This might be the definitive article of our times as Blazer fans. He basically states the current situation as clearly as one can. We are a group of fans stuck between two ways of thinking, but the most important decision maker is KP. It is time to move from potential to performance. In other words we need to move on from the concept car and put something that is defined on the road. I strongly urge you to read it, and if you have trouble understanding it you should post some questions. http://www.blazersedge.com/2009/7/7/940353/too-many-questions
For all of you having trouble understanding what Dave is trying to say, it's that KP should make a fucking move.
It's what the article says. Please don't derail the thread. The article is brilliantly written, and makes a lot of sense.
Dave has got to be one of the best sports columnists in the Nation. Maybe it's just me. This editorial is fucking brilliant!
I read this article this morning and agree completely with the whole thing. The time for waiting for potential is over. If Portland can make a move with one of the talented players that really don't fit here (Rudy, and Joel) to bring in a valuable player that does fit, they need to do so asap.
Again, a "move " for the sake of a "move" is not right. Only a move that helps the team. For some reason, there is this view that dozens of advantageous trades are just sitting there and KP isn't doing a thing about it. Anyone who thinks like that is clearly out of tune with reality and should get off the meth.
Actually that is not what it says at all. You are like the big man with the big hunk of wood MM . You think that simply swinging will be enough, Dave was saying that it is time to shape the metal, give it form and definition. While I find it ironic that you missed the point, I am also not surprised. This article is about the decisions that sit before the Blazer organization, a fork in the road that leads down two separate ways of thinking. The road on the right is lined with potential, and that road says if you have enough bullets in the chamber you are bound to hit something. The road on the left is lined with performance, and that road says that you need to become a sniper and only with limited ammo, focus, and a clear target can you make it to the championship window. To say it means that KP should make a fucking move is not only the barbaric interpretation, but it also takes away from Dave's incredible work. This piece is clearly the product of thought, debate, and overall intelligent internal conversation. It should be required reading for all fans, owners, and front office people.
This is the real key part of the article. The team need a shift in mindset where we act like contenders and not just hope to be contenders. All of KP's decisions should be made with that attitude.
He can say whatever he wants. Doesn't make it some sort of "truth". His notion that you win in the future by winning now, and that in order to win now you have to make moves - even at the expense of future (talent/flexibility) - is what you HAVE to do. Really? Is this proven? Don't think so. It is just his opinion. What did the Lakers do after trading Shaq? Didn't contend, that's what. The went back into the "granny lane". They didn't get off the road. They still had Kobe. Still had Odom. Caught their breath. Made some moves that at the time seemed very small and unimportant. Continued to reach for long-term projects in the draft when it made sense (Bynum) and refused to trade said project for veteran, win-now help. Maintained their flexibility and waited for the right moment to strike. If they had chased old vets after moving Shaq, they likely would have failed. If they had chased prime vets that were merely average, they likely would have failed. Nope, they collected average players without giving up much talent, and role player types that fit well in the triangle, and waiting until they could make a move for an above average talent. Then they struck. I don't want the Blazers making moves just to make moves. They better be the "right" move. Otherwise, continue collecting "assets" and have wait.
