Now that the trade deadline is passed, the Blazers can use the rest of the season to finalize their plans for the future. While trades are always fun, KP is sticking to his plan of evaluating talent this year for future moves. I for one am impressed with his self control and discipline. KP said that he got a lot of calls, I would love to know what they were?
Anyways, what are the biggest questions going into the off season?
LMA: can he step up and be a dominant force that teams have to game plan around?
Travis Outlaw : Earlier in the season, I posted a poll asking about Travis vs. Webster. Several people said that was the wrong question. If Travis really is a PF, how is that going to work? Pencil in Oden and LMA as the starters for life, and Travis as one of the best fourth quarter players on the team, does that mean that LMA gets sat in favor of Outlaw? I sure hope not.
What will the Blazers do with Outlaw?
Martell Webster I have repeatedly read about how much of an issue James Jones injury has been because of his perimeter shooting. Isn't that the role that Martell is suppose to play? Webster seems to have faded to obscurity, again.
There are other issues, but those are my three main concerns. What are yours, and what are your thoughts/answers?
Deadline's past: What's next?
Moderators: DeBlazerRiddem, Moonbeam
Deadline's past: What's next?
-
Butter
- General Manager
- Posts: 8,728
- And1: 384
- Joined: Aug 14, 2002
- Location: Youth movement, here we come
-
-
Khazim
- Veteran
- Posts: 2,877
- And1: 114
- Joined: Dec 07, 2005
-
Don't have time to comment on all of it, but as far as Martell fading to obscurity, I think that is a bit harsh. He has slowed definitely, but he is still way improved over last season. Especially defensively. I personally think he is either the perfect 3 for our team, or he needs to be a #1 option somewhere. It's all mental with Martell.
-
Pattycakes
- General Manager
- Posts: 8,546
- And1: 2,149
- Joined: Nov 01, 2005
- Contact:
-
-
TBpup
- Lead Assistant
- Posts: 5,907
- And1: 247
- Joined: Jan 07, 2004
- Location: Financial Planning office in L.O.
-
LMA: can he step up and be a dominant force that teams have to game plan around?
D69 and I were at the game and made a point of watching LMA. After his first 11 attempt where he faded from the basket on every one of them in one manner or another, we stopped counting. He's got all the skills in the world but is so far missing that toughness to really mix it up and go to the basket.
On some of those attempts he scored, a couple of others he was fouled but it was his mindset in not attacking the basket that was the concern.
@TBpup22
-
Butter
- General Manager
- Posts: 8,728
- And1: 384
- Joined: Aug 14, 2002
- Location: Youth movement, here we come
-
TBpup wrote:LMA: can he step up and be a dominant force that teams have to game plan around?
D69 and I were at the game and made a point of watching LMA. After his first 11 attempt where he faded from the basket on every one of them in one manner or another, we stopped counting. He's got all the skills in the world but is so far missing that toughness to really mix it up and go to the basket.
On some of those attempts he scored, a couple of others he was fouled but it was his mindset in not attacking the basket that was the concern.
TB, you just hit the nail on the head. There was a play in the second half where he was on the left side of the hoop, outside of the paint. Someone else shot the ball (Roy I think). If LMA had started moving inside when the ball was in the air, he could have stepped in front of a defensive rebounder and got the offensive board, probably for an easy slam.
He needs to be locked in a room with Maurice Lucas until he can decided to be tough.
-
Butter
- General Manager
- Posts: 8,728
- And1: 384
- Joined: Aug 14, 2002
- Location: Youth movement, here we come
-
Khazim wrote:Don't have time to comment on all of it, but as far as Martell fading to obscurity, I think that is a bit harsh. He has slowed definitely, but he is still way improved over last season. Especially defensively. I personally think he is either the perfect 3 for our team, or he needs to be a #1 option somewhere. It's all mental with Martell.
I totally agree that the mental issue is still holding back Martell, but I also think he is not being utilized properly on this team. I think Martell needs to be a volume shooter to be effective. The problem is that he'll never be a #1 option on this team. So either they need to find a way to incorporate him more into the offense, or make him the primary focus on the second unit.
I'll tell you one thing, if they cannot find a way to utilize him better, I'm not going to expect to see him resign with the Blazers. If I were Martell, I'd go somewhere that I could get some plays called for me.
-
TBpup
- Lead Assistant
- Posts: 5,907
- And1: 247
- Joined: Jan 07, 2004
- Location: Financial Planning office in L.O.
-
I'll tell you one thing, if they cannot find a way to utilize him better, I'm not going to expect to see him resign with the Blazers. If I were Martell, I'd go somewhere that I could get some plays called for me
Plays? You doubt the 68 runnings of the pick-n-roll? In watching tonight, I did not see one time they had a double or even single screen for him to come out the weak side and get a shot. Sure, he is a great shooter and at times off penetration or when they swing the ball from strong to weak side he gets an open look but there is no serious effort to get him involved.
@TBpup22
-
Butter
- General Manager
- Posts: 8,728
- And1: 384
- Joined: Aug 14, 2002
- Location: Youth movement, here we come
-
TBpup wrote:I'll tell you one thing, if they cannot find a way to utilize him better, I'm not going to expect to see him resign with the Blazers. If I were Martell, I'd go somewhere that I could get some plays called for me
Plays? You doubt the 68 runnings of the pick-n-roll? In watching tonight, I did not see one time they had a double or even single screen for him to come out the weak side and get a shot. Sure, he is a great shooter and at times off penetration or when they swing the ball from strong to weak side he gets an open look but there is no serious effort to get him involved.
Exactly. I'm not saying Martell is the next Reggie Miller, but he's got to have the most untapped potential of anyone on this team.
In my mind, it comes back to the old Martell versus Travis argument. In fact, its not totally different than the argument against Zach last year. When Outlaw is on the floor with the "white" unit, nobody else really gets involved on offense, especially with Jack playing with the starters.
This team has come a long ways, but there is still some tweaking that needs to be done, IMO.
-
Jsun947
- Analyst
- Posts: 3,626
- And1: 450
- Joined: Jan 02, 2007
What we do is try to win as many games as possible and then let Prichard do what he does best.... Build through the draft.
Prichard is going to be doing a lot of talent consolidation in the offseason starting with Jack and probably moving to Frye then Webster and our 1st round draft picks (All player's who would need to be resigned or given a new contract.)
Prichard is going to be doing a lot of talent consolidation in the offseason starting with Jack and probably moving to Frye then Webster and our 1st round draft picks (All player's who would need to be resigned or given a new contract.)
-
TBpup
- Lead Assistant
- Posts: 5,907
- And1: 247
- Joined: Jan 07, 2004
- Location: Financial Planning office in L.O.
-
-
SoHo
- Sixth Man
- Posts: 1,570
- And1: 0
- Joined: May 28, 2007
The good news about LMA is that Nate and co have recognized that he is taking too many jumpshots. They said on TNT tonight that Nate really wants LMA to establish himself in the post.
Hopefully this is an area that LMA can make some strides in, sure Oden will make LMA's lack of desire to be a post threat less noticeable, but I'd love to see him add a real back to the basket game.
Remember he's still young and will only get better with time, certainly this is something he'll be working on a lot in the coming months/offseason. He's only going to get bigger and better as time goes on!
Hopefully this is an area that LMA can make some strides in, sure Oden will make LMA's lack of desire to be a post threat less noticeable, but I'd love to see him add a real back to the basket game.
Remember he's still young and will only get better with time, certainly this is something he'll be working on a lot in the coming months/offseason. He's only going to get bigger and better as time goes on!
-
Milkdud
- RealGM
- Posts: 12,095
- And1: 137
- Joined: May 21, 2001
- Location: Dreaming of Australia
Honestly IMO currently Webster and LA are not use properly.
LA: While I understand trying to get LA involved in the offense right off the bat he does not have the post moves yet for him to be an effective dump down scorer. There are to many nights where LA goes like 1-7 from the feild in the 1st because he takes shots that really are not his suit but he is forced to attempt them. Right not LA's strengths lie in the spot up jumpers and dirty work around the hoop. Maybe Nate forcing the ball down his throat right off the bat will help LA in the long run but currently it doesnt help the offense and kills his percentages.
Webster: Like others have mentioned he really needs plays run specifically for him, I consider how the blazers are prone to cold streaks I dont see why they dont run him off screens every game at least for a portion of time. I mean they run Iso ball for Outlaw why not run screens for Webby.
Another LA note: Now im not trying to dump to much but with the current lineup of Jack/Blake the posting of LA IMO is even less effective then normal because when LA does get doubled neither Blake nor Jack seems willing to shoot the jumper in the 1st. It was killing me seeing them post LA and getting an open look the they hesitate then repost with like 5 seconds on the clock, thats just bad offense.
LA: While I understand trying to get LA involved in the offense right off the bat he does not have the post moves yet for him to be an effective dump down scorer. There are to many nights where LA goes like 1-7 from the feild in the 1st because he takes shots that really are not his suit but he is forced to attempt them. Right not LA's strengths lie in the spot up jumpers and dirty work around the hoop. Maybe Nate forcing the ball down his throat right off the bat will help LA in the long run but currently it doesnt help the offense and kills his percentages.
Webster: Like others have mentioned he really needs plays run specifically for him, I consider how the blazers are prone to cold streaks I dont see why they dont run him off screens every game at least for a portion of time. I mean they run Iso ball for Outlaw why not run screens for Webby.
Another LA note: Now im not trying to dump to much but with the current lineup of Jack/Blake the posting of LA IMO is even less effective then normal because when LA does get doubled neither Blake nor Jack seems willing to shoot the jumper in the 1st. It was killing me seeing them post LA and getting an open look the they hesitate then repost with like 5 seconds on the clock, thats just bad offense.
-
Dome
- Retired Mod
- Posts: 7,919
- And1: 20
- Joined: Feb 05, 2003
- Location: The Netherlands
-
I sincerely hope the Blazers will end up trading Outlaw this summer while his value is high. As long as he's on this cheap contract he's on and he still appears to have a learning curve that's going up, he's going to be very attractive for other teams and have good trade value. The reasons Butter described (him probably best suited as PF), his conditioning problems and the fact that this team will probably have to make a quantity for quality type move to keep getting everyone minutes are reasons enough for me to look to package Outlaw with some other assets and try to find a long term PG for this team that fits next to Roy at SG.
I'd hold onto Webster and just see if he can keep it together, don't forget he's still very young. Just like Travis is now showing he belongs on a more consistent basis, I think Webster will too, at some point. If he doesn't work out there's always Jones to back him up, and the possibility of playing Roy or Rudy at SF some minutes. SF is probably one of the easier holes to fill, even moreso when all other positions are set.
That said, this summer should be all about packaging Outlaw, Jack, possibly Frye or Portlands 1st to try and find a long term option at PG.
That, and wait to see how the 2009 free agent market develops. It's going to be quite a ride for Blazers management and fans to see which players that could possibly be free agents in 2009 get extended and who opts out (Arenas? Brand?) to determine what the FA market is going to be like in 2009. If there's a good market, that might influence KP's choices on whether or not to clear more capspace for the 2009 offseason (Miles?) and sing it out for another year (another 'learning year' with Oden and Rudy added and all the youngsters having to adapt to eachother) or possibly trade for players with larger contracts to fill the excisting holes and start looking at trying to win right out of the gates more.
If I'd have my way, I'd forget about the 2009 capspace probably and just trade Outlaw, Jack and the Blazers' 1st for a good PG if one becomes available and try to set up a winning culture around Oden as soon as possible.
I'd hold onto Webster and just see if he can keep it together, don't forget he's still very young. Just like Travis is now showing he belongs on a more consistent basis, I think Webster will too, at some point. If he doesn't work out there's always Jones to back him up, and the possibility of playing Roy or Rudy at SF some minutes. SF is probably one of the easier holes to fill, even moreso when all other positions are set.
That said, this summer should be all about packaging Outlaw, Jack, possibly Frye or Portlands 1st to try and find a long term option at PG.
That, and wait to see how the 2009 free agent market develops. It's going to be quite a ride for Blazers management and fans to see which players that could possibly be free agents in 2009 get extended and who opts out (Arenas? Brand?) to determine what the FA market is going to be like in 2009. If there's a good market, that might influence KP's choices on whether or not to clear more capspace for the 2009 offseason (Miles?) and sing it out for another year (another 'learning year' with Oden and Rudy added and all the youngsters having to adapt to eachother) or possibly trade for players with larger contracts to fill the excisting holes and start looking at trying to win right out of the gates more.
If I'd have my way, I'd forget about the 2009 capspace probably and just trade Outlaw, Jack and the Blazers' 1st for a good PG if one becomes available and try to set up a winning culture around Oden as soon as possible.
-
Pattycakes
- General Manager
- Posts: 8,546
- And1: 2,149
- Joined: Nov 01, 2005
- Contact:
-
Watching the game last night, I can vividly picture at least 20 times minimum where Joel was trying to set screens for Martell to come off, but Martell just stood there watching the play, made no effort to get open. We are the only team in the league that has no cutting to the basket, off the ball movement, or offensive game outside of isos and sad attempts of penetration. I don't know who's fault it is...[coach]...but our offense is flatout stagnant and our fastbreak is the saddest crap I've ever seen outside of a middle school girls rec team.
Am I the lone prophet of a team where strengths were actually put to use, and I didn't have to gag uncontrollably as soon as someone besides Brandon was holding the ball in the open court?
Am I the lone prophet of a team where strengths were actually put to use, and I didn't have to gag uncontrollably as soon as someone besides Brandon was holding the ball in the open court?
Somewhere trying not to offend Texas Chuck.
-
BlackMamba
- Retired Mod
- Posts: 16,297
- And1: 81
- Joined: Jun 20, 2004
- Location: Cd. de M
-
well, on last nights game there was an interview with nate and he said he was looking for aldridge to play more around the basket, to be more of a post player. but i think we all know he maybe lacks the strength and the toughness to really make his mark there, so he may be working on that but in mean time he plays a little far from the basket for his own good.
about outlaw, he's deffintlelly the 6th man of this team.
martell, well, once again he's a HUUUGE question mark. is he just in a slump or is this the way he is? he started playing good, showing good shooting numbers, but then, when jones and outlaw started to appear to be big players he started to fade away. were his plays taken from him?
the blazers are still in playoffs reach, and anything can happen, so i think they will continue for the rest of the season to try and make a run and be able to make it to the playoffs. or when the time comes maybe nate or kp or both decide that it could be better to see more of players like green, sergio, mcroberts (even miles!!!). and maybe players like roy, aldirdge and joel start getting mayor resting minutes.
and has there been any comments on roy's ankle? or aldridges heart condition?
about outlaw, he's deffintlelly the 6th man of this team.
martell, well, once again he's a HUUUGE question mark. is he just in a slump or is this the way he is? he started playing good, showing good shooting numbers, but then, when jones and outlaw started to appear to be big players he started to fade away. were his plays taken from him?
the blazers are still in playoffs reach, and anything can happen, so i think they will continue for the rest of the season to try and make a run and be able to make it to the playoffs. or when the time comes maybe nate or kp or both decide that it could be better to see more of players like green, sergio, mcroberts (even miles!!!). and maybe players like roy, aldirdge and joel start getting mayor resting minutes.
and has there been any comments on roy's ankle? or aldridges heart condition?
-
Wizenheimer
- RealGM
- Posts: 36,213
- And1: 7,972
- Joined: May 28, 2007
ok...I'll play
Aldridge: I've ran hot and cold on Aldridge this year. Obviously, his perimeter inclined play has been irritating on a team that needs inside presence as much as portland does. And he just seems to vanish at times...even though he's still on the floor.
But there is no mistaking his talent and athleticism.
I think the biggest factor for me in evaluating LMA is keeping in mind how young he is. He's only 22. This would be his senior year in college. More important then that, last night was only the 70th game he has started and only the 111th game he's played in. And quite a few of those 111 games were last year when he was getting inconsistent minutes. Compare him to other PF's around their 70th start, and LMA looks pretty darn good.
Knowing his reported work ethic, I believe LMA will continue to improve, and the addition of Oden will help him a lot.
Outlaw: difficult to evaluate his future IMO. It seems like his athleticism is both incredible and limited...if that makes any sense. When he's on, he's unstoppable. But perhaps portland's offensive limitations as a team have inflated Outlaw's actual value a bit.
If outlaw would work harder on attacking the basket instead of settling for high degree-of-difficulty jumpers, he'd be much better. And for a guy who handles the ball as much as he does, his assist total needs to improve. he's not quite the black hole he was at the end of last season, but he's still a bit too 'selfish'.
But most importantly, portland needs to determine if outlaw can be effective and consistent at SF. With Oden-Aldridge-Pryzbilla, Outlaw's minutes at PF next year will be limited. With Jones out, instead of replacing webster with jack, nate should have replaced webster with outlaw in the start. If this year is about evaluation, well then get evaluating.
Webster: another player with 'if' and 'but' as major components of the scouting report.
I don't agree with those who say he's not being used properly. Portland runs a lot od baseline screens, yet martell just doesn't utilize the screens aggressively.
I'm beginning to think that 'Martell the great shooter' is a myth. I know he has great form. But that great form has yielded a dismal .404 career shooting mark. That's not a great shooter's number. I don't believe Martell will ever be a great shooter. He'll be more of a streak shooter.
The positive, is he doesn't just vanish completely this season when his shot isn't falling. He's rebounding better, defending better, and having an impact in other areas. You can afford to have a streak shooter if he's doing other things as well.
He also has the potential to be a physical presence on the perimeter, and that's something portland desperately needs.
putting it together:
well, IMO the discussion about LMA is easy conversation...portland is fortunate to have him as the current and future PF
The discussion about outlaw and webster...and jones...is more complicated. Frankly, I'm not sure there is a playoff-legitimate starting SF amongst the three. Martell has the most potential, but he's also given the most reason to doubt he'll reach that potential. It's hard to ignore that he's only 21 though.
Jones may force the issue by opting out and demanding too much money. If he doesn't, then it may be a matter of which player can bring the most return in a trade. I don't think portland can add oden and fernandez to the rotation and keep all three of outlaw, webster, and jones.
sorry for the essay
Aldridge: I've ran hot and cold on Aldridge this year. Obviously, his perimeter inclined play has been irritating on a team that needs inside presence as much as portland does. And he just seems to vanish at times...even though he's still on the floor.
But there is no mistaking his talent and athleticism.
I think the biggest factor for me in evaluating LMA is keeping in mind how young he is. He's only 22. This would be his senior year in college. More important then that, last night was only the 70th game he has started and only the 111th game he's played in. And quite a few of those 111 games were last year when he was getting inconsistent minutes. Compare him to other PF's around their 70th start, and LMA looks pretty darn good.
Knowing his reported work ethic, I believe LMA will continue to improve, and the addition of Oden will help him a lot.
Outlaw: difficult to evaluate his future IMO. It seems like his athleticism is both incredible and limited...if that makes any sense. When he's on, he's unstoppable. But perhaps portland's offensive limitations as a team have inflated Outlaw's actual value a bit.
If outlaw would work harder on attacking the basket instead of settling for high degree-of-difficulty jumpers, he'd be much better. And for a guy who handles the ball as much as he does, his assist total needs to improve. he's not quite the black hole he was at the end of last season, but he's still a bit too 'selfish'.
But most importantly, portland needs to determine if outlaw can be effective and consistent at SF. With Oden-Aldridge-Pryzbilla, Outlaw's minutes at PF next year will be limited. With Jones out, instead of replacing webster with jack, nate should have replaced webster with outlaw in the start. If this year is about evaluation, well then get evaluating.
Webster: another player with 'if' and 'but' as major components of the scouting report.
I don't agree with those who say he's not being used properly. Portland runs a lot od baseline screens, yet martell just doesn't utilize the screens aggressively.
I'm beginning to think that 'Martell the great shooter' is a myth. I know he has great form. But that great form has yielded a dismal .404 career shooting mark. That's not a great shooter's number. I don't believe Martell will ever be a great shooter. He'll be more of a streak shooter.
The positive, is he doesn't just vanish completely this season when his shot isn't falling. He's rebounding better, defending better, and having an impact in other areas. You can afford to have a streak shooter if he's doing other things as well.
He also has the potential to be a physical presence on the perimeter, and that's something portland desperately needs.
putting it together:
well, IMO the discussion about LMA is easy conversation...portland is fortunate to have him as the current and future PF
The discussion about outlaw and webster...and jones...is more complicated. Frankly, I'm not sure there is a playoff-legitimate starting SF amongst the three. Martell has the most potential, but he's also given the most reason to doubt he'll reach that potential. It's hard to ignore that he's only 21 though.
Jones may force the issue by opting out and demanding too much money. If he doesn't, then it may be a matter of which player can bring the most return in a trade. I don't think portland can add oden and fernandez to the rotation and keep all three of outlaw, webster, and jones.
sorry for the essay
Return to Portland Trail Blazers