Against China: [video=youtube;H_ogcJ1IER4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_ogcJ1IER4[/video] (Boxscore here.) Against Australia: [video=youtube;23ABoOvctWM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23ABoOvctWM[/video] (Boxscore here.) This was a mini-tournament in London, and in general, Freeland played well (except in one game where he got hurt). GB lost against everyone but China, but played everyone but France pretty close (and Croatia, Australia and Serbia are actually decent teams). Deng only played in the two games featured above, and once again Ben Gordon isn't playing. France went undefeated. Here are Batum's stats. Australia did second best, but Patty didn't play in every game.
I would love it if Freeland decided to come over but it looks like it's not in the short term picture at least.
Probably the 2012-13 season (in other words, the next season that'll actually be played). I think he COULD come over in 2011/12, but why would he? He's earning big bucks in a league that isn't locked out. What I'd like to see is Nolan Smith sign with Malaga in the lockout so that they could get used to playing together... People seem to have convinced themselves that Freeland won't come over. Why? I dunno - perhaps because of Fran Vazquez (drafted by the Magic, unlikely to come over). But I don't think the cases are comparable. For one thing, Vazquez got injured and has been working his way back. For another, he's actually Spanish, and might want to stay home. Freeland is British, so speaks the language over here, and while he can get paid more RIGHT NOW than he could for a rookie contract, if the new CBA allows him to bypass the rookie deal (I believe the OLD CBA would allow that, given that he was a first round pick over three years ago), then it's just up to the Blazers if they think he's worth it. Of course, if the new CBA drops the Mid-level, then we might have to wait for caproom. BUT, on the plus side, the economy in Spain might totally tank...
If/when he decides to come over (he visited the U.S. this summer, correct?) where do you put him -- C or PF? At a legit 6'11" 255 lbs., his hustle, why not try him next to LMA?
I just thought of a better comparison than LA: Tiago Splitter. That guy was probably more accomplished overseas, but the two seem to have similar skills. I'm totally surprised at Freeland's ability to put the ball on the floor-- he seems to have developed well. Wasn't he bagging groceries just a few years ago?
Maybe Patty didn't play in every game because he had 12 turnovers (against 6 assists) in the games he did play in.
Freeland more than held his own against Joakim Noah and Ronny Turiaf. [video=youtube;oN5jyTfHnSI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN5jyTfHnSI&feature=player_embedded[/video]
Maybe he'll lead us to the Finals ?!? But yea, can't see him coming over this year. IMO we need to put together a good playoff run for him to want to come over.
Patty didn't play every game because the coach wanted to rest players, and get a look at everyone so he can finalise the Oceania Championship squad. This whole competition is just practice; when it comes to the serious stuff, Patty will play every game.
