Probably it was that thing in Canseco field house where they did that horrible interview where dude asked Oden what he thought about "the big free agents Portland signed". Not sure what the event was.
Him saying that pisses me off too. Every time he says something I want him to get fired more and more.
Regardless of how a coach really feels, the only smart thing to say publicly is that he doesn't want the club to make trades as it undermines the value of the club's players to say otherwise. Sort of speaks for itself that Nate doing the right thing/being smart evokes hate from you. STOMP
But how could anyone be bitching about Nate or worrying about anything else when we don't have a GM? ... Oh wait, I see what's going on, I guess there is always something to bitch about.
So our Cho, Buchanan and Borne are all dumbasses because they all said we were 1 or 2 pieces away? All of our upper management said we needed to add pieces, but Nate dismissed it.
The coach doesn't make trades genius. He works with the guys on a daily basis and it's his job to do the best with what he's got... to build up the team's assets making them into the best players they can be. If he does want to turn over the roster some, publicly saying so doesn't help achieve that goal. If the coach doesn't have his guy's backs publicly, the media stirs up shit with the primadonna players about not being wanted and has management dealing from a position of weakness. If no deal is made because other teams are only looking to loot this club and are offering crap, a truly dysfunctional season looms. GMs (and management in general) aren't expected to just watch time go by and do nothing. At the very least they're expected to claim to be evaluating the talent on the roster and actively exploring trade possibilities. Typically management will claim to like their guys but they're looking to get better... from the player's perspective a good cop bad cop sort of balance is struck between the outlooks of coaches and management. It's the same dynamic on most every team every year in every sport. Much like a politician, public figures like a coach and GM are expected to lie as it's part of their job. Obviously you're fixated on your hate for the Blazer's coach, but you might as well be mad at him for wearing a suit or holding a clipboard. STOMP
Nate really can't hold a clipboard with his arms constantly folded. And if you think Nate won't have A LOT of input on making trades or not, and who to trade, you are wrong. Saying "we are close" or "we need to tweek a little" isn't lowering anyons value. Saying "I don't want trades" when everyone else in the free world knows we need 1 or 2 is dumb.
I'm guessing that he didn't get the memo or maybe Nate doesn't want to admit his team is a piece or two away from really being a elite team in the NBA. The way Portland drafted and the signing of Mathews one would think that a trade is coming down the pike, hard to believe that Nate doesn't see that.
just wow... way to completely miss my point. I don't think Portland needs to make a move to be a contender. What they need is an extended run of health from their rotation. Of course they should make a move to improve the club if a sensible option becomes available, but their roster is deep, talented and seems to have pieces that fit well together. If you're referencing Rudy, his trade value is piss poor and he could rot on the end of the bench without much consequence. I've read multiple other posters saying this same stuff, writers too... laughable that you think everyone in the free world agrees with you but (insert Forest Gump quote here) STOMP
I don't recall seeing anything written about not needing to make a move. We disagree on needing to make a move. Our roster is deep, and full of average players from 2-15. Oden MIGHT be special, but he's not right now. Our PG is not suited for this offense. Our PF is not suited to be a second scoring option on a very good team. I will not change my point of view unless this team, as is, wins a title. So you can keep responding to my posts with boarderline insults, but I still don't think we can contend for a title with this roster. You do, and that's great as well.
Saying "We are close" or "We need to tweak a little" could irritate and/or alienate the players. Most athletes are ego-driven. They often believe they're better than they are. They often believe their team is better than it is. I would venture to say that most of the Blazers players--much like many of the posters--believe that the team is a title-contender if healthy. Nate saying that we're not could be perceived by the players as a negative commentary and their ability and create unwanted tension or even resentment between his players and himself. He, as the coach, is better off saying that he thinks his players are good enough to win it all right now.
We disagree also, and that's cool. I understand I am alone, or all but alone in this. Maybe Nate shouldn't come out and say that we need to get better defensively then? Wouldn't that alienate some players? I certainly don't think he should come out and say "We need an upgrade at PG to be a contender", but for a coach to say "we are close" should be totally fine.
My opinion of whether or not they're title caliber doesn't factor in here. I think there's a significant difference between commenting on the performance of the players ("We need to play better") and commenting on the content of the roster ("We need better players"). It's his job to make them play better and to point out how they can do so is completely within the purview of his responsibilities.
I don't think we have to make a move. If a great deal came along I would go for it, but there is no reason to rush anything. We will improve just by playing together another year and by being healthy. I wouldn't be unhappy if we stood pat. We should have a poll. Need a trade definitely, don't want a trade, if a great trade came along ok, but otherwise stand pat.
