France
>>>> another year.
>>
>>> I'm not real impressed with Batum.
>>
>> No one is yet. They just decided they wanted him here to work with
>> him instead of in france.
>> He will likely get more minutes in the d league than on the team.
>>
>>> I liked Darrell Arthur better.
>>
>> I think there was a problem there that does not fit in the portland
>> 'culture'.
>>
>>
>>
>>> Bayless is a STUD though...
>>
>> Wonder if he will fit into the 'team' concept...
>
> Unless they beat the shit out of him in practice to put him in his
> place. This is the NBA. However he he abuses the above trio every
> practice and performs better in games, I don't think he'll be ok on
> the pine. I don't think Nate will be dumb about it though. AHHH the
> embarrassment of riches.
>

Roy on Bayless and Blake:
http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2008/07/part_iii_roy_and_bayless_a_mat.html
After watching three of the Trail Blazers five Summer League games on
television, one thing is clear: Brandon Roy is a fan of rookie Jerryd
Bayless.

"I like him,'' Roy said. "I like the way he plays, his aggressiveness. More
than anything, I like his attitude. Winning is an attitude ... and I think
Jerryd brings that. I can tell by the way he plays that he wants to be the
best.''

Roy said he envisions playing alongside Bayless this season because he
complements Roy's game. Roy is best when a teammate can guard the point
guard and bring the ball up the court, then slide to off guard while Roy
directs the offense.

Last season, Roy said he felt Steve Blake and the now-departed Jarrett Jack
became frustrated at having to play shooting guard on offense.

"The reason why I see me playing with Jerryd is because he can guard
points,'' Roy said. "He may not be a one, but he can guard a one, so then it
fits into exactly what we want to do. A lot of times with Jarrett and Blake,
they would get frustrated because they were playing a two on offense.
Whereas (Jerryd) is comfortable playing two on offense and he's comfortable
playing one on defense. That's why I tell people who say he is not a point:
'If he was a point, it would take away from what I do, so it's almost fine
that he's not a point.''

Perhaps the greatest compliment Roy gave was saying he sees himself in
Bayless, particularly regarding confidence.

"We share a lot of similarities,'' Roy said. "He's a little bit smaller, but
he's tough. And he guards ... and I think the biggest thing I like about him
is he is confident. In this league you gotta be.

"His confidence is more loud and mine is more quiet. He kind of wears it on
his shoulder where you can see it, and mine is like (you realize) 'oh wow'
.... after I played,'' Roy said. "But I like his game. If he wants to be
aggressive, and he makes plays, then I don't mind being the point. And if
I'm in an aggressive play-making mode, then I'm sure he doesn't mind being
the point.''

Roy was not saying, however, that he prefers Bayless over Steve Blake. Roy
said he thinks Blake should be the starter, and that he values the veteran's
input.

"Blake, he understands playing with good players - he played with Carmelo
and Iverson in Denver, and as the year went on he was able to help me,'' Roy
said. "There were moments when he'd be on me, saying 'This is your turn,
your time! You can't be looking at everybody, you can't be passive.' I
thought that helped because it made me feel like the team wants me to do
this, and I didn't want to let them down. So I had to become more
aggressive.''

Roy said a big advantage entering this season will be the chemistry that he
and Blake have developed, particularly in knowing who should play point at
certain times.

"He knows ... he would kick it to me and say 'You bring it' ... and there
would be times he would take it, not look at me, and I would know there is
something he wants to do,'' Roy said. "So I think just playing with Blake
for a whole season has helped our chemistry. With Rudy (Fernandez) and
Bayless, we have to build chemistry. But with me and Blake, we already have
it.''

On Jul 28, 8:05 am, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Frank Rizzo wrote:
> > On Jul 23, 9:29 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >> Frank Rizzo wrote:
> >>> On Jul 22, 5:53 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>> They signed him today, so much for having him stay in France
> >>>> another year.
>
> >>> I'm not real impressed with Batum.
>
> >> No one is yet. They just decided they wanted him here to work with
> >> him instead of in france.
> >> He will likely get more minutes in the d league than on the team.
>
> >>> I liked Darrell Arthur better.
>
> >> I think there was a problem there that does not fit in the portland
> >> 'culture'.
>
> >>> Bayless is a STUD though...
>
> >> Wonder if he will fit into the 'team' concept...
>
> > Unless they beat the shit out of him in practice to put him in his
> > place. This is the NBA. However he he abuses the above trio every
> > practice and performs better in games, I don't think he'll be ok on
> > the pine. I don't think Nate will be dumb about it though. AHHH the
> > embarrassment of riches.
>
> Roy on Bayless and Blake:http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2008/07/part_iii_roy_and...
> After watching three of the Trail Blazers five Summer League games on
> television, one thing is clear: Brandon Roy is a fan of rookie Jerryd
> Bayless.
>
> "I like him,'' Roy said. "I like the way he plays, his aggressiveness. More
> than anything, I like his attitude. Winning is an attitude ... and I think
> Jerryd brings that. I can tell by the way he plays that he wants to be the
> best.''
>
> Roy said he envisions playing alongside Bayless this season because he
> complements Roy's game. Roy is best when a teammate can guard the point
> guard and bring the ball up the court, then slide to off guard while Roy
> directs the offense.
>
> Last season, Roy said he felt Steve Blake and the now-departed Jarrett Jack
> became frustrated at having to play shooting guard on offense.
>
> "The reason why I see me playing with Jerryd is because he can guard
> points,'' Roy said. "He may not be a one, but he can guard a one, so then it
> fits into exactly what we want to do. A lot of times with Jarrett and Blake,
> they would get frustrated because they were playing a two on offense.
> Whereas (Jerryd) is comfortable playing two on offense and he's comfortable
> playing one on defense. That's why I tell people who say he is not a point:
> 'If he was a point, it would take away from what I do, so it's almost fine
> that he's not a point.''
>
> Perhaps the greatest compliment Roy gave was saying he sees himself in
> Bayless, particularly regarding confidence.
>
> "We share a lot of similarities,'' Roy said. "He's a little bit smaller, but
> he's tough. And he guards ... and I think the biggest thing I like about him
> is he is confident. In this league you gotta be.
>
> "His confidence is more loud and mine is more quiet. He kind of wears it on
> his shoulder where you can see it, and mine is like (you realize) 'oh wow'
> ... after I played,'' Roy said. "But I like his game. If he wants to be
> aggressive, and he makes plays, then I don't mind being the point. And if
> I'm in an aggressive play-making mode, then I'm sure he doesn't mind being
> the point.''
>
> Roy was not saying, however, that he prefers Bayless over Steve Blake. Roy
> said he thinks Blake should be the starter, and that he values the veteran's
> input.
>
> "Blake, he understands playing with good players - he played with Carmelo
> and Iverson in Denver, and as the year went on he was able to help me,'' Roy
> said. "There were moments when he'd be on me, saying 'This is your turn,
> your time! You can't be looking at everybody, you can't be passive.' I
> thought that helped because it made me feel like the team wants me to do
> this, and I didn't want to let them down. So I had to become more
> aggressive.''
>
> Roy said a big advantage entering this season will be the chemistry that he
> and Blake have developed, particularly in knowing who should play point at
> certain times.
>
> "He knows ... he would kick it to me and say 'You bring it' ... and there
> would be times he would take it, not look at me, and I would know there is
> something he wants to do,'' Roy said. "So I think just playing with Blake
> for a whole season has helped our chemistry. With Rudy (Fernandez) and
> Bayless, we have to build chemistry. But with me and Blake, we already have
> it.''

Talk about belaboring the obvious. It doesn't take a genius to
understand that Blake is not in the top half of starting PG in the
league, and that Bayless could be right away. And that chemistry and
teamwork are important to get to the championship. Ask the Lakers.

Frank Rizzo wrote:
> On Jul 28, 8:05 am, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> Frank Rizzo wrote:
>>> On Jul 23, 9:29 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>> Frank Rizzo wrote:
>>>>> On Jul 22, 5:53 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>> They signed him today, so much for having him stay in France
>>>>>> another year.
>>
>>>>> I'm not real impressed with Batum.
>>
>>>> No one is yet. They just decided they wanted him here to work with
>>>> him instead of in france.
>>>> He will likely get more minutes in the d league than on the team.
>>
>>>>> I liked Darrell Arthur better.
>>
>>>> I think there was a problem there that does not fit in the portland
>>>> 'culture'.
>>
>>>>> Bayless is a STUD though...
>>
>>>> Wonder if he will fit into the 'team' concept...
>>
>>> Unless they beat the shit out of him in practice to put him in his
>>> place. This is the NBA. However he he abuses the above trio every
>>> practice and performs better in games, I don't think he'll be ok on
>>> the pine. I don't think Nate will be dumb about it though. AHHH
>>> the embarrassment of riches.
>>
>> Roy on Bayless and
>> Blake:http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2008/07/part_iii_roy_and...


>> Roy said he envisions playing alongside Bayless this season because
>> he
>> complements Roy's game. Roy is best when a teammate can guard the
>> point
>> guard and bring the ball up the court, then slide to off guard while
>> Roy
>> directs the offense.
>>

>
> Talk about belaboring the obvious. It doesn't take a genius to
> understand that Blake is not in the top half of starting PG in the
> league, and that Bayless could be right away.

I think you miss the point that I snipped it down to now?
PGs run the offense. To save wear and tear on Roy the PG just brings the
ball up and most of the time the role is to then play off the ball while Roy
runs the offense. Blake took half a season to get comfortable with that at
all and he is giving up assists and stats that would get his next contract.

Bayless right away could do that easier because he is not a PG.... However
Blake also sucks totally off the bench. If they want anything from him they
need to start him.


--
Laurel T
"Superstar- A player who hears what he
doesn't want to hear, sees what he doesn't
want to see, and does what he doesn't want to do"
-Unknown

On Jul 28, 2:54 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Frank Rizzo wrote:
> > On Jul 28, 8:05 am, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >> Frank Rizzo wrote:
> >>> On Jul 23, 9:29 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>> Frank Rizzo wrote:
> >>>>> On Jul 22, 5:53 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com>
> >>>>> wrote:
> >>>>>> They signed him today, so much for having him stay in France
> >>>>>> another year.
>
> >>>>> I'm not real impressed with Batum.
>
> >>>> No one is yet. They just decided they wanted him here to work with
> >>>> him instead of in france.
> >>>> He will likely get more minutes in the d league than on the team.
>
> >>>>> I liked Darrell Arthur better.
>
> >>>> I think there was a problem there that does not fit in the portland
> >>>> 'culture'.
>
> >>>>> Bayless is a STUD though...
>
> >>>> Wonder if he will fit into the 'team' concept...
>
> >>> Unless they beat the shit out of him in practice to put him in his
> >>> place. This is the NBA. However he he abuses the above trio every
> >>> practice and performs better in games, I don't think he'll be ok on
> >>> the pine. I don't think Nate will be dumb about it though. AHHH
> >>> the embarrassment of riches.
>
> >> Roy on Bayless and
> >> Blake:http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2008/07/part_iii_roy_and...
> >> Roy said he envisions playing alongside Bayless this season because
> >> he
> >> complements Roy's game. Roy is best when a teammate can guard the
> >> point
> >> guard and bring the ball up the court, then slide to off guard while
> >> Roy
> >> directs the offense.
>
> > Talk about belaboring the obvious. It doesn't take a genius to
> > understand that Blake is not in the top half of starting PG in the
> > league, and that Bayless could be right away.
>
> I think you miss the point that I snipped it down to now?
> PGs run the offense. To save wear and tear on Roy the PG just brings the
> ball up and most of the time the role is to then play off the ball while Roy
> runs the offense. Blake took half a season to get comfortable with that at
> all and he is giving up assists and stats that would get his next contract.
>
> Bayless right away could do that easier because he is not a PG.... However
> Blake also sucks totally off the bench. If they want anything from him they
> need to start him.
>
> --
> Laurel T
> "Superstar- A player who hears what he
> doesn't want to hear, sees what he doesn't
> want to see, and does what he doesn't want to do"
> -Unknown

I didn't miss anything. FYI Blake's numbers were never that great. I
think it would take more wear and tear off of Roy if they didn't need
him to initiate the offense and had a PG that could do it. I think
given the choice of playing off the bench in Portland and having a
championship run or eventually ending up on some scrub team somewhere
else, Blake will adjust. He is a smart player. I say by season's
end, Bayless will start.

Rizzo

Frank Rizzo wrote:
> On Jul 28, 2:54 pm, "Terraholm" <TerraholmSPAM...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> Frank Rizzo wrote:

>>> Talk about belaboring the obvious. It doesn't take a genius to
>>> understand that Blake is not in the top half of starting PG in the
>>> league, and that Bayless could be right away.
>>
>> I think you miss the point that I snipped it down to now?
>> PGs run the offense. To save wear and tear on Roy the PG just
>> brings the ball up and most of the time the role is to then play off
>> the ball while Roy runs the offense. Blake took half a season to
>> get comfortable with that at all and he is giving up assists and
>> stats that would get his next contract.
>>
>> Bayless right away could do that easier because he is not a PG....
>> However Blake also sucks totally off the bench. If they want
>> anything from him they need to start him.
>>

>
> I didn't miss anything. FYI Blake's numbers were never that great.

Still he went from 6.7 in denver 10 per 48 to 5 in portland 8.2 per 48.


> I
> think it would take more wear and tear off of Roy if they didn't need
> him to initiate the offense and had a PG that could do it.

How so? Pushing the ball up is what expends extra energy. They save that
energy for the 4th quarter and for Roy's defense.
And it it goes under a false assumption, despite the size and speed Bayless
is a lot less of a PG than Roy and certainly Blake.

If the player that best runs the offense is Roy and he has asked for that
role because he has shown it is his best game, why deny him?

> I think
> given the choice of playing off the bench in Portland and having a
> championship run or eventually ending up on some scrub team somewhere
> else,

He is almost certainly gone next summer and knows it, he is part of all that
cap space... he will get more money and minutes elsewhere than past next
year in Portland.

> Blake will adjust. He is a smart player.

He never has anywhere. He is terrible off the bench.


> I say by season's
> end, Bayless will start.

Perhaps, but I would not predict that. Bayless is likely down one spot in
the rotation to the more experienced (and better from most reports) Rudy F.

If it helps the team overall having them on the 2nd unit they will stay
there. Just like Travis played behind webster last year.
In fact Batless and Rudy as scorers on the white unit gives nate more of the
option to start Travis next season.

I would rather have Blake's unselfishness to start. Likely Blake will have
less minutes as they work in Bayless and Rudy.

They have lots of time to develop Bayless and he is still pretty raw, Rudy
they may also feel they need to reward more for giving up a lot more money
to come to Portland. Plus they have not given up yet on Sergio.


--
Laurel T
"A good point guard and scorer should go
hand in hand, but not in the locker room."
Frank Layden