Tank for Wembanyama

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by MickZagger, Oct 6, 2022.

  1. STOMP

    STOMP mere fan

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    While you're welcome to wallow in fatalistic superstitions, believe it or not some here continue to side with the medical experts. I'm concerned with every prospect's ability to hold up under the stress of NBA play, but view the supposed Blazer big man curse that some fans are continually wringing their hands over as panicky nonsense to be laughed at. If Portland lucks out and wins the lotto, I expect their medical staff to give all the top prospects a thorough exam especially into their past issues & would hope that any real red flag(s) would have them eliminate even the best prospect from consideration.

    STOMP
     
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  2. SharpesTriumph

    SharpesTriumph Well-Known Member

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    Lol good point... welllllll nevermind then.

    Was sure I had seen them on the schedule last week.
     
  3. SharpesTriumph

    SharpesTriumph Well-Known Member

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    It should also be a major concern for the history of body types. How many 7 footers have their careers cut short by major injuries? Probably the majority of them. The physics of being 7 feet and running around jumping in a very physical game 82 times per year plus playoffs. Wemba is off the charts tall and skinny compared to even the other 7 footers. Does he have off the chart long term injury potential? Maybe, there is no track record of a player ever having a long career with his body type.

    Being a more average sized wing like Jordan who was extremely physically strong doesn't have the same risks and have way better track record recovering from injuries. There are many hundreds if not thousands of players with this body type who have had long durable successful NBA careers.

    Shae had injuries before the draft and in his first few minutes of summer league but those have very little concern for his long term future compared to a Chet type of physique.
     
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  4. Hoopguru

    Hoopguru Well-Known Member

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    I get what yore saying but I think with very big dudes the percentage of serious injuries are higher. I recall a radio interview with Odens college coach where he did mention he had. issues with his knee and lower back but he could could play in the upcoming tourney.
    Stress fractures in the fibula has to be a serious concern for a 18 year old his size. Hopefully the young man can play without a serious injury for many years.
    I guess its ok to roll the dice on a generational player if those in the organization feel its worth the risk?
     
  5. illmatic99

    illmatic99 formerly yuyuza1

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    Brandon Roy played 5 years.

    Kareem Abdul Jabbar played 20 years.
     
  6. KingSpeed

    KingSpeed Veteran

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    Shawn Bradley played 12 seasons. He actually played all 82 in two of his seasons and 81 in another. Played at least 70 in 8 seasons. Played 49 out of 50 in lockout season too.
     
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  7. SharpesTriumph

    SharpesTriumph Well-Known Member

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    Orlando plays Washington tonight; at least one of them has to win!

    Either we'll be a single win within Orlando, or we'll be have a two win cushion over Washington.

    I'm hoping for an Orlando win because I want the Blazers to have a chance at the best spot (#5). Although it might be an argument that its better to extend the cushion over Washington to get a tighter hold of that #6 spot.

    I'm hoping with Washington and Indiana only being 2 wins behind the Bulls and 3 behind both Toronto/Atlanta they win some games pushing for the playin.
     
  8. illmatic99

    illmatic99 formerly yuyuza1

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    Ya the injury risk and fear is obvious. But the upside and potential is too great to pass up.

    We obviously regret the Oden pick. NO probably regrets the Zion pick.

    Wemby is on a tier above those two as prospects and there is no one in this draft (from what I've seen so far) the level of a guy like Durant or Morant to even consider passing on the top guy.
     
  9. SharpesTriumph

    SharpesTriumph Well-Known Member

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    Thats actually a good example. Yes there is an example of a single NBA player that had a long 12 year career at this height.

    Kareem is not a good compression IMO as he is shorter than Wemba with a stronger frame, even in college prior to the NBA he was much more muscular. He might have even been just under 7 feet, with how they overstated height a few inches prior to combine measurements.

    https://cdn.theathletic.com/app/uploads/2017/12/08023617/AP_071130017404.jpg
     
  10. SharpesTriumph

    SharpesTriumph Well-Known Member

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    Yeah I agree he appears to be the clear #1, unless something unexpected happens between now and the draft.

    I'd be very happy with pick #2 though.

    I understand how many Blazers fans just feel snake bitten with injuries and bigs, dreading the chance to have their hopes crushed again.
     
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  11. Hoopguru

    Hoopguru Well-Known Member

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    Portland would not have a Championship if we had concerns about the Big Red heads health.
     
  12. Pinwheel1

    Pinwheel1 Well-Known Member

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    I would think that for tall players in the NBA, the risk of injuries is greater for those who carry more weight.
    Wenbamyama is built more like KD and KG. Yes, he is about 2-3 inches taller but nonetheless, I can see him playing more on the perimeter like those two.
     
  13. julius

    julius Global Moderator Staff Member Global Moderator

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    There was a video (maybe in this thread?) where Stephen A Smith was saying how because Oden and Bowie were injury prone, so would (maybe) VW because he's rail thin.

    Which is strange because Greg was anything but rail thin, and once Sam got properly healed, he had a relatively injury free career. Sams biggest issue was he the year he was drafted and who he was drafted ahead of.
     
  14. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    Really? Doesn't feel like they have been good since Paul George left.
     
  15. tykendo

    tykendo Don't Tread On PDX

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    I just hope we win the lottery, get Wemby, and 3rd time IS a charm for the Blazers. If not, Miller looks like he could also be just what the doctor ordered.
     
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  16. KingSpeed

    KingSpeed Veteran

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    Manute Bol played 11 seasons including 2 where he played all 82 games and another where he played 80 games.
     
  17. UKRAINEFAN

    UKRAINEFAN Well-Known Member

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    Both Halliburton and Duarte out and even Mathurin just coming back from a ankle injury. Halliburton supposed to be back soon, maybe as soon as Wednesday.
     
  18. THE HCP

    THE HCP NorthEastPortland'sFinest

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    You lost me at "Stephen A Smith"
     
  19. THE HCP

    THE HCP NorthEastPortland'sFinest

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    I don't know man... everybody is just proclaiming this guy as the next goat. Would like to have seen him playing in the NCAAs to see what he can do. I know Euro players have come over and been fantastic, but it will be interesting to see how he does.
    Having some Thon Maker flashbacks. That kid's highlight videos look alot like Wembayamas. Bol Bol's HS footage as well. Hope he succeeds.
     
  20. Pinwheel1

    Pinwheel1 Well-Known Member

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    I get what you are saying about "GOAT". That could easily be a stretch. But Thon Maker and Bol Bol were never in the same league as a shooter. I see him as a stretch 4 to start out with and then a center.

     

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