If you didn't check out the links to the ESPN coverage of the 1977 Blazers, you should do it. They have more video footage on those pages from a documentary made about the team from that year, and it's pretty incredible. Plus, the story of Portland's team that year is too good. As a fan it's hard not to compare the Lucas-Walton combination to the possible Aldridge-Oden combination.
I also wanted to include a link to these stats. Back in 1984 Portland drafted Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan. Team executives thought a great center was the last piece of the puzzle, and Bowie was the best guy available after Houston drafted Olajuwon. We all know that Jordan turned into a superstar, and that Bowie was a huge bust because of injuries. But as people continue to bring up the "mistake" we made, I decided to check the numbers. Bowie was on the all-rookie team that year, and averaged 10 points, almost 3 blocks, almost 3 assists, and 8 and a half rebounds per game. It was also the one of only three seasons during his career in which he played more than 70 games. Sure, that doesn't mean he would have been what we hoped for without the injuries, but I do think it shows that he wasn't a wasted pick.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Even closer
As long as I finish the rest of my paperwork tonight, which I count on happening at an hour that isn't too late, I'll be done with my program at the University of Oregon tomorrow afternoon. It's so nice to know I'm juuuuust almost done. This afternoon I've been taking a little break to read more about the Blazers. ESPN has done a nice job of putting up this spread about Portland's championship in 1977, to go along with the video link I posted yesterday.
This was also a nice little post about the new brand of GM in the NBA, and I love what it says about Portland GM Kevin Pritchard. Among other things, it says that he
Alright, back to work on getting my program done.
This was also a nice little post about the new brand of GM in the NBA, and I love what it says about Portland GM Kevin Pritchard. Among other things, it says that he
completely destroyed everyone else in the 2006 draft thanks to massive balls; will destroy almost everyone this year thanks to ping pong balls.I really like that quote.
Alright, back to work on getting my program done.
Monday, June 11, 2007
So very close
I am working pretty hard right now on finishing the crap for my program that still needs to get done. It's going pretty well. I shouldn't be too surprised, since I have as much practice at putting things off as I do at getting them done. Somehow I'm a little surprised anyway. My friend Justin should be home pretty soon, and when he gets back we'll probably relax in the hot tub for a little while, so I thought I'd get a jump on the break from taking care of paperwork by writing a quick post.
Here are a few nice links. This one is to the ESPN video about the 1977 Blazers. I really wish I could see more video about this team, and I look forward to getting the book Red Hot and Rollin'. It comes with a documentary about that year and that team.
I was also recently introduced to Greg Oden's blog. Yeah, this blog has been confirmed by several people to actually be written by Oden. It's just one more thing that gets me excited for the Oden era in Portland. I have moved to a place where IREALLY hope we draft him. It has some great video on the site, too.
I also need to complain for one second about my fantasy baseball league. I had a decent draft, I've had at least two great free agent acquisitions, and I turned down a trade with the guy that fleeced several other league members. In addition, when the power rankings are figured out by my friend J-Lew (using roto league rules) I fare well. As of today the power rankings have me in fourth place. What am I complaining about? My luck has been atrocious. I currently sit in eighth place out of ten. Of the only two people below me, one was the infamous and accidentally-invited "other" Josh Carlton. He hasn't put any effort into the league. The other guy below me is James, and he has a history of, well, losing in fantasy sports. Alright, the rant is over and I should get back to finishing my teaching license.
Here are a few nice links. This one is to the ESPN video about the 1977 Blazers. I really wish I could see more video about this team, and I look forward to getting the book Red Hot and Rollin'. It comes with a documentary about that year and that team.
I was also recently introduced to Greg Oden's blog. Yeah, this blog has been confirmed by several people to actually be written by Oden. It's just one more thing that gets me excited for the Oden era in Portland. I have moved to a place where I
I also need to complain for one second about my fantasy baseball league. I had a decent draft, I've had at least two great free agent acquisitions, and I turned down a trade with the guy that fleeced several other league members. In addition, when the power rankings are figured out by my friend J-Lew (using roto league rules) I fare well. As of today the power rankings have me in fourth place. What am I complaining about? My luck has been atrocious. I currently sit in eighth place out of ten. Of the only two people below me, one was the infamous and accidentally-invited "other" Josh Carlton. He hasn't put any effort into the league. The other guy below me is James, and he has a history of, well, losing in fantasy sports. Alright, the rant is over and I should get back to finishing my teaching license.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
An epic failure
This week has been crazy. It was the last regular week of school, so we were reviewing in all of our classes. I hadn't filmed a lesson yet, so I had to do that. Also, I have a ton of paperwork that is supposed to be completely turned in by next Wednesday. I was asked to speak this Wednesday at our last cohort meeting at the University of Oregon. Also, this weekend is graduation. On top of that, my brother was driving through last night and I wanted to hang out with him.
Today I was scheduled to take several tests for my teaching license. When I got into the program I beat the system a little because I only had to past a test that showed them I knew some math. The test I took was the Praxis II for middle school math. I signed up to take the Advanced math content knowledge and proof tests today.
All this stuff added together is what lead to my epic failure. Today I got up around 5:00, saw my brother off, and then got my stuff together to head north to the test. I made sure I checked online last night to see what I needed to have with me, and this morning I took care to have my admission ticket and calculator right where they needed to be. I drove the hour north, parked, and walked over to the testing center fairly confident that I would pass both tests.
But I didn't.
In fact, I didn't even get to take them. Somehow in my leaving this morning I failed to keep my wallet in my pocket. Either it got pushed out while I was sitting on the couch checking my fantasy baseball score, or I just never grabbed it. I didn't figure it out until I got to the testing center, so I walked back to my car to see if it had fallen out there. Nope. I drove up to Eugene with no license, the only thing besides the admission ticket I had to have to get into my test this morning. It was a colossal mistake. Fortunately I can transfer my test registration to one in August, but that means I won't be certified to teach anything above Algebra 1 next year. Well, maybe it could still happen, but when Compton is trying to place me in a class it will be harder now. My wallet is the one thing I always have with me, and it's the one thing I forgot this morning. So ridiculous and ironic.
Today I was scheduled to take several tests for my teaching license. When I got into the program I beat the system a little because I only had to past a test that showed them I knew some math. The test I took was the Praxis II for middle school math. I signed up to take the Advanced math content knowledge and proof tests today.
All this stuff added together is what lead to my epic failure. Today I got up around 5:00, saw my brother off, and then got my stuff together to head north to the test. I made sure I checked online last night to see what I needed to have with me, and this morning I took care to have my admission ticket and calculator right where they needed to be. I drove the hour north, parked, and walked over to the testing center fairly confident that I would pass both tests.
But I didn't.
In fact, I didn't even get to take them. Somehow in my leaving this morning I failed to keep my wallet in my pocket. Either it got pushed out while I was sitting on the couch checking my fantasy baseball score, or I just never grabbed it. I didn't figure it out until I got to the testing center, so I walked back to my car to see if it had fallen out there. Nope. I drove up to Eugene with no license, the only thing besides the admission ticket I had to have to get into my test this morning. It was a colossal mistake. Fortunately I can transfer my test registration to one in August, but that means I won't be certified to teach anything above Algebra 1 next year. Well, maybe it could still happen, but when Compton is trying to place me in a class it will be harder now. My wallet is the one thing I always have with me, and it's the one thing I forgot this morning. So ridiculous and ironic.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Blogging from school (again)
It's pretty funny that the school's web security blocks Facebook, my University of Oregon email account, and Gmail while leaving me free to use blogger if I want. Students are taking a quiz right now, so I don't feel too bad about writing a quick blog update.
I was lucky enough to turn the game on with 8:00 to go in the fourth quarter last night. I don't need to write about how amazing it was, because everyone else is doing that. I'll agree, though: that was amazing. LeBron was unbelievable. In fact, I still don't believe most of the things I saw. I don't know if that means he and the Cavs can now be unstoppable, but last night he would not let them lose.
More importantly, Steve Kerr--you know, the Suns new President and GM--was wearing my tie. It looked almost as good on national TV as it does on me. The biggest difference is that I bought mine for 10 bucks at Ross, and he probably overpaid. Hopefully he works like that as a GM, too.
The more I read or watch in the great Oderant debate, the more I think the choice is impossible. Thanfully I don't have to make it, but I don't know how someone could pass on either of these guys. That interview is going to be really important.
I was lucky enough to turn the game on with 8:00 to go in the fourth quarter last night. I don't need to write about how amazing it was, because everyone else is doing that. I'll agree, though: that was amazing. LeBron was unbelievable. In fact, I still don't believe most of the things I saw. I don't know if that means he and the Cavs can now be unstoppable, but last night he would not let them lose.
More importantly, Steve Kerr--you know, the Suns new President and GM--was wearing my tie. It looked almost as good on national TV as it does on me. The biggest difference is that I bought mine for 10 bucks at Ross, and he probably overpaid. Hopefully he works like that as a GM, too.
The more I read or watch in the great Oderant debate, the more I think the choice is impossible. Thanfully I don't have to make it, but I don't know how someone could pass on either of these guys. That interview is going to be really important.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
A really cool link
I read the Atlanta Journal-Constitution a lot these days
Okay, I really do read the AJC most days. Specifically, I check the Braves blog on the online version. It's a great place to catch up on my only non-west coast team. But today I was reading Sekou Smith's response to some of the trade scenarios that have been thrown around. I actually don't like many of them, and I think they're all pretty unlikely. Smith says about the same. The reason I'm mentioning it here is because of this paragraph that gets me really excited. In fact, it's the main reason I still lean heavily towards Oden over Durant.
Here's one more trade scenario that's out there, and I still think some from of this is more likely than partnering with Atlanta in any way (thanks to a comment J-Lew left on this blog a while ago). This goes back to the idea that the Bulls need a legitimate low-post scorer. I don't know if I want to trade Randolph, but Chicago seems like the location that would work best (with Washington a close second). That being said, I'm happy that Kevin Pritchard is doing this.
The only team worth talking to about a possible trade is Portland. And since we all know they don’t plan on giving up the No. 1 pick in this draft, those conversations would be brief (I love LaMarcus Aldridge and I’d take he and Jarrett Jack in a heartbeat for the No. 3. But do you really think the Blazers would trade this kid, a 7-footer with an impressivhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gife face-up game and a high ceiling, with an opportunity to pair he and Greg Oden together like the New Millennium version of Duncan and Robinson? What are you crazy?) and probably end with laughter on both ends of the line.That's the exact thing I've been thinking, and it's just too good an idea to pass up. The rest of Smith's post is actually really good in general about how to build a good basketball team. I think his description fits almost exactly what Kevin Pritchard and Portland did last year.
Here's one more trade scenario that's out there, and I still think some from of this is more likely than partnering with Atlanta in any way (thanks to a comment J-Lew left on this blog a while ago). This goes back to the idea that the Bulls need a legitimate low-post scorer. I don't know if I want to trade Randolph, but Chicago seems like the location that would work best (with Washington a close second). That being said, I'm happy that Kevin Pritchard is doing this.
Monday, May 28, 2007
There goes the neighborhood
Three of the men in my family drove off this morning. My dad was driving his truck, his dog Morty in the cab with him. My brother was in the fifth wheel being pulled by my dad, his cat in the bedroom with him. My grandpa was in the U-Haul, his dog in the cab with him. They were heading north and then east, to my parents' new home in Arlington, Oregon--"the booming metropolis of Arlington," as my dad always calls it. My grandma had left about an hour earlier, and my mom won't be leaving until Friday of this week. As two dogs and a cat pulled out of the driveway with three other Carlton men I felt my stomach clench up. I've moved out of my parents' house quite a few times. In 2000 when I left for Wheaton College I felt as though I was moving out. Each summer after that it still felt a bit like moving out. When I packed up my stuff and drove to Phoenix, well, that was moving out. When I left to start school at Fuller Theological Seminary, that was also moving out. Even last summer, when I packed up to drive the hour north to Eugene to start at the University of Oregon, I was moving out. But for every time I've moved out of that house I've moved back in. Every time until today. And even though I've moved out about once a year since 2000, my mom and dad had never moved out of our house. Until today.
I know that change is what happens in life. I also know my tendency to get sentimental and my distaste for that sentimentality. But I think I'm on the cusp of turning weepy at the slightest provocation. I know that the stress of finishing my program, trying to solidify my job for next year, getting ready to take a big certification test, and figuring out what I'm teaching for the next few weeks could be contributing to my emotional imbalance. But I think I am legitimately sad about moving out of our house. We moved in about ten years ago, which means I lived in that house longer than any other in my life. And even when I was moving in and out, it was still home base. I'm excited for my parents, and I'm moving to Los Angeles anyway, but there's still something really sad about leaving a place that has been very much my home for the last ten years.
In an odd--and forced--way it resembles this summer for the Blazers and for us as fans. About ten years Bob Whitsitt decided to begin making his mark on the Blazers. The problems didn't start right away, but it was kind of like moving into a weird neighborhood. Actually, it was more like having your neighborhood change in front of you. Some of the people you knew well stuck around, while others moved away. The new neighbors were okay, but they didn't fit the neighborhood's personality. All of the sudden houses are being remodeled, big fences are going up, and people are competing to see who can have the nicest car in the driveway. It's still a decent place to live, but something has changed a lot. Even after Whitsitt resigned in 2003, the neighborhood still felt weird. It was like the new guys wanted to just force people out of the neighborhood instead of turning the neighborhood into the kind that would draw our kind of crowd. Last year was the year in which the right crowd started making their impact, and I don't think Pritchard's role with the team is coincidental to that. His emphasis on building a "culture" is exactly what was needed to rebuild the neighborhood.
Now there's a chance to solidify the neighborhood. I still don't know if we should draft Oden or Durant. Both guys seem like they'd be the type of neighbors I'd want near me. But I do know that the possibility of being good soon can't be allowed to push our culture out the window.
Hopefully my brother doesn't push the cat out the window. It's unlikely, since he really likes that cat, but she was screaming at him as soon as they pulled out. The cat doesn't like moving, and it's never lived anywhere but in our old house. My brother knew he'd need to ride back there to keep her calm, but he realized a few miles into the trip that it wasn't going to be tough. He called to tell me he was going to build a barricade in front of the door. Sometimes it takes
doing things like that, because people are afraid to change everything even if what is new is better. I'm not saying that's the case with this move, but that is the case with the Blazers. Either way, June 28 will mark the beginning of a new and exciting era in Portland basketball. It's pretty scary right now, even though it doesn't seem like we can go wrong. Hopefully Pritchard continues to show himself as the best young GM in sports, and helps our neighborhood grow as he keeps the culture the same. We can celebrate with a block party like the one they had in Portland 30 years ago.
I know that change is what happens in life. I also know my tendency to get sentimental and my distaste for that sentimentality. But I think I'm on the cusp of turning weepy at the slightest provocation. I know that the stress of finishing my program, trying to solidify my job for next year, getting ready to take a big certification test, and figuring out what I'm teaching for the next few weeks could be contributing to my emotional imbalance. But I think I am legitimately sad about moving out of our house. We moved in about ten years ago, which means I lived in that house longer than any other in my life. And even when I was moving in and out, it was still home base. I'm excited for my parents, and I'm moving to Los Angeles anyway, but there's still something really sad about leaving a place that has been very much my home for the last ten years.
In an odd--and forced--way it resembles this summer for the Blazers and for us as fans. About ten years Bob Whitsitt decided to begin making his mark on the Blazers. The problems didn't start right away, but it was kind of like moving into a weird neighborhood. Actually, it was more like having your neighborhood change in front of you. Some of the people you knew well stuck around, while others moved away. The new neighbors were okay, but they didn't fit the neighborhood's personality. All of the sudden houses are being remodeled, big fences are going up, and people are competing to see who can have the nicest car in the driveway. It's still a decent place to live, but something has changed a lot. Even after Whitsitt resigned in 2003, the neighborhood still felt weird. It was like the new guys wanted to just force people out of the neighborhood instead of turning the neighborhood into the kind that would draw our kind of crowd. Last year was the year in which the right crowd started making their impact, and I don't think Pritchard's role with the team is coincidental to that. His emphasis on building a "culture" is exactly what was needed to rebuild the neighborhood.
Now there's a chance to solidify the neighborhood. I still don't know if we should draft Oden or Durant. Both guys seem like they'd be the type of neighbors I'd want near me. But I do know that the possibility of being good soon can't be allowed to push our culture out the window.
Hopefully my brother doesn't push the cat out the window. It's unlikely, since he really likes that cat, but she was screaming at him as soon as they pulled out. The cat doesn't like moving, and it's never lived anywhere but in our old house. My brother knew he'd need to ride back there to keep her calm, but he realized a few miles into the trip that it wasn't going to be tough. He called to tell me he was going to build a barricade in front of the door. Sometimes it takes
doing things like that, because people are afraid to change everything even if what is new is better. I'm not saying that's the case with this move, but that is the case with the Blazers. Either way, June 28 will mark the beginning of a new and exciting era in Portland basketball. It's pretty scary right now, even though it doesn't seem like we can go wrong. Hopefully Pritchard continues to show himself as the best young GM in sports, and helps our neighborhood grow as he keeps the culture the same. We can celebrate with a block party like the one they had in Portland 30 years ago.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
In review
I was just looking at a few of my old posts about the Blazers, and I found a few things interesting. One interesting thing was that I was really focused on adding Oden to this team early in the season. I actually posted a starting lineup in picture form at one point. Looking back at that, all the picture links are still good but one: Zach Randolph. Maybe I should replace that picture with Lamarcus. I should also replace the picture of Martell with somebody else. I'm not sure who, but probably not him. Travis Outlaw, maybe? Rashard Lewis, maybe? After the lottery, all the sudden the idea of picking up Lewis seems much better to me. Much better.
NBA draft lottery running diary.
5:33 PM I’m here live at my friend Josh’s house on the hill. I showed up a little late after working hard to find a venue and then driving like mad up the hill that overlooks Roseburg. I spent most of the day playing the draft lottery game at school, when I wasn’t teaching (of course). I’m really nervous right now. I started carrying my keys on the Trail Blazers lanyard I got during the 2005-2006 season a few days ago, and I’m wearing my Zach Randolph jersey over the Jordan T-shirt I was given to wear while I made my blindfolded free throw during that same game in 2005. I don’t believe that objects affect luck, and I’m not sure if these objects would do the trick even if I did believe that. Still, I’m doing everything I can think to do.
5:39 PM David Stern is explaining the suspensions and reason for the rule that led to the suspension. Well done by the Godfather. Now he gets to gush about how well his new age-limit rule has worked. Let’s all give David Stern a round of applause. Wait, I can’t hear my clapping over Stern’s self-congratulating.
5:41 PM I just got sick to my stomach when they showed the envelopes as we went to commercial. Ugh. This is driving me crazy. Coming into the draft I didn’t think I cared if we got one of the top two picks. I was confident in the young talent already assembled and the young GM doing the assembling. I still am, but now I’m jittery again about the possibility of having someone like Oden or Durant on our team. Wait, not just someone like them, one of those actual two players. And then there’s the insane idea that somehow we could give up everyone but Rodriguez, Roy, and Aldridge to get those two guys.
5:45 PM They’re announcing the representatives for each team right now. I can’t wait until we get to Brandon Roy, but first the host has to chat with Larry Bird. They just showed a Maloof, and surprisingly he didn’t have a mixed drink with him. Here it is, Brandon Roy and Randy Foye were just announced. They’re talking about what it would have been like to be on the other team. LAME. Roy answered it well, though. Dominique Wilkins is here too, and I feel for J-Lew as the Hawks could get two picks, or perhaps none.
5:48 PM I’m going to throw up. Adam Silver is announcing each pick now.
14 – Clippers
13 – Hornets
12 – 76ers
(so far everything is good)
11 – Pacers
10 – Kings
(CRAP…HERE IT IS)
9 – Bulls
(STILL GOOD)
8 – Bobcats
(STILL GOOD)
7 – Timberwolves
(WE HAVE TOP THREE)
6 – Bucks
5 – Celtics
( I can’t type right now…I’m so nervous)
4 – Grizzlies
(I’m really happy for J-Lew, but I really can’t type very well. I’m that nervous. Holy crap, this is ridiculous. I’m done typing in all caps, but wow. I am so tense.)
5:54 PM Oh geez, this is absolutely ridiculous. Number three goes to ATLANTA…HAHAHAHAHAHA. This is crazy. We just got the first pick in the draft. This is unbelievable. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow.
Wow.
Brandon is doing a great job of doing this interview. Wow. What a huge relief. This is really amazing.
5:39 PM David Stern is explaining the suspensions and reason for the rule that led to the suspension. Well done by the Godfather. Now he gets to gush about how well his new age-limit rule has worked. Let’s all give David Stern a round of applause. Wait, I can’t hear my clapping over Stern’s self-congratulating.
5:41 PM I just got sick to my stomach when they showed the envelopes as we went to commercial. Ugh. This is driving me crazy. Coming into the draft I didn’t think I cared if we got one of the top two picks. I was confident in the young talent already assembled and the young GM doing the assembling. I still am, but now I’m jittery again about the possibility of having someone like Oden or Durant on our team. Wait, not just someone like them, one of those actual two players. And then there’s the insane idea that somehow we could give up everyone but Rodriguez, Roy, and Aldridge to get those two guys.
5:45 PM They’re announcing the representatives for each team right now. I can’t wait until we get to Brandon Roy, but first the host has to chat with Larry Bird. They just showed a Maloof, and surprisingly he didn’t have a mixed drink with him. Here it is, Brandon Roy and Randy Foye were just announced. They’re talking about what it would have been like to be on the other team. LAME. Roy answered it well, though. Dominique Wilkins is here too, and I feel for J-Lew as the Hawks could get two picks, or perhaps none.
5:48 PM I’m going to throw up. Adam Silver is announcing each pick now.
14 – Clippers
13 – Hornets
12 – 76ers
(so far everything is good)
11 – Pacers
10 – Kings
(CRAP…HERE IT IS)
9 – Bulls
(STILL GOOD)
8 – Bobcats
(STILL GOOD)
7 – Timberwolves
(WE HAVE TOP THREE)
6 – Bucks
5 – Celtics
( I can’t type right now…I’m so nervous)
4 – Grizzlies
(I’m really happy for J-Lew, but I really can’t type very well. I’m that nervous. Holy crap, this is ridiculous. I’m done typing in all caps, but wow. I am so tense.)
5:54 PM Oh geez, this is absolutely ridiculous. Number three goes to ATLANTA…HAHAHAHAHAHA. This is crazy. We just got the first pick in the draft. This is unbelievable. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow.
Wow.
Brandon is doing a great job of doing this interview. Wow. What a huge relief. This is really amazing.
Sports Guy, school, and the lottery
It's lunch right now at school, and I'm so excited for the draft lottery that I had to write a quick post.
The Sports Guy wrote about basketball karma today, and I think membership in the cult of Boston effected this article in every way. I think that my membership in a similar group of Blazer fans biases me. Even so, it's hard for me to see how the Celtics can rate so highly on the "overdue good karma." This is a team that strip mined other franchises for talent over the course of its history. I don't have a problem with it, but I think that balances some of the things that have happened to Boston in the last 20 years.
In addition, I would think a Boston fan would be even more sensitive to the plight of long-running "nearly there" teams. Yeah, it was something to be proud of when the Blazers just kept making the playoffs. But it often felt like we kept just making the playoffs.
My last bone to pick with the SG is how he ranked Portland. The Blazers had nearly as much bad luck as any team this year. The luck might not have been the reason they finished in the lottery, but it definitely affected the outcome. Injuries to all sorts of players--including but not limited to the stars--cost Portland at least a few wins. The Blazers also have shown that their current front office competency is much higher than a four. How could the level of devastation be only a four? We're celebrating the 30th anniversary of the only championship this city has ever seen, and the SG himself talked about what happened to the team in his column about The Breaks of the Game. I know my bias is clear (always), but I think the Blazers should be higher on his list.
I've been playing the lottery simulator a lot on ESPN.com today, and I've come up with my ideal situation:
Of course, I don't even know how Portland could pull that off. So instead, I'll say this:
Portland 1 or 2, and Boston and Atlanta between the other two of the top three picks, with Atlanta keeping pick 11 as well.
The Sports Guy has influenced me enough to care that the Celtics get something really good in this draft. I care about J-Lew's team and would like him to have something really positive to think about this off-season. And I want Portland to draft Oden or Durant (or both...who knows?).
Worst possible scenario? I wouldn't like the Blazers to fall, but that wouldn't be the worst. The worst would be if the Hawks lost both of their first round picks and the Bulls or Timberwolves got a top three pick as well. I would be really upset if that happened.
I plan on finding a place to watch the lottery tonight. If I do, you can count on a running diary of the event.
The Sports Guy wrote about basketball karma today, and I think membership in the cult of Boston effected this article in every way. I think that my membership in a similar group of Blazer fans biases me. Even so, it's hard for me to see how the Celtics can rate so highly on the "overdue good karma." This is a team that strip mined other franchises for talent over the course of its history. I don't have a problem with it, but I think that balances some of the things that have happened to Boston in the last 20 years.
In addition, I would think a Boston fan would be even more sensitive to the plight of long-running "nearly there" teams. Yeah, it was something to be proud of when the Blazers just kept making the playoffs. But it often felt like we kept just making the playoffs.
My last bone to pick with the SG is how he ranked Portland. The Blazers had nearly as much bad luck as any team this year. The luck might not have been the reason they finished in the lottery, but it definitely affected the outcome. Injuries to all sorts of players--including but not limited to the stars--cost Portland at least a few wins. The Blazers also have shown that their current front office competency is much higher than a four. How could the level of devastation be only a four? We're celebrating the 30th anniversary of the only championship this city has ever seen, and the SG himself talked about what happened to the team in his column about The Breaks of the Game. I know my bias is clear (always), but I think the Blazers should be higher on his list.
I've been playing the lottery simulator a lot on ESPN.com today, and I've come up with my ideal situation:
- 1. Blazers
- 2. Blazers
- 3. Hawks
- and so on
- 11. Hawks
Of course, I don't even know how Portland could pull that off. So instead, I'll say this:
Portland 1 or 2, and Boston and Atlanta between the other two of the top three picks, with Atlanta keeping pick 11 as well.
The Sports Guy has influenced me enough to care that the Celtics get something really good in this draft. I care about J-Lew's team and would like him to have something really positive to think about this off-season. And I want Portland to draft Oden or Durant (or both...who knows?).
Worst possible scenario? I wouldn't like the Blazers to fall, but that wouldn't be the worst. The worst would be if the Hawks lost both of their first round picks and the Bulls or Timberwolves got a top three pick as well. I would be really upset if that happened.
I plan on finding a place to watch the lottery tonight. If I do, you can count on a running diary of the event.
Monday, May 21, 2007
It's too bad I'm short, slow, and bad at basketball
This post at OregonLive is what I've been waiting for my whole life. Too bad I've been waiting for it instead of training for it. Oops.
The Blazers used to dunk...a lot
I saw this video thanks to Henry at TrueHoop. I always loved Rasheed, but this video shows part of the reason that other Blazers fans used to like him too. Hopefully tomorrow's lottery will help us get into position to continue moving towards the type of team that can dunk with the best of 'em.
I wanted to link to this post, too, because I really enjoyed it for it's positive points about both Phoenix and San Antonio, two teams I really appreciate. (That one is courtesy of TrueHoop as well.)
I wanted to link to this post, too, because I really enjoyed it for it's positive points about both Phoenix and San Antonio, two teams I really appreciate. (That one is courtesy of TrueHoop as well.)
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Another non-US center for Portland?
In response to Ek's comments on the last post: I agree that the real problem is the reffing in general around the league, and not just what happened in that great series. I complained enough this season about what happened in various Blazer games, but I'm sure you're right about being able to find video evidence in every game of bad officiating. Unfortunately our satellite went haywire just as the playoffs were getting goohttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifd, so I didn't see hardly any of the other playoff games, which means I missed the Tayshaun call to which you're referring. I love Sheed, but it's always fun to watch him go nuts.
The draft lottery is on Tuesday, and I can't wait to see what Portland gets. Yesterday I read a little about Yi Jianlian and watched some video of him on YouTube. Just now I watched the ESPN video about him. I'm apt to compare people more favorably than they deserve with big names. Still, I couldn't help but see the similarities between him and Garnett. What's even better--or worse, if it isn't true--is that he reminded me of a young Sabonis. There's nobody better in my mind, which means I'm already sold on him as a potential pick if we can't get Oden or Durant. This is the video I watched on YouTube, picked especially for placement here because the song is so good. I've included a video of Sabonis at the bottom. I know that I've put this up before, but it's just so good and he holds such a high position in my mind that I have to include it every once in a while.
The draft lottery is on Tuesday, and I can't wait to see what Portland gets. Yesterday I read a little about Yi Jianlian and watched some video of him on YouTube. Just now I watched the ESPN video about him. I'm apt to compare people more favorably than they deserve with big names. Still, I couldn't help but see the similarities between him and Garnett. What's even better--or worse, if it isn't true--is that he reminded me of a young Sabonis. There's nobody better in my mind, which means I'm already sold on him as a potential pick if we can't get Oden or Durant. This is the video I watched on YouTube, picked especially for placement here because the song is so good. I've included a video of Sabonis at the bottom. I know that I've put this up before, but it's just so good and he holds such a high position in my mind that I have to include it every once in a while.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
A few of us are wondering
I already went crazy on the Kay House wall talking about the Suns-Spurs series, but I found this online today and thought I should share it. I don't think the Spurs are in any way innocent in this series, but I think it's ridiculous that many people are painting the Spurs as big-time thugs. As the Sports Guy has said many times, the Suns get away with moving screens all the time. It's the basis of their offense. This video just shows a few other ways they try to gain an extra edge. As the SG said in his column the other day, professional basketball players don't accidentally do things, so anyone who is emphatic that Bowen--a dirty player--is playing like Bill Laimbeer should at least be willing to entertain the thought that he's not the only one.
One last note before the video: I believe this video is from the game in which Horry sent Nash to the ground. If that's the case, I think his check is even more important. He was responding to the hit put on him by Amare, which looks to be about the same as the one he put on Nash. Horry doesn't sell it as well, isn't a two-time MVP, didn't hit the scorer's table, and is bigger than Nash, but that shouldn't change the penalty for the hit. Full disclosure: I began hating the Suns while living in Phoenix, because I couldn't stand most of the fans in that city, and I have cheered for the Spurs (unless they're playing the Blazers) since I can remember liking the NBA. I am most certainly biased.
One last note before the video: I believe this video is from the game in which Horry sent Nash to the ground. If that's the case, I think his check is even more important. He was responding to the hit put on him by Amare, which looks to be about the same as the one he put on Nash. Horry doesn't sell it as well, isn't a two-time MVP, didn't hit the scorer's table, and is bigger than Nash, but that shouldn't change the penalty for the hit. Full disclosure: I began hating the Suns while living in Phoenix, because I couldn't stand most of the fans in that city, and I have cheered for the Spurs (unless they're playing the Blazers) since I can remember liking the NBA. I am most certainly biased.
Monday, May 07, 2007
More Kirilenko
I've only watched a few minutes of the Warriors-Jazz game tonight, but it's been enough to see AK-47 dominate the floor. With a little less than ten minutes to go in the second quarter, AK has five blocks already. I think Sloan might realize how much they need this guy and what he brings to their team, so that the Blazers would not be able to get him in some incredible trade.
I spent a lot of time the other night trying to write a post about fixing the Lakers. It included trading Kobe and starting over around Lamar and a few other guys. I gave up for three main reasons: 1) as Dave at Blazer's Edge has said, it doesn't make sense to spend energy talking about the Lakers, 2) it was getting really hard to figure out how to actually make things work, and 3) I was starting to get sick to my stomach thinking so much about the Lakers.
I spent a lot of time the other night trying to write a post about fixing the Lakers. It included trading Kobe and starting over around Lamar and a few other guys. I gave up for three main reasons: 1) as Dave at Blazer's Edge has said, it doesn't make sense to spend energy talking about the Lakers, 2) it was getting really hard to figure out how to actually make things work, and 3) I was starting to get sick to my stomach thinking so much about the Lakers.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Raging against the machine
This Sunday I missed something that I had vague hopes of witnessing: Rage Against the Machine played another show. They are probably one of my favorite bands, mixing prophetic/scathing
lyrics, perfect instrumentation, loads of technical skill, and as much groove as a rock band can handle. I'm listening to them right now to commemorate what I didn't get to see. The picture here is from Deadspin and shows the great Adam Morrison rocking out at the Rage show. It turns out that they're touring this summer on the Rock the Bells tour. If there's any way I can make one of those four shows--which are most likely already sold out--I want to try.
Today was my first day as a teacher in which I had to be at school on a day in which there had been a threat--or the perception of a threat--of violence. The day went well, and the administration did a good job of checking out the whole thing and letting us know that there didn't really seem to be cause for concern. Even so, it was a weird feeling at times, and it was frustrating that so many students were gone because of fear.
Two things to end: if for some reason you read this and not my friend James' blog, go check it out. It's frequently very good, although it isn't frequently updated. I'm finally settling into my reading of God's Politics by Jim Wallis. So far I like it, and I'm looking forward to being energized about teaching because of what he has to say.
lyrics, perfect instrumentation, loads of technical skill, and as much groove as a rock band can handle. I'm listening to them right now to commemorate what I didn't get to see. The picture here is from Deadspin and shows the great Adam Morrison rocking out at the Rage show. It turns out that they're touring this summer on the Rock the Bells tour. If there's any way I can make one of those four shows--which are most likely already sold out--I want to try.Today was my first day as a teacher in which I had to be at school on a day in which there had been a threat--or the perception of a threat--of violence. The day went well, and the administration did a good job of checking out the whole thing and letting us know that there didn't really seem to be cause for concern. Even so, it was a weird feeling at times, and it was frustrating that so many students were gone because of fear.
Two things to end: if for some reason you read this and not my friend James' blog, go check it out. It's frequently very good, although it isn't frequently updated. I'm finally settling into my reading of God's Politics by Jim Wallis. So far I like it, and I'm looking forward to being energized about teaching because of what he has to say.
Monday, April 30, 2007
One last post about Joe
I was pretty happy to find out this morning that Joe Newton had been signed by the Seahawks. As much as I wanted him to get drafted, this is really the best non-draft situation possible. As a Seahawk fan I'm happy because I believe we got one of the top tight ends in the draft without having to spend a pick. As a friend of Joe I'm happy that he gets to play in the northwest for a team on which he could have an impact. I'm still disappointed that he wasn't drafted, but that's not too bad anymore. This is from the official Seahawks site:
But he [Offensive coordinator Gil Haskell] also insisted they are very happy to have signed free agent veteran Marcus Pollard as their starter. Besides, they were very happy to snag Oregon State’s tight end Joe Newton right after the draft as a free agent who slipped through the draft without being chosen.That makes me pretty happy, too. I think Pollard is pretty good, and I am hopeful that Haskell's feelings about Joe are signs that he'll make the team and contribute.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
My name is Jonas
I'm sure I've mentioned it but my friend Joe Newton, aka Jonas, is a pretty good football player. Most thought he would be drafted during the late rounds today, including me. He didn't get drafted, though, which was really disappointing. I think he'll be picked up as a free agent, but I haven't heard anything yet.To quote my friend Yates, "he's a really great guy." There's not too much more to say about Joe other than he's a big-game player and fun to hang out with. I got to go up against him in tight end drills when I was a senior in high school and he was a sophomore, and he was in my brother's group of friends. I haven't cared as much that someone get on with a team before now, so hopefully he signs somewhere soon.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Day 1...continued
4:00 The Chargers just traded four picks away to draft a safety from Utah, Eric Weddle.
--Here's a great blog post about Brandon Roy. I really like reading anything about this guy. I've also been trying to find the book The Breaks of the Game in town. The Sports Guy wrote about this book yesterday, but I've been wanting to read it anyway. It's about the Blazers' season in '79-'80. I couldn't find it in any of the book stores in town, and it isn't in the local library or the Oregon library.--
4:06 The Dolphins seem to have redeemed themselves by drafting John Beck out of BYU to play quarterback for them. Nice job by Miami.
4:15 The Falcons did a great job on the two picks surrounding John Beck. They drafted a guard that should help them, and then they picked up a corner back to help the defense. Justin Blalock and Chris Houston should be good for Atlanta. Unfortunately I'm not talking to J-Lew right now, but I think he'd be somewhat happy.
--I can't even find The Breaks of the Game online for a good price. Ugh. This is frustrating.--
4:21 The Colts just picked another offensive player, tackle Tony Ugoh from Arkansas. It's pretty incredible that they keep adding to their offense and not addressing the needs they have on the other side of the ball.
4:23 It looks like the Lions drafted a quarterback, which is too bad because they really need some help on the offensive line. Drew Stanton sounds like a good football player, and the sort of guy who could lead a team, but it also sounds like he has some work to do on his technique.
--I just finally found the book online, so I submitted my order. Hopefully things work out, because I find it for about ten bucks, which is way better than the $100+ that it was in most place I found it.--
4:34 There are few things as enjoyable as listening to Keyshawn talk about how good someone is because he reminds Keyshawn of himself. Dwayne Jarrett is that guy, as the Panthers picked him with the fourteenth pick in the second round. Watching the interview between Keyshawn and Dwayne is probably an 86 on the unintentional comedy scale. Keyshawn's asking every question that he wouldn't want to answer. Fantastic. I think that's the best way to end this pseudo-diary of the first day of the NFL draft. I'm going to keep watching, because this is one of my favorite sports-days of the year.
--Here's a great blog post about Brandon Roy. I really like reading anything about this guy. I've also been trying to find the book The Breaks of the Game in town. The Sports Guy wrote about this book yesterday, but I've been wanting to read it anyway. It's about the Blazers' season in '79-'80. I couldn't find it in any of the book stores in town, and it isn't in the local library or the Oregon library.--
4:06 The Dolphins seem to have redeemed themselves by drafting John Beck out of BYU to play quarterback for them. Nice job by Miami.
4:15 The Falcons did a great job on the two picks surrounding John Beck. They drafted a guard that should help them, and then they picked up a corner back to help the defense. Justin Blalock and Chris Houston should be good for Atlanta. Unfortunately I'm not talking to J-Lew right now, but I think he'd be somewhat happy.
--I can't even find The Breaks of the Game online for a good price. Ugh. This is frustrating.--
4:21 The Colts just picked another offensive player, tackle Tony Ugoh from Arkansas. It's pretty incredible that they keep adding to their offense and not addressing the needs they have on the other side of the ball.
4:23 It looks like the Lions drafted a quarterback, which is too bad because they really need some help on the offensive line. Drew Stanton sounds like a good football player, and the sort of guy who could lead a team, but it also sounds like he has some work to do on his technique.
--I just finally found the book online, so I submitted my order. Hopefully things work out, because I find it for about ten bucks, which is way better than the $100+ that it was in most place I found it.--
4:34 There are few things as enjoyable as listening to Keyshawn talk about how good someone is because he reminds Keyshawn of himself. Dwayne Jarrett is that guy, as the Panthers picked him with the fourteenth pick in the second round. Watching the interview between Keyshawn and Dwayne is probably an 86 on the unintentional comedy scale. Keyshawn's asking every question that he wouldn't want to answer. Fantastic. I think that's the best way to end this pseudo-diary of the first day of the NFL draft. I'm going to keep watching, because this is one of my favorite sports-days of the year.
Day 1 of the NFL draft
9:19 No introductions are necessary, but in case you weren't watching, the Raiders just drafted JaMarcus Russell with the first overall pick. Detroit is on the clock now.
--Between picks I'm going to be writing plans for this week at school.--
9:33 My brother, a Lions fan, is becoming happier with the Calvin Johnson pick. Watching the footage of Georgia Tech, it amazes me to see what Johnson did in his last year.
9:42 Everyone in the room is waiting for Brady Quinn to start crying. We hate him. I think Joe Thomas was a pretty good pick for the Browns. Cleveland had problems in their passing game and in their running game. How can a team address both of those problems at once? Oh, right. Draft a really highly rated lineman. Nice job by the Browns with the third pick.
9:54 Yup, Brady Quinn is still in the green room. That's my favorite part of this day so far. Gaines Adams feels like a good pick for Tampa Bay, which is good, because I'm taking the Stephen Colbert approach to this draft: it's not about thinking with my head, it's about thinking with my gut. My gut says the Cardinals take Levi Brown. I was going to say someone else, but then my gut remembered that Ken Whisenhunt is the new coach in Arizona.
10:03 My gut is so smart. And Brady Quinn is still sitting in his chair, looking like...something derogatory. I just read that the Seahawks and 49ers are near a deal to send Darrel Jackson to San Francisco. I don't like that deal for two reasons: 1) Jackson is worth more than a fourth round pick and 2) I don't want to keep making an in-division team better, especially when it looks like they're already on the way to the top of our division.
10:17 LaRon Landry just went to Washington. I like that pick. It's still great to see Brady Quinn sitting there, but as my friend J-Lew just said to me: "skill players are overvalued in my opinion in drafts." He and my dad also agree that Quinn's girlfriend isn't that pretty. Nice job all around.
10:27 Adrian Peterson just went to Minnesota. I think that's a good pick. And it's fun to see Quinn still in the green room. J-Lew just told me that the Falcons need offensive or defensive linemen, or a safety. I'll say that they pick Okoye.
10:35 My brother just asked the million dollar question: When's John David Booty going to get drafted?
10:38 The Falcons just reached a little for Jamaal Anderson. He seems like a great athlete, and he fills their need at DE, but it still seemed like they could have done something a little better with the pick.
10:51 I can't believe that just happened. Ted Ginn just got picked by Miami, and Brady Quinn looks pretty disappointed. J-Lew feels a little bad for Quinn, but I'm not sure that I do. He might end up playing for Dallas or Kansas City, which could be pretty good for him.
11:05 I like this pick, with Amobi Okoye going to the Texans. That kid seems like a great pick. As far as the marijuana debacle, I think the guys who told teams they had tried it actually showed some high character by revealing something that a test hadn't revealed.
--I just finished my rough plan for next week's lessons in 10th honors. That's some high quality work.--
11:17 They've been talking about San Francisco's last few drafts, which have been great. They picked Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, and Alex Smith. And now they picked Patrick Willis, an LB who will hopefully replace my man Julian Peterson.
11:27 Bruce Smith just announced that the Bills picked Marshawn Lynch. I like that pick a lot. My friend Mark thinks it was a huge stretch. While I may agree that they reached a little, I think Lynch is a great back. Now I'm off to play soccer.
--Between picks I'm going to be writing plans for this week at school.--
9:33 My brother, a Lions fan, is becoming happier with the Calvin Johnson pick. Watching the footage of Georgia Tech, it amazes me to see what Johnson did in his last year.
9:42 Everyone in the room is waiting for Brady Quinn to start crying. We hate him. I think Joe Thomas was a pretty good pick for the Browns. Cleveland had problems in their passing game and in their running game. How can a team address both of those problems at once? Oh, right. Draft a really highly rated lineman. Nice job by the Browns with the third pick.
9:54 Yup, Brady Quinn is still in the green room. That's my favorite part of this day so far. Gaines Adams feels like a good pick for Tampa Bay, which is good, because I'm taking the Stephen Colbert approach to this draft: it's not about thinking with my head, it's about thinking with my gut. My gut says the Cardinals take Levi Brown. I was going to say someone else, but then my gut remembered that Ken Whisenhunt is the new coach in Arizona.
10:03 My gut is so smart. And Brady Quinn is still sitting in his chair, looking like...something derogatory. I just read that the Seahawks and 49ers are near a deal to send Darrel Jackson to San Francisco. I don't like that deal for two reasons: 1) Jackson is worth more than a fourth round pick and 2) I don't want to keep making an in-division team better, especially when it looks like they're already on the way to the top of our division.
10:17 LaRon Landry just went to Washington. I like that pick. It's still great to see Brady Quinn sitting there, but as my friend J-Lew just said to me: "skill players are overvalued in my opinion in drafts." He and my dad also agree that Quinn's girlfriend isn't that pretty. Nice job all around.
10:27 Adrian Peterson just went to Minnesota. I think that's a good pick. And it's fun to see Quinn still in the green room. J-Lew just told me that the Falcons need offensive or defensive linemen, or a safety. I'll say that they pick Okoye.
10:35 My brother just asked the million dollar question: When's John David Booty going to get drafted?
10:38 The Falcons just reached a little for Jamaal Anderson. He seems like a great athlete, and he fills their need at DE, but it still seemed like they could have done something a little better with the pick.
10:51 I can't believe that just happened. Ted Ginn just got picked by Miami, and Brady Quinn looks pretty disappointed. J-Lew feels a little bad for Quinn, but I'm not sure that I do. He might end up playing for Dallas or Kansas City, which could be pretty good for him.
11:05 I like this pick, with Amobi Okoye going to the Texans. That kid seems like a great pick. As far as the marijuana debacle, I think the guys who told teams they had tried it actually showed some high character by revealing something that a test hadn't revealed.
--I just finished my rough plan for next week's lessons in 10th honors. That's some high quality work.--
11:17 They've been talking about San Francisco's last few drafts, which have been great. They picked Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, and Alex Smith. And now they picked Patrick Willis, an LB who will hopefully replace my man Julian Peterson.
11:27 Bruce Smith just announced that the Bills picked Marshawn Lynch. I like that pick a lot. My friend Mark thinks it was a huge stretch. While I may agree that they reached a little, I think Lynch is a great back. Now I'm off to play soccer.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
I'm back on the trade Zach wagon...for now
I've been stewing about this stuff for a little while, and I know I've already written about trade scenarios for Portland, but I think I've finally decided on what I think would be a great deal for everyone. In addition, this deal looks at first glance like it isn't a great deal for Portland.
That is, if you're looking at the stats from this season. That's not how I'm thinking, though. This came about from talking to my brother, stewing, and reading several things online today. Here's the deal at RealGM and here it is at ESPN's trade machine.
Portland trades Zach Randolph and Jarett Jack to the Atlanta Hawks, and they trade Martell Webster to the Utah Jazz.
Atlanta trades Tyronn Lue, Marvin Williams, and Josh Childress to the Utah Jazz.
Utah trades Derek Fisher and Andrei Kirilenko to Portland.
The three rosters would then look like this:
Utah
PG Deron Williams/Tyronn Lue/Dee Brown
SG/SF Gordon Giricek/Matt Harpring/Marvin Williams/Josh Childress/Martell Webster
PF/C Carlos Boozer/Mehmet Okur/Paul Millsap/Jarron Collins
Atlanta
PG Jarrett Jack/Speedy Claxton
SG Joe Johnson/Salim Stoudamire
SF Josh Smith/Sheldon Williams
PF Zach Randolph/Solomon Jones
C Zaza Pachulia/Lorenzen Wright
Portland
PG Sergio Rodriguez/Derek Fisher/Dan Dickau
SG Brandon Roy/Freddie Jones
SF Andrei Kirilenko/Ime Udoka/Darius Miles
PF LaMarcus Aldridge/Travis Outlaw
C Joel Przybilla/Raef LaFrentz
Why Utah would think about this
As was said in this story:
Why Atlanta would think about this
Even though this looks a little risky for the Hawks, it seems like this trade is most obvious for Atlanta. This would take care of the current Atlanta logjam at SF, and it potentially fills two glaring needs. The Hawks need a good long-term solution at PG, and Jack could end up being a very good NBA point guard. The Hawks need a low-post scorer to open things up for Joe Johnson, and Randolph is definitely that. Josh Smith could continue to be a do-everything small forward, and they would be betting on Shelden Williams to be the young forward who turns into something amazing. If his play at the end of this season is any indication, then he's the right choice. In the ridiculously weak east a well-coached team of these guys could be a real contender.
Why Portland would do this
A lot of the reasons for trading Zach have already been discussed. The main one is that LaMarcus Aldridge is already a very good player, and he will be a better power forward than a center in the NBA. The other main reason is that Portland seems to be moving toward a running offense, and Zach doesn't fit that very well, even though he likes to run and thinks he could do a good job at it. Kirlenko can run. As the article said, even though he's not a great shooter, he is a decent shooter. He also has the possibility to be an amazing defensive presence. I think that's even more important than bringing in someone like Rashard Lewis, the favorite of most Blazer fans. The other need mentioned by most around the Blazers is a veteran point guard. As much as I like Jack, I think Rodriguez will be a special pro. Derek Fisher is exactly the sort of veteran point guard who could bring the experience to the team that is needed at PG and once we hit the playoffs at the end of next season. It hurts to trade three guys that I really like and think could continue growing as NBA players. I would also re-sign Outlaw if his price isn't too high.
The other thing that needs to happen
If the Blazers can do this deal, then either Przybilla comes back next year and becomes the sort of player we thought we signed, or they need a center who can be the low post presence to go with the rest of the team. Oden is still the guy I want there, but that would be tough. If Portland gets the second pick then everything is out the window as we draft Durant. But if it's a different pick then Portland can think about packaging it with some other asset to get a center that could be what the team needs. I still don't know for sure who that is. Part of me likes the idea of Darko, but he's a restricted free agent. A sign and trade for Darko might be more possible than signing him outright, but I don't think it's possible because the signing period happens after the draft, and would be more worth it if we could swap first round picks. I still don't know who else would be possible, or even who I'd like, but Biedrins and Frye are guys that I'd think about to play center along Aldridge.
.........................................................................
Here's something great from a column that Dwight Jaynes writes for the Portland Tribune. I'm quoting the entire section.
That is, if you're looking at the stats from this season. That's not how I'm thinking, though. This came about from talking to my brother, stewing, and reading several things online today. Here's the deal at RealGM and here it is at ESPN's trade machine.
Portland trades Zach Randolph and Jarett Jack to the Atlanta Hawks, and they trade Martell Webster to the Utah Jazz.
Atlanta trades Tyronn Lue, Marvin Williams, and Josh Childress to the Utah Jazz.
Utah trades Derek Fisher and Andrei Kirilenko to Portland.
The three rosters would then look like this:
Utah
PG Deron Williams/Tyronn Lue/Dee Brown
SG/SF Gordon Giricek/Matt Harpring/Marvin Williams/Josh Childress/Martell Webster
PF/C Carlos Boozer/Mehmet Okur/Paul Millsap/Jarron Collins
Atlanta
PG Jarrett Jack/Speedy Claxton
SG Joe Johnson/Salim Stoudamire
SF Josh Smith/Sheldon Williams
PF Zach Randolph/Solomon Jones
C Zaza Pachulia/Lorenzen Wright
Portland
PG Sergio Rodriguez/Derek Fisher/Dan Dickau
SG Brandon Roy/Freddie Jones
SF Andrei Kirilenko/Ime Udoka/Darius Miles
PF LaMarcus Aldridge/Travis Outlaw
C Joel Przybilla/Raef LaFrentz
Why Utah would think about this
As was said in this story:
The Jazz’s best defender [Kirklenko] and most unique talent has seen his minutes drastically reduced this season. Why? Because his play has been that bad? No. Not really. The answer is simple: Sloan is trying to recreate the era of Stockton and Malone wholesale. Through Williams and Boozer, the Frankenstein’s monster has taken on a remarkably disturbing life.By doing this deal the Jazz would get rid of two guys who didn't fit the offense well. Kirilenko didn't fit for the reasons mentioned in the article, and Fisher didn't fit because he was a small, old point guard playing shooting guard (and not shooting very well). Since they'd be shipping off their veteran backup PG, it makes sense to replace him with a different backup point guard, and Lue fits that spot. With Harpring and Giricek both being less than starting material and on the down-swing of their careers, Utah might be willing to take a risk on three young guys with huge potential. Childress and Williams could both fit a more traditional SF role, and Webster could go back to his natural SG position, where he thrives on curl screens. He's also built his toughness, so that he could fill that other role mentioned in the article. Is this risky? Yes. But all of these contracts are expiring at the end of next year, and it would rid the team of a guy who no longer fits with the team at all.
[cut]
Kirilenko’s shooting woes have received a lot of press this season, but his current field goal percentage is better than it was last year and two of his previous years—including his best season overall, the 2003-04 campaign.[2] AK-47 is a once in a lifetime defensive talent. Not since Russell, or Olajawon’s 1994 campaign, has any defensive player had such a dynamic impact on a game. Pippen was close, but I’ll still take the 2003-2004 version of Andrei over anyone other than Russell. Provided with the right situation on the court, there is no reason why he is not capable of that same level of play.
Andrei saved the Jazz franchise from complete embarrassment once the two cornerstones moved on. However, today Sloan has decreased Kirilenko's minutes, touches, and really made no effort to move toward arranging the team around AK’s unique talents. All things considered, AK hasn’t really caused much of a fuss about dropping completely off Sloan’s radar. In this super-star celebrity centered world, he has been a very good sport. Kirilenko hasn’t fought back, or attacked Sloan. He hasn't even asked for more shots. In January, he simply requested that Sloan involve him more in the game.
[cut]
When Stock and Malone were around, there was no Andrei-the-undeniable-havoc reeker to incorporate into his rigid system. In Sloan's preferred system, big men are given the ball in the post, and tough-minded guards set screens for cutters who take jumps [sic] shots when lay-ups aren't available. In this old-school offense, there was no role for a gangly slashing, passing, shot-blocking forward.
Why Atlanta would think about this
Even though this looks a little risky for the Hawks, it seems like this trade is most obvious for Atlanta. This would take care of the current Atlanta logjam at SF, and it potentially fills two glaring needs. The Hawks need a good long-term solution at PG, and Jack could end up being a very good NBA point guard. The Hawks need a low-post scorer to open things up for Joe Johnson, and Randolph is definitely that. Josh Smith could continue to be a do-everything small forward, and they would be betting on Shelden Williams to be the young forward who turns into something amazing. If his play at the end of this season is any indication, then he's the right choice. In the ridiculously weak east a well-coached team of these guys could be a real contender.
Why Portland would do this
A lot of the reasons for trading Zach have already been discussed. The main one is that LaMarcus Aldridge is already a very good player, and he will be a better power forward than a center in the NBA. The other main reason is that Portland seems to be moving toward a running offense, and Zach doesn't fit that very well, even though he likes to run and thinks he could do a good job at it. Kirlenko can run. As the article said, even though he's not a great shooter, he is a decent shooter. He also has the possibility to be an amazing defensive presence. I think that's even more important than bringing in someone like Rashard Lewis, the favorite of most Blazer fans. The other need mentioned by most around the Blazers is a veteran point guard. As much as I like Jack, I think Rodriguez will be a special pro. Derek Fisher is exactly the sort of veteran point guard who could bring the experience to the team that is needed at PG and once we hit the playoffs at the end of next season. It hurts to trade three guys that I really like and think could continue growing as NBA players. I would also re-sign Outlaw if his price isn't too high.
The other thing that needs to happen
If the Blazers can do this deal, then either Przybilla comes back next year and becomes the sort of player we thought we signed, or they need a center who can be the low post presence to go with the rest of the team. Oden is still the guy I want there, but that would be tough. If Portland gets the second pick then everything is out the window as we draft Durant. But if it's a different pick then Portland can think about packaging it with some other asset to get a center that could be what the team needs. I still don't know for sure who that is. Part of me likes the idea of Darko, but he's a restricted free agent. A sign and trade for Darko might be more possible than signing him outright, but I don't think it's possible because the signing period happens after the draft, and would be more worth it if we could swap first round picks. I still don't know who else would be possible, or even who I'd like, but Biedrins and Frye are guys that I'd think about to play center along Aldridge.
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Here's something great from a column that Dwight Jaynes writes for the Portland Tribune. I'm quoting the entire section.
Last Tuesday, when the 1977 Trail Blazers were gathering in Portland to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of their championship and to retire Lionel Hollins’ number, Dr. Jack Ramsay paid a visit to the locker room of the current team.That makes me happy.
There wasn’t much of a fuss made about it, but those who were in the room tell me the team was spellbound as the 82-year-old Ramsay spoke. This is a man with basketball credibility and a personal charisma that hasn’t diminished with age. And, if the young Blazers came away impressed, so did the ol’ coach.
“You know, when you talk to a group of people, you get a feeling about them,” he said. “I looked around the room, and every guy was looking me right in the eye. I liked that a lot.
“I really like what they’re doing here. In Nate (McMillan), they’ve got an outstanding coach and leader, and the young players are going to be good. I’m very impressed.”
Ramsay, by the way, looked terrific and said he was doing well. It’s no secret he’s been fighting cancer for a while, but if not winning he’s at least holding his own.
“I feel good,” he said. “Still swimming just about every day.”
The man is an NBA treasure – a generous, articulate, passionate basketball guru. I wouldn’t mind seeing the team bring him back to town once in a while as a guest consultant, for players and coaches.
He’s one of those people who makes you feel better just by being around him. And, as a source of knowledge about the league, its players and basketball in general –I’m not sure you can do much better.
We need to see more of this man in Portland.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
State of the Union Corollary
There needs to be a sports equivalent to the measures taken by our government during the state of the union address. According to that bastion of all that is true and pure, Wikipedia:
There's always a chance that everyone could rally together around the city and team if they faced this sort of tragedy (see: Marshall, Wichita State, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo), but it would still be something horrific to overcome. By taking the extra precaution to make sure one of the stars of a team is the designated survivor, teams could make sure there is a better chance of responding well to tragedy.
Customarily, one cabinet member (the designated survivor) does not attend, in order to provide continuity in the line of succession in the event that a catastrophe disables the President, the Vice President, and other succeeding officers gathered in the House chamber. Additionally, since the September 11, 2001 attacks, a few members of Congress have been asked to relocate to undisclosed locations for the duration of the speech. Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) (the longest serving Senator in history) does not attend the State of the Union Address, opting instead to watch it at home on TV.If that's good enough for the government, it should be good enough for sports teams. On an everyday basis this could be pretty hard, as it wouldn't make sense to charter a plane for the team and then have one guy take his own jet or a first class seat on the next flight out of town. But what if the team is doing something in the off-season? If players are traveling to an exhibition, or a community event, or even to some other special occasion, what wouldn't make sense about making sure that the three or four most important guys weren't all together, just in case? For a good example think about how devastated the city of Portland and the NBA would have been if Maurice Lucas, Bill Walton, and Herm Gilliam had all been in a car crash on their way to dinner before the 1977 season. Sure, Gilliam wasn't the most important guy on that team, but the other two were the most important guys. What about Shaun Alexander, Matt Hasselbeck, and Walter Jones? Or John Smoltz, Chipper Jones, and Jeff Francouer? If any of these groups of players all went down at the same time--even if it was just for a while--because of injuries sustained while traveling together, the respective teams, cities, and leagues would be affected in a powerful and negative way.
There's always a chance that everyone could rally together around the city and team if they faced this sort of tragedy (see: Marshall, Wichita State, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo), but it would still be something horrific to overcome. By taking the extra precaution to make sure one of the stars of a team is the designated survivor, teams could make sure there is a better chance of responding well to tragedy.
Friday, April 13, 2007
All those posts were meaningless
Last week I wrote that the best thing we could do with a lottery pick outside of the top two was trade it for a good veteran piece, presumably a center or small forward. This sentiment has been echoed--better said, I was echoing the sentiment from others--all over the internet. Dave at Blazer's Edge has said it (kind of), he's quoted Blazer beat writer Jason Quick saying it, and other people have said it. But while looking at all-things NBA for a while with my brother this morning, I found out that my favorite non-Oderant player for this year's draft is coming out after all. Yes, Julian Wright declared for the draft. And at several sites they project he will be available in the range the Blazers are likely to be picking. Here are several of those sites. There is a good counter-point article at RealGM labeling Wright as something other than a lottery pick, which has some important things to think about. Having said that, this video is one of the reasons I still like him. Watch some of the highlights, but then go forward to the interview (it's around the 3:24 mark). That's the kind of young player I want to continue adding to the stable of young (and GREAT) Portland players.
Kevin Pritchard's strong ties to Kansas lead me to several possible conclusions, all of which might be completely ridiculous:
Even if we don't end up taking Wright, I like a few other guys in this draft that could fall to us in the non-Oderant position enough to keep the pick. I'll let Steve Kerr tell you about it:
Here are a few other links that show how people feel about the young Blazers, and give credence to my confidence in Pritchard on draft day. This one talks about all four of the Blazers' first round picks, Aldridge, R-O-Y, Rodriguez, and Freeland. And this one labels Sergio Rodriguez as a fantasy sleeper for next year.
In other news, my friend Mark shouldn't feel too bad about inviting The Yetis to join our fantasy baseball league. Compton Unified School District, the district I liked best from interviews in Portland last week, sent my contract offer to The Yetis as well. And they had a resumé which had my email address clearly written. That got straightened out today, but I may have to send The Yetis a message in Baseball to apologize for all the mail he's gotten in the last few years that was meant for me.
Kevin Pritchard's strong ties to Kansas lead me to several possible conclusions, all of which might be completely ridiculous:
- Pritchard will be more likely to take the Kansas guy.
- Pritchard will have great access to information about the Kansas guy, so that he has even better information than other GMs might.
Even if we don't end up taking Wright, I like a few other guys in this draft that could fall to us in the non-Oderant position enough to keep the pick. I'll let Steve Kerr tell you about it:
Nate McMillan's reclamation project is going well, with last year's draft netting good young talent at the point (Sergio Rodriguez), the wing (Brandon Roy) and at center (LaMarcus Aldridge). Portland would love to add another versatile scorer/defender at the wing, so Corey Brewer, Jeff Green or Julian Wright make some sense. It appears the Blazers are on the right track. Now it's a matter of adding another high character, good player to the mix and continuing to build the foundation.That sounds good to me.
Here are a few other links that show how people feel about the young Blazers, and give credence to my confidence in Pritchard on draft day. This one talks about all four of the Blazers' first round picks, Aldridge, R-O-Y, Rodriguez, and Freeland. And this one labels Sergio Rodriguez as a fantasy sleeper for next year.
In other news, my friend Mark shouldn't feel too bad about inviting The Yetis to join our fantasy baseball league. Compton Unified School District, the district I liked best from interviews in Portland last week, sent my contract offer to The Yetis as well. And they had a resumé which had my email address clearly written. That got straightened out today, but I may have to send The Yetis a message in Baseball to apologize for all the mail he's gotten in the last few years that was meant for me.
Friday, April 06, 2007
All good points, and more points
I understand all the comments I've received about the Duncan trade. I already said that I'm crazy and that I know the trade would never happen in a million years. I think what all that writing was meant to show is the tough situation this off-season presents for the Blazers. If they get one of the top two picks it's a no-brainer: draft Oden or Durant. But if they don't get one of those picks, well, it's a brainer. I think they could end up with a great swing man in this draft if they draft later, and then continue to rely on Randolph, Aldridge, and Przybilla. This might stunt Aldridge's growth some, but we know that Zach is really good, and I believe Przy will come back strong. I also trust Pritchard's analysis of talent, so we should get the most for our pick no matter where it is. In free agency this summer I don't see many pieces that would fit well with what Portland is trying to do while also fitting financially. So if they want to bring in one more veteran to make things work, after thinking about it and researching it for three or four hours last night, Duncan seems like the only guy that would do it. This makes sense for more than just the normal reasons, considering that Pritchard started in the NBA as a scout for the Spurs and has basically tried to reproduce the success he saw from within that franchise.
From the quick chat recap I learned that Miles is "working hard, probably harder than he ever has in his life because this is a tough injury." Does that mean that next season he'll be worth having? I'm not sure, which makes me more likely to re-sign Outlaw. But the draft happens before free agency, so that gives Portland a chance to see what we can get out of the draft and decide better then. We only have two other decisions to make, and I think those are of the same kind as a top-two pick: no brainer. We re-sign Udoka to a two-year deal, and we let Magloire walk. That would leave the roster like this:
PG Sergio Rodriguez/Jarrett Jack/Dan Dickau
SG Brandon Roy/Martell Webster/Freddie Jones/Jarrett Jack (I really like him as a combo guard for this team's future)
SF Darius Miles/Ime Udoka/Martell Webster/Travis Outlaw
PF Zach Randolph/LaMarcus Aldridge/Travis Outlaw/Raef LaFrentz
C LaMarcus Aldridge/Joel Przybilla/Raef LaFrentz
I still think it would make the most sense to draft someone like Corey Brewer or Jeff Green, or Julian Wright if he changes his mind and jumps to the draft. But if we end up with the third pick, it might be too early to draft these guys. And even though my new fantasy sports friend Adam thinks you should draft the guy you want at any spot, I think it would be much smarter to make something off of that pick and trade down to a different spot to get the right guy. The Blazers did the opposite of that during this draft, spending and trading to make sure they got the guys they wanted. That was perfect. This works the same way, but they do it by realizing that they could still get Jeff Green--if that's who they want--a little later than their pick, so that they get something worthwhile in return. The Blazers will still be $13,183,921 over the cap next year, and that doesn't count raises in current salaries or potential new salaries for Outlaw or Udoka, so it seems unlikely that they could land one of the big names available this summer.
Once again I get lost trying to make some sort of point. Let me just say it: unless the Blazers can make a blockbuster deal (read: get Duncan) I think they should keep Randolph. They could still trade down in the draft, but they shouldn't do more than this, in my mind. Then again, I just wanted them to draft R-O-Y this year, and instead they got him, Aldridge, Rodriguez, and Freeland. So I'll give our man KP the benefit of the doubt. Even if he did play for Kansas.
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I just responded to the good comments made by my friends by adding my reasons for seeing Duncan as the only guy we'd want in return for Randolph, but my title says that there are more points in this post. That's because I wanted to warn people that I might start talking about math in this post more than I already do. So far I only mention numbers in relation to basketball. But since I'm going to be teaching this quarter and playing with a lot more numbers, and since my math is a little rusty and my ability to see math things well has atrophied some in the past seven years, I plan on studying some fun problems and ideas and responding to them in this space. It won't be a lot, but it will happen some. Just so you know. If that includes pretty pictures of graphs, and hence points, then that'll make for a more enjoyable experience.
I think I'll also take this post to challenge my friend J-Lew to ruin his weekend in the following two ways: instead of working on Med school stuff (boo), he should write about the Masters after it's all over, if not during a running diary. But that's the first, not-as-fun-for-me way. The second is this: I think we should watch the Glavine-Smoltz match up in Atlanta "together" on Google chat. I'll take the chat and turn it into a running diary that could be simultaneously posted on The Sports Bigamist and The Village Tavern. The challenge is out there for everyone to see.
From the quick chat recap I learned that Miles is "working hard, probably harder than he ever has in his life because this is a tough injury." Does that mean that next season he'll be worth having? I'm not sure, which makes me more likely to re-sign Outlaw. But the draft happens before free agency, so that gives Portland a chance to see what we can get out of the draft and decide better then. We only have two other decisions to make, and I think those are of the same kind as a top-two pick: no brainer. We re-sign Udoka to a two-year deal, and we let Magloire walk. That would leave the roster like this:
PG Sergio Rodriguez/Jarrett Jack/Dan Dickau
SG Brandon Roy/Martell Webster/Freddie Jones/Jarrett Jack (I really like him as a combo guard for this team's future)
SF Darius Miles/Ime Udoka/Martell Webster/Travis Outlaw
PF Zach Randolph/LaMarcus Aldridge/Travis Outlaw/Raef LaFrentz
C LaMarcus Aldridge/Joel Przybilla/Raef LaFrentz
I still think it would make the most sense to draft someone like Corey Brewer or Jeff Green, or Julian Wright if he changes his mind and jumps to the draft. But if we end up with the third pick, it might be too early to draft these guys. And even though my new fantasy sports friend Adam thinks you should draft the guy you want at any spot, I think it would be much smarter to make something off of that pick and trade down to a different spot to get the right guy. The Blazers did the opposite of that during this draft, spending and trading to make sure they got the guys they wanted. That was perfect. This works the same way, but they do it by realizing that they could still get Jeff Green--if that's who they want--a little later than their pick, so that they get something worthwhile in return. The Blazers will still be $13,183,921 over the cap next year, and that doesn't count raises in current salaries or potential new salaries for Outlaw or Udoka, so it seems unlikely that they could land one of the big names available this summer.
Once again I get lost trying to make some sort of point. Let me just say it: unless the Blazers can make a blockbuster deal (read: get Duncan) I think they should keep Randolph. They could still trade down in the draft, but they shouldn't do more than this, in my mind. Then again, I just wanted them to draft R-O-Y this year, and instead they got him, Aldridge, Rodriguez, and Freeland. So I'll give our man KP the benefit of the doubt. Even if he did play for Kansas.
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I just responded to the good comments made by my friends by adding my reasons for seeing Duncan as the only guy we'd want in return for Randolph, but my title says that there are more points in this post. That's because I wanted to warn people that I might start talking about math in this post more than I already do. So far I only mention numbers in relation to basketball. But since I'm going to be teaching this quarter and playing with a lot more numbers, and since my math is a little rusty and my ability to see math things well has atrophied some in the past seven years, I plan on studying some fun problems and ideas and responding to them in this space. It won't be a lot, but it will happen some. Just so you know. If that includes pretty pictures of graphs, and hence points, then that'll make for a more enjoyable experience.
I think I'll also take this post to challenge my friend J-Lew to ruin his weekend in the following two ways: instead of working on Med school stuff (boo), he should write about the Masters after it's all over, if not during a running diary. But that's the first, not-as-fun-for-me way. The second is this: I think we should watch the Glavine-Smoltz match up in Atlanta "together" on Google chat. I'll take the chat and turn it into a running diary that could be simultaneously posted on The Sports Bigamist and The Village Tavern. The challenge is out there for everyone to see.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
I couldn't let it slide
Alright, I figured out how to make this work with salaries. I know that it's still crazy, but I'm willing to try it anyway.
Portland would give up Zach Randolph, Joel Przybilla, Martell Webster, and the 2007 lottery pick. This would work best if Portland somehow landed the third pick in the draft, but could still work if they fell to their rightful spot.
San Antonio would give up Tim Duncan and James White. What, you don't even know who James White is? You can check the Spurs roster, he's there. But KnickerBlogger doesn't even have stats for him, and 82games.com says that he's played 0% of San Antonio's minutes this year for a total of 14 minutes, so I don't think the Spurs would be too upset about losing him.
If you want to stare at the actual trade proposal, it's at RealGM or ESPN's trade machine.
Why would San Antonio even consider this trade? Good question...
The Spurs will have quite a few free agents coming off the books this summer. Among these are three guys who play power forward or center. Are any of them good? Not really. The three are Matt Bonner, Melvin Ely, and Fabricio Oberto. Bonner and Oberto are restricted, so they might be back, and Ely is an UFA. If Przybilla can play the way he did last year, then he would be a better option than either Oberto or Ely was this year, and would be somewhat comparable to Bonner. The Spurs are also losing Michael Finlay and Jacque Vaughn to unrestricted free agency (if Finlay takes his player option). I think that Martell would be intriguing for them, because he could play 2 or 3 like he has in Portland, and he would be another good perimeter shooter, with the potential to be the best on the team. If all of the possible free agents left, and considering the contracts shuffled in the deal, the Spurs would have a $9,277,312 smaller payroll going into free agency in July, which would be after the draft. This would give them the chance to draft the best available player (a Corey Brewer or Joakim Noah or Brandan Wright or Jeff Green or Nick Young or Al Horford or some other player that makes himself look lottery-draft-able by then) and find a good available free agent (like Gerald Wallace or Rashard Lewis or Andres Nocioni or Morris Peterson or Vince Carter or Luke Walton or Matt Barnes or Chris Webber or Jerry Stackhouse or Derek Anderson) to round things out. I'm not sure how this would work exactly with the salary cap, but I think this would put them at $2,955,333 over the cap before their rookie signings. If they were to make another move to get under the cap they could legitimately go after any free agent available.
The last piece of this deal to discuss is the Randolph for Duncan move. I know that this doesn't look good for San Antonio from the front, because they'd be losing a great defensive presence and getting a...umm...well, they wouldn't really be replacing that defensive presence. But they would be adding a player who could be considered an even better interior scorer, which could work really well with Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Brent Barry, and all the other outside scorers the Spurs hoard. As good as Duncan still is, his numbers are starting to slip a bit, and he can't hurt them at the end of games by missing free throws if he's not wearing a Spurs uniform.
Here's a possible Spurs lineup with this trade, with the draft pick possibilities and free agent possibilities added at the end:
PG Tony Parker/Beno Udrih
SG Brent Barry/Manu Ginobili
SF Bruce Bowen/Martell Webster
PF Zach Randolph/Robert Horry
C Joel Przybilla/Francisco Elson
SG/SF Corey Brewer, Nick Young
SF Jeff Green
PF Brandan Wright
PF/C Al Horford, Joakim Noah
SF Vince Carter, Andres Nocioni, Gerald Wallace, Rashard Lewis, Luke Walton, Morris Peterson, Matt Barnes, Jerry Stackhouse
PF/C Chris Webber
I think they could do a good job making my provisional depth chart a lot better with one guy from each of those two lists.
Of course, I don't think this would be too bad for Portland either:
PG Sergio Rodriguez/Jarrett Jack
SG Brandon Roy/Freddie Jones
SF Darius Miles/Ime Udoka/
PF LaMarcus Aldridge/Travis Outlaw
C Tim Duncan/Raef LaFrentz
Plus, Dan Dickau is still on the bench, James White is sitting there too, and James Freeland might come over from England via Spain next year.
Now I need to go to bed and dream of a championship next year instead of the one after. And sleep, so that tomorrow isn't terrible. At least I don't have students tomorrow.
My Crazy Idea
Let me just say that I know this can't happen, and I haven't thought it through all the way. That's my disclaimer.
Today I was talking to my current colleague and former math teacher, Don Crossfield, about the Blazers. One of the things I mentioned was that it might be smart for us to trade our pick this year if it isn't number one or number two. (Quite frankly, I can't imagine passing on Oden or Durant.) I was trying to figure out what sort of player we could get for the number three or the potential 6-7-8-9 pick. When I got home I started looking at players online. I thought that it would be best to trade for a solid center piece, so that LaMarcus could play power forward. That thinking led me to looking at people we could get for the third pick. This list was made up of Channing Frye, Darko Milicic, and Andris Biedrins. The biggest problem with all three of these guys wasn't that they're not really veterans--which is certainly a problem, since that's what I was going for--but that they are too similar to LaMarcus. Biedrins is the only one who has started much at center, but he's the one who would be the hardest to get. I realized that we would need to trade Randolph to get him, except there's no way that Nelson is going to want to bring in Randolph to run with the new-old-look Warriors.
All this got me thinking: if I'm making this trade to build around LaMarcus, then why not DO it. This means trading the first round pick (if it's not one of the top two), Zach Randolph, and Joel Przybilla if necessary. And when I started thinking that big, I realized that there was only one guy I wanted to go after. I'll give you a few seconds to guess.
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...
...
Okay, if you guessed the guy I have in mind then you're crazy, because there's no way the other team would do this. And if you didn't guess it, then you should sit down. Yeah, I'm talking about the most consistent player in the NBA, Tim Duncan. There's one huge problem, other than San Antonio not giving him up: the second player that I thought would make this deal work, Przybilla, won't actually work because he has a Base Year Contract. This means that he is worth twice as much to San Antonio as he is to Portland, so that the salaries wouldn't match. The only other way I can think of making this work would be to do a sign-and-trade with Travis Outlaw or Jamaal Magloire. There is one big problem with each one of these. Outlaw is a freaky athlete who could bring another dimension to San Antonio, and apparently they've been interested in him before, but if the Spurs are getting the number three pick or the pick a little further down than that they'll probably drafting someone like Brandan Wright or Corey Brewer, guys who might be just as athletic as Outlaw but haven't been inconsistent in the NBA yet. The biggest problem with Magloire is one that he's had in Portland: he's too similar to Randolph to play at the same time, and you never know what he's bringing to a game for sure. This puts a huge wrench in my plans. This leaves only one option for the Blazers to make this trade happen without a third team, and this option wouldn't really work either. This last option would be to do the trade after the draft, and pick the player that the Spurs want, sign the contract, and then ship that player and Randolph to San Antonio for Duncan. This still wouldn't work because the contract of a third overall pick isn't high enough to seal the deal, and the same is true of any lower picks. Ugh, this is sooo messy, and still won't work, which means we need to bring another team into the mix. Even if we bring a third team into the mix it might mean working out a sign-and-trade with Magloire or Outlaw.
I refuse to give up on this idea, but it does seem like it's nearly impossible. Duncan has no reason to want out of San Antonio, the Spurs have no reason to move him, and the Blazers would have a hard time matching the salaries. But I can't think of any other big men in the NBA who would fit what the Blazers need in return for a lottery pick. Now that you've seen the frustration at getting the perfect fit, let me suggest one other possibility that isn't as perfect, but could work: Tyson Chandler. A deal with the Hornets would be pretty difficult too. This is just how things are going to be. I have faith that Pritchard could pull off a deal that I can't figure out right now, but it's still ridiculous to see that we're in this position.
Looking at the rest of the depth charts around the league, there is no starting center that I would consider trading a lottery pick to get outside of Chandler, and even that seems like a pretty big stretch. The only guy that would really be worth it would be Duncan, and he and LaMarcus would end up doing what LaMarcus has done a bit with Zach, which is to play together in interchangeable FC roles. I'm going to spend some more time trying to figure out how to make this possible, and I'll post a follow-up in the next few days.
Today I was talking to my current colleague and former math teacher, Don Crossfield, about the Blazers. One of the things I mentioned was that it might be smart for us to trade our pick this year if it isn't number one or number two. (Quite frankly, I can't imagine passing on Oden or Durant.) I was trying to figure out what sort of player we could get for the number three or the potential 6-7-8-9 pick. When I got home I started looking at players online. I thought that it would be best to trade for a solid center piece, so that LaMarcus could play power forward. That thinking led me to looking at people we could get for the third pick. This list was made up of Channing Frye, Darko Milicic, and Andris Biedrins. The biggest problem with all three of these guys wasn't that they're not really veterans--which is certainly a problem, since that's what I was going for--but that they are too similar to LaMarcus. Biedrins is the only one who has started much at center, but he's the one who would be the hardest to get. I realized that we would need to trade Randolph to get him, except there's no way that Nelson is going to want to bring in Randolph to run with the new-old-look Warriors.
All this got me thinking: if I'm making this trade to build around LaMarcus, then why not DO it. This means trading the first round pick (if it's not one of the top two), Zach Randolph, and Joel Przybilla if necessary. And when I started thinking that big, I realized that there was only one guy I wanted to go after. I'll give you a few seconds to guess.
...
...
...
Okay, if you guessed the guy I have in mind then you're crazy, because there's no way the other team would do this. And if you didn't guess it, then you should sit down. Yeah, I'm talking about the most consistent player in the NBA, Tim Duncan. There's one huge problem, other than San Antonio not giving him up: the second player that I thought would make this deal work, Przybilla, won't actually work because he has a Base Year Contract. This means that he is worth twice as much to San Antonio as he is to Portland, so that the salaries wouldn't match. The only other way I can think of making this work would be to do a sign-and-trade with Travis Outlaw or Jamaal Magloire. There is one big problem with each one of these. Outlaw is a freaky athlete who could bring another dimension to San Antonio, and apparently they've been interested in him before, but if the Spurs are getting the number three pick or the pick a little further down than that they'll probably drafting someone like Brandan Wright or Corey Brewer, guys who might be just as athletic as Outlaw but haven't been inconsistent in the NBA yet. The biggest problem with Magloire is one that he's had in Portland: he's too similar to Randolph to play at the same time, and you never know what he's bringing to a game for sure. This puts a huge wrench in my plans. This leaves only one option for the Blazers to make this trade happen without a third team, and this option wouldn't really work either. This last option would be to do the trade after the draft, and pick the player that the Spurs want, sign the contract, and then ship that player and Randolph to San Antonio for Duncan. This still wouldn't work because the contract of a third overall pick isn't high enough to seal the deal, and the same is true of any lower picks. Ugh, this is sooo messy, and still won't work, which means we need to bring another team into the mix. Even if we bring a third team into the mix it might mean working out a sign-and-trade with Magloire or Outlaw.
I refuse to give up on this idea, but it does seem like it's nearly impossible. Duncan has no reason to want out of San Antonio, the Spurs have no reason to move him, and the Blazers would have a hard time matching the salaries. But I can't think of any other big men in the NBA who would fit what the Blazers need in return for a lottery pick. Now that you've seen the frustration at getting the perfect fit, let me suggest one other possibility that isn't as perfect, but could work: Tyson Chandler. A deal with the Hornets would be pretty difficult too. This is just how things are going to be. I have faith that Pritchard could pull off a deal that I can't figure out right now, but it's still ridiculous to see that we're in this position.
Looking at the rest of the depth charts around the league, there is no starting center that I would consider trading a lottery pick to get outside of Chandler, and even that seems like a pretty big stretch. The only guy that would really be worth it would be Duncan, and he and LaMarcus would end up doing what LaMarcus has done a bit with Zach, which is to play together in interchangeable FC roles. I'm going to spend some more time trying to figure out how to make this possible, and I'll post a follow-up in the next few days.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Wrapping up this tournament weekend
I had to include this from the Sports Guy, even if it is a little late. This should be considered even more strongly after UCLA won to get back to the final four, Oregon put on a great effort against the defending champions, and USC built a huge lead (only to remember they were being coached by former Bulls skipper Tim Floyd) over the weekend.
2. Greg in Oregon argues, "You can dismiss all of us 'Pac-10 doesn't suck' posters but even if Kansas and Texas A&M played in the final, that doesn't NECESSARILY mean the Big 12 is better. It could mean they have two excellent teams ... and maybe 10 bad ones. Best league (to me) means best teams top to bottom, with at least a few making a deep tournament run. Washington finished seventh in the Pac-10, a very good team this year. Six others made the tourney and three into the Sweet 16. That's a good league (at least it doesn't deserve 'Pac-10 sucks!') in any book."I could not agree more. I don't have much to say about the Oregon-Florida game, but there are a few things:
That's an excellent point. You're right, under that definition, the Pac-10 definitely doesn't suck. And the fact that USC (the fourth-best team in the Pac-10) crushed Texas (the third-best team in the Big 12) killed my long-standing argument that the Big 12 was definitively better than the Pac-10. So you know what? I'm waving the white flag on this one. Yes, WSU was overrated, Stanford and Arizona weren't worth a damn and nobody else in the conference mattered -- but UCLA and Oregon were good all year, and the fact that USC came together in the tournament submarined my argument.
Upon further review, the Pac-10 didn't suck this season. I will swallow my pride and admit being wrong ... as long as we can all agree that the Big Ten royally sucked. Thank you.
- I was glad that the officiating was much more even than it was during the UNLV game. Sure, I felt like a few extra fouls were called against Oregon than there should have been, but it didn't seem like the consistent attempt to undermine the Ducks that was happening on Friday. And yes, I might have exaggerated that just a little bit.
- I was really happy with how our bigs played in that game. My friend J-Lew pointed this out, but Florida really is only as good as their back court. We forced Green and Humphries to beat us by making it really hard for Noah, Horford, and Brewer to do what they wanted inside. And those two guards did a great job of hitting their shots.
- We disrupted them and they disrupted us. We've been known as an outside shooting team, and most of our points came from the inside, since they wouldn't let us have a good look from beyond the arc. As I just said, their big guys were held in check, which is where they usually get their points, but their guards took advantage of what we gave them.
- As I said in the running diary, this team loses only one of its main contributors, Aaron Brooks, and one decent role player, Adam Zahn. If they can come back with great intensity next year, look for the Ducks to improve on their finish in 2007.
Friday, March 23, 2007
NCAA championships
6:38 pm I’m writing this from the Carlton homestead in Roseburg, Oregon. (Which is for sale, by the way, if anyone’s interested.) My friends Joe and Brian have joined me to watch two NCAA events. We’ve been watching chunks of the NCAA swimming championships, and we’ll return to that after we watch the Oregon sweet sixteen game against UNLV. Joe is the teacher I’m working with this term, and he has been involved with swimming for 20 years. He also coached some at Roseburg High School. Brian is a sophomore at RHS. He is also a swimmer, and he’s watching the swimming championships for the first time since he was at the event watching his older brother win an individual championship. Oh yeah, his brother is my friend Patrick who won the 200-yard butterfly championship. And my apologies beforehand for not naming UNLV players or the announcers. I was too lazy to get the names.
6:45 pm We’re watching the 200-yard freestyle final after stopping the recording to catch the end of the Florida and Georgetown games. Those endings were both pretty good. I’m a little worried that this could be considered a bit of a letdown game for Florida, so that they’ll be absolutely sure to bring it against Oregon on Sunday. Yikes. We’ve already watched a bit of the swimming, which has been fantastic, and we’re getting ready for the Oregon game. Tip-off is in a little over five minutes. One of the events we watched already was the 100-yard butterfly. Patrick was sixth in that event. That’s his bad event, and he got sixth place in the NCAA. Yeah, it’s pretty sweet.
6:50 pm I’m still watching swimming. Right now the 100 backstroke is on, an event in which I was absolutely terrible. My excitement for the Ducks is building…
6:52 pm Seth Davis just picked Oregon to win this game, which might be a bad sign. Clark Kellog said the game will come down to the stars from each team and nothing more. Umm, really? Seth disagreed with that pretty strongly.
6:54 pm They just showed the starting lineups for the two teams, and I had forgotten that UNLV has a small lineup. That’s good for Oregon, since we also have a small lineup.
6:55 pm First foul of the game. Wow. The keys to the game: Oregon needs to “widen the lines.” I guess that means keep enough space on the floor so that the lane is open. Have they watched Oregon play this year? That's what our offense is. And then Leunen tapped in a missed three pointer. Nice start for Oregon.
6:57 pm Aaron Brooks just did what he loves to do: ran through three guys to make a finger role.
6:59 pm We just found out that Kruger is a graduate student who went to Arizona State. Yeah, I’m glad that loophole was closed. The shots are not falling for either…scratch that, Leunen just made a three. Nice. I love his game.
7:02 pm A pre-game scene from the Oregon locker room was just on. Let me cover that for you: shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure. Yep, that covers it. It seems like Oregon's focusing on defense today.
7:04 pm Nice pass from Catron to Bryce Taylor, whom I love. Then UNLV answers with their first three. Both teams are still shooting poorly. And Brooks just had a lay-up blocked. Yikes.
7:07 pm They just showed the field goal percentages: UNLV was at 25%, Oregon was at 40%. See, I told you…okay, maybe Oregon’s shot percentage isn’t too bad, but they need to do better. And Catron does a good job to draw the foul and then score on the ensuing possession.
7:09 pm Catron is playing better than usual, and he’s playing more than usual. Good box out by Hairston, and then the foul gets called. And remember what I’ve been saying about the shooting percentage? UNLV has made several three-pointers since they showed the stat.
7:13 pm Oregon just did a great job with more offensive rebounding to get second chance points. If they keep doing this, they’ll be tough to beat. I just noticed that USC is beating North Carolina by five. If these two Pac-10 teams keep their leads, we’ll get three of ‘em in the Elite Eight.
7:15 pm Tajuan Porter just made everyone for UNLV look slooooow, then he found Hairston, who couldn’t get the shot to fall and ended up missing out on a three-point play.
7:17 pm That did NOT look like a foul to me, but apparently Brooks grazed his arm when he stripped that ball. Porter pulls up for a quick stop three and gets crushed. First free throw: good. Second: good. Third: good. We can count on Porter at the line.
7:19 pm With over seven minutes left, Oregon is up by two. Last I saw, USC was still ahead too. Oh my, here comes the Pac-10.
7:23 pm Catron just flew in for a board. He does NOT usually play this well, let me repeat that. Then Porter gets it for the open three. He doesn’t miss many of those.
7:27 pm The Ducks just got another turnover, but they called an offensive foul on Bryce Taylor as a UNLV player pushed him into a set teammate. Now UNLV gets the opportunity for a three-point play. Ugh, tie game.
7:29 pm That was a perfect introduction to Tajuan Porter for anyone who hasn’t met him yet. Brooks passed it to him on the sprint, and Porter drained the three. Porter gets two more on a crazy floater. AND ANOTHER THREE!!!
7:31 pm Another phantom foul called on Oregon as UNLV nails a three-point response to Porter.
7:34 pm Porter scored Oregon’s last 14 points in five minutes. Have I mentioned yet that he’s a freshman? Oh, and he just drained a three in some tall guy’s eye.
7:36 pm The Ducks are starting to hit from beyond the arc. They are good. And then Hairston works hard for a loose ball.
7:41 pm Leunen misses a long jumper to make the lead six going into the half. Oregon is up 37-33. Not a great first half, but I’m excited to see how Porter does in the second.
7:43 pm We’re watching the 100-yard freestyle final right now. This is fast swimming, and very impressive. Geez, this is unbelievable. I might be missing a live look-in right now, but I don’t even care. This kid Cesar Cielo from Auburn just won another race. He is really good.
7:46 pm Back to basketball and I was quite surprised to see Hansbrough without the schnozaroo. Good to see that USC is still ahead. Ew, a terrible shot by the Tar Heels, and then USC gets foul shots.
7:48 pm An and-one for USC that I convince my friends was not a travel. Seriously, he was stepping as he caught the pass, took a full step, and then he took off on the last one. Not a travel, right? Right? Maybe I watch too much NBA.
7:55 pm Catching the 200 backstroke before going back to the Oregon game. I also just checked online to see that Portland won their third straight game…without Zach Randolph. I’m still against trading him, but sheesh, that’s impressive, even against bad teams. It’s more impressive because the Blazers didn’t shoot very well.
7:57 pm I forgot to mention that USC was ahead at the half 42-33. Did Jeff Green travel? Clearly, according to Clark Kellogg. Seth Davis agrees. I guess I can’t argue with them both.
8:03 pm Tajuan Porter had 17 points in the first half. Yeah, he’ll be back next year with three other starters. Including Bryce Tayler and Maarty Leunen, who just made a great play for the score.
8:04 pm TAJUAN PORTER with 20 points, IN YOUR EYE. Leunen hits his own. This brings up my main point about this team: the starting line up is made of five guys who can score from anywhere on the floor. When the Ducks are playing at their top level, they can beat anyone in the country. I truly believe this to be the case.
8:06 pm That Holiday Inn commercial with the fake rodeo clown is frightening. I mean, his freaky chins and that crazy twisty hat-bow tie combination are very scary.
8:09 pm Another phantom foul called against Oregon. That was terrible, and Wink Adams is at the line to convert the three-point play.
8:11 pm The Ducks keep turning it over, which is pretty frustrating. If not for those, this game would be further apart than the ten point lead Oregon has.
8:12 pm I just mentioned that I’d be okay with Oregon and USC both winning by ten, and Joe and Brian called me on it. Really? As much as I want that, I would much rather just get an Oregon win. And Tajuan Porter just pulled up for another three-pointer. He is REALLY good. Timeout, and Oregon is now ahead 53-38. I hope you guys are all watching my team right now.
8:15 pm We just saw an ad for Letterman that included Gerber Red Bull baby food. Yeah, that’s some funny stuff.
8:18 pm Another foul called against Oregon. Blech.
8:19 pm Nice non-call as Leunen tried to get the rebound on a bad Porter shot as the 35-second clock expired.
8:20 pm As I started saying that Hairston must have ten rebounds, the announcers let me know that I’m right. Then the refs finally make a call against UNLV. Leunen plays with the ball, passes it off, and then Brooks finds Hairston for the dunk. Hairston follows that by working really hard on the defensive end. Oh, and now they're showing a graphic that says Hairston only has nine. Nice job by the announcers on that one.
8:22 pm Porter just hit another three. Let’s run through the returning players for Oregon next year: Porter, Leunen, Hairston, Taylor, Catron, and Oguchi. Each of those guys has played really well for Oregon at one point or another, and four are doing a great job in this game.
8:26 pm An ugly free throw miss for UNLV, followed by a make. They then get a jump ball, but if Oregon doesn’t let down they should be able to hang onto this game.
8:28 pm Everyone in the room agrees, the officiating has been pretty bad n this game. You should know, I’m the only real Oregon fan. Joe grew up in Alaska, went to Montana State for college, and spent much of his youth visiting his grandparents in Kansas. Brian’s two oldest siblings went to Stanford, his older brother Patrick is a senior at Cal, and his other sister is a freshman at UCLA. So he roots for the Pac-10, but not Oregon.
8:30 pm Oregon hasn’t been doing that well since I made the “game in hand” comment. Oops. Time to pick it back up. Another foul was just called on Oregon, prompting Joe and Brian to go crazy.
8:34 pm “Everything in her life was perfect, except her past.”
Brian responds: Umm, everything was perfect except her life up to this moment?
Me: Yeah, everything.
8:36 pm Another bailout call as a Rebel falls down. This is painful. You know what’s not painful? Tajuan Porter making another three right there. Then good defense by Oregon to force UNLV out of bounds.
8:38 pm Aaron Brooks just legitimately broke someone’s ankles, but Porter can’t capitalize. Wow, Brian and Joe are still laughing, as they try to figure out who sniped that defender from the stands. 63-49, Oregon.
8:40 pm Malik Hairston makes his own three, followed by a UNLV make and another TERRIBLE call against Oregon. Really, was that off the Ducks?
8:41 pm Ugly shot-clock violation against Oregon. I don’t think I’m being a homer when I complain about the number of calls against the Ducks. That last out of bounds seemed pretty ridiculous, and quite a few of these fouls have been pretty bad. Ugh, this is ugly.
8:44 pm Boo, USC is about to lose their lead. Stupid Trojans.
8:46 pm Hairston with another big rebound. He’s been playing well during this game. And the announcers just mentioned that this was Oregon’s best season since 1939, when they won the inaugural NCAA tournament. I wondered when that would be mentioned. Mark it down, they said that with 2:43 left in the game.
8:48 pm This exchange just happened between Brian and the announcer:
Announcer: if Lon Kruger were going to do an autopsy of this game…
Brian (interrupting): Is this game dead?
8:49 pm Oregon is now apparently running my favorite offense: turn the ball over as soon as possible.
8:51 pm Kruger just made another free throw to cut the Oregon lead to nine. Oregon finally gets it down the court and then draws the foul. Time to hit shots from the charity stripe. Brooks is good on the first one to bring it back to ten. And he makes the second.
8:53 pm Malik Hairston, Oregon’s worst free throw shooter, makes both. Oregon is still perfect from the line.
8:54 pm Another phantom call as Leunen slides by the UNLV player on the dunk.
8:55 pm After not rebounding, UNLV makes a three. It is now a six-point game. The turnovers have been frustrating, but the stripes are hurting pretty bad too.
8:57 pm You can see the Ducks playing as soft as possible so they don’t get called for ticky-tack fouls. That’s how the officiating can affect a team. Four point Oregon lead.
8:59 pm Porter goes to the line for the free throws, which is good for Oregon. He makes the first. In and out, even the rim is conspiring against Oregon.
9:00 pm Bad shot by UNLV, and Porter gets the long rebound and then tries to throw up a ¾ court shot while being fouled. Nope, they only give him two shots, and he hits both. Leunen avoids getting called for the foul and gets the rebound. Now he’s at the line.
9:02 pm Leunen misses both, and UNLV responds with a three pointer. Porter gets fouled and goes to the line for two more. He only makes one, then UNLV makes another three to cut the lead to two.
9:03 pm The Ducks get it in, and Taylor runs down the line and gets fouled. At the line with .9 seconds left. He makes both. That’s the game. Oregon has made it to the Elite Eight for second time in five years.
9:04 pm USC is going to lose this game, and we’re going back to swimming now.
9:06 pm We just watched the recap of the 800-yard freestyle relay, which was amazing. And now we get to see the recap of the mile, in which the NCAA record of another RHS graduate is missed by .08 of a second. Yeah, that’s not much time in the mile, especially in swimming.
9:09 pm Alexandrov’s disqualification “really kinda” opened the field in the 200-yard breaststroke. That was my best stroke, but I never swam a 200. Polyakov won that race. I’m sure that neither of those guys is Russian.
9:11 pm We’re now watching the 200-yard butterfly, the event that Patrick won. I’m the only one that’s seen this (other than when Brian was there). It’s still awesome to see Patrick win.
9:13 pm After the first 100 Patrick is in the middle of the pack, but halfway through that 25 he takes the lead. Then he burns everyone on the kick outs of the fifth, sixth, and last turns. As Joe said, Patrick just swam a smarter race than everyone. The announcer is saying a bunch of stuff about Patrick’s swim that we already knew.
9:16 pm I’m done with this running diary. It’s been a good night. We got to see Oregon pull out a close game, Portland won in overtime against Atlanta, and we’re watching some great swimming that includes our boy Patrick winning an individual championship. Now I get to look forward to Oregon playing against Florida. As long as the Ducks come to play, it should be a good game. I think we can pull it off, but we won’t know until Sunday.
6:45 pm We’re watching the 200-yard freestyle final after stopping the recording to catch the end of the Florida and Georgetown games. Those endings were both pretty good. I’m a little worried that this could be considered a bit of a letdown game for Florida, so that they’ll be absolutely sure to bring it against Oregon on Sunday. Yikes. We’ve already watched a bit of the swimming, which has been fantastic, and we’re getting ready for the Oregon game. Tip-off is in a little over five minutes. One of the events we watched already was the 100-yard butterfly. Patrick was sixth in that event. That’s his bad event, and he got sixth place in the NCAA. Yeah, it’s pretty sweet.
6:50 pm I’m still watching swimming. Right now the 100 backstroke is on, an event in which I was absolutely terrible. My excitement for the Ducks is building…
6:52 pm Seth Davis just picked Oregon to win this game, which might be a bad sign. Clark Kellog said the game will come down to the stars from each team and nothing more. Umm, really? Seth disagreed with that pretty strongly.
6:54 pm They just showed the starting lineups for the two teams, and I had forgotten that UNLV has a small lineup. That’s good for Oregon, since we also have a small lineup.
6:55 pm First foul of the game. Wow. The keys to the game: Oregon needs to “widen the lines.” I guess that means keep enough space on the floor so that the lane is open. Have they watched Oregon play this year? That's what our offense is. And then Leunen tapped in a missed three pointer. Nice start for Oregon.
6:57 pm Aaron Brooks just did what he loves to do: ran through three guys to make a finger role.
6:59 pm We just found out that Kruger is a graduate student who went to Arizona State. Yeah, I’m glad that loophole was closed. The shots are not falling for either…scratch that, Leunen just made a three. Nice. I love his game.
7:02 pm A pre-game scene from the Oregon locker room was just on. Let me cover that for you: shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure shot pressure. Yep, that covers it. It seems like Oregon's focusing on defense today.
7:04 pm Nice pass from Catron to Bryce Taylor, whom I love. Then UNLV answers with their first three. Both teams are still shooting poorly. And Brooks just had a lay-up blocked. Yikes.
7:07 pm They just showed the field goal percentages: UNLV was at 25%, Oregon was at 40%. See, I told you…okay, maybe Oregon’s shot percentage isn’t too bad, but they need to do better. And Catron does a good job to draw the foul and then score on the ensuing possession.
7:09 pm Catron is playing better than usual, and he’s playing more than usual. Good box out by Hairston, and then the foul gets called. And remember what I’ve been saying about the shooting percentage? UNLV has made several three-pointers since they showed the stat.
7:13 pm Oregon just did a great job with more offensive rebounding to get second chance points. If they keep doing this, they’ll be tough to beat. I just noticed that USC is beating North Carolina by five. If these two Pac-10 teams keep their leads, we’ll get three of ‘em in the Elite Eight.
7:15 pm Tajuan Porter just made everyone for UNLV look slooooow, then he found Hairston, who couldn’t get the shot to fall and ended up missing out on a three-point play.
7:17 pm That did NOT look like a foul to me, but apparently Brooks grazed his arm when he stripped that ball. Porter pulls up for a quick stop three and gets crushed. First free throw: good. Second: good. Third: good. We can count on Porter at the line.
7:19 pm With over seven minutes left, Oregon is up by two. Last I saw, USC was still ahead too. Oh my, here comes the Pac-10.
7:23 pm Catron just flew in for a board. He does NOT usually play this well, let me repeat that. Then Porter gets it for the open three. He doesn’t miss many of those.
7:27 pm The Ducks just got another turnover, but they called an offensive foul on Bryce Taylor as a UNLV player pushed him into a set teammate. Now UNLV gets the opportunity for a three-point play. Ugh, tie game.
7:29 pm That was a perfect introduction to Tajuan Porter for anyone who hasn’t met him yet. Brooks passed it to him on the sprint, and Porter drained the three. Porter gets two more on a crazy floater. AND ANOTHER THREE!!!
7:31 pm Another phantom foul called on Oregon as UNLV nails a three-point response to Porter.
7:34 pm Porter scored Oregon’s last 14 points in five minutes. Have I mentioned yet that he’s a freshman? Oh, and he just drained a three in some tall guy’s eye.
7:36 pm The Ducks are starting to hit from beyond the arc. They are good. And then Hairston works hard for a loose ball.
7:41 pm Leunen misses a long jumper to make the lead six going into the half. Oregon is up 37-33. Not a great first half, but I’m excited to see how Porter does in the second.
7:43 pm We’re watching the 100-yard freestyle final right now. This is fast swimming, and very impressive. Geez, this is unbelievable. I might be missing a live look-in right now, but I don’t even care. This kid Cesar Cielo from Auburn just won another race. He is really good.
7:46 pm Back to basketball and I was quite surprised to see Hansbrough without the schnozaroo. Good to see that USC is still ahead. Ew, a terrible shot by the Tar Heels, and then USC gets foul shots.
7:48 pm An and-one for USC that I convince my friends was not a travel. Seriously, he was stepping as he caught the pass, took a full step, and then he took off on the last one. Not a travel, right? Right? Maybe I watch too much NBA.
7:55 pm Catching the 200 backstroke before going back to the Oregon game. I also just checked online to see that Portland won their third straight game…without Zach Randolph. I’m still against trading him, but sheesh, that’s impressive, even against bad teams. It’s more impressive because the Blazers didn’t shoot very well.
7:57 pm I forgot to mention that USC was ahead at the half 42-33. Did Jeff Green travel? Clearly, according to Clark Kellogg. Seth Davis agrees. I guess I can’t argue with them both.
8:03 pm Tajuan Porter had 17 points in the first half. Yeah, he’ll be back next year with three other starters. Including Bryce Tayler and Maarty Leunen, who just made a great play for the score.
8:04 pm TAJUAN PORTER with 20 points, IN YOUR EYE. Leunen hits his own. This brings up my main point about this team: the starting line up is made of five guys who can score from anywhere on the floor. When the Ducks are playing at their top level, they can beat anyone in the country. I truly believe this to be the case.
8:06 pm That Holiday Inn commercial with the fake rodeo clown is frightening. I mean, his freaky chins and that crazy twisty hat-bow tie combination are very scary.
8:09 pm Another phantom foul called against Oregon. That was terrible, and Wink Adams is at the line to convert the three-point play.
8:11 pm The Ducks keep turning it over, which is pretty frustrating. If not for those, this game would be further apart than the ten point lead Oregon has.
8:12 pm I just mentioned that I’d be okay with Oregon and USC both winning by ten, and Joe and Brian called me on it. Really? As much as I want that, I would much rather just get an Oregon win. And Tajuan Porter just pulled up for another three-pointer. He is REALLY good. Timeout, and Oregon is now ahead 53-38. I hope you guys are all watching my team right now.
8:15 pm We just saw an ad for Letterman that included Gerber Red Bull baby food. Yeah, that’s some funny stuff.
8:18 pm Another foul called against Oregon. Blech.
8:19 pm Nice non-call as Leunen tried to get the rebound on a bad Porter shot as the 35-second clock expired.
8:20 pm As I started saying that Hairston must have ten rebounds, the announcers let me know that I’m right. Then the refs finally make a call against UNLV. Leunen plays with the ball, passes it off, and then Brooks finds Hairston for the dunk. Hairston follows that by working really hard on the defensive end. Oh, and now they're showing a graphic that says Hairston only has nine. Nice job by the announcers on that one.
8:22 pm Porter just hit another three. Let’s run through the returning players for Oregon next year: Porter, Leunen, Hairston, Taylor, Catron, and Oguchi. Each of those guys has played really well for Oregon at one point or another, and four are doing a great job in this game.
8:26 pm An ugly free throw miss for UNLV, followed by a make. They then get a jump ball, but if Oregon doesn’t let down they should be able to hang onto this game.
8:28 pm Everyone in the room agrees, the officiating has been pretty bad n this game. You should know, I’m the only real Oregon fan. Joe grew up in Alaska, went to Montana State for college, and spent much of his youth visiting his grandparents in Kansas. Brian’s two oldest siblings went to Stanford, his older brother Patrick is a senior at Cal, and his other sister is a freshman at UCLA. So he roots for the Pac-10, but not Oregon.
8:30 pm Oregon hasn’t been doing that well since I made the “game in hand” comment. Oops. Time to pick it back up. Another foul was just called on Oregon, prompting Joe and Brian to go crazy.
8:34 pm “Everything in her life was perfect, except her past.”
Brian responds: Umm, everything was perfect except her life up to this moment?
Me: Yeah, everything.
8:36 pm Another bailout call as a Rebel falls down. This is painful. You know what’s not painful? Tajuan Porter making another three right there. Then good defense by Oregon to force UNLV out of bounds.
8:38 pm Aaron Brooks just legitimately broke someone’s ankles, but Porter can’t capitalize. Wow, Brian and Joe are still laughing, as they try to figure out who sniped that defender from the stands. 63-49, Oregon.
8:40 pm Malik Hairston makes his own three, followed by a UNLV make and another TERRIBLE call against Oregon. Really, was that off the Ducks?
8:41 pm Ugly shot-clock violation against Oregon. I don’t think I’m being a homer when I complain about the number of calls against the Ducks. That last out of bounds seemed pretty ridiculous, and quite a few of these fouls have been pretty bad. Ugh, this is ugly.
8:44 pm Boo, USC is about to lose their lead. Stupid Trojans.
8:46 pm Hairston with another big rebound. He’s been playing well during this game. And the announcers just mentioned that this was Oregon’s best season since 1939, when they won the inaugural NCAA tournament. I wondered when that would be mentioned. Mark it down, they said that with 2:43 left in the game.
8:48 pm This exchange just happened between Brian and the announcer:
Announcer: if Lon Kruger were going to do an autopsy of this game…
Brian (interrupting): Is this game dead?
8:49 pm Oregon is now apparently running my favorite offense: turn the ball over as soon as possible.
8:51 pm Kruger just made another free throw to cut the Oregon lead to nine. Oregon finally gets it down the court and then draws the foul. Time to hit shots from the charity stripe. Brooks is good on the first one to bring it back to ten. And he makes the second.
8:53 pm Malik Hairston, Oregon’s worst free throw shooter, makes both. Oregon is still perfect from the line.
8:54 pm Another phantom call as Leunen slides by the UNLV player on the dunk.
8:55 pm After not rebounding, UNLV makes a three. It is now a six-point game. The turnovers have been frustrating, but the stripes are hurting pretty bad too.
8:57 pm You can see the Ducks playing as soft as possible so they don’t get called for ticky-tack fouls. That’s how the officiating can affect a team. Four point Oregon lead.
8:59 pm Porter goes to the line for the free throws, which is good for Oregon. He makes the first. In and out, even the rim is conspiring against Oregon.
9:00 pm Bad shot by UNLV, and Porter gets the long rebound and then tries to throw up a ¾ court shot while being fouled. Nope, they only give him two shots, and he hits both. Leunen avoids getting called for the foul and gets the rebound. Now he’s at the line.
9:02 pm Leunen misses both, and UNLV responds with a three pointer. Porter gets fouled and goes to the line for two more. He only makes one, then UNLV makes another three to cut the lead to two.
9:03 pm The Ducks get it in, and Taylor runs down the line and gets fouled. At the line with .9 seconds left. He makes both. That’s the game. Oregon has made it to the Elite Eight for second time in five years.
9:04 pm USC is going to lose this game, and we’re going back to swimming now.
9:06 pm We just watched the recap of the 800-yard freestyle relay, which was amazing. And now we get to see the recap of the mile, in which the NCAA record of another RHS graduate is missed by .08 of a second. Yeah, that’s not much time in the mile, especially in swimming.
9:09 pm Alexandrov’s disqualification “really kinda” opened the field in the 200-yard breaststroke. That was my best stroke, but I never swam a 200. Polyakov won that race. I’m sure that neither of those guys is Russian.
9:11 pm We’re now watching the 200-yard butterfly, the event that Patrick won. I’m the only one that’s seen this (other than when Brian was there). It’s still awesome to see Patrick win.
9:13 pm After the first 100 Patrick is in the middle of the pack, but halfway through that 25 he takes the lead. Then he burns everyone on the kick outs of the fifth, sixth, and last turns. As Joe said, Patrick just swam a smarter race than everyone. The announcer is saying a bunch of stuff about Patrick’s swim that we already knew.
9:16 pm I’m done with this running diary. It’s been a good night. We got to see Oregon pull out a close game, Portland won in overtime against Atlanta, and we’re watching some great swimming that includes our boy Patrick winning an individual championship. Now I get to look forward to Oregon playing against Florida. As long as the Ducks come to play, it should be a good game. I think we can pull it off, but we won’t know until Sunday.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
So much to do
My computer is finally back. In fact, I'm writing this quick post from the couch in MyCoffee on my way to the last day of my winter practicum at Shasta Middle School. I have a lot of paperwork to get done for this term, and a question that needs to be answered sometime today for a class that I might not pass (long story, and I need to get to school). Then I have two more papers due on Thursday. But the good news outweighs the bad, even if something that falls into both categories is that I need to clean my apartment and move out in the next few days.
So much to do...
So much to do...
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