Even when Brandon was healthy this team just seemed like it was missing something. We were a decent team this year but not a team that struck fear in other teams like the elites. Rudy regressed and will likely never be a player you can count on in Nate's system. LaMarcus has proved he's not a #1 or #2 option. Like Rasheed, he's a 3rd option on a contending team. Something I've been saying since his second year in the League. We don't really have a backup PG. Bayless has looked great in the playoffs as a SG. He, IMO, should take over Rudy's role as that spark off the bench at SG. He's a Jason Terry type. Playing him at PG was a disaster during the regular season. Playing primarily at SG he's putting up a PER of 16.5 with a TS% of 55% Camby, IMO, is better right now than either Greg or Joel ever have been for the Blazers. I hope he can maintain this kind of productivity at his advanced age. A center rotation of Camby and a healthy* Greg Oden would be tops in the League. In short, we need a real second option next to Brandon!
I think that if you take our whole roster and allow them to stay healthy for a whole year and develop 82 games worth of chemistry we'd be much better. And that includes Greg. And now Camby going forward. Totally different outcome to the season.....
I agree with the first two, but not about Camby being better then Oden has ever been. For the time he played before his injury this season Oden was really, really good. Like all star good. If (and it is an enormous if) Oden can return to the team at that level he would be a fine number 2 option.
I agree we probably need a legit second option. Oden showed flashes that he might be capable of that, but the string of injuries, lack of great footwork and any kind of reliable range on his shot (demonstrated, not potential) all kind of make me shy away from counting on him in that role. Batum might have the potential, but he appears to be playing with shackles (or maybe it's the bum shoulder). I don't know what the answer is, but it's probably some combo of coaching/system change and some roster moves to bring in that kind of bona-fide night-in night-out efficient 18 ppg scorer to compliment Brandon. I hope there's some activity this summer beyond little superficial tweaks, it still feels like this team is a major piece away.
We need another scorer that can get to the FT line. And a solid rebounder off the bench (moot point if Greg can return healthy).
I disagree about Oden as a second option. Other than size he doesn't have any advantages on the block. He has ONE move and that's a baby hook. Every now and then he'll bust out a drop-step but he rarely does. His post game is a LONG way away from being a second option, if ever. As the roster is built, I think the second option will have to be a PG. Miller isn't that and not a long-term answer, either.
We have a legitimate #2 scorer. People just won't admit it. I think they really mean that they want two #1 scorers, which is a different argument to make, and one that I wouldn't dismiss out of hand.
I would love to have someone on our team who can consistently make teams pay for leaving them open. How many guys on our roster have that "better not leave him open" feel? I used to think Rudy had it, but that's gone now.
You'd like the #1 and #2 options on offense to be the PG and the SG? Seems redundant to me, at least if Roy is going to be the SG.
Aldridge has it, or were you thinking moreso from 3 pt range, because that was Blake's role last year.
So what kind of names are going to be available this summer, whether because their stock is down, they've fit badly with their current team or whatever? All I can think of are Devin Harris if the Nets get Wall, Ben Gordon due to a bad fit with Detroit and? ... I'm drawing blanks.
It'd be nice to have Oden right now because who exactly on Phoenix would guard him? Frye? Oden would simply back down whoever is guarding him and draw a million fouls, or simply dunk the ball. For as much shit as he gets for his offensive moves, he still draws a ton of double teams because 1 on 1 he'll simply back his guy down and go up strong.
It's a little semantic, but for my money a number two scorer is a guy who could be a number one scorer in a different situation, but because of fit and/or circumstances takes a back seat to an elite number 1 in his current role.
So, which players in the NBA are in that role right now? Maybe Pau Gasol? Although he basically put up Aldridge scoring numbers in Memphis as the #1 option. Are you wanting a current #1 to become a #2? Which players are available, and who do you have in mind? Zach Randolph could be a #1 option who may be able to be a decent #2 option. I guess I don't understand what type of player you're asking for from the team.
I agree that Camby is not comparable to Oden. Camby is a Noah-type player (albeit without the super exuberance) - lots of rebounds and blocks, but not much of a post defender. Oden is a Dwight Howard type player. Now, would Oden make all the difference? It would be nice to think so. But remember, the team struggled a lot early in the season trying to integrate him.
Or pickup a lot of silly offensive fouls himself like we saw earlier this season. Oden's impact is on defense. He's about 2-3 seasons away from being a legit scoring option we can depend on.
