Didn't see this posted anywhere: http://www.basketball247.co.uk/news/archives/00000236.shtml JOEL Freeland could be heading towards NBA fame and fortune after making a huge impact in Spain. The 21-year-old Brit, whose US rights are owned by the Portland Trail Blazers, has taken the ACB by storm with his team Gran Canaria. On Sunday, he was top scorer, with 15 points and 8 rebounds in only 19 minutes, as Granca won a thriller 68-67 at Manresa to continue their shock start as joint league leaders. And with Freeland out of contract at the end of the season, Portland have already stated that they are keeping a close watch on the 6'11" GB star with a view to signing him next summer. GB coach Chris Finch said: "Joel is certainly heading in the right direction for the NBA. "He has a lot of the basics that the NBA get excited about, which is obviously why they drafted him in the first place, and now we are starting to see that out on the court. "I'm not surprised at how well he is doing because we saw his potential playing for Britain this summer. But I am really pleased he has been given the opportunity to show what he can do." Freeland's form is also good news for Finch's GB team who will face Spain - along with Slovenia and Serbia - in their group in next summer's European Championship Finals in Poland. Finch added: "It is important for Joel to be playing meaningful minutes at this stage of his career but the way he is playing is also going to help the GB team. "He has managed to carve out a meaningful role for himself in Spain, which is to his and his team's credit and, given how hard Joel works I think we will see even more improvements." Ian Whittell for 24/7
I liked what I saw in Freeland but he duplicates a lot of what we have in Outlaw and Batum I think....he's definitely a gunner type that's not afraid to attack the rim. We don't have room on our roster for him for a few years, barring major trading. he needs to get his game a little tighter IMO before he comes over anyways.
My understanding is his game has changed in the last two years from a SF into that of a Center. I could be wrong but it was my impression he is much more physical now. Am i wrong? We know he has Hops. i wonder how much he weighs.
he was pretty physicial, so I could see that. I don't know if we'll see him here next year....damn, we still have him and Petteri overseas!
Sounds ike his contract is up after this year. We may not have a choice as he will be looking at long term contracts. Back up center is a need for us. If Pryz or Greg go down we need another big. We saw that in the first game against Minnesota and Utah.
This is good news. He's been stymied by his former team previously, so it's great to see him getting some playing time and producing. If he keeps improving, at minimum he can turn into a valuable trade piece (not REALLY valuable, necessarily, but more than a throw-in, I mean)... or maybe he can provide depth and another young and cheap prospect on our bench if/when we consolidate over the next 10 months or so. Ed O.
Here's Freeland's team highlights page (I think). I'm pretty certain he's #19 in yellow. Plenty of dunking and blocking shots. He looks quicker and more confident these days, that's for sure.
I saw the first post, and wondered if it was April 1 or something. Hard to believe he could be an NBA player after what we saw... if KP's scouting is *that* prescient, I am in awe. iWatas
I'm not going to hold my breath, but if he turns out to be serviceable and roster spot worthy I think Channing's clock is winding down as a Blazer.
I actually thought he looked pretty good in summer league for someone as inexperienced and young as he was. He's played well for the UK team lately, as well. We all knew that IF he was going to pay off it was going to be years down the road. We'll see Ed O.
that writing on the wall became very clear when he didn't sign an extension. The way KP has wheeled and dealed in these past offseasons, I've got to expect him to clear some cap space and consolidate some of his other assets. The way CF has been shooting hasn't been helping his chances of sticking either, but dude does seem to be generally a good fit with the guys skill and personality wise. Maybe Freeland would be a better fit for the sort of minutes that should be available. STOMP
I am of the impression that Freeland is more of a C/PF as opposed to Frye who is more of a PF/C. And before we start pushing for Frye's departure, let's not forget that LaFrentz's contract expires at the end of this season and he will be gone and there is also Diogu's #14th roster spot to consider. The Blazers do need a back-up center to Greg and Joel and if Freeland is turning it on in the Euro League, he just might fit in next summer. I would like to see how he does. JAFO GO BLAZERS 波特兰篮球队好棒 很利害
