I keep hearing that, but I'm not buying it. Almost all rookies struggle in their consistency, and especially rookie point guards. My feeling is that Bayless is going to be far more valuable to Nate as a "microwave" guy off the bench, who can score in bunches and simultaneously lock down his opponent ... this isn't to say that we won't find nights where Jerryd is the best option to be closing out games alongside Brandon and co. I just think Nate values the steadiness of a vet like Blake who isn't going to mind taking a secondary or tertiary scoring role, while being an unselfish setup man.
Not true without pics . Blake was amazing at Maryland if I remember right, but he hasn't done nearly as much in the L as I expected. He got lost in Washington and now he really has a chance to shine. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do. I don't agree that the best trey shooter with get the starting spot, I think that whoever is the best at keeping everybody happy will (as far as getting everyone their touches). He can play like Tony Parker or Andre Miller (not great shooters, but great pgs) and get the nod to start.
It's good to hear Blake coming in so focused. I'm not surprised because Blake comes across as a gym rat and those players tend to be competitive even during pick up games. A different take (not so much when Bayless will take over) is how valuable Blake is to this team rignt now. If something was to happen to Blake, what would become of the PG position. All of a sudden a combo rookie gaurd would be starting and trying to guide this young team into the playoffs?
What, HCP doesn't have the pics? I find that hard to believe. Who wrote that quote, Barrett? Tomorrow it will be another player who is the best player in practice/scrimmage/pickup games. Then another. Then another. I can't wait for the season.
I like it. I hope Blake is an improved player. A better than last season Blake would be good enough to be an acceptable starter. Especially if Blake is able to take advantage of the anticipated extra open looks from playing with Oden. If Bayless could deliver a solid rookie campaign where he concentrates on pesky defense and aggressive offense; If Roy gets a few extra minutes at the 1 this season (depending on matchups) to pair up with Rudy more often; then I think our overall point guard play would be better than last season with the Blake/Jack tandem. Blake sees the threat from Bayless. Blake sees the way he is the forgotten guy in discussions about the future of the team, despite being the starter last season. I am thrilled that he is working his ass off to try to keep that starting spot and to try to earn the notice of the team so they want to keep him. No matter how it all plays out in the end, it should help the team.
He's 28. The odds of him taking a big step up seem very remote to me. I'll root for him, but I'll see it when I believe it. Ed O.
