With so many talented and exciting young players, we're going to have a problem defining roles. There are just too many players and not enough minutes. I'm very afraid that Nate is going to tinker at PG and SF. Or play reserves too many minutes at the expense of having Roy, Aldridge, Oden on the court. He's going to be the scapegoat if things don't get off to a great start.
My thoughts on this are primarily based on BBF discussions, but Outlaw seems to be the most likely "scapegoat" for a few reasons. 1) There are some hardcore Webster fans who have their vision of Outlaw colored by a bit of negative bias toward him. 2) Travis' game lends itself to criticism. I've had many debates about Outlaw, and his "lack of passing" is always used as a criticism against him. The problem for Travis is that he is not asked to pass, or at least he wasn't last year. He was to be the primary scorer off of the bench, and that's what he was. 3) The third reason does fall on Travis. Will he be able to adjust his game with the addition of offensive players Fernandez and Bayless off of the bench? The simple fact is that there won't be as many shots available for him on the second unit, so can he defend better, rebound better, and can he run the floor with consistency? 4) Finally, somewhat tied to #3, the fan response to Outlaw averaging less ppg will be used as an argument against him if the team struggles. That one is probably the most obvious reason of the four. I'll admit that I am an Outlaw fan, but the reality is that he may be better off used as a piece in a trade (for someone other than Kyle Lowry, lol) in order to get a more experienced SF option for the next 4 years. The only reason to keep him is if the team feels he can be that SF for the next four or five years, and I'm not even close to being sold on that point.
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say either Oden or Pritchard if he gets hurt. If not I say Nate. He is an obvious choice because if the team isn't doing well people will say he should be starting someone else since so many of our players are interchangable
I sort of agree with some who said Oden might be the scapegoat. I remember Walton was the scapegoat the first couple years with the Blazers. I had season tickets and there were people(season tickets) in front of me that didn't even want Walton to play. I got mad at them one time and told them to basically shut up in the nicest way I could. I told them if we ever want to win a championship they have to play Walton and the fans need to get behind him. It is funny when we won the championship and the following year the same people that didn't want Walton to play were his biggest fans.
I think Outlaw for sure. For the reasons mentioned, and for his semi-goofy/overconfident sounding "I'm should be a starter" routine a few weeks ago. That kind of stuff gets old quick unless it's backed up in a major way on the court.
Hey now. I personally never ragged on Sheed or Zach, although I did recognize Zach's strengths and weaknesses. But I was all over Jarrett Jack. I'm so glad he was traded: The Blazers are soooo much better with Bayless, Rudy, and an improved Sergio (yes, I think Sergio will be much better than last year -- although he may not sniff the court). I don't think Bayless will be scape-goated. Too young. Blake is steady and I don't think he'll underperform from people's expectations. Probably Martell or Travis if either falters. I hope it isn't anyone. We have enough good players now that someone who shouldn't be on the court (aka Jack), won't be. Go Blazers.
I"m betting Joel. I think we'll hear a lot of bullcrap about him not being a scorer, and makes SOOOOO much money.
It looks like Outlaw and Bayless our the scapegoats this year. I can see why with how Outlaw has started out playing these first couple games but I think Bayless didn't play that bad with trying to learn the PG position. I have a feeling unless one or both start having big games soon these are going to be this years scapegoats.
they also, coincidentally, are the two "available" names that all the GMs are starting to know. Of course we're not trading the Big Three (though LMA+ for Lebron...nevermind), but everyone gets that Travis was a clutch scorer last year, and Bayless couldn't be stopped at SL. Would you rather have Bayless or, say, Nash or Billups? Would you rather have Outlaw or, say, Prince or Battier or Adam Morrison (j/k, threw that out there to see who's paying attention) Gerald Wallace?
Gerald Wallace would be a fascinating addition to this team... he doesn't bring the perimeter shooting we'd all love but he's strong and athletic and might develop into a ridiculous defensive player. Plus he makes a ton of money on a bad team, and Portland's a franchise that can afford to take on his contract while sending value back to Charlotte. Ed O.
He also brings the kind of injury history we have come to appreciate on this team But I agree, he sure is an interesting prospect for this team.
Given the Outlaw hate already cropping up on the forum, I'm guessing it will be him. Runners up include Bayless, Nate and Sergio.
2008-2009 - Outlaw 2009-2010 - LaMarcus 2011-2012 - Felton 2012-2013 - Hickson 2013-2014 - Leonard 2014-2015 - Afflalo 2015-2016 - LeBron
