Merged: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

Easy there, we're just having a basketball discussion. Calling posters names won't win you any arguments or friends it just gets you edited.

As opposed to college where players have time distractions like classes and homework, in the league the players have plenty of free time to hone their games. They need to have a work ethic to achieve, but I doubt any team exceeds the amount of support staff that Paul Allen provides his guys. Travis (and every young Blazer) has had the benefit of full access to top assistent coaches, physical trainers, nutritionists, etc... around the clock and calendar. And they can work out with and pick the brains of much more talented hoopers then mere college players.

Though I see the value in both, I'm more of a nature then nurture believer. Cream rises to the top regardless. But I very much doubt attending Mississippi State would have better prepared Travis for the league then 4 years at Trailblazer U.

STOMP

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

Explain.

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

Ummm that play was designed by Nate. He just did what the coach asked him to do.

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

I find it VERY difficult to believe the Nate called Outlaws number to take such a HUGE shot in such a crucial moment....especially with Roy and Rudy on the floor. And in the crazy chance it was, I would be amazed if he was told to "catch and shoot", he didnt even try to improve his position or create a little space. He shot is like he was trying to beat the buzzer.

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

If I remember correctly, Mr. Sonic came out and said that was the option. Travis however, probably wasn't instructed to shoot that particular shot.


It's the classic situation of two wrongs not making a right.

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

name me the last time webster came even remotely close to hitting a game winner, let alone 6

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

Probaby the same time Webster missed 75% of his defensive rotations.

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

Webster does many things as well as or better than both Travis and Batum. He's a better defender than Travis and equal to Batum. He garners more respect among NBA coaches and defenders for his long-range shooting than either TO or Nico. As such, he loosens the defense. He's a better passer than Travis or Nico. He has a higher BBIQ than Travis and equal to that of Batum. He's a better ballhandler than both of them. He's a better driver than both of them. He moves without the ball better than both of them. Bottom line, with him in the lineup, we have more threats and options than we do without him. He's a combination of the best of Travis and Nico and also adds other attributes to the party.

The larger point, however, is that Webs fixes the rotation. Travis proved much more effective at the four this year than the three. With Webs in the lineup, our rotation looks like this:

Black Unit:
PG - Blake
SG - Roy
SF - Webster
PF - Aldridge
C - Przybilla

White Unit
PG - Rodriguez
SG - Fernandez
SF - Batum
PF - Outlaw
C - Oden

That second unit is hugely uptempo, with a dominant rebounder and a terrific wing defender.

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

I have no idea where anyone would get that idea.

Webster is a lesser version of Batum on defense even in his best year. His block rate is half or Batum's, his steal rate is half of batum's, his rebounding rate is lower than Batum's and his defensive rating (remember - it was his best year) was worse than Batum's. Batum is a better defender out of the gate than Webster and as a rookie - one suspects he has more to go up from there - not really a surprise since his wingspan is higher and his lateral movement seems much better than Webster's.

As for the offense the idea that Webster is respected more than Batum seems rather strange to me as well. Batum's 3P% is almost as good as Webster but his TS% is higher, his overall FG% is higher and he even assists at a higher rate than Webster - and he achieved all this while his usage percent was lower (by 4%) than Webster.

I believe Batum telling us that Nate told him the starting position is his to lose. He is already a better defender, he is already more efficient on offense and he is much more likely to improve given that he is younger and less experienced. Another thing that seems to go well for Batum is that he combines Webster's best attributes (and most of them to a higher degree) with Outlaw's devil may care attitude - you would never get the idea that the Blazers will have to hire a psychologist to help him with his confidence.

We could argue until the cows come home if it's Webster or Outlaw that stays - but I am certain that if the Blazers had to give up Webster instead of Batum for Gerald Wallace (as the rumors went) - he (Wallace) would be on the team now.

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

I'll agree with this.

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

I think some people are underestimating Webster a bit. I don't think he's the legitimate third scoring option we need, but he's another shooter we can throw out there.
He's also probably the best shooter on the team. You put Brandon at PG, Rudy and Martell in the corners to hit the 3 or create on their own, it creates a wide-open lane for guys like LaMarcus and G.O. to operate.

I'm real excited to see Martell next season and how he fits in. Hopefully he can just stay healthy.

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

That's pretty much what the Per36 numbers state and even the scoring differential isn't all that dramatic; measuring out to 13.6 for Webster in his best year and 10.5 for Nicolas in his first season.

I like Webster and I think he'll make a decent backup small forward next season (or however the minutes break down), but Batum has already shown more offensive efficiency and an ability to play both ways in his rookie season than Martell has in three healthy seasons. Granted, Nicolas has to improve his aggressiveness on offense plus he needs more core strength and probably 5-10 lbs more bulk before you'd feel comfortable making him a 35 minute per night guy, but looking at more than just the numbers I think Batum's 'wiring' is better than Martell's -- does anybody think Nic is going to need to visit a sports psychologist any time soon to get his head sorted out? I don't think so.

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

I'll concede that Martell has the best looking jumper on the team (his form is flawless), but his percentages just don't back this up. My gut feeling is that Martell is very prone to the yips and his struggles largely start inside his brain box. When you have a shooting specialist about the worst thing you can have is one with confidence issues, hopefully a year off and a little more maturity will correct some of that, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

It is even closer than that - Batum's usage% is lower (14%) than Webster's was (18%).

We know who the SF of the future of this team is - and he started for us most of this year.

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

You eat lunch at the Hot Seat? Say hello to Gary for me!

 

Re: Here's A Scoop On Outlaw

You know you are just making that up, right? You have no way of knowing whether Travis is speculating or not.

Logic would dictate that he probably knows something. He has worked as a loyal employee for the Blazers for 6 years. They value him, and in business terms, his manager likely told him, out of respect, that he should expect change this summer.

I buy it 100%

 

let me take a guess... thats what you're hoping for

STOMP