Check out this description of the Utah game from someone who was there. His #1 complaint is that the team just doesn't seem to understand the game very well, and he references that quote about how a college coach checked in on the Blazers' practices and said that he'd never seen a pro team covering such basics in practice. He also suggests that we miss James Jones more than we thought we would, because he used to organize the defense when he was on. I've always thought that the turning point for the new Lakers was getting Derek Fisher back - he's about the only change between the team that made it to the finals and the previous year's edition that barely made the playoffs (yes, yes, Pau Gasol - but the Lakers winning % before the Gasol trade was about the same as after). I think it would be nice to get a veteran, and worth giving up some young talent, provided that young talent is Outlaw or Bayless (or Diogu if he counts). But who? I like Battier a lot more than most people on this board, because I think he contributes a lot more than his relatively pallid numbers. But we really need it at PG, where I'm starting to get frustrated not just with Blake but even Brandon Roy (who can't play more than half-court PG and seems to take too long to make decisions). Can anyone think of an Avery Johnson type PG that might be available? Atlanta seems to have benefited greatly from Bibby, perhaps too much to give him up. What about Andre Miller in Philly? He did the same for them last year, but they're not looking so great this year and they haven't offered him the extension he wants. I know the usual cries for patience and so on, but look at what Fisher did for the equally young Lakers team. Teams can learn how to play from playing with older players and use that knowledge after the old'uns break down. (Think Ron Harper for the Bulls AND Lakers.) Eric Snow and Sam Cassell used to be that kind of player too, before they totally broke down.
I honestly think the veteran we need should ba a PG. I would love to see us add a veteran SF, but not one that would command the minutes that Battier would.
The Lakers weren't equally young. And the Blazers have no Kobe Bryant. Blake and Joel are the only significant players that are in their prime, and neither of them should be starting, IMO, in the intermediate-long term. There's no reason to panic and no reason to give up value to get a veteran that really won't make that big of a difference... and I don't think that anything less than an all-star level veteran is going to make a big difference. Ed O.
let me ask everyone on here that wants a veteren so badly one question. Do you want a veteren to win this year, or to win championships? What is your goal with the veteran? Personally for me, this season isn't about winning the championship, that goal is unrealistic in my mind. This season is about the continuing maturation of our young players and figuring out who will be here for the long haul. I want to win, i want this team to make the playoffs. i don't want to watch the draft lottery again with anything riding on it. But, why mortage your future for what could be a great run. Teams that are at their peak or just on the downhill side include; PHX, SA, Dal, Hou, Bos, Det. Take away these teams and you have us, LAL, Utah (if they can resign Boozer) Clev, maybe Philly as the dominant teams in the coming years. I guess what i'm trying to say is this getting a veteran talk, seems like most want their cake and to eat it too. I don't know if we can have both.
I want a veteran to help come in and make the game easier for everyone. This includes LMA and Roy. James Jones was at best an average vet but he had a huge impact. Imagine what an all star caliber vet would do for this team. This is no knock on Roys ability to lead but we just have to many guys to lead. Guys who could make an impact (this is just a list off the top of my head there are many more) Nash (can't get till off season) VC ( contract sucks but he'd take a ton of pressure of our young guys) Battier (maybe the most attainable guy listed) Bibby (not my favorite choice but a possible option) Iverson (I don't think Detroit brought him in to resign him next year)
I think it should be a role-player veteran - like Fisher or Ron Harper (for the 2000 Lakers) or James Jones - someone who's been around and is planning to ease into coaching himself in 4 or 5 years. The point is not necessarily to win with him now, but to teach the team HOW to win. All the players you just listed are a little too high-profile. (And Iverson would be TERRIBLE - you want someone ready to move the ball other than in the direction of the basket.) Their main attributes should be (a) a knowledge of how the game should be played (b) a charisma that means that other players, even those younger and more skillful, will listen to them and respect them. We're not getting Nash. We're not getting Kidd (that boat has passed - they're committed to him for the present in Dallas). We probably can't even get Bibby. Who else?
we don't need a role player IMO. Just let the team get through growing pains. Blake and Pryz are fine veterans. Roy is almost like one too. They just need to sack up.
If we sign Miller, then yeah. Otherwise it's a bit like saying, "hey there's a hole in this bucket, does anybody think some glue would patch the it?"
Portland won 54 games and tied for the 2nd best record in the conference. Perhaps more teams should "work on the basics".
Old news. The Blazers have been needing a veteran since way before they blew their chance at dealing RLEC. See the thing is though, there is a lot more than just adding a veteran. It has to be a veteran that would improve the team. The reason James Jones isn't going to be missed, is because basically, while an intelligent player, he is barely staying on an NBA roster due to ability these days. All you should have to do is look across over to Denver and LA and see what a difference a single player can make to the team. It just has to be the right piece. If I had to pick any guy, that would just make this team scream along, it is a guy we can't get. Tony Parker. You can talk about every PG in the league. Tony Parker has won rings, competed against the highest level competition, is unselfish, and a leader, not to mention having speed that is as good as any.
