Really? I can't recall Travis passing up easy shots. Actually, I can't recall anybody getting easy shots in our pathetic offense.
Outlaw is currently missed since no-one else on the bench who is getting Trout's minutes can score half as well. Bayless could potentially make up for a bunch of Outlaw's scoring, but he plays the wrong position. I am not Outlaw's biggest fan. I think he should be a better player then he is. But Portland needs Outlaw (or a similar player) right now.
All the time. He gets a pass when he is open, and passes up the shot for a dribble jab step jumper. Other times the lane will be open for a layin. He wil almost wait for the defender get to him so he can body up on him, and take a one dribble jab step jumper. When he comes back, watch. You will pick it up.
Again, you are not making the distinction between "Can be better" and "Is a lot better than anyone else we have". At the end of the day, it comes down to this - through-out his career Travis was a 15 PER guy - which is an average starter in this league, but is playing backup and is paid like a backup because he is mostly a one trick pony. But, if he such a one trick-pony, how can be as efficient as the average starter if he was not good at it. The fact is - he is good at it. Sure, there are times I scream at the TV for his decision to dribble and elevate instead of taking the jumper, and there are times I scream because he settles for a jumper instead of going to the rack, but despite his obvious issues - he is damn effective putting the ball in the basket. He is a better scorer than Webster, Rudy, and maybe even Miller. Add the fact that he was born to play well next to Roy - because he does not need plays called for him and he does not need the ball to score. He is a very rare commodity. He is a guy you give the ball to when everything else fails - and you know that no matter what - he can get his shot up and has a good chance of it going on. That is a rare talent in this league - and we are missing him.
You're right. I've seen that. Travis isn't exactly a catch and shoot guy. I can't explain it, it's almost like he needs to get the ball and compose himself for a second. Like hiss gangly, uncoordinated alter ego will surface if he doesn't and he'll spaz out. It seems to work though - he shoots better with a hand in his face. He did shoot 45% from the floor last year - not bad for a jumper shooter.
