Up front let's acknowledge he has limitations, of course. He still is a black hole way too often, but that said... Who could we get in return that would be better than what he gives us? Clutch shooting Instant offense The ability to create his own shot Someone to take the pressure off B Roy And he has a reasonable contract, and he's coachable, and he's a nice kid. Travis is increasingly becoming a vital cog. He reminds me lately of what Vinnie "Microwave" Johnson did for the old Pistons.
Outlaw is a gift and a liability, I'm all for keeping him as a 20-25min per game 7th/8th man for years to come if he can accept that. But No one outside of the big 3 in unexpendable to me.
Probably my 2nd favorite Blazer after LA. Portland becomes a contender when Nic and Bayless become reliable at spreading the court. STOMP
The only thing that really concerns me about that situation is when we go against tougher inside guys, like David West. Neither Aldridge, nor Outlaw are what I would consider physical defenders. They're both long, athletic, and quick, but they both have trouble guarding larger physical guys. Other than that, I don't have a huge problem with those two manning the four.
It's so hard to have favorites these days... I enjoy watching Rudy, Bayless, Roy, Aldridge, Oden, and Joel. Batum has so much promise, and at times he can be very fun to watch, but I don't think Nate lets him play enough. I think if he were given more of an opportunity, he could have many more games like he did against Utah.
Batum is different - he's a potential starter for years. Travis is the perfect 6th man. He's unexpendable in that you couldn't receive more back for him than you give, unless of course he's part of a multi-player trade. Just remember - great teams have great role players. That's the point. Martell will take time away from Nic, not Travis - just watch.
You might be right. I get the feeling that Rudy will be traded at some point. His value is high, his international popularity is through the roof, and he is at a position where he will almost never start. I think it will be hard not to trade Rudy, simply because he won't be able to come off the bench forever. Once Rudy is traded, Martell can play backup to Roy AND Batum.
there is an old saying in politics that if you try to please everyone, everyone ends up being unhappy. Let Martell clap until someone else gets injured. The club is doing fine without him even in his main strength 3 point shooting. If Nate tries to give all 3 equal court time, no one gets their rhythm. Batum is shooting 37% from deep this year which is Martell's career 3 point percentage... what else does MW do as well or better then Nicolas? STOMP
I think that's only really a problem when we play teams with two big, physical, offensive threats. Otherwise, we can switch Greg or Joel on to them, ala tonight.
I don't consider Travis to be this teams 6th man, he scores more than Joel and Rudy but both of them are far more well rounded and in my opinion contribute more to this team. It will be a travesty if Joel doesn't get serious consideration for the 6th man of the year award with his play this season.
split??? I'm fine with Travis getting the backup minutes at the 4, but LaMarcus will continue to get the lion's share because he's by far the best 4 on the club on both ends of the court. STOMP
What would it take to get Turiaf from Golden State? I mentioned him before (and I think you blasted my proposal), but I think he is exactly the kind of guy we should have coming off the bench.
