Webster is more of a key to success right now than Oden

That's just my opinion and in terms of IMMEDIATE impact, not long term.

With solid contributions from Webster, lots of good things happen. When he disappears or isn't an option, the offense is a bit more stagnant. He's an apt defender and can get in the flow. He can take a definite pressure off Roy trying to do too much or an option for the Point...but the thing is he NEEDS TO BE AN OPTION, not an afterthought.

I think last game I was more upset about Webster not getting touches after going hot than ODEN getting fouls. IMO, Webster is our 3rd scorer and when he's on, he's as deadly as anyone....Outlaw has been getting more burn it seems offensively....

Hopefully I didn't curse him now.



But this game with SAS will speak volumes about this team and their direction. In the words of Bill Walton: "This is the most important game for the Portland Trailblazers in the last 10 years".

 

Sorry man. I couldn't disagree more if I tried. Greg is so important to our success or lack of it. I love Martell, but Greg could be a game changer on both ends!

 

Not while he's learning the game still. Martell has a few years more on his belt, Oden IMO is still in "project" mode...projects don't help us win right now. By "project", he is still learning....I think Webster's snubs are more egregious and telling versus Oden's fouls, which he will eventually adjust to given time and experience.

 

I think Oden is more key to your success because of the impact he can have on the glass and on the defensive end. Webster's contributions are really only going to be shooting the ball, and you have people like Steve Blake and Brandon Roy and Nik Batum and Travis Outlaw who can all shoot the rock. Just an opinion of an outsider.

 

Joel is just as effective, if not more on the defensive end and on the glass. Arguably his offensive game is more polished as well.

 

But you said Martell.

 

Batum is out. Outlaw plays way too much out of the offense.

We need some solid, smart contributions from the 3-spot. I'm not completely sold on Rudy's game so far this year...dunno what it is, seems he plays way out of control too.

I think Martell has more aspects to his game and hopefully can be in the mold of what a Ray Allen brings to a team. I think he can, just needs more time on the court and touches. I think he can impact the game sooner (like the next 15-20 games) than Oden can.

 

Then we are in trouble.

Marty has shown spunk so far on the defensive end but he's still that inconsistent player we drafted 4/5 years ago.

 

Yeah, we're 2-3. I think as soon as we get consistent production out of him (and I believe we will), all will be fine.

 

I do agree that Webster is an important ingredient for our success, but I disagree that he is the best ingredient for our success right now. As much as I hate harping on the same subject, it's our coach that is the most important person for our success. The more he leaves a "no defense" player like Outlaw to chuck shot after shot, subbing 100 times in a ball game (being sarcastic, but you know what I mean), or not having the "gonads" to make players on the team unhappy, by having them play limited roles, we will be living in mediocracy.

If I was to pick one player that is most valuable to our success, it would be definitely Roy. He is the leader, the voice and face of the franchise, and I have reason to believe he has major influence with the coaching staff and management.

 

Webster has again shown that is is nothing more than a role player.

 

To me, Martell is a "complimentary" player. He's not one of the "big 3" and shouldn't try to be. He needs to make enough 3's to take some heat off Oden and force his player to guard him on the arc. He needs to play good help defense and grab 4 or 5 rebounds for every 34 minutes on the floor. Overall, he's doing it, but he could be playing a bit better.

 

The most important key, is if Oden can out play Hayes this year. Can you believe that guy is averaging 9 and 8 in 29 minutes, that's pretty awesome for a 6'6 "center" if you think about it, in relation to what our guys are doing.... :\

 

I have a feeling Marty is going to be a journeyman in the mold of a Matt Barnes.

An official bust but can still be a solid role player.

 

I think it's best. Sucks we wasted a #4 pick on him (I know he was picked 7th) But it started with #4. But I like what he is now. He won't demand much money, and that type of play is exactly what you want your SFs to do on this team. He and Batum are the perfect 1-2 punch at SF, IMO.

 

LOL that is where you are mistaken, friend.

Greg is the single biggest key to our success. Not Roy. Not Webster. Greg.

 

Which is just fine. Every good team needs good role players, not just stars.

 

it certainly helps guys who play in the post and guys who slash to the hoops to have reliable outside threats spreading the court beside them. Portland has at least 3 other players who spread the court as well or better then Martell. Since he hasn't shown much ability to create his own shot or slash to the hoop, I don't see how his offensive involvement should be viewed as a priority. Thats also the reason he tends to disappear.

Outlaw can create his shot and is making them at about the same rate then Martell. As it's been true for their short careers he's still getting to the line a lot more. Maybe there is a good reason that Travis seems to be getting more offensive burn?

Until Nic comes back, I expect Martell to be the club's 3rd scorer about 1 out of every 5 games or so since thats been the norm for his career. Across the board he seems to be right at his career averages which have more or less been the same since his rookie year. Expect Greg, Andre, Outlaw & Rudy to be the 3rd scorer at least as often as MW... once NB returns, expect Webster to be the 3rd scorer about as often as Bayless is.

STOMP

 

I agree about needing role players. I just don't agree that Webster is more important than Oden.

 

I don't think anyone does. The OP stated that Webster was more important now, but that Oden would become much more important in the future. (Not that I agree with it)