With the lockout, there is not too much to talk about, but one exciting thing about the next season (whenever that is) is the Blazers got Elliot Williams. The Blazers drafted him #22 even knowing that he would be out his entire first season. That's pretty impressive. However, from what I understand, such a huge part of his strengths have to do with his incredible athleticism. And we can't be sure how he will return from his surgeries and if all that athleticism is still there. He was well known for having a killer first step that helped him score and get fouled at a high clip With Roy being a shell of his former self, and WM being decent, but not much of a playmaker, it seems to me that getting EW back could end up being a huge boost in the backcourt. Just wondering what people around here think about EW.
I expect a guy stuck between the 1 and the 2, who likes to slash, has trouble catching and shooting, doesn't see the floor particularly well, but tries really hard ... Oh wait? Nevermind, I'm just having a flashback about Jerryd Bayless.
I don't agree that it's impressive we drafted him at #22, we drafted mostly crap players in recent drafts. I don't watch terribly much college ball so its hard for me to say, I haven't really seen him. If Roy is still on the roster I don't think Elliot has an opportunity to get burn though, we'd have Wes/Roy/Batum/Wallace at the wing positions. But if there is an amnesty for us to cut Roy Elliot could get a nice opportunity to break into the rotation as a 10th man getting 5-15mpg.
wroang as usual grouchy, I expect Williams to be a a significantly better Byaless,possibly becoming the best defender on the team
I actually expect him to surprise a lot of people. Maybe a smarter Travis with better handles, and the ability to improve.
I dont see the comparisons to Bayless at all. Williams calling card coming into the league was his defense.
I got a chance to see him play in the preseason. I could certainly see his athleticism. However, he clearly didn't understand that his athleticism in the NBA doesn't give him the advantage it did in college. He was trying to jump over players and constantly getting rejected. He'll learn, but from the little I saw, he'll need to improve his ability to drive and finish in traffic.
I see him as a role player. A third string player who plays when someone gets hurt or is in foul trouble. Someone who brings energy and absolutely no outside shooting. Eventually a deffensive stopper. Strickly a 2 on offense. Part of a 15 man rotation.
