[video=youtube;GblrQCPokC4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GblrQCPokC4[/video] This needs to be updated:
A few weeks ago (seems like months with all that has happened) when it was being tossed around that JJ (or his agent) was demanding a trade I thought what a baby. A 20 year old kid who played one year of college and frankly had been more down than up when he had gotten chances says 'I know I can help this team win" - I had my doubts. Fast forward to now and it seems surreal. First, he ices a home game against Sac in the 4th. Then, he goes for a career high 28 (16 in the 4th) to ice the Suns. But last night was the best yet. The performance vs the Suns was great, but he had Brandon setting him up. He had to create everything on his own last night, and he was the only guy on the floor who could get his own shot. And he had ZERO t/o's in that role!! Wow. Just wow.
Maybe more impressive was that he was actually setting up tons of shots for his teammates, getting them wide open, clean looks. His help and man D was pretty fucking awesome last night too.
I honestly think that was the best part. We all know this kid can score very well. I mean, he has a Monta Ellis type scoring ability. But he is really starting to get better at setting people up and making plays. Really proud of the guy.
Exactly. His assists were his creation. Sometimes a guy racks up a few assists when all he's doing is throwing it out to the perimeter where a guy sticks a jumper - that's not what happened last night. And his defense was impressive - Nate said he was "more impressed" with his defense (he went on to say JB is now grasping how to play away-from-the-ball defense)
Loving this guy the more I see him play. Assists, creating chances for teammates, drives to the hoop, nailing big shots, diving for loose balls, good D. He even gives a good interview too! Very impressed with his ball handling against the Spurs. He really did look like Tony Parker 2.0. Looking forward to seeing Jerryd mature as a player, and person (seems to have a great outlook), as a part of the Blazers for many years to come.
It just goes to show the fans think they know a guy, and they don't. I think all the scowls we observed were because he was playing behind guys he knew he was better than. That tends to make good players mad.
he's got something you can't teach or coach, undying determination and desire to win at all costs AND he works hard to accomplish his goals. He's a great image for this franchise atm.
He wasn't smiling on the court. He didn't smile until the game ended. I think it's safe to say he is one intense dude.
Yep, and that's what we need. We need more nasty out of this team. I thought the other day when Juwan Howard put Barea down went he went through the middle and got charged with the flagrant, was actually quite refreshing. You will notice, that Barea only hit one shot the rest of the game after that.
I've always liked it. Rush might turn out to be a decent player, but Bayless brings a set of skills that fits this team better. I actually suggested to my friend that I was watching that draft with that we should trade Rush for Bayless right before it happened since it would fill each team's needs. I was floored when it actually happened. The young guy just needed some time. He'll still have his slumps, and undoubtedly fans will turn on him yet again, but I think he'll see some great success here.
Speakin of which, the Pacers forum has a thread up about JB: http://pacersdigest.com/showthread.php?t=49187
