I've got no problems with Martell's development. People that do seem to forget he's still only 21. He showed progress last year. His only problems seem to be consistency, self-confidence and the fact that he's not Chris Paul. The first two are a function of his youth. He will get better at both. The latter is due entirely to unrealistc expectations from people who somehow want to blame Martell for us passing on Chris Paul (and Deron Williams). He's not Chris Paul and he'll never be Chris Paul, but that doesn't mean he won't develop into a very good NBA player and be a significant part of this team, for many, many years. BNM
Basically a million/year more than Outlaw's contract. Jame Jones recently signed for $23 mil over 5 years. At Webster's current production, he's overpaid. But if you figure he's still got a lot of upside to him, he's a decent value. Sounds pretty reasonable. BNM's point about the Blazers giving him some security seems pretty valid, too. No matter how nervous or screwed up he gets, he knows he and his family is set for life financially.
Martell's probably my favorite on the team for some reason. Glad he re-upped. I think he wants to win rings in Portland first and foremost, as do most of these guys...not just win the rings, but I truly believe the team wants to bring back Blazermania.
I to am fine with his development. I remember last season, there were people on http://www.********.com who were saying things like Martell will never improve, that 3-point shooters never get better, etc...all hogwash.
Good point there, Martell <<<<<<<<< James Jones JJ got paid, Martell got the shaft. Thanks Martell, i love ya buddy!
I am confused. Do you think the deal is good or bad for the Blazers? I think it is definitely reasonable and gives us more leverage in the offseason due to Webster's cap hold situation.
Travis signed his deal 2 offseasons ago and I think it's commonly felt that last year was his best year by far...or ... if he were negotiating today he'd probably be worth more then he was. Of course if Martell didn't have a broken foot he might not have resigned at all. So to answer your question, no... their current contracts do not necessarily reflect their value to the Blazers and certainly not the league. I'm sure that if they were both on the trade block that different teams would place different values on both. STOMP
I'm not as enthused about this deal as most. I don't feel that Webster has materially improved, when accounting for pace and such. Thus, I don't project the upside for him that many others here do. That said, the deal is sane, Webster is very young...so if I am wrong (always a distinct possibility) and Webster has a big breakout ahead of him, then the deal could end up a great one. And even if I am right, it's not a killing deal. $5 million / year for a decent reserve isn't bad. Overall, I like the move. There's a reward possibility and it's low risk. Plus, it's decisive, and doesn't leave the team in a tough position next off-season, when he'll have a big caphold and the team would have to decide what to do with him while time ticked off the free agent signing clock.
Good points and this is GREAT news, and I keep thinking Travis has an option yr next yr and I wonder what we do with him?
Masbee approves of this contract extension. KP rocks again. 3 years guaranteed at $5mil per. 4th year Team option. Excellent for the team. $5 mil per is a bargain price for a starter. Martell has been a below average starter, and I was worried he would demand "starters money" just because he has started so many games. If Martell can improve his game and develop consistency such that he locks down the starters spot, his deal will become a great bargain. If we get a big upgrade the the SF spot, and Martell goes to the bench, $5mil isn't a bargain, but is still a fair price for a rotation player. The contract is reasonable enough that moving Webster will be easy anytime the team wants. Got rid of the cap hold problem. Still on track for cap room next summer. Maintain flexibility. Good job.
I agree that he is not worth that amount right now, but he is young and the deal is reasonable enough that thanks to his age - he will not be hard to trade if it comes to that. Good for Martell and I hope he proves to be the same kind of bargain that Travis's 4/mil per year proved to be.
Actually, Travis signed his extension in July 2007. But, your point is valid. Martell has shown MUCH more than Travis did at a similar point in their respective careers. Travis didn't even start to look like a half-way decent NBA player until near the end of his 4th season in the league. Martell was a starter by the beginning of his 3rd season. BNM
Do you suppose KP got on the phone with Webster's agent as soon as Martell's injury was discovered? This is a good deal and potentially a great deal if Webster breaks out.
Outstanding! Maybe a little high for his current production, but if he breaks out, $5M will be a steal. Cap flexibility. Security for Webs....what's not to like?
He won so many games for us last season. When everyone is scared, he doesn't mind taking and making the big shots down the stretch. I don't understand the hate at all.
Great deal for the Blazers. I like this because Martell isn't forced to come back from the injury early to try to prove anything before the end of the season.
I do not know where anyone gets this idea, I really do not. Outlaw has never, in his entire career, had a PER for the year lower than Martell's best year. In his worst year (his 3rd), he had a PER of 12.9 compared to Webster's best year (his 3rd) where he got 12.0 Webster is a better man defender - Travis is a better help defender. Got nothing against Webster - but the Trout under-appreciation on these boards is just mind boggling...
