An observation on Portland's back up point guard situation

[LittleAlex]

There has been some debate on this board about whether Sergio or Bayless should get the backup minutes.

I am looking at it like this:

You have two pieces of shit. One has corn in it, the other has peanuts. Though you may prefer corn to peanuts, or vice-versa, you really still just looking at a pile of shit.


Neither player is worth a damn right now. I am of the opinion that the guard rotation should be Blake/Roy/Rudy and that is it. Perhaps next year it will be different, but right now those are the only three guys who are contributing in a meaningful way.

 

[southnc]

I have to agree with the frustration over the backup PG situation. If I remember correctly, Moe Williams scored at will during the previous Portland home game that Blake was not present because of injury. Last night, Blake pretty much shut him down - just as he did with TJ Ford. However, I did notice Moe was able to run circles around Sergio last night when they did face off a couple of times.

Regardless, I think Sergio is the better of the two backups, in that he gets his teammates involved and has a decent outside shot. Bayless, to me, is a tweener with lots of spirit but no substance. He has no outside shot and is too raw on his penetrations. And, I'm still not convinced he's this great defender everyone makes him out to be.

Despite the poor defense and TOs that drives Nate crazy, I still think you've got to give Sergio the opportunity - at least you have that synergy he has with Rudy.

 

[TripTango]

Besides being a BIT hyperbolic, I think you're losing sight of the big picture. In terms of development, Bayless isn't anywhere near his potential, and will need playing time to get there. Yes, his numbers have been pretty poor and he is prone to silly (i.e. "rookie") mistakes, but we need him to continue to get minutes if we want to really see what he will be able to do in the future. Sergio, on the other hand, I don't see making a whole lot of progress here in Portland. Perhaps he could thrive in a more uptempo offense, but I think we're seeing his peak under Nate.

 

[hasoos]

Besides being a BIT hyperbolic, I think you're losing sight of the big picture. In terms of development, Bayless isn't anywhere near his potential, and will need playing time to get there. Yes, his numbers have been pretty poor and he is prone to silly (i.e. "rookie") mistakes, but we need him to continue to get minutes if we want to really see what he will be able to do in the future. Sergio, on the other hand, I don't see making a whole lot of progress here in Portland. Perhaps he could thrive in a more uptempo offense, but I think we're seeing his peak under Nate.

While that is nice and all, it is near the end of the season, and for the Blazers, almost playoff time. Development time is over, and it's time to get your rotation ready for the post season. IMO, neither of them are in it.

 

[dpc]

I said it in the beginning of the year and I'll say it again... I am prepared to step up and play. I'm just waiting for the call from KP.. but don't worry I'm ready.

 

[Nikolokolus]

There has been some debate on this board about whether Sergio or Bayless should get the backup minutes.

I am looking at it like this:

You have two pieces of shit. One has corn in it, the other has peanuts. Though you may prefer corn to peanuts, or vice-versa, you really still just looking at a pile of shit.


Neither player is worth a damn right now. I am of the opinion that the guard rotation should be Blake/Roy/Rudy and that is it. Perhaps next year it will be different, but right now those are the only three guys who are contributing in a meaningful way.

Which is probably exactly how it will be in the playoffs, but you're right, both look like hell lately.


As for what to do down the line it's hard to say, because we don't really know who will be truly available this summer or in the draft. Regardless I still think Bayless might turn into something later (no guarantees of course) but Sergio's days as a Blazer are probably numbered; he's not worthless, but he's certainly a square peg trying to fit in a round hole with Nate. Blake might be somebody worth holding on to as a non-starter, but is that really what the team wants?

The list of players who will be available and/or might be on the trading block seems pretty spartan this off-season, but my hope is that KP signs Andre Miller to a MLE+ type deal or finds someway to pry Ramon Sessions away from the Bucks. Beyond that we are left talking about the prospect of yet again drafting another point guard and in the mid twenties I'm not real optimistic about finding an impact player.

 

[LittleAlex]

I think Bayless will eventually be the answer at point guard. He just isn't that answer this year.

As far as Sergio, I think you prefer corn to peanuts while I prefer peanuts to corn.

 

[ABM]

I'm not real optimistic about finding an impact player.

I'm still hopeful KP can sign Mike Bibby during the summer.

Next season: Bibby/Blake/Roy/Rudy/Bayless. Lose Sergio.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

The more I watch Bayless the more I don't see him as they type of PG Nate wants. We have some very nice trade bait and I would not be surprised if we didn't try and bring in a better PG for next season.

Please, Lord, don't let it be Bibby.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I'm still hopeful KP can sign Mike Bibby during the summer.

Next season: Bibby/Blake/Roy/Rudy/Bayless. Lose Sergio.

Do you really think Atlanta is going to let him go? But even if he were available I'm not sure I feel it. I guess Bibby has some potential, but I'm guessing KP and Nate would prefer somebody with a little bit more of a pass-first mentality and a little bit better defense (Andre Miller maybe?).

At this point I don't much care who we get: a veteran or a rookie, or slovenian goat herder from the croatian rec leagues, as long as they can run the offense fluidly, hit the occasional open shot when left alone, get out of Brandon's way and play passable defense then that's the guy I want to see in a Blazers uniform -- easier said than done I know.

 

[andalusian]

At this point I don't much care who we get: a veteran or a rookie, or slovenian goat herder from the croatian rec leagues

Is Toronto already willing to jump off the Roko Ukic experiment?

 

[Nikolokolus]

The more I watch Bayless the more I don't see him as they type of PG Nate wants. We have some very nice trade bait and I would not be surprised if we didn't try and bring in a better PG for next season.

Please, Lord, don't let it be Bibby.

It's a little early to write his epitaph, but yeah I'm starting to wonder myself if he's going to get it done. I get the feeling the point guard position is once again going to be very fluid this offseason.

At this point I almost wonder if Bayless couldn't be used in a sign and trade with Milwaukee to get Ramon Sessions; which assumes they are keener on retaining Charlie Villanueva, but would still want a high upside prospect as compensation for losing their young point guard.

 

[southnc]

There is a MD PG that might be available late in the 1st round of the upcoming draft - his name is Greivis Vasquez. This guy does it all and is full of fire. He's a true leader, can drive to the basket, and has a decent outside shot. He practically carried UMD into the NCAA tourney on his own and was big in their first round win.

I think he might be a Nate kind of player.

 

[Nikolokolus]

There is a MD PG that might be available late in the 1st round of the upcoming draft - his name is Greivis Vasquez. This guy does it all and is full of fire. He's a true leader, can drive to the basket, and has a decent outside shot. He practically carried UMD into the NCAA tourney on his own and was big in their first round win.

I think he might be a Nate kind of player.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Greivis-Vasquez-1133/

Though Vasquez has grown in some areas and struggled in others, he remains very much the same player that he was last season. He’s a big point guard who produces offensively at a high rate with a rather erratic style of play, and is below average defensively. His efficiency as a scorer is questionable to say the least, but his role on the next level won’t be as demanding as the one he takes on at Maryland and will probably be more focused on his passing ability and versatility. With that said, he doesn’t show many of the key elements NBA teams look for in a backup point guard—mainly the ability to limit turnovers, play solid defense and make shots efficiently from the perimeter.

When reading his draft profile I get the impression he's a high risk-high reward passer with an unreliable jump shot, does better in a high paced, transition game, struggles in the half court and projects as a liability on defense at the next level.

Where have I seen that before?

 

[Sinobas]

But Rudy Fernandez has been horrible too. 32.4% from 3pt range 32.5% from the field in March, and it's no coincidence that those numbers match so closely, because that's basically all he does.

Now if the only reason you're out there is to sit back and hit 3pointers (ie, you suck at defense, penetration, and don't create for your teammates), you should hit more than 32%. Rudy "el Bricko" has been atrocious.

We have NO chance of getting out of the 1st round unless we get the 2008 Rudy, or the Jan-Feb Jerryd Bayless.

Speaking of being cold, Jerryd Bayless is shooting 17% in March. These guys are really letting us down.

 

[hasoos]

There is a MD PG that might be available late in the 1st round of the upcoming draft - his name is Greivis Vasquez. This guy does it all and is full of fire. He's a true leader, can drive to the basket, and has a decent outside shot. He practically carried UMD into the NCAA tourney on his own and was big in their first round win.

I think he might be a Nate kind of player.

You said he has it all, but I don't see you mention defense......

 

[gatorpops]

Do you really think Atlanta is going to let him go? But even if he were available I'm not sure I feel it. I guess Bibby has some potential, but I'm guessing KP and Nate would prefer somebody with a little bit more of a pass-first mentality and a little bit better defense (Andre Miller maybe?).

At this point I don't much care who we get: a veteran or a rookie, or slovenian goat herder from the croatian rec leagues, as long as they can run the offense fluidly, hit the occasional open shot when left alone, get out of Brandon's way and play passable defense then that's the guy I want to see in a Blazers uniform -- easier said than done I know.

And that isn't Sergio? He plays passable (maybe a little below that) defense and runs the offense much better than Bayless. He will get better at the offense as well if we get Oden back to par.

I think it will be at least 2 yrs before Bayless is passable at offense and another year before he is passable at defense. Sergio has only to learn to stay in front of his man and he will become more than passable at defense.

I guess I am torn between the two but to go get a "passable" other player is sort of ridiculous, or so it seems to me. If we can get a better upgrade than Blake then we need to do it. And if KP can get it at a reasonable cost.

 

[hasoos]

And that isn't Sergio? He plays passable (maybe a little below that) defense and runs the offense much better than Bayless. He will get better at the offense as well if we get Oden back to par.

I think it will be at least 2 yrs before Bayless is passable at offense and another year before he is passable at defense. Sergio has only to learn to stay in front of his man and he will become more than passable at defense.

I guess I am torn between the two but to go get a "passable" other player is sort of ridiculous, or so it seems to me. If we can get a better upgrade than Blake then we need to do it. And if KP can get it at a reasonable cost.

For some reason you think that Sergio will "learn" the defensive issues to a passable level. I cannot agree with you. Sergio is simply physically incapable of being a good defender. At the same time, I don't think Bayless will ever have the passing vision Sergio has. But I don't think that is quite as important when Brandon is running the show.

 

[LittleAlex]

And that isn't Sergio? He plays passable (maybe a little below that) defense and runs the offense much better than Bayless. He will get better at the offense as well if we get Oden back to par.

I think it will be at least 2 yrs before Bayless is passable at offense and another year before he is passable at defense. Sergio has only to learn to stay in front of his man and he will become more than passable at defense.

I guess I am torn between the two but to go get a "passable" other player is sort of ridiculous, or so it seems to me. If we can get a better upgrade than Blake then we need to do it. And if KP can get it at a reasonable cost.

Sergio has had 3 full years to get a handle on the NBA defense and has failed miserably. Nate has told him flat out what he needs to work on, and Sergio hasn't done it. No reason to believe he is going to start anytime soon.

Sergio would be a good fit on a team that didn't give a crap about defense. Unfortunately for him, the Blazers aren't that team. I would love to see him go to New York where he would fit in perfectly. They wouldn't win a ton of games but they would be very exciting to watch.

 

[LittleAlex]

But Rudy Fernandez has been horrible too. 32.4% from 3pt range 32.5% from the field in March, and it's no coincidence that those numbers match so closely, because that's basically all he does.

Now if the only reason you're out there is to sit back and hit 3pointers (ie, you suck at defense, penetration, and don't create for your teammates), you should hit more than 32%. Rudy "el Bricko" has been atrocious.

We have NO chance of getting out of the 1st round unless we get the 2008 Rudy, or the Jan-Feb Jerryd Bayless.

Speaking of being cold, Jerryd Bayless is shooting 17% in March. These guys are really letting us down.

Even Horrid Rudy is better then El Matador and Block-My-Shot Bayless.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Our last solid backup PG?

..Greg Anthony?

Our second unit makes me cringe lately.

 

[GrandpaBlaze]

Our second unit makes me cringe lately.

At the beginning of the year we were talking about how much depth we had. Realistically, we have 7 guys I have decent trust in:

Roy
LMA
Joel
Batum
Blake
Oden
Outlaw (not highest IQ but dang it, he's a player)

Rudy, in general, doesn't seem to do much other than shoot 3's, and as others have pointed out, he's not doing that very well lately. After that, gee, I hope Webster comes back before the end of the season as I have more trust in him that I do Rudy or the rest of the unnamed bench.



Gramps...

 

[B-Roy]

Rudy has been just as shit since he has come back.

 

[julius]

I'm still hopeful KP can sign Mike Bibby during the summer.

Next season: Bibby/Blake/Roy/Rudy/Bayless. Lose Sergio.

I don't want Bibby on this team, nor do I want 5 guards playing again next year.

 

[Nikolokolus]

And that isn't Sergio? He plays passable (maybe a little below that) defense and runs the offense much better than Bayless. He will get better at the offense as well if we get Oden back to par.

I think it will be at least 2 yrs before Bayless is passable at offense and another year before he is passable at defense. Sergio has only to learn to stay in front of his man and he will become more than passable at defense.

I guess I am torn between the two but to go get a "passable" other player is sort of ridiculous, or so it seems to me. If we can get a better upgrade than Blake then we need to do it. And if KP can get it at a reasonable cost.

What part of Sergio's game equals 'passable defense' and 'able to hit the open shot?' I'm not even a Sergio hater, but I think it's becoming increasingly clear that he is not the long term answer as a starter.

I should be clear, 'passable' on defense should probably be upgraded to 'decent' or god forbid even 'good' it doesn't mean they need to be a lockdown guy, as the rules make it very, very difficult for point guards to play physical out on the perimeter, but it sure would be nice to have a guy with the physical makeup to fight through a pick and enough quickness to cut off dribble penetration, but enough game to be a dependable set up man and midrange shooter. That aint Sergio.

 

[MrJayremmie]

While that is nice and all, it is near the end of the season, and for the Blazers, almost playoff time. Development time is over, and it's time to get your rotation ready for the post season. IMO, neither of them are in it.

I agree.

Anyway, Harris, Paul, Williams, Parker, Billups, Rose, Westbrook, Ellis, Sessions, Stuckey are my dream PGs. Noone else, really, unless we are using them as more of a stop gap and a mentor.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

I agree.

Anyway, Harris, Paul, Williams, Parker, Billups, Rose, Westbrook, Ellis, Sessions, Stuckey are my dream PGs. Noone else, really, unless we are using them as more of a stop gap and a mentor.

I'd also include Rajon Rondo.

 

[LittleAlex]

I'd also include Rajon Rondo.

and Derrick Rose.

 

[Toko]

Rondo is overrated. He is being made to look good because he plays with a great team. He won't be nearly as effective in Portland.

 

[GoBlazersGo]

I agree.

Anyway, Harris, Paul, Williams, Parker, Billups, Rose, Westbrook, Ellis, Sessions, Stuckey are my dream PGs. Noone else, really, unless we are using them as more of a stop gap and a mentor.

Dang... you must have A LOT of dreams, man! Then, again, I can't blame ya... after all, with the PG "rotations" we've had over the years, who could!?